Vigo Spain Travel Guide
Vigo has its own airport, but nearby larger airports offer more international connections. Vigo-Peinador Airport (VGO): About 8 km (5 miles) from the city center, VGO is the closest airport. It mainly handles domestic flights and some international routes (London, Dublin, Paris, Lisbon). Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ): About 90 km (56 miles) north of Vigo, SCQ is a substantialr airport with more domestic and international connections across Europe. Many low-cost carriers operate here. Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO): About 150 km (93 miles) south of Vigo, in Portugal. OPO is a major international hub with many low-cost options and transatlantic flights. Many international travelers choose Porto for better economy and more choice.
All three airports provide basic amenities: car rental, taxi stands, shops, cafes, ATMs, Wi-Fi. VGO is smaller, SCQ and OPO are larger. Transfer options from airports to city/accommodation:
Find great flight deals to Vigo or nearby airports. Dollar Flight Club for cheaper fares and Skyscanner for comparing prices.
For flexibility, consider renting a car. DiscoverCars.com offers options for car hire in Vigo and nearby locations.
Vigo The Cruise ship terminal is a significant harbor. Regular passenger ferries connect Vivisit the Cíes Islands (Praia de Rodas) and other islands in the Ría de Vigo. Ferries also travel to nearby coastal towns like Moañan and Cangas. Operators for Cíes Islands: Naviera Mar de Ons, Piratas de Nabia, Baleària.
Standard border control procedures apply for international cruise passengers. For domestic ferries within Spain (e.g., to the Cíes Islands, Cangas, Moaña), no immigration checks occur. The Estación Marítima (ferry terminal) is centrally located. Walk from here to the Casco Vello and bus stops. Taxis are available.
Vigo is a coastal city on an estuary, not a major river. Therefore, river transportation options are not a feature in this context. The Ría de Vigo functions more like a large, sheltered sea inlet, providing an unique maritime environment.
Plan your departure to avoid rush. Spain typically does not charge specific exit fees or taxes, these are commonly in your flight or train ticket price. For domestic flights, arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before scheduled departure. For international flights (especially non-Schengen), allow 2-3 hours. This allows time for check-in, security, and any delays. For train or bus, arrive 20-30 minutes before departure.
Airports and major train/bus stations in Vigo provide standard facilities for departing travelers. These include check-in desks, security checks, pleasant places to wait, shops for last-minute souvenirs or snacks, cafes, and lavatories. Free Wi-Fi is generally available. Duty-free shops are present at the airport for international departures.
If you rented a car, plan your return to the airport or a city office. Ensure the fuel tank is at the agreed level (usually full). Allow extra time for traffic or unexpected queues at the rental desk.
For ferry departure times, arrive at the Estación Marítima (ferry terminal) at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure. This allows time for boarding. Tickets are typically bought in advance for Cíes Islands, or at the terminal for local services to Cangas/Moañan.
When using Vigo's public buses, observe local customs for a smooth journey. Give up seats for the elderly, pregnant individuals, or those with mobility restrictions. Keep noise levels low, specifically when speaking on mobile phones. Avoid eating or drinking on buses. Wait for passengers to exit before boarding.
Taxis and ride-shares in Vigo generally expect polite behavior. Greet your driver. Don't speak loudly or overly disruptive behavior. Keep the vehicle clean. If you have multiple stops, confirm the route with the driver beforehand. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service.
Walk on sidewalks. Be aware of your surroundings, especially on busy streets. Respect pedestrian crossings. Yield to traffic signals.
Use designated bike lanes where available. Follow traffic laws. Signal turns. Be mindful of pedestrians, especially in shared spaces.
Queue in an orderly fashion. Have your PassVigo card or exact fare ready. Ring the bell well in advance for your stop.
At Spanish airports, security procedures are similar to other Countries in europe countries. Remove liquids, gels, and aerosols from your carry-on for screening (in a clear, resealable bag, max 100ml per item). Laptops and other large electronic devices need to be removed from bags and placed in separate bins.
For travelers within the Schengen Area, there are typically no customs checks when moving between member states. For those arriving from outside the Schengen Area, customs procedures apply. Declare any goods exceeding duty-free allowances. Restricted products include certain food products, plants, and products from animals. Check specific regulations before travel.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area, issued within 10 years, and has two blank pages.
If required, have your Schengen visa ready. From mid-2025, visa-exempt travelers need ETIAS authorization. Have copies, digital and physical, of all approvals.
Keep proof of return ticket, sufficient funds, and accommodation bookings accessible, as immigration officials might request them.
Confirm your flight or train status before heading to the airport/station. Double-check gate/platform numbers upon arrival. Carry a pen for any forms. Have local currency or a card for immediate needs upon arrival at your destination.
