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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Cantabria Asturias And Galicia, Spain

Air Travel

Major Airports

Several airports serve the region, each with different connectivity.

Regional Air Hubs

  • A Coruñan Airport (LCG), also known as Alvedro Airport, is closest (8 km from city).
  • Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ), Lavacolla Airport, larger (70 km south).
  • Vigo Airport (VGO), smaller (150 km south), also serves the region.

Airlines & Routes

Understand the main airlines and typical routes from each airport.

Flight Connections

  • LCG mainly handles domestic flights (Vueling, Iberia).
  • SCQ offers wider domestic and international routes (Ryanair, Vueling, easyJet).
  • Direct flights from major global hubs to LCG are limited; most connect via Madrid or Barcelona.

Seasonal Flight Pricing

Flight prices peak during summer (July-August) and major holidays. Shoulder seasons (May-June, September-October) generally yield better value. Frequencies for some routes decrease in low season.

Airport Facilities

All airports offer standard facilities: car rental desks, cafes, shops, ATMs, and Wi-Fi. SCQ, being larger, gives more extensive services and a wider selection of shops and eateries.

Flight Deals

Explore flight options and find deals through services like Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner for potential savings on your airfare.

Airport Transfer Options

From LCG A Coruñan Airport

  • Bus Línea 40 to Plaza de Pontevedra (20-25 min, ~€1.50).
  • Taxi (15-20 min, ~€20-€25 to city center).
  • Car rental desks available at the airport.
  • The bus option is the most budget-friendly.

From SCQ Santiago de Compostela Airport

  • Airport bus to Santiago city center (~30 min).
  • Direct intercity bus services (e.g., Monbus) from SCQ to La Coruña (~1 hr, €7-€10).
  • Taxi to La Coruña (~50-60 min, ~€80-€100).
  • Car rental desks available at the airport.

Border Crossings & Car Rentals

Schengen Borders

Spain shares land borders with Portugal and France. As part of the Schengen Area, border checks are typically minimal or non-existent for travel between these countries. You move freely across these internal borders.

Car Rental Companies

Major companies like Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Enterprise, Sixt, and local Spanish companies are present at LCG and in the city. DiscoverCars.com for rental bookings.

Booking Advice

Booking a car in advance, especially during peak season, yields better rates and availability. Understand insurance options; basic liability is usually included, but consider additional coverage.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Renfe operates all train services. A Coruña railway station (Estación de A Coruña-San Cristóbal) serves as the city's main train hub.

Routes & Booking

  • Madrid: High-speed (AVE/Alvia) services (~3.5-4 hours).
  • Santiago de Compostela: Frequent regional trains (~30 minutes).
  • Booking in advance for high-speed routes is recommended via the Renfe website or at the station.

Long-Distance Bus Options

A Coruña Bus Station (Estación de Autobuses de A Coruña) acts as the central hub for long-distance bus travel.

Operators & Routes

  • Major operators: Alsa, Monbus, and Arriva, with extensive networks.
  • Routes connect La Coruña to other Galician cities and major Spanish cities (Madrid, Barcelona).
  • Purchase tickets online, at the station, or directly from the driver for some local routes.

Self-Driving Considerations

Renting a car yields flexibility for exploring Galicia. Prepare required documents.

Requirements & Network

  • Valid driving license (with IDP if needed), vehicle registration, insurance.
  • Credit card in driver's name for deposit. Min. Age typically 21 (with surcharges possible).
  • Spain's road network, including Galicia, is excellent (motorways/autopistas, national roads/autovías).

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads in Galicia are generally well-maintained. Exercise caution for specific conditions.

Driving Safely

  • Be aware of potential fog, especially in higher elevations or coastal areas.
  • Heavy rain yields reduced visibility and slippery roads; drive cautiously.
  • Drive on the right; seatbelts are mandatory. Speed limits: 120 km/h (motorways), 90 km/h (national roads), 50 km/h (urban).

Parking & Tolls

  • Parking is challenging and expensive in city centers.
  • Look for underground parking garages (Parkings subterráneos).
  • Blue zones (Zona azul) indicate paid street parking.
  • Many motorways in Galicia are toll roads (Peaje).
  • Prepare with cash or a card for toll payments.
  • Rural roads can be narrow and winding.

Sea & River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Port

La Coruña’s position as a major port means sea arrivals are common, notably for cruise travelers.

Sea Access

  • La Coruña has a significant cruise port, a popular stop for Atlantic coast cruises.
  • Cruise ships dock close to the city center, allowing easy access to attractions.
  • No regular international ferry services operate to La Coruña.

Immigration & River Transport

Understand immigration for sea arrivals and note the lack of river transport.

Water Travel Details

  • For cruise passengers from outside Schengen, standard immigration procedures apply at first port of entry.
  • River transportation is not applicable for La Coruña, a coastal city.
  • The cruise terminal is within walking distance of attractions, bus stops, and taxi stands.

Seaport Immigration

For subsequent ports within Schengen, no further immigration checks are typically necessary. Your passport undergoes checking at your initial European port.

Port Connections

The cruise terminal's proximity to city amenities means easy access for exploration on foot or via public transport for disembarking passengers.

Departure Facilities

Standard airport facilities, including check-in, security, duty-free shops, cafes, restaurants, and lounges, are available at LCG and SCQ.

Departure Information

Exit Information

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied directly on travelers departing from Spanish airports or ports; these are generally included in your ticket price. Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 2.5-3 hours before international flights. For train/bus, arrive 15-30 minutes prior.