Traveling from Barcelona to Santander
 

I'm planning on studying abroad at UIMP in July. I've booked my flight to Barcelona and I was just wondering what the easiest way for me to get from Barcelona to Santander would be. I am going to take Spanish classes and have never been to Spain. I am very Excited, also if anyone is knowledgeable in the topic of fencing (esgrima) in santander please let me know. Thanks

The easiest way would be to fly from Barcelona to Santander, saving the road trip for a later date unless you have the time to take a combination of train and bus.

Esgrima - http://www.sitiosespana.com/deportes/esgrima.htm

http://esgrima.galeon.com/clubes.html

ASOCIACION DEPORTIVA ESGRIMA SANTANDER
D. Miguel Rodríguez Cimavilla
Paseo Pereda, 1 3º
39004 - SANTANDER

Or by night train - leave Barcelona about 10 pm arr Bilboa 8am - see fab museum and take frequent buses to Santander (or slower narrow-gauge train)

www.renfe.es for schedules and booking.

Thanks, so just to verify there is no direct train from Barcelona to Santander?

you can check www.rense.es to be sure but all my resources say NO.

There are two trains from Barcelona to Bilbao, a daily which departs Barcelona at 12:30 and arrives in Bilbao, via the Rioja, at 21:42 that evening. The current tourist class ticket is 38.40 euros.

The second train is a night train and requires a sleeper compartment.

Hi High,

My son was in UIMP last summer taking Spanish classes. He really enjoyed it. Actually, I also accompanied him the first few days. I love Santander.July is a great month to be there.

As others have said, flying is probably the best way. Although there are direct flights from Barcelona to Santander these usually are high priced. You should also check flights into Bilbao. There is frequent bus service between Bilbao and Santander.

There is also bus service I think through ALSA www.alsa.es

Enjoy your summer there. Santander is a beautiful city. Bring your bathing suit!

I meant to say there is bus service between Barcelona and Santander through Alsa ( I think). But it'll be a very long ride.

Sweet, I'm glad I'm in for a good time. I've looked into the train situation a bit and the agent told me that I would have to train it from Barcelona to Madrid then from Madrid to Santander. I think Barcelona to Bilbao then Bilbao to Santander would be easier. Timewise, which would be quicker?

If you are still talking about taking a train , to me it makes more sense Barcelona to Bilbao . That is approx 9 hrs . Then you would have to switch to the bus since the RENFE trains don't go from Bilbao to Santander.

Why don't you look at flying into Bilbao? I don't know your dates but I see Iberia flights for as low as 30 Euros . Maybe you could leave your luggage in the bus station in Bilbao, see the Guggenheim museum and then take a bus to Santander.

The train is probably around 40-50 euros

You can check trains at www.renfe.es

I would consider flying into Bilbao, if I hadn't already purchased my tickets from American Airlines to Barcelona. So I've got to figure out the best route to Santander. Train Bilbao, then Bus to Santander, how long we lookin at travel wise? 9hrs + __hrs for bus. If you were in My shoes wat would you do?

I am talking about flying from Barcelona to Bilbao. There are no direct flights to Bilbao from the US.

If I were in your shoes I would get a flight from Barcelona to Bilbao and then a bus to Santander (1.5 hour bus ride, frequent departures). You can also check the flights between Barcelona and Santander and see if there are any good fares there. Obviously , that's more direct but usually that route is expensive.

Are you staying any time in Barcelona?

Bilbao-Santander buses run about twice hourly and take 1.5 hours - schedules www.alsa.es

train lv Barc 22:30 ar Bilboa 7:50 - throw bags in station lockers visit famous new Guggenheim Bilboa Museum, hop bus to Santander.

No I wont be staying in Barcelona at all, My classes start the 3rd so I'm unsure what will happen. Taking a flight to bilbao sounds very good, and busing it to Santander Sounds Better! wat airline/type of plane would i be taking?

They are regular jet service. The airline is Iberia. www.iberia.com

Been there; done that! I have taken a bus Santander-Barcelona (Sants). It's a long haul: 10-hours incl an hour meal stop near Zaragoza. The restaurant in Aragon was much better than one would expect - excellent food & service.

The Bus was listed under another Bus Company but it was operated by ALSA. (i.e., it was an ALSA bus).

There's a day bus and an overnighter. The best part of those is that you can stow a lot of luggage in the bus cargo compartment. With luggage, you'll probably have to take a taxi to Sardinero (Avda. de los Castros) where UIMP is located.

I can't help you with fencing, but take your swimsuit. Sardinero playa is one of my favorite beaches anywhere.

Alright, Sounds Fantastic. I Think I'd take the bus, it may be long but its much cheaper then flying from barcelona to Santander. Thanks everyone You've all been really helpful!