Santiago de Compostela is a straightforward city to navigate, but a few practical details will make your trip smoother. This guide covers airport transfers, public transport costs, tipping customs, safety, and the questions most visitors ask before arriving in Galicia’s capital. For more details, see our best time to visit Santiago de Compostela.
Santiago de Compostela Travel Tips: Getting from the Airport (SCQ)
Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ), officially named Rosalia de Castro Airport, is located about 15km east of the city center in the municipality of Lavacolla. It handles roughly 3 million passengers per year with direct flights to major Spanish cities (Madrid, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca), plus European connections via Ryanair (London Stansted, Dublin, Milan Bergamo, Frankfurt Hahn), Vueling (Paris CDG, Amsterdam, Zurich), and Iberia (Madrid). For more details, see our things to do in Santiago de Compostela guide.
Bus: Line 6A runs between the airport and the city center, stopping at the bus station, Praza de Galicia, and the train station. Buses run every 30 minutes from roughly 06:30 to 00:30. The fare is 1.00 euro (pay the driver in cash, small bills preferred). The journey takes 25-35 minutes depending on traffic. For more details, see our Santiago de Compostela events and festivals.
Taxi: A taxi from SCQ to the old town costs a fixed rate of 21 euros during the day (07:00-21:00) and about 25 euros at night and on Sundays/holidays. The trip takes 15-20 minutes. Taxis queue outside the arrivals terminal. Uber and Cabify operate in Santiago but have limited availability compared to Madrid or Barcelona. For more details, see our best neighborhoods in Santiago de Compostela.
Private transfer: Welcome Pickups offers pre-booked transfers starting at about 35 euros with a driver meeting you at arrivals. Book online at least 24 hours ahead. For more details, see our where to stay in Santiago de Compostela.
Santiago de Compostela Travel Tips: Getting Around the City
Santiago is a walking city. The old town is mostly pedestrianized, and you can cross the historic core in 15 minutes on foot. For longer trips, the urban bus network (operated by Tussa) covers the entire city with 24 lines. A single ticket costs 1.00 euro (cash on board) or 0.63 euros with a prepaid bonobus card (available at estancos/tobacco shops, 10 euros for the card including 10 trips). The bonobus also allows free transfers within 45 minutes. Buses run from about 07:00 to 23:00, with reduced weekend schedules. For more details, see our Santiago de Compostela weather by month guide.
Train station: Santiago’s main station (Estacion de Santiago de Compostela) is at Rua do Horreo, about 15 minutes’ walk south of the old town. High-speed AVE trains connect to Madrid (3 hours, from 35 euros booked in advance), and regional trains serve A Coruna (30 minutes, 7 euros), Vigo (50 minutes, 12 euros), and Ourense (40 minutes, 10 euros). For more details, see our Santiago de Compostela hub guide.
Santiago de Compostela Travel Tips: Money and Tipping
Spain uses the euro. Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted, even for small purchases at tapas bars. However, the Mercado de Abastos and some smaller cafes remain cash-only, so keep 20-30 euros in cash on you. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city center; use bank ATMs (Santander, BBVA, Abanca) rather than independent machines to avoid high fees.
Tipping: Unlike in the US, tipping is not expected in Spain, and service is included in the menu price. Locals typically leave small change: round up to the nearest euro for a coffee, leave 0.50-1.00 euro per person at a casual restaurant, or 5% at a nicer dinner. For a 40-euro meal, leaving 2-3 euros is generous by local standards. Do not tip in bars for drinks, and no tip is expected for taxi drivers (though rounding up to the nearest euro is appreciated).
Santiago de Compostela Travel Tips: Practical Questions
Can I drink the tap water? Yes. Santiago’s tap water is safe and tastes good, sourced from Galician reservoirs. You can drink it everywhere, including from public fountains unless marked non-potable.
Do I need a visa? Spain is part of the Schengen Area. Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and most Latin American countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. From 2026, the ETIAS authorization system is expected to launch for visa-exempt travelers (7 euros fee, valid for 3 years). Check your specific country’s requirements before booking.
Is Santiago de Compostela safe? Yes. Spain rates among Europe’s safest countries, and Santiago is one of its safest cities. Violent crime is rare. The main risk for visitors is pickpocketing in crowded areas around the cathedral and during festivals. Keep your phone and wallet in front pockets or a zipped bag, and do not leave bags unattended on cafe terraces. The old town is well-lit and busy even late at night, so walking alone after midnight is generally safe.
What language is spoken? Galicia has two official languages: Spanish (Castellano) and Galician (Galego). Street signs and menus are often in Galician. Most people in the tourism sector speak some English, but outside the old town, Spanish or Galician is the norm. Learning a few Galician words like bo dia (good morning) and grazas (thank you) goes a long way. Gracias in Spanish works fine everywhere.
When are shops open? Typical hours are Monday through Saturday 10:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:30. Many shops close for siesta in the afternoon. Large chain stores (Zara, El Corte Ingles) stay open continuously from 10:00 to 21:00. On Sundays, most shops are closed except in the tourist-heavy old town area where some souvenir shops and convenience stores stay open.
Suggested Hotels in Santiago de Compostela
Parador de Santiago (Hostal dos Reis Catolicos)
One of the world’s oldest hotels, occupying a 1499 royal hospital on the Praza do Obradoiro. Rooms blend 500-year-old architecture with modern luxury. Best for a once-in-a-lifetime stay after completing the Camino. Check rates and availability
NH Collection Santiago de Compostela
A modern 5-star with indoor pool, spa, and gym, located a 12-minute walk from the cathedral in the quieter Obradoiro Park area. Best for travelers who want resort amenities and reliable quality. Check rates and availability
Hotel Montenegro Compostela
A boutique hotel in a 16th-century townhouse near the old town/Ensanche border with exposed stone walls, wooden beams, and rooms from about 65 euros/night. Best for couples wanting character at a mid-range price. Check rates and availability
