If you’re planning your next pilgrimage and need to start from a point close to the Cathedral (such as Tui, Sarria, or El Ferrol), knowing how to get to Santiago de Compostela Airport will be very useful. In the following lines, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to make your trip to the airport as easy and comfortable as possible!
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Get to know Santiago de Compostela Airport
Santiago de Compostela Airport, also known as Rosalía de Castro Airport (IATA code: SCQ), is the main airport in Galicia and is located about 15 kilometres northeast of the centre of Santiago de Compostela.
It is a key gateway for both pilgrims completing the Camino de Santiago and tourists wishing to explore this historic city and its surroundings.
Recommendations for Camino de Santiago pilgrims
For those walking the Camino de Santiago, getting to the airport can be a crucial part of the journey. If you have opted for an organised Camino de Santiago, you probably already have some transport arranged.
Be sure to confirm with your organiser the details of your transfer to the airport to avoid any last-minute surprises. Here are some recommendations based on the different Camino routes:
Walking the Portuguese Coastal Route
The Portuguese Coastal Route is a less crowded path offering a unique experience, combining spectacular landscapes with pleasant weather, especially in summer. The route starts in Porto and ends in Santiago de Compostela, covering approximately 150 kilometres.
Along the way, you can enjoy rich Portuguese and Galician cuisine, as well as heritage treasures, from Roman and medieval constructions to the unique beauty of cities like Porto and Baiona.
Experience from Baiona
If you started your experience from Baiona, an impressive journey along the Galician coast awaits you. Baiona, known for its castle and seaside promenade, offers a perfect start for your pilgrimage. From Baiona, the route follows the coast, passing through Vigo and other picturesque towns, until reaching Santiago de Compostela.
Experience from Ferrol
For those who completed their experience from Ferrol, the connection to Santiago Airport is efficient. Ferrol, in the province of A Coruña, marks the start of the English Way. This route of approximately 120 kilometres takes you through a path rich in history and natural beauty until you reach Santiago de Compostela.
Experience from Roncesvalles
Finally, if you began your experience from Roncesvalles, you have travelled one of the most classic and extensive routes of the Camino de Santiago. This route, part of the French Way, covers around 800 kilometres from the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela.
Upon reaching Santiago, you can choose from various methods to get to the airport. Buses offer frequent and affordable services, while taxis are available for a more direct and comfortable transfer. The city has well-developed infrastructure to ensure pilgrims reach their final destinations without any hassle.
Want to know more about the Camino de Santiago? Don’t miss our article on the Portuguese Coastal Route.
Transport options to Santiago de Compostela Airport
Let’s start by talking about pilgrims who have completed the walk and need to return to their place of origin. Like most airports in Spain, this one has an excellent location and very convenient ways of getting there.
Bus
The bus is one of the most economical and convenient ways to get to Santiago de Compostela Airport. The line 6A, operated by Tralusa, connects the airport with the centre of Santiago, with stops at strategic places such as Plaza de Galicia, the bus station, and the train station.
- Frequency: every 30 minutes.
- Travel time: approximately 20-30 minutes.
- Cost: a single ticket costs around €1, while the return ticket is priced at €5.10.
Taxi
For those who prefer a more direct and private transfer, taxis are available outside the airport terminal. A taxi ride to the centre of Santiago de Compostela costs approximately €21, with a journey time of 15-20 minutes. This option is ideal if you have a lot of luggage or want a quicker and more comfortable trip.
Private Transfers
Another comfortable and personalised alternative is to book a private transfer. These services usually include reception at the airport and direct transfer to your destination in Santiago de Compostela or its surroundings. It is a perfect option if you are travelling in a group or want a door-to-door service without any worries.
How to get to Santiago de Compostela Airport from other locations
Below, we provide details on how to get to this airport from various starting points.
Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport is the main hub in Spain and offers multiple daily flights to Santiago de Compostela. Airlines operating this route include Iberia, Vueling, and Ryanair, with a flight duration of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Once in Santiago, you can take a bus or taxi to reach the city centre or other destinations.
Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)
The connection between Barcelona-El Prat Airport and Santiago de Compostela is also very good. Airlines such as Vueling and Ryanair operate daily flights, with a duration of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
From other cities in Spain
Santiago de Compostela is well connected to other major Spanish cities, such as Seville, Valencia, Bilbao, and many others, through both domestic flights and long-distance trains. The train station in Santiago is centrally located and provides convenient access to the rest of the city and nearby towns.
Conclusion
Santiago de Compostela Airport is an important gateway for pilgrims and tourists. Whether you’re arriving or departing, there are various convenient and accessible transport options. Don’t forget to plan your trip in advance and consider your travel needs and budget when choosing the best way to get to or from the airport.
