Santiago de Compostela Airport – Transport Options and General Information
Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ), also known as Santiago de Compostela Airport, is an international airport that serves the Spanish region of Galicia.
It is located about 12 km from the town of Santiago de Compostela. Several airlines operate here, including Swiss International Airlines, Ryanair, easyJet and Vueling Airlines.
The airport handles around 3.6 million passengers every year and is the second busiest airport in Northern Spain.
If you’re flying to Santiago de Compostela, the following guide will present you with all the information that’ll help you plan your arrival.
Table of Contents
SCQ General Information
IATA code: SCQ
ICAO code: LEST
Passengers: around 3.6 million annually
How to get from Santiago de Compostela Airport to Santiago de Compostela
Airport Shuttle Bus
Getting from Santiago de Compostela Airport to the city is simple and convenient by bus. The bus stop is located directly in front of the main terminal, so you won’t have to go far with your luggage. Buses operate frequently from around 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., covering most arrival times throughout the day.
The ride to the city centre takes about 30 minutes and includes stops at key points such as the central bus station and the train station, making it easy to connect to onward travel. For updated departure times and any service changes, it’s best to check the official schedule online before your trip.
If you’re interested in taking a bus from the centre to a nearby city, check out some of the most popular routes:
| Santiago de Compostela to Faro | Santiago de Compostela to Fatima | Santiago de Compostela to Lisbon |
| Santiago de Compostela to Granada | Santiago de Compostela to Madrid | Santiago de Compostela to Porto |
Taxi
Taxis are readily available at the airport, with a designated taxi rank located just outside the terminal building. The ride to the city typically takes no more than 20 minutes, but it depends on the traffic. All official taxis are metered, and the fare is regulated, so just make sure the driver turns on the taximeter at the start of the trip.
In addition to regular taxis, ride-hailing services such as Uber and Cabify also operate in the area. These can be booked via their mobile apps.
Both options operate 24/7, making them a convenient option for early-morning or late-night arrivals.
Private transfer
Another way to travel from the airport is with a private, door-to-door transfer directly to your accommodation in the city.
You can pre-book a transfer for a hassle-free experience. A professional driver will wait for you at the airport and take you to your destination.
Renting a car
For those who would prefer to reach the city and explore the area on their own, the best option is to rent a car directly at the airport.
At Santiago de Compostela Airport you’ll find several car rental companies including Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Alternatively, you can always book a car in advance.
Renting a bus
Larger groups of passengers should consider renting a bus at the airport. However, it is recommended to book a bus online, so the bus rental companies have enough time to inform you about the meeting point and all other details
Airlines at Santiago de Compostela
Several airlines operate international and domestic flights to and from this airport. Some of the busiest carriers are Ryanair, Vueling, and Iberia Express.
- Ryanair
- Vueling
- Iberia
- easyJet
- Aer Lingus
- Lufthansa
- Edelweiss Air
Facilities and services
If you’re waiting for your flight or you’re on a layover, maybe some of these services and facilities available at SQO airport will help you:
- ATMs
- Currency exchange
- Children’s play area
- First aid
- Power outlets
- Luggage storage
- Luggage wrapping
- Post office
- Police station
Accommodation near Santiago de Compostela Airport
If you’re in need of a place to stay overnight before or after your flight, check out this map of available accommodation units in the vicinity.
Santiago de Compostela Airport FAQs
If your flight arrives before 12:30 a.m., you can take the airport bus to Santiago de Compostela. It stops at key locations like the main bus and train stations and runs frequently throughout the day. For late arrivals, official taxis are available right outside the terminal 24/7. You can also use apps like Uber or Cabify for a quick and easy ride.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal at Santiago de Compostela Airport. Passengers can connect to the network with no time limit. The signal is generally reliable. No registration is required—just connect and start using the internet.
There are no currency exchange offices at the airport, but you can withdraw euros from several ATMs located in the arrivals and departures halls. Most international debit and credit cards are accepted. If you need to exchange foreign currency, it’s best to do so in the city center. Santiago has banks and exchange services with better rates and availability.
Passengers can choose from local buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services. Buses are ideal for reaching the city center affordably, while taxis and apps like Uber or Cabify offer faster, door-to-door service. Car rental desks are also located in the terminal if you prefer to drive. Each option is available right outside the arrivals area.
Yes, Santiago de Compostela Airport operates 24/7, although some services such as cafes, shops, and luggage storage have limited hours. The terminal remains open overnight for late arrivals or early departures. Overnight amenities are minimal, so prepare accordingly if you have a long layover.
Hello, is it possible to sleep at santiago aeroporto during the night? My flight is at 6:00. I have To be there at 4:00. Thanks.
Hi Lydia,
yes, it is possible to sleep at the airport as it is very common for pilgrims to stay overnight.
However, there are no designated places for sleeping.
Best,
GBB Team
Hello,
How do I get from the center of Santiago de Compostela to the airport by bus? What number do I catch? Thank you.
Hi Margaret,
You can reach the airport taking a bus line no. 6.
Best,
GBB Team
Where do I catch Bus no. 6 and where do I buy ticket?
Hi Jocelyn,
apparently, there have been changes in the meantime.
The current bus line which connects the airport to the Santiago de Compostela centre is XG802.
It departs from the Lorenzo stop, about 3-4 minutes from the airport, in front of the Lorenzo restaurant.
You should be able to buy the ticket from the bus driver.
Best,
GBB Team
GB
Hi: What bus will take me from the airport SCQ to Sarria and where is the stop or station?
Thank you.
Hi Dan,
Unfortunately, we cannot confirm whether there is a direct bus from the airport to Sarria. We don’t have the exact information.
However, we suggest you contact the airport directly and double-check.
The most common way to get to Sarria is by taxi. You can also consider taking a private transfer.
Best,
GBB Team
Hi
I will arrive at 18:20 on August the 1st.
Will I be able to get a bus into Santiago de Compostela centre at that time please?
Hi Alex,
there shouldn’t be a problem finding a bus at that time.
However, we suggest you contact the carrier Monbus for more detailed information.
Best,
GBB Team
Hello my first trip to Santiago and am planning to take the bus to the city from the airport. My question is what bus direction and which is the end stop of the bus in the city centre. What is the name of the bus stop in city centre. Thank you.
Hi Jimmy,
the bus station is located right in front of the entrance of the airport.
In the city, the station is Intermodal Station, Horreo 23.
Best,
GBB Team
hi
i am arriving at santiago on mon 3rd july at approx 4pm. i wish to get a bus to the train station in santiago to travel on to sarria.
where is the bus located and what number is it?
thank you
Hi,
bus line XG802 departs right in front of the terminal and takes you directly to the train station.
Best,
GBB Team
Hello, my flight arrives at 11pm, will the bus still be operating around 11.30pm?
Hi Sam,
apparently, buses operate till late in the evening (00:30 am), so catching a bus should not be a problem.
However, I would recommend checking the information with the carrier, just to be on the safe side.
Best,
GBB Team
Hi
Which bus and where from ? Do I get a bus from Santiago de compestela to the airport please
Thanks Wendy
Hi Wendy,
consider taking a bus line XG802001 from the main bus station in the city.
It takes you directly to the airport.
Best,
GBB Team
Hi, my flight gets at Santiago at 22:55, but the bus schedule seems to stop at 20:52 (https://appassets.mvtdev.com/map/149/l/4815/41533509.pdf) are there any alternative services?
Many thanks
Teresa
Hi Teresa,
consider a taxi or a private transfer as an alternative option in this case, as they are available 24/7.
Best,
GBB Team
Hi,
I’m flying in at midnight and have a connecting flight at 10am.
Can I stay at airside and zzzzz there and wait for my connecting flight or do I have to go through departures and re-enter through security again?
Regards,
Gareth
Hi Gareth,
airports of this size usually close the security checkpoints during the night. Still, I advise you to contact the airport directly to get the most accurate information.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team
does the airport shuttle bus go to the Estación de Autobuses de Santiago de Compostela? my flight is due for 23.15 on 16 Th April, I want to book a hotel near Estación de Autobuses de Santiago de Compostela.
Hi Martin,
yes, the airport shuttle bus in Santiago de Compostela does go to the Santiago de Compostela Bus Station.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team
Is there an Airport Shuttle bus stop in Santiago de Compostela centre? for There was when I was last in Santiago de Compostela in 2019.
Thank you in advance
Hi Josephine,
yes, there still is an airport shuttle bus stop in the center of Santiago de Compostela.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team
Hello, can you please tell where the airport shuttle bus is in Santiago and where can I find a schedule? And what is the name of the bus? Thank you!
Hi Rita,
the airport shuttle buses in Santiago are operated by TurBus and Centropuerto. Centropuerto runs from Santiago Airport to Los Héroes with stops at key metro stations, operating every 10 minutes from 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM, and every 30 minutes from 11:15 PM to 5:30 AM. TurBus connects the airport with downtown locations, running every 30 minutes from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Both services depart from the first level, exit gate 4. Tickets can be purchased from the driver or at the airport.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team
Hi I want to take a bus to the SCQ from the santiago chapel at 10:30. is it possible? what bus should I take and where? thank you
Hi Sein,
yes, you can take the 6A bus from Santiago Chapel to Santiago de Compostela Airport. The 6A bus departs from the city center every 20-40 minutes and takes about 30-40 minutes to reach the airport. Tickets cost approximately €3 and can be purchased on the bus.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team
Hi
Are the airport shuttle bus and the #6 the same bus?
If they are different, where do they each stop in the city centre, is the price the same and do they take the same amount of time to get to the city centre?
Thank you!
Hi Chris,
the airport shuttle and the #6 bus are different services. The shuttle bus is more direct and costs €3, while the #6 bus is cheaper at €1.55 but takes longer due to more stops. Both serve central locations like Plaza de Galicia, but the shuttle is quicker and more frequent.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team