Santiago de Compostela Airport is small and easy to navigate — good news if you are managing children, bags, and the general fatigue of family travel. The transfer into the city is short, and with a little planning, it can be completely smooth.
Child car seats in taxis
Spanish law requires children under 135 cm to use an approved child restraint in vehicles. However, taxis in Spain are frequently exempt from strict enforcement of this rule, and most taxi drivers at SCQ do not carry child seats. If your child is small enough to need one, you have two practical options: bring your own from home, or book a private transfer and request a seat when you make the reservation.
If you book a transfer, be specific about the type of seat you need — rear-facing infant carrier, forward-facing toddler seat, or booster. Providers can usually arrange the right one if given a few days' notice.
Luggage with a family
A family of four with two large suitcases, a stroller, and carry-on bags will fill a standard taxi. If you add a car seat to that equation, space gets tight. A minivan transfer is a more comfortable option — you can specify luggage count and child equipment at the time of booking, so the vehicle that arrives actually fits everything.
If you are arriving after walking a portion of the Camino with children (it is increasingly common), you may have hiking packs and additional gear. This is worth mentioning when arranging transport.
The airport experience with kids
SCQ is not a stressful airport. The terminal is modern, clean, and compact. Baggage reclaim is a short walk from the gates. There are restrooms in the arrivals area, though no dedicated baby-changing room — changing facilities are within the standard restrooms.
There is a small cafe in the arrivals hall if you need to grab a snack or drink before heading out. The terminal has free Wi-Fi for looking up directions or contacting your transfer provider.
Getting to the old town
The old town of Santiago has narrow cobblestone streets that are pedestrianized in many areas. If your hotel is deep in the casco historico, your driver may need to drop you at the nearest accessible street. It helps to know the exact access point for your accommodation and communicate this to your driver.
With a stroller, the cobblestones can be bumpy. A compact, sturdy stroller handles the old town better than a full-size travel system.
Recommended approach for families
Book a private transfer if you have young children. Request a child seat at the time of booking. Specify all luggage and equipment. The cost difference over a taxi is modest, and the peace of mind — knowing the right vehicle with the right seat is waiting — is worth it after a day of travel. For families with older children and lighter luggage, a taxi from the rank works perfectly well.