Arriving in Santiago de Compostela by train from Madrid Airport

Step 1: Arrive at Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
After collecting your luggage, follow the signs to Cercanías Renfe (Commuter Train) if you arrive at Terminal 4 (T4).
If your flight arrives at Terminal 1, 2 or 3, first take the free airport shuttle bus to Terminal 4 (T4), where the Cercanías railway station is located.

Free Airport Shuttle Bus
Journey time: Approximately 10–15 minutes
Operating hours: 24 hours a day
Frequency:
Every 5 minutes from 06:00 to 22:00
Every 20 minutes from 22:00 to 06:00
Cost: Free of charge

Step 2: Take the Cercanías train to Madrid Chamartín Station
Line: C-1 (light blue)
Direction: Chamartín – Clara Campoamor
Frequency: Every 15-20 min.
Operating hours: 06:00-00:00 h
Number of stops: 3

1. Valdebebas
2. Fuente de la Mora
3. Madrid Chamartín – Clara Campoamor (Final stop)

No transfers are required.
Journey time: Approximately 15–18 minutes.

Price included with your Renfe (Main Spanish train company) Ticket
Renfe Combinado Cercanías – Free Airport Transfer Included
If you are travelling with an AVE or any other eligible Renfe Long-Distance ticket, your ticket includes free travel on the Cercanías commuter rail network, including the journey from Madrid Airport (Terminal 4) to Madrid Chamartín Station.

This allows you to travel at no additional cost:
Before your train journey
From Madrid-Barajas Airport (Terminal 4) or any Cercanías station in Madrid to Madrid Chamartín–Clara Campoamor Station, within the 4 hours before your train departs.

After your arrival
From your destination railway station to any Cercanías station within the same city, up to 4 hours after your train arrives (available in cities with a Cercanías network).

Included free of charge with eligible AVE and Long-Distance train tickets
For international travellers: If your flight arrives at Madrid Airport Terminal 4, you can take the Cercanías C-1 train directly to Madrid Chamartín Station at no extra cost, provided you hold a valid AVE or Long-Distance Renfe ticket to Santiago de Compostela.
Renfe | Train tickets AVE, Avlo Low Cost (with No Booking Fees)

Step 3: At Madrid Chamartín Station
Once you arrive at Chamartín:
Follow the signs for Alta Velocidad / Long Distance (AVE, Alvia).
There is no need to leave the station.
Allow approximately 10–15 minutes to walk from the Cercanías platforms to the High-Speed train departure area, especially if travelling with luggage. You will need to pass security control before entering in the waiting room for the high speed trains.

Trains from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela
The majority of trains to Santiago depart from: Madrid Chamartín–Clara Campoamor
Typical services include:
Service: Approximate duration
AVE: 3 h 00–3 h 20 min
Alvia: 3 h 15–3 h 45 min

There are multiple direct departures every day, typically from early morning (around 07:00) until early evening (around 19:00–20:00), depending on the day and season. The exact timetable can be consulted on the Renfe website.
Official Renfe website --> Renfe | Train tickets AVE, Avlo Low Cost (with No Booking Fees)

Arrival in Santiago de Compostela
All long-distance trains arrive at: Santiago de Compostela Railway Station
The station is located approximately 10–15 minutes on foot from the historic city centre, 5–10 minutes by taxi to most hotels, connected by several city bus lines. The Congress venue and the majority of recommended hotels can be reached easily from the station.

Quick overview

Step	Transport	Transfers	Time
Madrid Airport (T4) → Chamartín	Cercanías C-1	None	15–18 min
Chamartín → Santiago	AVE / Alvia	None	3–3.5 h
Santiago Station → City Centre	Walking / Taxi	None	10–15 min

Practical Tips
If your international flight lands at Terminal 4, you can reach Chamartín without changing trains.
If you arrive at T1, T2 or T3, simply use the free airport shuttle bus to T4 before boarding the Cercanías train.
If you book your AVE or Alvia ticket in advance through Renfe, you'll benefit not only from lower fares but also from the free Combinado Cercanías, making your transfer from Madrid Airport to Chamartín even more convenient
Delays on trains to Santiago are not frequent. When delays do occur, they are usually around 30–45 minutes and rarely longer. We recommend allowing at least 2–3 hours between your flight arrival and your train departure.
If your flight is delayed, we recommend taking a taxi from the airport to the train station. The taxi fare is €33 (fixed fare), and the journey takes approximately 20–30 minutes, depending on the time of day.

 

This article was published under the category 103rd EGPRN Meeting Announcements on 06/08/2026 17:56.