How to Get Back from Santiago de Compostela: A Guide for Pilgrims
Santiago de Compostela is the final destination for thousands of pilgrims every year. After completing the Camino de Santiago Frances or enjoying the beauty of the city, one key question comes up: what’s the best way to get back home?
Santiago de Compostela
Below we break down all the transport options from Santiago de Compostela, with up-to-date information and helpful tips.
✈️ Traveling by Plane: Connections and Airlines
The Santiago-Rosalia de Castro Airport (SCQ) is the most important in Galicia, with numerous domestic and international connections. If you’re after speed and convenience, flying may be your best option.
📍 Location and Access to the Airport
The airport is located 13 km from central Santiago, and there are several transport options:
- City bus (Line 6A – Trulusa)
- Frequency: every 20-30 minutes.
- Journey time: between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the stop.
- Main stops:
- Bus station (Av. Rodriguez de Viguri)
- Praza de Galicia
- Train station (Horreo Estacion)
- Fare: €1 (€0.55 for under 18s).
- Taxi
- Estimated fare: €21
- Radio Taxi Santiago service: +34 981 569 292
✈️ Destinations and Airlines
Santiago has direct flights to 18 cities, operated by several airlines:
🏙️ Domestic Destinations
| City | Airline(s) |
|---|---|
| Madrid | Iberia, Ryanair |
| Barcelona | Iberia, Vueling, Ryanair |
| Valencia | Ryanair |
| Malaga | Ryanair |
| Alicante | Ryanair |
| Seville | Ryanair |
| Reus | Ryanair |
| Bilbao | Air Nostrum |
| Palma de Mallorca | Air Berlin, Ryanair |
| Gran Canaria | Air Europa, Air Nostrum, Ryanair |
| Lanzarote | Orbest, Ryanair |
| Tenerife North | Air Nostrum |
| Tenerife South | Air Europa, Ryanair |
✈️ International Destinations
| City | Airline(s) |
|---|---|
| London | Ryanair |
| Frankfurt | Ryanair |
| Zurich | Vueling |
| Geneva | EasyJet |
| Basel-Mulhouse | EasyJet |
Tickets can be purchased through search engines such as Skyscanner or directly on each airline’s website.
🚆 Traveling by Train: Direct Renfe Connections
The Santiago de Compostela train station is just a 10-minute walk from Praza de Galicia, via Rua do Horreo. Renfe is the only rail company operating in the city, offering connections to multiple destinations.
⏳ Travel Times to Main Destinations
| Destination | Approx. Duration |
|---|---|
| Madrid | 3h 00m |
| Barcelona | 8h 12m |
| San Sebastian | 9h 46m |
| Zaragoza | 6h 37m |
| Bilbao | 9h 38m |
| Seville | 7h 14m |
| Malaga | 7h 03m |
| Valencia | 6h 07m |
Tickets can be purchased on the Renfe website (www.renfe.com).
🚌 Traveling by Bus: Domestic and International Destinations
The Santiago Intermodal Station is located right next to the train station and is the main departure point for long-distance buses. ALSA is the main company operating domestic and international routes from Santiago.
🏙️ Domestic Connections
| Destination | Approx. Duration |
|---|---|
| Madrid | 8-9 hours |
| Barcelona | 17-18 hours |
| Bilbao | 9-12 hours |
| Seville | 14 hours |
| Zaragoza | 14 hours |
There are no direct routes to Valencia or Malaga, so a connection is required.
🌍 International Connections
| Destination | Approx. Duration |
|---|---|
| Porto | 4 hours |
| Lisbon | 9 hours |
Tickets can be purchased on the ALSA website (www.alsa.es).
✅ Final Tips for Choosing the Best Transport
- If speed is your priority: Flying is the best option for far-off destinations.
- If you want comfort and scenic views: The Renfe train offers a relaxed, efficient experience.
- If you’re on a budget: The bus, though slower, is usually the cheapest option.
- If your destination is nearby (Portugal): The bus to Porto or Lisbon is ideal.
Getting back from Santiago de Compostela is easy and convenient thanks to its excellent transport infrastructure. Whatever your destination, choose the option that best fits your needs and enjoy the journey home.