THE SHORT VERSION
Santander to Madrid at a glance.
- From
- Santander
- To
- Madrid
- Road distance
- About 396 km
- Straight line
- 339 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~5 h buses take longer
- Return route
- Madrid to Santander →
Ready to travel from Santander to Madrid?
Check live availability, fares and departure times with 12Go.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Santander
Boarding points depend on the operator: some use the local bus station, others collect from their office or your hotel. Your ticket shows the exact place and check-in time.
Arriving in Madrid
Both stations are on the metro (Méndez Álvaro on line 6; Avenida de América on lines 4, 6, 7 and 9).
- Estación Sur de Autobuses
Méndez Álvaro, 1 km south-east of Atocha. International routes and routes to the south and west, including Lisbon. - Avenida de América
2 km north-east of the centre. Routes to the north, such as Barcelona and Bilbao.
Keep the essentials offline
Save your ticket, the exact meeting point and the operator's phone number before you set off. Follow the check-in time on your confirmation.
- Some buses also call at Madrid-Barajas airport.
KEEP GOING
From Madrid, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Madrid
More buses from Santander
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Santander from Madrid by road?+
About 396 km by road (339 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Santander to Madrid take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 5 h by car without stops; bus journeys are usually longer. Check the duration of your chosen departure on 12Go before booking.
Where does the bus leave from in Santander?+
It depends on the operator: some use the local bus station, others collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Madrid to Santander?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Madrid to Santander guide.
Where does the bus from Santander arrive in Madrid?+
It depends on the operator. In Madrid, services use Estación Sur de Autobuses, Avenida de América. Both stations are on the metro (Méndez Álvaro on line 6; Avenida de América on lines 4, 6, 7 and 9).
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Madrid?+
Both stations are on the metro (Méndez Álvaro on line 6; Avenida de América on lines 4, 6, 7 and 9).
What kind of bus runs from Santander to Madrid?+
It varies by operator and departure. Routes in this region are served by a mix of sleeper buses, seated coaches and smaller limousine vans. Check the vehicle type, seat layout and luggage allowance for your departure on 12Go before you book.
Can I book the Santander to Madrid bus online?+
Yes. 12Go lists departures on this route. You choose a date, compare operators and pay online, and the provider issues the ticket. BusConnects doesn't sell tickets itself.
Where can I go next from Madrid by bus?+
Direct buses from Madrid include Valencia, Seville, Porto, Barcelona, Lisbon and more. See all connections on our Madrid bus page.
Still deciding? Check today's departures, then book your seat.
Book Santander → Madrid on 12GoFOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Station information reviewed 2026-10-09. Distance: OpenStreetMap data via OSRM (approximate driving distance). Listings change and are not live inventory. Confirm the departure, pickup, price and conditions before paying.
12Go: Santander to Madrid bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Madrid (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →