If you plan to walk the Camino de Santiago in 2026, please note that Santiago de Compostela–Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ) will be fully closed from 23 April to 27 May 2026 for runway renovation and upgrades. During that period, no flights will arrive or depart. The closure will also include night-time restrictions before and after this window for ongoing maintenance.
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Impact on Pilgrims Walking the Camino
Many pilgrims use Santiago Airport – Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ) to begin or end their Camino journey. If your Camino finishes in Santiago de Compostela during those 35 days, your usual return route may be affected.
When Santiago Airport is closed on these dates, you will need to make alternative travel arrangements using nearby airports and available transport connections. Options include flying into or out of airports such as A Coruña (LCG), Vigo (VGO), Porto (OPO), Lisbon (LIS), Madrid (MAD) or Barcelona (BCN).
To help minimise any disruption, support is available with organising these alternatives. Private airport transfers can be arranged, and clear guidance on the most suitable bus or train routes can also be provided.
Alternative Airports for Pilgrims to Fly Into
When Santiago Airport is closed, you can consider using alternative airports nearby. The two closest options are A Coruña Airport (LCG) and Vigo Airport (VGO). Both are conveniently connected to Santiago de Compostela—around two hours away by bus or about one hour by private airport transfer, which we can provide.
- A Coruña (LCG) – about 70 km north of Santiago de Compostela.
- Vigo (VGO) – approximately 90 km south of Santiago de Compostela.
For transatlantic travel, Barcelona (BCN) and Madrid (MAD) provide excellent links to international destinations. Both cities are well connected to Santiago de Compostela by bus or train, making onward travel straightforward. Porto (OPO) and Lisbon (LIS) are also well served by international flights, offering additional convenient options for overseas travellers.
- Barcelona, Spain (BCN) – approximately 1,000 km from Santiago de Compostela, with excellent train and flight connections. The journey takes about 10 hours by car or around 6 hours and 30 minutes by bus or train.
- Madrid, Spain (MAD) – located about 600 km (370 miles) from Santiago de Compostela. Travel time is roughly 6 hours by car, or around 3 hours and 30 minutes by bus or train, with frequent and reliable services available.
- Porto, Portugal (OPO) – located roughly 230 km south of Santiago de Compostela, with frequent train services available. Travel time is about 2 hours and 30 minutes by car, or approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes by bus or train.
- Lisbon, Portugal (LIS) – approximately 530 km south of Santiago de Compostela, with regular train connections. The journey takes around 5 hours by car, or about 8 hours by bus or train.
All of these airports provide convenient travel options to reach the Camino starting points or to return home once you have completed your journey. For the latest schedules and ticket prices, be sure to check bus and train services on platforms such as Trainline, Renfe, and Rome2Rio.
Recommended Routes by Arrival Airport
From A Coruña Airport (LCG) or Vigo Airport (VGO)
These airports are the closest airports to Santiago de Compostela. From both, it’s easy to take a train or coach to Santiago in under two hours. You can then begin popular routes like the Camino Francés, Camino Inglés, or Camino Portugués.
You can book train tickets from either A Coruña or Vigo to Santiago de Compostela through Trainline or Renfe. Alternatively, Rome2Rio offers easy-to-follow information for travelling from A Coruña or Vigo to Santiago.
The following routes are all easily accessible via A Coruña Airport (LCG):
- The last 100km of the Camino Francés from Sarria to Santiago
- The last 100km of the Camino Inglés from Ferrol to Santiago
- The last 75km of the Camino Inglés or ‘Celtic Camino’ from A Coruña
The following routes are all easily accessible via Vigo Airport (VGO):
- Camino Portugués Coastal from Vigo to Santiago last 100km
- Easy Camino Portugues Coastal from Vigo to Santiago
- Camino Francés From Sarria to Santiago Last 100km
- Camino Finisterre From Santiago to Muxia
- Camino Primitivo from Lugo to Santiago Last 100km
From Porto Airport (OPO) or Lisbon Airport (LIS)
Flying into Porto is ideal for pilgrims walking the Camino Portugués route. Trains and buses connect Porto to towns like Baiona and Vigo, both of which are common starting points. Rome2Rio offers easy-to-follow information for travelling from Porto to Baiona or Vigo.
The following routes are all easily accessible via Porto Airport (OPO):
- Camino Portugues Coastal from Vigo to Santiago last 100km
- Full Camino Portugues Coastal from Porto to Santiago
- Cycling the Camino Portugues Coastal from Porto to Santiago
- Short Break on the Camino Portugues from Porto 3 days
- Easy Camino Portugues Coastal from Vigo to Santiago
The following routes are all easily accessible via Lisbon Airport (LIS):
From Madrid Airport (MAD) or Barcelona Airport (BCN)
From Madrid or Barcelona, you can reach Santiago by high-speed train the AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) or long-distance coach. These routes are longer, but they offer flexibility and a wider choice of International flights. You can book train tickets from Madrid or Barcelona to Santiago de Compostela easily through Trainline or Renfe. Alternatively, Rome2Rio offers easy-to-follow information for travelling from Madrid or Barcelona to Santiago.
The following routes are all easily accessible via Madrid Airport (MAD) and Barcelona Airport (BCN):
- Via de la Plata from Ourense to Santiago Last 100km
- Full Camino Frances from Saint-Jean to Santiago
- Camino Frances From Sarria to Santiago Last 100km
Planning Tips for Pilgrims
- Book flights and trains early to get the best connections for your Camino route. For the best train and bus options and prices, visit websites like Rome2Rio, Renfe or Trainline.
- Account for extra travel time and costs if using alternative airports. For the best flight options and prices, visit websites like Skyscanner or Kayak.
- Let your us know about changes so we can adjust your airport or luggage transfers or accommodation accordingly.
- If you have already booked your Camino for the dates between 23 April and 27 May 2026, your airline should contact you directly to offer alternative travel arrangements.
FAQ: Camino‑Related Airport Questions
Will SCQ reopen in time if I walk in May 2026?
Unfortunately, Santiago Airport (SCQ) will be closed until 27 May 2026. If you are planning to walk in late April or May, we kindly recommend using one of the alternative airports listed above for your travel arrangements.
Can I still finish in Santiago and travel home easily?
Yes, absolutely – you can complete your walk in Santiago and then travel onwards by train or bus to another airport for your return journey. A Coruña Airport (LCG) and Vigo Airport (VGO) are not too far from Santiago and offer convenient connections. There are also options to reach larger airports such as Porto (OPO), Lisbon (LIS), Madrid (MAD), or Barcelona (BCN), depending on your travel plans.
Will my luggage transfers still work?
Yes, certainly – our trusted providers will continue to transfer your luggage each day to your next accommodation, just as usual. This service will remain in place throughout your journey, ensuring you can enjoy your walk comfortably without the burden of carrying your bags. You can simply focus on the experience, knowing your luggage will be waiting for you at the end of each day.
Will my airport transfers still work?
Yes, your private airport transfers can still be arranged. We are happy to provide private airport transfers to and from nearby airports, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey. If you prefer public transport, we can also offer detailed guidance on the best bus or train connections from alternative airports such as A Coruña, Vigo, Porto, Lisbon, Madrid, or Barcelona. Whatever your choice, we’ll help you find the most convenient option to suit your travel plans.
Are the alternative airports well connected?
Yes – A Coruña and Vigo have reliable local transport links to Santiago de Compostela. Porto, Lisbon, Barcelona, and Madrid are also well connected by frequent train and bus services. For the most accurate travel times and prices, check platforms like Rome2Rio, Trainline, or Renfe. If you’re looking for the best flight options and travel logistics, websites such as Skyscanner or Kayak are helpful tools. Private airport transfers can also be arranged for a more comfortable journey.
Final Thoughts
The closure of Santiago Airport from 23 April to 27 May 2026 will require some minor adjustments for pilgrims, but it doesn’t need to disrupt your Camino plans. By using alternative airports like A Coruña, Vigo, Porto, or Madrid, and combining flights with train or bus travel, you can still enjoy your Camino journey without hassle.
Book early, plan ahead, and allow extra time for transfers. The Camino will still be waiting for you – peaceful paths, stunning views, and warm welcomes. Get in touch for more details about Camino routes or help planning your journey. You can also create a personalised quote using our Camino Planner. Buen Camino!
