RENFE (tel: 902 240 202; website: www.renfe.es) operates the Spanish rail network, which radiates from Madrid to all the major cities. There are also transversal routes and services running from the French border down the Mediterranean coast. Spanish trains are relatively punctual, reasonably priced and usually clean. Seat reservations are required on all inter-city trains.

The principal station, Hórreo, Rúa de Hórreo, off Avenida de Lugo (tel: (981) 591 859), is centrally located, just to the south of the Old Quarter. Facilities include left luggage, car hire, tourist information and currency exchange.

Rail services: There are several daily services from Madrid (journey time - 7 hours 45 minutes) - including day services and an overnight sleeper, the Trenhotel Talgo. There is also one daily cross-country train linking the city with Bilbao and San Sebastian (journey time - 10 to 11 hours). For those arriving in Santander by ferry, there is a daily service via Palencia (journey time - 12 hours). There are connections to Oporto in Portugal via Vigo and regular local services to A Coruña (journey time - 1 hour 15 minutes).