Getting from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid

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C clearly

Moderator
Staff member
Jan 28, 2007
12,136
1
42,353
BC, Canada
Time of past OR future Camino
Most years since 2012
Google maps is your friend when it comes to finding places in towns or cities. In Santiago, the bus and trains are at the same location.

Rome2rio.com is a good place to get an idea of the alternatives for traveling from Santiago to Madrid.

Depending on the day, especially if there is a holiday on or near your travel date, the trains can fill up, so it's a good idea to purchase at least a few days ahead.
 
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Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
Mar 1, 2017
12,877
36,200
Northern Illinois, USA
Time of past OR future Camino
Recent:Norte/Muxia- Spring '23
MadridWay- Fall '23
I took the high speed train from Santiago back to Madrid last May and purchased my ticket a month in advance online through "Trainline".
I have read since then that the trains on that route fill up rather quickly, so if you choose to go by train, I would suggest you purchase your ticket early.
 

henrythedog

Veteran Member
Jan 3, 2017
3,785
17,323
Lancashire UK
Time of past OR future Camino
Annually - often more - from 2014
I am looking for advice on how to get from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid. I am thinking train -
Where is the train station in Santiago?
How far ahead should I buy a ticket?
Many thanks!
Just south of the centre. Most well-known internet map sites will get you there, and would have done quicker than typing the question. If you know when you want to travel, but as early as you can. It’ll be cheaper. Tickets usually not available >12 weeks in advance; often less.
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.

krystianw

Member
Apr 13, 2018
64
78
Malaga, Spain
Time of past OR future Camino
Frances, Norte, Mozárabe, Vía de la Plata
Train station is here. It's just a short walk downhill from the historic center. As for when to buy train tickets, I suggest browsing the official website and checking if they've begun selling out for the dates you're interested in. Prices don't change with time, but the cheapest tickets do sometimes get bought out completely.
 
Aug 30, 2022
29
33
Albany
Time of past OR future Camino
Mid August 2023
I am looking for advice on how to get from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid. I am thinking train -
Where is the train station in Santiago?
How far ahead should I buy a ticket?
Many thanks!
Just. Did that trip last week. Train station is a 10-15 minute walk thru town.
Book as soon as you can. Early afternoon was sold out so I had to take 7:30 train. Got into Madrid 11:00. Plenty of taxis at Madrid airport
 

MirtaC

New Member
Dec 12, 2022
22
29
Madrid, Spain
Time of past OR future Camino
2023
I am looking for advice on how to get from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid. I am thinking train -
Where is the train station in Santiago?
How far ahead should I buy a ticket?
Many thanks!
Hi! I took the train from Santiago to Madrid and let me say this, it was a long ride! While the ride itself was no big deal, I was seated with 3 strangers and when the guy who was facing me started to cough without covering his mouth, I took out my mask so fast that I startled them. Needless to say, during all that time I kept wishing the train wouldn't make so many stops.
As far as where it is, sorry to say I had to ask directions a few times till a sweet Nun and her Sisters guided me towards a street that led me right to the train station. That actually made my day....till I got on the train.
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-

Sedona11

Camino 2014
Jan 14, 2013
24
36
Dallas
Time of past OR future Camino
2014camino see tumblr
I am looking for advice on how to get from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid. I am thinking train -
Where is the train station in Santiago?
How far ahead should I buy a ticket?
Many thanks!
We took the train, it takes you to Chamartin station where you can either go to the airport or to the city via Metro. We bought the tickets the day before to make sure. If you know when you want to leave, buy asap.
 

RJM

Veteran Member
May 10, 2017
2,575
7,543
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino's Frances, Fisterre, Portuges. Over 180 day
Go to the tourist office in Santiago. They are very gracious and helpful and can provide you with maps and information on where the train and bus stations are as well as how to get to the airport.
 
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Peggy1042

New Member
Mar 1, 2023
6
12
63
Ottawa, Canada
Time of past OR future Camino
September-October 2023
Thanks for all of the replies. I noticed that buying tickets at a train station was substantially cheaper than through Omio or Train line. And there were more options (no tickets online for the day I wanted to travel but when I showed up at the train station there was no problem getting a ticket for that day).
 
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Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.

TravellingMan22

Veteran Member
Jul 25, 2023
957
2,266
London
Time of past OR future Camino
Portuguese/Frances 2020/Norte 2021
Thanks for all of the replies. I noticed that buying tickets at a train station was substantially cheaper than through Omio or Train line. And there were more options (no tickets online for the day I wanted to travel but when I showed up at the train station there was no problem getting a ticket for that day).
I am glad it worked out for you but don’t make too many many assumptions on this. Trains definitely get more booked out more often and quicker in Spain than they do in UK, Germany and Italy. Can’t comment re France as not enough experience, though they seem to get booked out quite early.
 
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adrianflude

New Member
Apr 14, 2012
18
25
Madrid
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Francés 2012 and 2013
SdC-Finisterre-Muxía-SdC 2013
Camino Norte and Inglés 2015
Consider the bla bla car service as an alternative. As you can see it’s reasonably priced, and you’ll have an opportunity to chat to a Spaniard in a convivial circumstance.
 

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