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A Coruña is compact and easy to navigate, with an airport 8 km from the centre and a seafront you can walk end to end. This page answers the practical questions for a trip, from transport costs to tipping, and points to the main events and festivals in A Coruña. For background reading, start with the A Coruña guide.
A Coruña Travel Tips: Getting There and Around
A Coruña Airport (code LCG, Alvedro) sits 8 km south of the centre and is served mainly by Iberia and Vueling domestic routes. Bus line 4051 runs to the city in about 25 minutes for about €1.50, or a taxi costs roughly €25. Santiago de Compostela Airport (code SCQ) is 60 km away and is the Ryanair hub, with a direct shuttle bus of about 50 minutes. The Renfe train station (A Coruña-San Cristóbal) connects to Santiago in 30 to 40 minutes and to Madrid on the AVE in about 3 hours 40 minutes; line up your dates with the best time to visit A Coruña guide.
In the city, the bus network (Compañía de Tranvías de La Coruña) charges about €1.30 a ride, and the modern tram line links the seafront areas. The centre, beaches and old town are all walkable, and a taxi across the centre costs about €6 to €8, with the main sights listed in the things to do in A Coruña guide.
A Coruña Travel Tips: Money, Visas and Tipping
- Currency is the euro, and cards are accepted almost everywhere, though small tapas bars may prefer cash under €10.
- Spain is in the Schengen zone, so EU citizens need no visa and most non-EU visitors get 90 days visa-free.
- Tipping is not expected. Leaving small change or up to 5 percent for good restaurant service is appreciated but optional.
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout the city.
A Coruña Travel Tips: Safety and Practicalities
A Coruña is generally safe, with low violent crime. Watch for pickpockets in the busiest festival crowds and around the bus station, and avoid leaving valuables on the beach while swimming. Spanish and Galician are both spoken; English is less common outside hotels, so a few basic phrases help, and the A Coruña neighborhoods guide maps the areas to stay in. Pharmacies are plentiful, and the city’s main hospital is the Complejo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC) in As Xubias.
A Coruña Travel Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I swim in A Coruña? Yes, in July to mid-September when the sea reaches about 19°C (66°F); many locals wear wetsuits year round.
- How many days do I need? Two full days cover the old town, Torre de Hércules and the beaches; add a third for Santiago de Compostela.
- Do I need a car? No, the centre is walkable and public transport covers the rest. A car helps only for Costa da Morte day trips.
- What should I pack? A waterproof jacket all year, layers in summer for cool evenings, and sun cream for July and August.
- Is A Coruña expensive? No, it is cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona, with tapas from about €2 and a menu del día lunch around €12 to €15.
Suggested Hotels in A Coruña
NH Collection A Coruña Finisterre
A 5-star on the marina with sea views, an indoor pool and a spa. Best for couples who want the city’s most comfortable stay. Check rates and availability
Eurostars Blue Coruña
A 4-star in the heart of the centre on Calle Venezuela, three minutes’ walk from the Picasso Museum and Plaza de Lugo, with rooms themed after different cities. Best for first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of everything. Check rates and availability
Ibis Styles A Coruña
A 3-star near the Renfe train station with a restaurant and lounge terrace. Best for travellers arriving by train or watching their budget. Check rates and availability
Pair this page with the A Coruña weather by month guide for packing, and where to stay in A Coruña for the full hotel breakdown.
