Santander Railway Station is the main transport hub of the Cantabrian capital, strategically located in the lower part of the city at the foot of the hill. This unique complex combines stations from two different railway networks: the national broad-gauge network (Renfe) and the narrow-gauge railway (Feve) that connects the northern coast of Spain. Thanks to its location, the station serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the city, being just a few minutes' walk from the ferry terminal and the historical centre.
City
Santander
Country
Spain
Type
Railway station
It is important for passengers to orient themselves within the complex layout at Plaza de las Estaciones. Although the Renfe and Feve buildings are adjacent to each other, they have separate entrances and ticket halls: the building with the clock typically serves long-distance trains, while the neighbouring pavilion serves suburban narrow-gauge routes. The platforms are located at street level, eliminating the need to use stairs with heavy luggage. The Santander Bus Station is located right next door, making transfers to buses extremely convenient.
Contact Information
To check schedules, purchase tickets, or receive assistance, you may use the following station contact details:
Official website: www.adif.es (infrastructure) and www.renfe.com (tickets and journeys).
Helpline: +34 912 320 320 (Renfe information line).
Address: Plaza de las Estaciones, s/n, 39002 Santander, Cantabria, Spain.
Opening hours: The station is open to passengers daily from 06:00 to 00:00 (hours may vary slightly on public holidays).
Luggage storage: The availability of automatic lockers (consigna) should be checked on-site, as service availability may change; alternatively, you can use luggage storage services in the city.
Accessibility: The station operates the free Atendo assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility (it is best to submit a request at least 48 hours before travel).
How to Get There
Getting to Santander Railway Station is very simple thanks to its central location.
Public Transport: The square in front of the station is a major hub for city buses (TUS). Routes from various parts of the city arrive here, including the popular Sardinero beaches. Nearby is the Bus Station (Estación de Autobuses), where direct buses arrive every 30 minutes from Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport (travel time is about 15 minutes).
Walking and Taxi: From the waterfront, the Pereda Gardens, and the Botín Centre, you can walk in 5–10 minutes on flat terrain. A taxi rank is located directly at the exit of the station building, ensuring a quick transfer to any point in the city.
Services and Amenities
Santander Station offers passengers a necessary set of services for a comfortable wait and travel preparation. The building houses ticket counters with staff, as well as multi-language self-service machines for purchasing travel documents.
Among the available amenities:
Spacious waiting hall with seating.
Restrooms, including cubicles for people with disabilities.
Area with vending machines and small newsstands.
Passenger support service Atendo and navigational signage.
Car rental desks located in the immediate vicinity of the station square.
Dining Options
If you need to refresh yourself before your train departs, there are several options at the station and in its vicinity.
Inside the station complex, there is usually a cafeteria offering hot coffee, refreshing drinks, pastries, and classic Spanish sandwiches (bocadillos). This is the best choice for a quick snack if time is short. The average price here is quite reasonable.
For a more substantial meal, it is worth stepping out onto Plaza de las Estaciones. In the buildings opposite the station, there are many cafes and restaurants where you can order a menu of the day (set lunch) or traditional tapas snacks. Supermarkets are also within walking distance, where you can buy groceries for the road.
Station History
The history of railway communication in Santander dates back to the mid-19th century. The first train, on which Queen Isabella II arrived, marked the opening of the line connecting the port of Santander with Alar del Rey and further to Madrid, which gave a powerful boost to the development of trade and industry in the region.
The current appearance of the station was formed after the tragic fire of 1941, which destroyed the historical centre of the city. The restored building is designed in a restrained functional style. An important stage in history was the integration of the broad and narrow gauge tracks, which allowed for the creation of a unified transport hub, convenient for passengers travelling both within the region and across the country.
Passenger Tips
To ensure a stress-free journey, we recommend arriving at the station 20–30 minutes before departure. This is especially relevant for high-speed Alvia trains heading to Madrid: before accessing the platform, a mandatory security check is performed, where luggage is scanned through an X-ray belt.
Useful tips:
Tickets: For long-distance trains, tickets should be purchased online in advance, as the price increases closer to the departure date. For suburban trains (Cercanías), a ticket can be bought at a machine before the trip.
Navigation: Watch the information boards carefully. Feve (narrow gauge) and Renfe trains depart from different tracks, but the platform numbering is intuitive.
Night time: The station closes for the night after the arrival of the last train. If you have a night transfer, please ensure you book a hotel nearby in advance.
