How to Get to Palas de Rei from Santiago Airport

From Santiago Airport to Palas de Rei

You've just arrived at Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) and need to get to Palas de Rei to start the Camino de Santiago, visit the Comarca da Ulloa or continue your journey through Galicia. Here are all the available options.

Option 1: Direct taxi (the most convenient)

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach Palas de Rei from the airport.

• Distance: 65 km via the AP-53 motorway
• Time: 45-50 minutes
• Availability: 24 hours a day, every day of the year
• Advantages: door-to-door, no waiting, luggage included, pets and bicycles welcome

This is the ideal option if you arrive with heavy luggage, pilgrim backpacks, bicycles or pets. Also if you land early in the morning or late at night, when there are no buses.

Advance booking recommended

We recommend booking your taxi in advance, especially during high season (April-October). We'll be waiting for you at the arrivals terminal with your name and drive you straight to your accommodation in Palas de Rei.

Option 2: Bus (the cheapest)

There is no direct bus from the airport to Palas de Rei. You need to change in Santiago city centre.

Step 1: Airport to Santiago centre

• Bus Freire (airport line): every 30 minutes, 25-minute journey
• Stop: Santiago bus station (Rúa de San Caetano)

Step 2: Santiago to Palas de Rei

• Monbus: 2-3 daily services
• Journey time: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
• Timetables: vary by season, check monbus.es

Total travel time: between 2 and 3 hours depending on the connection.

Drawbacks of the bus

• No direct connection
• Few departures from Santiago to Palas de Rei
• Difficult if you have a bicycle or bulky luggage
• No night service

Option 3: Train + bus

Another alternative is the train from Santiago to Lugo, then a bus from Lugo to Palas de Rei.

• Train Santiago-Lugo: Renfe, 2-3 hours depending on service
• Bus Lugo-Palas de Rei: Monbus, 40 minutes

This is the longest option. It only makes sense if you also want to visit Lugo.

Option 4: Car rental

Several car rental companies operate at Santiago Airport: Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Enterprise.

• Advantage: freedom to explore the area
• Disadvantage: you need to return the car, not ideal if you plan to walk the Camino

Quick comparison

• Direct taxi: 50 min, fastest, door-to-door, 24 hours
• Bus + bus: 2-3 hours, cheapest but no night service
• Train + bus: 3+ hours, only worthwhile if visiting Lugo
• Car rental: 50 min driving, but you have to manage the return

Tips for pilgrims

If you're starting the Camino in Sarria (the last 100 km), the most practical option is a direct taxi from the airport to Sarria. It's 100 km, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes. You arrive rested and start walking the next morning.

If you're starting in Palas de Rei or want to begin further along, we'll drive you straight to your starting point. Don't forget to arrange luggage transport if you're carrying heavy gear.

Returning to the airport

When you finish in Santiago de Compostela and need to get back to the airport, we can also take you. Pick-up from your hotel or near the Cathedral, with plenty of time for your flight.