From Santiago to Madrid

[Hans Olav]

I have to get to Madrid after finishing my camino. What is the best way to get back, bus or train. Or maybe plane?

 

[Kanga]

Train or plane. Just depends on your preference - money v time v schedule.

 

[Hans Olav]

Train or plane. Just depends on your preference - money v time v schedule.

My plane leaves from Madrid at 1415. So I guess I have to spend a night in Madrid the day before, to be sure to get the plane.
So money is always an issue, but also time. So the question is: What is the quickest way, and what is the cheapest way?

 

[Deleted member 3000]

What is the quickest way, and what is the cheapest way?

The cheapest way is the overnight bus which will get to the airport about 0700. It also is the least comfortable!

 

[Castilian]

What is the quickest way, and what is the cheapest way?

Quickest: plane. Cheapest: it depends on the promo fares available on your travel date.

Caveat: If you choose plane and if your plane ticket (SCQ-MAD) is booked separate than your plane ticket out of Madrid and by whatever reason (e.g.: cancelation or -heavy- delay of your flight out of SCQ) you miss your flight out of Madrid, you'll have to look for alternatives on the spot at you own expenses and it won't be cheap.

My plane leaves from Madrid at 1415. So I guess I have to spend a night in Madrid the day before, to be sure to get the plane.

There's no need for it. The overnight bus from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid airport arrives early enough (before 8:00 a.m.) as to get your plane even if it's delayed or if instead of ending at the airport (as it should) ends in downtown Madrid for whatever reason. It has to go really bad to miss your flight taking that bus but, of course, you never know.

If all goes OK, the first morning Alvia (train) from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid would allow you to pick your flight but in case of heavy delay of your train, you would miss your flight.

The cheapest way is the overnight bus which will get to the airport about 0700.

A promo fare on a train may be cheaper than the bus from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid airport.

The hotel train travels overnight, is not as expensive as a bus ticket and a night in a Madrid hotel, and arrives a couple of train stops down the train line from the airport, where there are two trains per hour to the airport.

Nowadays, there's isn't a direct trenhotel from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid. You have to go previously to either A Coruña or Ourense and take the overnight train there. And the overnight train doesn't run on Saturdays nowadays just in case that's the day Hans Olav needed it.

 

[Richard Ward]

Quickest and cheapest way might be Ryanair from Santiago Airport to Madrid Airport Terminal 1. $21.74 for me (including the credit card fee). The times are awful (mine leaves at 22:25, the other one leaves at like 06:00), but sleeping on an airport floor behind security beats sleeping on an overnight bus.

 

[MTtoCamino]

I took the train, I was supprised that it went slow as it did compared to French rail, but very similar to the rail in Montana. I had 5 days in Madrid to explore but it was the most expensive part of the trip. I will explore the islands you can ferry to if I have that amount of time again.

 

[whariwharangi]

The best way is Renfe train. There are several to suit your schedule and they travel like clockwork.

The cheapest is to get a Ryan Air flight.

The overnight ALSA bus is most suited to the ones who feel their journey must be an ordeal.

Si yo fuera tu, I would take the afternoon train (or plane or bus) from Santiago to Madrid, stay the night at a hotel, and take my time getting to the airport in the morning. No stress.

 

[Mark Lee]

Plane is cheapest if you book in advance and get lower rates.
Both times I flew to Madrid from Santiago I used Iberia Express airlines.

 

[MTtoCamino]

Plane is cheapest if you book in advance and get lower rates.
Both times I flew to Madrid from Santiago I used Iberia Express airlines.

Did you have any time in Madrid or did you hang around Santiago when you were done? I also have thought too look & see if there are Direct flights back to Paris.

 

[Mark Lee]

Did you have any time in Madrid or did you hang around Santiago when you were done? I also have thought too look & see if there are Direct flights back to Paris.

No, not much time in Madrid. Just enough time to get to my flight back the US. The flights I took from Santiago to Madrid were not part of my original itinerary to Spain and back to the US.
In 2013 I flew Vueling from Santiago to Paris, direct non-stop. It got in Paris late in the afternoon and I flew out of Paris the next morning.

 

[billmclaughlin]

The cost of training to A Coruña plus the overnight train to Madrid is far cheaper than overnighting in Madrid.

Cost vs view from the train en route.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Not really. My room in Madrid was only €22.

 

[MTtoCamino]

Not really. My room in Madrid was only €22.

Were you staying in a hostel? My motel in the center was €85 a night I thought that was a deal! It ended up ideal to visit the Prada, palace ect. But not exactly a quiet spot after the Camino.

 

[xcountryrider]

I just checked. On 19 July, when I would be returning to Madrid, RyanAir has a flight at 6am for $23.

My flight to the USA doesn't leave until 2330 on the 19th. Do you think I'd be pushing my luck or are there enough same day options if the flight gets cancelled for some odd reason?

 

[Mark Lee]

I just checked. On 19 July, when I would be returning to Madrid, RyanAir has a flight at 6am for $23.

My flight to the USA doesn't leave until 2330 on the 19th. Do you think I'd be pushing my luck or are there enough same day options if the flight gets cancelled for some odd reason?

I never had a flight cancel out. I wouldn't sweat it.
You might also check the flights on Iberia Express. I believe they have a later one.
No public buses running to the airport that early in Santiago to catch a 6:00 am flight. You would have to get a taxi. More expensive than the 3 euro public bus to the airport.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Were you staying in a hostel? My motel in the center was €85 a night I thought that was a deal! It ended up ideal to visit the Prada, palace ect. But not exactly a quiet spot after the Camino.

Hostal Alonso. More like a rooming house. Private room with shared bath. I don't think I have ever paid much more than €35 for a single private in Madrid.

 

[nalod]

I have used the overnight bus recently long journey but was perfect for my 10.30 am flight also had to check in my back pack because of poles etc. If you dont have to pay for a check in bag a flight might be an option. Do book your bus ticket in advance.

 

[Hans Olav]

The best way is Renfe train. There are several to suit your schedule and they travel like clockwork.

The cheapest is to get a Ryan Air flight.

The overnight ALSA bus is most suited to the ones who feel their journey must be an ordeal.

Si yo fuera tu, I would take the afternoon train (or plane or bus) from Santiago to Madrid, stay the night at a hotel, and take my time getting to the airport in the morning. No stress.

I think the afternoon train is the way to do it. Sounds good for me. Can i buy the ticket in Santiago? How long is the train ride?
Is it Renfe train?

 

[Hans Olav]

Thanks to everyone for good suggestions!

 

[Priscilla NC]

I just bought my ticket (plane) from Santiago to Madrid for June 7, will depart from MAD June 8.

Suggestions for hotels near the airport? I will arrive late afternoon and have a late morning departure the next day. I'm thinking I won't want the hustle and bustle of getting downtown and then back to the airport.

Thoughts? (I leave tomorrow!!!)

 

[whariwharangi]

I think the afternoon train is the way to do it. Sounds good for me. Can i buy the ticket in Santiago? How long is the train ride?
Is it Renfe train?

Yes. You might want to buy in advance to avoid line ups and get discounts.

5 or 6 hours. Some trains are 9 hours.

Yes.

 

[Hans Olav]

I just bought a night at Hostal Viky for 43 Euros. They have pickup service also.

 

[whariwharangi]

I just bought my ticket (plane) from Santiago to Madrid for June 7, will depart from MAD June 8.

Suggestions for hotels near the airport? I will arrive late afternoon and have a late morning departure the next day. I'm thinking I won't want the hustle and bustle of getting downtown and then back to the airport.

Thoughts? (I leave tomorrow!!!)

Metro, Cercanias, and bus connect airport to Madrid. You could get a hotel anywhere and be at the airport in an hour.

 

[Hans Olav]

This became a mess - should be to Priscilla:

I just bought a night at Hostal Viky for 43 Euros. They have pickup service also.

 

[Priscilla NC]

This became a mess - should be to Priscilla:

Thanks, Hans! I'll check it out.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I wish ere was an overnight train on the day I want to travel to Madrid: no wasted day time travelling.

 

[Arthur Kelly]

Last week we took the train, five and a half hours. A fellow pilgrim told us about getting a Senior Card (for 6 Euros) which we did and received 40% off our fares! Loved the train trip through the mountains.

 

[Hans Olav]

Last week we took the train, five and a half hours. A fellow pilgrim told us about getting a Senior Card (for 6 Euros) which we did and received 40% off our fares! Loved the train trip through the mountains.

That was interesting. How did you get the card, and what age do you need to get it?

 

[billmclaughlin]

I wish ere was an overnight train on the day I want to travel to Madrid: no wasted day time travelling.

Santiago to A Coruna: generally 7 Euros
A Coruna to Madrid overnight: 52 Euros

Compared to paying 31 or 35 or more (depending when you purchase etc) for the daytime trip from Santiago to Madrid.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Santiago to A Coruna: generally 7 Euros
A Coruna to Madrid overnight: 52 Euros

Compared to paying 31 or 35 or more (depending when you purchase etc) for the daytime trip from Santiago to Madrid.

Not on the day I want to get back, alas. The day before and the days after there are though .

 

[Arthur Kelly]

That was interesting. How did you get the card, and what age do you need to get it?

Hi Hans
We got the card at the RENFE office in Santiago. I think the age is 60 and over.

 

[mspath]

Hi Hans
We got the card at the RENFE office in Santiago. I think the age is 60 and over.

Read more about the RENFE Senior Discout here.

 

[Albertagirl]

That was interesting. How did you get the card, and what age do you need to get it?

I got my Tarjeta Dorada card at the Renfe office at the Madrid airport, Terminal 4. I used it to prove my age for a discount at a museum, so it is sometimes accepted for purposes other than train booking.

 

[Hans Olav]

The cost of training to A Coruña plus the overnight train to Madrid is far cheaper than overnighting in Madrid.

Cost vs view from the train en route.

Do you get a bed on the tourist class - 53 Euro?

 

[Castilian]

Do you get a bed on the tourist class - 53 Euro?

No, you don't. Tourist class is a seat. You get a bed on cama turista class (and in any other of the classes starting by cama).

 

[Hans Olav]

No, you don't. Tourist class is a seat. You get a bed on cama turista class (and in any other of the classes starting by cama).

Thank you for the info!

 

[Hans Olav]

Thank you for the info!

By the way: Will it be okay to buy the trainticket in Santiago, or should I do it on the net?

 

[whariwharangi]

By the way: Will it be okay to buy the trainticket in Santiago, or should I do it on the net?

You can buy a ticket at the train station. There is potential the train will be full. There is potential that there will be a line at the ticket wicket. Or,

You can buy a ticket online. You might be able to get a discount that likely won't be available at the station. If you buy in advance it removes any flexibility on when you travel.

Your choice as to what best suits your requirements.

 

[billmclaughlin]

Do you get a bed on the tourist class - 53 Euro?

I believe that gets you the minimum: a spot in a cabin with 6 berths, facilities outside the cabin. You can pay more to share a cabin for 4 or 2, with its own sink, etc.

 

[whariwharangi]

I believe that gets you the minimum: a spot in a cabin with 6 berths, facilities outside the cabin. You can pay more to share a cabin for 4 or 2, with its own sink, etc.

This is erroneous. Castilian is right. 53 Euros gets you a seat.

 

[Northernlights]

No, not much time in Madrid. Just enough time to get to my flight back the US. The flights I took from Santiago to Madrid were not part of my original itinerary to Spain and back to the US.
In 2013 I flew Vueling from Santiago to Paris, direct non-stop. It got in Paris late in the afternoon and I flew out of Paris the next morning.

Thanks for that information. I thought I would have to travel to Madrid and then on to Paris. You saved me a lot of time!

 

[Mark Lee]

Thanks for that information. I thought I would have to travel to Madrid and then on to Paris. You saved me a lot of time!

No problem...glad to help.
I booked my flight directly through the Vueling website. Like most airlines, the earlier you look/book, the cheaper the fares.
cheers and ultreia

 

[Camino with Kids]

We fly out of Santiago at 10:40 am and arrive in Madrid at noon for $60 Canadian.