Arrival
Getting to Santiago de Compostela
Most visitors reach Santiago by air through its regional airport, by train or long-distance bus into the city, or on foot at the end of the Camino. How you arrive sets the tone of the first hours, especially after a long walk.
By air
Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ), also called Rosalía de Castro, sits about ten kilometers east of the city and has connections to Spanish hubs and a range of European cities. It is small and easy to move through, so arrivals are usually quick.
A regular airport bus links the terminal to the city center and the bus and train stations, and taxis run on short, predictable fares. Check current airport bus times and stops before you land, since schedules can change seasonally.
By train and bus
Renfe trains reach Santiago from Madrid and other Spanish cities, including faster high-speed services, arriving at the city's railway station a short walk or bus ride from the old town. Long-distance coaches with operators such as ALSA serve the nearby bus station.
Both stations are close to the center, so the final leg to your accommodation is short. Book longer train journeys ahead for better fares and confirm your arrival station and connections with Renfe or the coach operator.
Arriving on foot
Many people arrive in Santiago at the end of the Camino, walking in past the outskirts to the old town and the cathedral. The last stretch is part of the experience, and the Pilgrim's Office is where you register your arrival and can request the Compostela certificate.
If you finish on foot, plan where you will sleep before you arrive, as the city fills in peak season. Confirm the Pilgrim's Office hours and requirements on its official site so the final formalities are quick.
Sources
Reviewed source trail
- Aena — Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) — checked 2026-06-17
- Renfe — train travel in Spain — checked 2026-06-17
- Pilgrim's Reception Office — Santiago — checked 2026-06-17