Madrid to Santiago de Compostela by train

Q: Is there a direct train from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela?

The journey between Madrid and Santiago de Compostela usually involves 3 changes of train.ZeroZero

Cheapest Price CA$16.25
30 days in advance CA$38.35
7 days in advance CA$124.15

First train

07:14
Last train

19:18

Avg changes

0
Fastest journey

3hr 1m

Distance

486 kilometres
Trains per day

16

Avg. journey time

4hr 15m
Train operators

Prices updated on May 16, 2026

Travelling from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela by train

Want to know how to get from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela by train? We have gathered for you all the useful information about this trip!

The fastest trains from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela take around 3 hours and 1 minute, covering a distance of approximately 486 kilometres.

On weekdays, the first train leaving Madrid is scheduled to depart at around 07:14. The last departure is usually at around 19:18. This is the same as during the weekend. There are frequent services on this particular rail route. On average, there are about 16 trains per day travelling between the two cities. They leave approximately every 23 minutes.

Prices for a single ticket between the two cities start from CA$16.25.

We think any time is a great time to visit Santiago de Compostela, as each season has its own unique charm. Nevertheless, please make sure you check the local weather and average seasonal temperatures at destination before deciding on your holiday.

For more tips to help you plan your journey, check out our help articles, or read our guide to Santiago de Compostela.

Is there a direct train from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela?

Yes, there is a direct train from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela.

How long does it take to travel from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela?

The Madrid to Santiago de Compostela train travel takes about 3 hours and 1 minute, no matter when you leave.

What are the Madrid to Santiago de Compostela train times and schedule?

If you're travelling on a weekday, you'll find the earliest train to Santiago de Compostela leaving Madrid at around 07:14 and the last train leaving at around 19:18. This is the same at the weekend.

Santiago de Compostela to Madrid by train

Other journeys to Santiago de Compostela View all journeys to Santiago de Compostela

From Irun to Santiago de Compostela From CA$99.45
From Barcelona to Santiago de Compostela From CA$10.40
From Ourense to Santiago de Compostela From CA$14.95
From A Coruña to Santiago de Compostela From CA$10.40
From Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela From CA$20.15
From León to Santiago de Compostela From CA$10.40
From Vitoria/Gasteiz to Santiago de Compostela From CA$46.15
From Burgos Rosa de Lima to Santiago de Compostela From CA$10.40
From Padron to Santiago de Compostela From CA$5.85
From Valladolid to Santiago de Compostela From CA$107.90
From San Sebastián/Donostia to Santiago de Compostela From CA$88.40
From Vigo to Santiago de Compostela From CA$10.40

Other journeys from Santiago de Compostela

From Santiago de Compostela to Ourense From CA$14.95
From Santiago de Compostela to A Coruña From CA$12.35
From Santiago de Compostela to Barcelona From CA$10.40
From Santiago de Compostela to Pontevedra From CA$10.40
From Santiago de Compostela to Porto (Campanha) From CA$40.95
From Santiago de Compostela to León From CA$10.40
From Santiago de Compostela to Valladolid From CA$321.75
From Santiago de Compostela to Pamplona/Iruña From CA$10.40
From Santiago de Compostela to Segovia From CA$60.45
From Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastián/Donostia From CA$41.60
From Santiago de Compostela to Sarria From CA$29.90
From Santiago de Compostela to Ferrol From CA$20.80

Other journeys from Madrid

From Madrid to Barcelona From CA$8.45
From Madrid to Valencia From CA$8.45
From Madrid to Córdoba From CA$14.30
From Madrid to Ronda From CA$10.40
From Madrid to Granada From CA$10.40
From Madrid to Almería From CA$31.85
From Madrid to Bilbao-Abando From CA$10.40
From Madrid to Seville From CA$20.80
From Madrid to Málaga-María Zambrano From CA$14.30
From Madrid to Toledo From CA$22.97
From Madrid to Salamanca From CA$28.60
From Madrid to Cáceres From CA$10.40

Take the day train from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela on an Alvia service, or travel through the night on the Trenhotel.

Alvia

The direct trains from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela are normally daytime Alvia services and one overnight train with an additional daytime service on peak days. On some days, an additional midday connection is available with a change of train at Ourense.

The journey from the Spanish capital to Santiago de Compostela takes in two very different aspects of Spain. The train transports you from metropolitan sophistication to a city that is provincial and proud of it. Leaving Madrid, the route tunnels under the Sierra de Guadarrama. The best of the scenery is on the 3-hr section from Zamora to Ourense, where the train cuts through the hill country just north of the border with Portugal.