Santiago de Compostela Airport is the main gateway to Galicia and a particularly significant arrival point for pilgrims completing the Camino de Santiago, as well as for those visiting one of Spain's most evocative UNESCO World Heritage cities.
Located about 10 km north of the historic center, in a region with a cooler and wetter climate compared to the rest of Spain, with a landscape that in some ways resembles Ireland.
How to get to Santiago de Compostela Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to SCQ
Parking near Santiago de Compostela Airport
Close to the terminal is a small parking area.
Per-minute rate: approximately 0.86-1.08 euro/hour in the first hour, then 1 euro/hour; maximum daily cap of 10.95 euro for up to 4 days. Long-stay car park 2 minutes by shuttle, more economical for stays exceeding 4 days.
How to get to Santiago de Compostela from SCQ
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Santiago de Compostela Airport
Major car rental companies, including Hertz, Avis, and Europcar, have dedicated desks in the terminal, useful for those wanting to explore Galicia beyond Santiago alone.
Renting is a good option for reaching the Galician coast or other areas of the region not always well served by public transportation.
You will need a driver's license, passport, and credit card; in most cases an International Driving Permit (IDP) is also required.
Hotels near Santiago de Compostela Airport
Historic old town, around the cathedral
about 15 km from the terminal, 35 minutes on bus line 6A or 20 minutes by taxi
Best for: for those who want to be a step from the cathedral, in the heart of the UNESCO-listed old town
- A minute's walk from the Praza do Obradoiro and the cathedral
- Medieval alleys with bars and shops open until late
- No parking in the streets of the historic centre
- Few rooms available: it's worth booking well in advance
Recommended hotels
A few steps from the historic centre
about 15 km from the terminal, 35 minutes on bus line 6A or 20 minutes by taxi
Best for: for those who want an apartment with their own kitchen a few minutes from the cathedral, convenient for multi-night stays
- Apartments with their own kitchen, useful for longer stays
- A few minutes' walk from the historic centre, a quieter area at night
- It's not in the casco antiguo: a short walk is needed to reach the cathedral
- No in-house dining service
Recommended hotels
Santa Marta, green residential area
about 15 km from the terminal, 35 minutes on bus line 6A to the centre and then a short stretch on a city bus
Best for: for those who prefer a modern hotel with garden and pool, a walk or a few minutes by bus from the centre
- Multi-level gardens and a seasonal outdoor pool, rare in the historic centre
- A few minutes' walk from the Praza de Vigo and the university
- About twenty minutes on foot from the cathedral
- Residential neighbourhood, little evening life compared to the centre
Recommended hotels
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The airport has a single terminal, renovated over the years to accommodate the growing flow of visitors linked to both religious tourism and cultural travel to Galicia.
The structure, of modest size, ensures quick routes between check-in, security controls, and the boarding area.
Map of Santiago de Compostela Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. How do you get to Santiago's historic centre from the airport?
With the dedicated Empresa Freire bus, which connects the airport directly to the historic centre and the train station.
Q. Is the airport convenient for those finishing the Camino de Santiago?
Yes, the dedicated bus is also designed for pilgrims and is timed to match flight schedules.
Q. How much does the Empresa Freire service from Santiago airport cost?
Roughly 3 euros one way to the historic centre, payable on board.
Q. Is it worth renting a car at Santiago airport to visit Galicia?
Yes, it's a good option for reaching the Galician coast and other spots in the region not always well served by public transport.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
