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Getting from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid

Peggy1042

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
September-October 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!
 
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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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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.
 
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.
 
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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.
 
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
 
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.
 
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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.
 
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.
 
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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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.
 
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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