Spain
Vigo-Peinador Airport (VGO): Approximately 30 km south of Pontevedra. The smallest of the three. It mainly handles domestic flights and limited international routes (London, Dublin, Paris).
Approximately 140 km south of Pontevedra, across the border. OPO serves as a major international hub. It often has more competitive prices for flights from North America and other global destinations due to its broader network.
Taxi from VGO to Pontevedra: ~25-30 mins, €30-€40. Bus from VGO to Vigo city center, then train/bus to Pontevedra: ~1 hour total.
Taxi from SCQ to Pontevedra: ~45-55 mins, €70-€90. Bus from SCQ to Santiago city center, then train/bus to Pontevedra: ~1-1.5 hours total.
Direct bus from Porto city center to Pontevedra: ~2 hours. Reach Porto city center from OPO via metro. Train option requires multiple transfers and is less direct.
Use flight comparison sites like Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner for the best deals.
Flexibility with travel dates or airports can lead to significant savings.
If traveling from outside Europe, Porto (OPO) often presents more competitive international flight options.
Pontevedra's central train station, Estación de Pontevedra, serves Spain's national railway, Renfe.
Pontevedra’s bus station, Estación de Autobuses de Pontevedra, sits next to the train station. Major bus companies like Monbus and Alsa have extensive connections.
To rent a car, a valid national driving license is needed, held for at least one to two years. Non-EU citizens must also present an International Driving Permit (IDP) with their national license.
Spain has an excellent road network. The AP-9 (Autopista del Atlántico) is a major toll motorway connecting Pontevedra north to Santiago and A Coruña, and south to Vigo and Portugal. Other roads are well-maintained.
Spain does not levy specific exit fees or taxes upon leaving the country. Any applicable taxes are commonly part of your flight or train ticket price.
For international flights from Santiago (SCQ) or Porto (OPO), arrive at the airport two to three hours before departure. For domestic flights from Vigo (VGO), arrive 1.5 to two hours beforehand.
Airports have check-in, baggage drop, security, duty-free shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Pontevedra's bus station has ticket offices, waiting areas, and small cafes.
The train station also has ticket offices, waiting areas, and basic amenities for travelers.
Immigration procedures for international arrivals into the Schengen Area take place at your first port of entry. If you arrive by an international ferry or cruise, this process happens at that initial port.
The Lérez River flows through Pontevedra. It is navigable for small recreational boats, but it is not a means of public transport for arriving in Pontevedra city.
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LifeStraw for water filtration, Adventure Medical Kits for first aid, Pacsafe for anti-theft bags, and AirHelp for flight compensation.
Plan ample time for airport security and check-in, especially for international flights. Train and bus stations are typically quicker for domestic travel.
