Complete Guide to Getting to Santiago de Compostela from Anywhere in the World

Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia and the final destination of the Camino de Santiago, combines history, art, and tradition. Its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the Cathedral and charming streets and squares. With its cultural life, gastronomy, and welcoming atmosphere, the city greets pilgrims arriving through the Jacobean routes and visitors with unique hospitality. Want to know how to get here? We’ll tell you.

The Airport in a Nutshell

Santiago–Rosalía de Castro (SCQ) is about 10 km from the city and has national and international connections on around 30 routes operated by 8 airlines. It is the main entry or exit point by air in Santiago de Compostela to start or finish the Camino de Santiago.

Direct Flights to Santiago (by Country and City)

Quick note on frequencies: they vary depending on the season. In general, Madrid and Barcelona have several daily flights; other Spanish cities and islands several times a week (more in summer); Europe from 1 to 7 flights per week depending on the route.

Spain

From Spain, there are connections to Santiago de Compostela from the following airports:

  • Madrid (MAD) – Ryanair, Air Nostrum (Iberia Regional).
  • Barcelona (BCN) – Ryanair, Vueling.
  • Bilbao (BIO) – Vueling.
  • Málaga (AGP) – Ryanair, Vueling.
  • Valencia (VLC) – Ryanair.
  • Seville (SVQ) – Ryanair, Vueling.
  • Zaragoza (ZAZ) – Ryanair.
  • Alicante (ALC) – Ryanair.
  • Palma de Mallorca (PMI) – Ryanair, Vueling.
  • Menorca (MAH) – Ryanair.
  • Ibiza (IBZ) – Ryanair.
  • Tenerife North (TFN) – Vueling.
  • Tenerife South (TFS) – Ryanair.
  • Gran Canaria (LPA) – Vueling, Ryanair.
  • Lanzarote (ACE) – Ryanair, Vueling.
  • Fuerteventura (FUE) – Vueling, Ryanair.
  • Melilla (MLN) – Air Nostrum.

United Kingdom

From the UK, the connections are:

  • London–Heathrow (LHR) – Vueling.
  • London–Gatwick (LGW) – Vueling.
  • London–Stansted (STN) – Ryanair.

Ireland

From Ireland, there is a single option:

  • Dublin (DUB) – Ryanair, Aer Lingus.

Italy

From Italy, there are currently no regular direct flights to Santiago de Compostela, except from Bologna. All other connections require at least one stopover.

  • Bologna (BLQ) – Ryanair.

For other Italian cities such as Rome, Milan, or Venice, it is necessary to fly with a stopover, usually via Madrid, Barcelona, or other European airports.

France

From France, the only connection is:

  • Paris–Charles de Gaulle (CDG) – Vueling.

Netherlands

The same applies from the Netherlands:

  • Amsterdam–Schiphol (AMS) – Vueling.

Switzerland

From Switzerland, there are several connections:

  • Geneva (GVA) – easyJet.
  • Basel/Mulhouse (BSL) – easyJet.
  • Zurich (ZRH) – Edelweiss Air.

Germany

And if you are coming from Germany, take note:

  • Frankfurt (FRA) – Lufthansa.
  • Memmingen (FMM) – Ryanair.

Cape Verde

Finally, from this African country, there is a possible option:

  • Sal Island (SID) – Privilege Style (occasional/charter flight).

How to Get to Santiago from Anywhere in the World

And if you are coming from anywhere in the world, with the necessary connections, you have the following options.

1) Connection through Major Airports

  • Madrid (MAD) – Connections to the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Europe + several daily flights to Santiago.
  • Barcelona (BCN) – Connections throughout Europe and North Africa + several daily flights to Santiago.
  • London (LHR/LGW/STN) – Heathrow for long-haul flights; Gatwick and Stansted with low-cost airlines.
  • Frankfurt (FRA) – International connections + direct flight to Santiago.
  • Paris–CDG – International connections + direct flight to Santiago.
  • Amsterdam (AMS) – International connections + direct flight to Santiago.
  • Zurich (ZRH) – International connections + direct flight.
  • Dublin (DUB) – Connections to North America + direct flight to Santiago.

If you are traveling from the Americas or Asia-Pacific, it is often faster to fly into Madrid, Frankfurt, Paris, London, or Amsterdam and then on to Santiago.

2) Nearby Airports if There is No Direct Flight

  • A Coruña (LCG) and Vigo (VGO) – Domestic flights; then train or bus to Santiago.
  • Porto (OPO) – Low-cost airport with direct buses to Santiago (≈3 h).

Approximate Frequency by Route

We know the flights, but not all the frequencies. Here is a summary:

  • Madrid / Barcelona: several daily flights all year round.
  • Other Spanish cities: several times a week, more in summer.
  • Islands: 1–3 flights per week in low season; more in summer.
  • Europe: 1–7 flights per week depending on the season.

Airlines at SCQ (Alphabetical Order)

The following airlines operate in Santiago de Compostela: Aer Lingus · Air Nostrum · easyJet · Edelweiss Air · Lufthansa · Privilege Style (charter) · Ryanair · Vueling.

Booking Tips

Finally, here are some tips to keep in mind when booking your flights:

  • Single ticket or multiple: if you combine airlines, allow enough time between flights or travel with hand luggage only.
  • Travel insurance: recommended for separate tickets or alternative airports.
  • High season: spring and summer have higher demand, book in advance.
  • Compare airports: check prices from A Coruña, Vigo, and Porto.
  • Luggage: review policies, especially with low-cost airlines.

Getting from Santiago de Compostela to the Start of My Camino

Great! You are already in Santiago de Compostela, but you need to reach the start of your Camino. Here is information on how to get to some of the main starting points of the Camino:

In addition, our private transfer services are always available.

Our transfers available from the airport

Transfer from Santiago to Finisterre

Transfer from Santiago to Finisterre
From 144€