How to Get to Santiago De Compostela. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Airport and Flights Overview

Santiago de Compostela Airport SCQ

Also called Lavacolla Airport, this is the main airport for Santiago and Galicia. It sits approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) east of the city center.

Airline & Routes

Domestic: Vueling, Iberia Express, Ryanair, Air Europa, Volotea connect to Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca, Bilbao.
International: Ryanair, Vueling, easyJet, Lufthansa, Aer Lingus, Swiss, Transavia connect to London, Dublin, Frankfurt, Geneva, Paris, Rome, Brussels, Amsterdam, Milan.
No Direct Transatlantic: No direct flights from North America or Asia. Connections typically via Madrid, Barcelona, London, Frankfurt, Dublin.

Seasonal Flight Information

Flight availability and pricing fluctuate based on the season and pilgrim demand.

Travel Periods

High Season (June-August): More frequent flights, higher prices (especially July). Book well in advance.
Shoulder Seasons (April-May, Sep-Oct): Good balance of availability and reasonable prices.
Low Season (Nov-March): Fewer flights, lower prices. Some routes may be suspended or operate less frequently.

Airport Facilities

SCQ is a modern airport with car rental desks, ATMs, duty-free shops, cafes, and free Wi-Fi.

Taxi Transfers

Taxis are readily available. A fixed rate to the city center is generally €20-€25.

Bus Transfers

Affordable public bus service connects SCQ to Praza de Galicia every 30 mins (€1-€3).

Flight Booking Resources

Flight Deal Alerts

Dollar Flight Club for flight deal notifications.
Setting price alerts for your desired routes.
Flexibility with travel dates often leads to better prices.
Consider booking in advance, especially for high season travel.

Comparison Websites

Skyscanner for comparing flight prices across airlines.
Exploring nearby airport options for alternative prices.
Checking different connection cities for international long-haul flights.
Looking for promotions directly on airline websites.

Airport Services

Rental Cars

All major international car rental companies have desks at the airport. Booking in advance secures better rates.

Dining & Shopping

Various cafes and restaurants, duty-free shops are present for convenience.

Connectivity

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, keeping you connected before or after your flight.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Santiago de Compostela has a modern train station, Estación de Santiago de Compostela, connecting it to major Spanish cities.

Train Services

National (RENFE): Services to Madrid (~3-4 hours), Ourense (~30-40 minutes).
Regional: Connections within Galicia to A Coruña, Vigo, Lugo.
International: No direct international train services. Changes in Vigo or Pontevedra for Portugal (Porto, Lisbon).

Bus Services

Santiago's main bus station (Estación de Autobuses) is northeast of the city center.

Bus Companies & Routes

ALSA: Connects Santiago to virtually all major Spanish cities (Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao) and some international routes (Porto, Lisbon).
Monbus: Operates many regional routes within Galicia, serving smaller towns and villages.
Buses often run more frequently and are sometimes cheaper than trains for certain routes.

Self-Driving Considerations

Driving Requirements

Valid driver's license. Non-EU licenses often recommend or require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Spain has an excellent network of highways and well-maintained regional roads. Tolls apply on some autopistas.
Minimum driving age is 18, but car rental companies usually require drivers to be 21-25.

Driving Safety & Parking

Awareness of local driving conditions and parking regulations is important.

Local Driving Notes

Driving within old city centers, including Santiago, can be challenging due to narrow, pedestrianized streets.
Parking can be difficult and expensive, especially in Santiago's Old Town. Consider parking on the periphery.
Using a mobile phone without a hands-free device is strictly prohibited.

Border Crossing & Safety

Spain and Portugal are Schengen Area members; typically no formal border controls for land crossings.
Road signs may appear in both Galician and Spanish.
Be aware of speed limits, which are enforced rigorously.

Roads in Spain are generally safe and well-maintained.
In rural areas, exercise caution for local traffic, agricultural vehicles, and potentially wandering livestock.
The alcohol limit for driving is strict (0.05% BAC).

Sea/River Arrivals

No Direct Sea/River Access

Santiago de Compostela is an inland city. It does not have direct sea or river access for ferries or cruise ships.

Nearest Cruise Ports

Vigo (approx. 80 km south) and A Coruña (approx. 70 km north) are major cruise ship destinations.
Cruise passengers typically arrange organized tours or independent transport (bus, train, taxi) to reach Santiago.
River transportation is not applicable; Santiago is not on a navigable river for commercial or tourist transport.

Immigration Procedures at Seaports

If arriving by international ferry or cruise from outside the Schengen Area, standard immigration procedures apply.

Arrival Process

You will go through passport control upon disembarking.
From Vigo or A Coruña, connections to Santiago include bus or train services.
Taxis offer a convenient, direct transfer option from the ports.

Port Accessibility

Galicia's major ports, Vigo and A Coruña, are accessible by cruise ship.

Transfer Options

Various transport methods connect the ports to Santiago de Compostela.

Coastal Influences

Santiago's inland position means direct coastal travel is not an option.

Departure Information

Exit Fees and Taxes

Spain does not levy specific exit fees or taxes directly upon departure. These costs are usually included in your airfare or train ticket price.

Cost Inclusion

You should not expect to pay additional fees at the airport or station.
All necessary departure costs are part of your initial ticket purchase.
This simplifies the departure process, with no hidden fees at the last minute.

Departure Timing Recommendations

Recommended Arrival Times

Airport (SCQ): At least 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights.
International (Schengen): 2-3 hours beforehand for check-in and security.
Train/Bus Station: 15-30 minutes before departure for quick boarding.

Airport and Station Facilities

Santiago Airport SCQ

Offers shops, cafes, and restaurants for departing travelers. You can purchase last-minute souvenirs or grab a meal.

Train Station

Provides basic facilities, including waiting areas, small shops, and cafes.

Bus Station

Offers similar basic facilities to the train station, with waiting areas and small amenities.

Peak Season Travel

During peak season, add extra time for airport procedures due to increased passenger volume.

How to Get to Santiago De Compostela