Santiago de Compostela Airport is 12 km from the city center, and the transfer is one of the simpler ones in Spain. Pricing is transparent, and there are options for every budget.
Taxi fares from SCQ
Taxis at Santiago airport use meters, and fares are regulated by the local authority. A ride to the city center — whether that is the bus station area, the old town, or most hotels — costs approximately 21 to 25 EUR. This includes a standard airport supplement of a few euros that is automatically added to the meter.
Fares do not change dramatically by time of day. There is a small nighttime surcharge (typically after 10 PM) and on weekends or holidays, but the difference is only a euro or two. You will not encounter surprise pricing.
Airport bus (Line EA)
The cheapest option is the airport bus, which costs approximately 3 EUR per person. It runs every 30 minutes during peak hours and connects the airport with the bus station and a stop near the old town. The journey takes about 25-30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased from the driver with cash or contactless payment.
For a solo budget traveler with a backpack, this is perfectly adequate. For families with luggage, it is less practical.
Pre-booked private transfer prices
A standard sedan transfer from SCQ to central Santiago costs between 30 and 50 EUR. This covers the vehicle, not per person, so for two or more travelers it becomes competitive with two bus tickets plus the hassle factor.
Larger vehicles — minivans for groups of 5-8 — range from 50 to 80 EUR. If you are a group of pilgrims finishing the Camino together, splitting a minivan transfer can work out to about 10 EUR per person, which is reasonable for door-to-door service.
Transfers to destinations outside Santiago
If you are heading beyond Santiago — to the coast, to Pontevedra, or to towns along the Camino — costs increase with distance. Approximate transfer prices:
- Pontevedra: 80-110 EUR
- Vigo: 120-160 EUR
- A Coruna: 90-130 EUR
- Cambados / Rias Baixas: 90-120 EUR
Payment and tipping
Taxis accept cash and most accept credit cards, though it is wise to carry some cash as a backup. Pre-booked transfers are typically paid online at the time of booking.
Tipping taxi drivers in Spain is not obligatory. Rounding up to the nearest euro or adding a euro for good service is common but not expected. There is no pressure.