How to get to Galicia
By Plane
In Galicia there are 3 airports: Santiago de Compostela, the most utilized, Vigo, and A Coruña, with a small terminal. Another frecuently used airport for the south area is Sa Carneiro, in Porto, Portugal. It’s a fast connection with Vigo and the frequencies and varied destinations are the reasons to use it.
Coming from Madrid? Maybe you would like to see my post of how to make the best of 1 day in the city.
To/from Santiago de Compostela
There is a bus connecting the airport with the Train Station. L6 operates daily, every 20 minutes from Monday to Saturday, and every 30 minutes on Sundays and bankholidays. The service starts at 6 (2 first ones every 30 minutes) and finishes at 22.00. To go from Santiago airport to A Coruña city, the service is covered by Travidi, while Freire» goes to Lugo. There is no direct connection to Vigo or Ourense. You should go to the Train Station o Bus station.
Taxis have a published fare if you go from the airport to the city. On the opposite direction, from the city to the airport, the price is 21€. Every single taxi in Santiago has a visible taximeter, so you can check the quantity. If you carry cases, they add an extra for each one in the boot. There are 2 stops near the Old Quarter: Plaza de Galicia (24 hs) and on Av. Xoan XXIII. You can also call one, if you prefer: +34 981 56 92 92.
There are car rental companies at the airport, and near the train station. You can also book a transfer, if you prefer.
To/from Vigo
For Vigo, please, see my updated post here.
To/from A Coruña
To connect Alvedro Airport with the city centre, pick ASICASA (ASC) bus. They stop at Puerta Real, leaving every 30 minutos from 7,15 to 21.45. Less frequencies on weekends and bankholidays. Pay the ticket directly to the driver: 1,55 El billete se paga en el bus, y cuesta 1,55 €.
There’s a direct connection from the Airport to Santiago de Compostela with Travidi. But, to get to any of the other cities, you should go first to the Train or Bus Station.
Alvedro Airport has rental car services, transfers and taxis (under rate). A Coruña is the only Galician city where Cabify service is available. You must book at least 15 minutes before.
By Car
The bigger routes to/from Galicia are: A8, from Bilbao; A3 from Portugal; A6 and A52 from Madrid. Nowadays they are easy to follow, paying attention to any GPS directions. If coming from Madrid, you might pay special attention in Benavente. You have to take 2 detours: the first one to Galicia-León (North west), and the second one to Galicia, choosing A Coruña (north) or Pontevedra (south).
There’s a motorway crossing the whole region of Galicia, like a spinal column, from Vigo to A Coruña. It’s AP-9, one of the more expensive motorways in the country. The service areas are at (from S to N): km 144, just crossing Rande Bridge, km 114 near Salnés, km 81, before arriving to Santiago de Compostela, km 39, midway between Santiago and A Coruña.
The alternative is to lead national route, crossing small towns and villages, a scenic route to countryside. The local road infrastructure is quite developed. You can find any place by following national, provincial or regional routes.
By Train
AVE (high velocity train) runs in Galicia between Vigo and A Coruña. There’s AVE from Madrid to Ourense as well, connecting with the main Galician cities.
Other no so modern trains connect with Northern Spain: a line leads to Barcelona, and another to Irun, in Basque Country.
MD trains (medium distance) connects with cities and towns in the region. See maps below.
The connection with Portugal runs from Vigo- Porto, with only 2 daily departures. The leg between Vila Praia de Áncora and river Miño estuary is particularly beautiful.
Tickets are for sale on Renfe.com , or calling+34 912 320 320, or directly at main Train Stations.
By Boat
On this link» you will find a list with details of some marinas in the region.
Vigo and A Coruña cities have cruiser ports, receiving thousands of passengers every year.