Which Camino Airport is Best For You?

Which Airport Should You Fly Into for the Camino de Santiago?

A common question we get is: what’s the best airport for starting the Camino de Santiago? The answer depends on which route you’re taking.

This guide breaks down the main airports you should consider, based on the Camino route you’re walking. While it’s usually easy to find flights into Spain, not all airports are close to every route—some Caminos start hundreds of kilometres apart. Since some full routes take up to five weeks, you might fly into one airport and leave from another.

Below, we list the key airports—major hubs, regional options, and Santiago itself—so you can pick the one that fits your route. Keep reading to find the most convenient airport for your Camino.

Airports for last 100kms Caminos

Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ)

Fly into Santiago de Compostela Airport (Rosalía de Castro Airport) to start the last 100 km of every Camino routes—like the Camino Francés from Sarria, Portugués from Vigo, Inglés from Ferrol or from Celtic Camino from A Coruna, Camino de Invierno, Espiritual from Vigo, and Camino del Norte from Vilaba. Santiago is also the starting point for the Camino Finisterre. Most pilgrims fly home from this airport, whether directly or via Madrid or Barcelona.

Direct international flights are limited. You’ll mostly find direct options from Dublin, London, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt—major hubs for connecting from the U.S. and Asia.

Vigo Airport (VGO)

Vigo airport is a great entry point for walking the last 100 km of the Camino Portugués from Vigo to Santiago. It’s a small airport with limited international flights—mainly to London and Dublin—and mostly serves domestic routes like Madrid, Barcelona, and Bilbao.

Vigo also puts you within reach of the final stretch of most Camino routes: the Camino Francés from Sarria, Portugués from Vigo, Inglés from Ferrol or from Celtic Camino from A Coruna, Camino de Invierno, Espiritual from Vigo, Camino del Norte from Vilaba, and the Camino Finisterre.

A Coruna Airport (LCG)

A Coruña airport sits right at the start of the Camino Inglés or the Celtic Camino from A Coruña to Santiago—a route historically used by pilgrims from Ireland and the UK. Since this trail is under 100 km, some pilgrims walk part of their Camino in Ireland to qualify for the Compostela, which is why it’s called the Celtic Camino. The airport is small, with domestic flights to Madrid and Barcelona and limited international service to London.

A Coruña is also within reach of the final stretch of most Camino routes: the Camino Francés from Sarria, Portugués from Vigo, Inglés from Ferrol or from Celtic Camino from A Coruna, Camino de Invierno, Espiritual from Vigo, Camino del Norte from Vilaba, and the Camino Finisterre.

Airports for the Camino Frances

Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ)

Fly into Santiago de Compostela Airport (Rosalía de Castro Airport) to start the last 100 km of every Camino routes—like the Camino Francés from Sarria, Portugués from Vigo, Inglés from Ferrol or from Celtic Camino from A Coruna, Camino de Invierno, Espiritual from Vigo, and Camino del Norte from Vilaba. Santiago is also the starting point for the Camino Finisterre. Most pilgrims fly home from this airport, whether directly or via Madrid or Barcelona.

Direct international flights are limited. You’ll mostly find direct options from Dublin, London, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt—major hubs for connecting from the U.S. and Asia.

Vigo Airport (VGO)

Vigo airport is a great entry point for walking the last 100 km of the Camino Portugués from Vigo to Santiago. It’s a small airport with limited international flights—mainly to London and Dublin—and mostly serves domestic routes like Madrid, Barcelona, and Bilbao.

Vigo also puts you within reach of the final stretch of most Camino routes: the Camino Francés from Sarria, Portugués from Vigo, Inglés from Ferrol or from Celtic Camino from A Coruna, Camino de Invierno, Espiritual from Vigo, Camino del Norte from Vilaba, and the Camino Finisterre.

Biarritz Airport (BIQ)

Located in southern France, Biarritz Airport (Biarritz Pays Basque Airport) is the perfect access point for those hoping to walk the Camino Frances, starting in Saint Jean Pied de Port and Camino del Norte from San Sebastian. The airport is just a 40-minute drive across the France/Spain border to San Sebastian in the Basque country and the starting point of the Northern Way.

Airports for the Camino Portugues

Porto Airport (OPO)

If you fly into Porto airport (Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport), you are perfectly positioned to walk the camino from Porto or cycle the Camino Portugues from Porto. You can walk the full route to Santiago or choose to do a section. Porto is a city gem, and you can explore the centre in a day or two, so it’s the perfect place to start your Camino. You may need to get a flight connection in Lisbon en route to Porto or when you are flying home, depending on your final destination.

Vigo Airport (VGO)

Vigo airport is a great entry point for walking the last 100 km of the Camino Portugués from Vigo to Santiago. It’s a small airport with limited international flights—mainly to London and Dublin—and mostly serves domestic routes like Madrid, Barcelona, and Bilbao.

Vigo also puts you within reach of the final stretch of most Camino routes: the Camino Francés from Sarria, Portugués from Vigo, Inglés from Ferrol or from Celtic Camino from A Coruna, Camino de Invierno, Espiritual from Vigo, Camino del Norte from Vilaba, and the Camino Finisterre.

Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ)

Fly into Santiago de Compostela Airport (Rosalía de Castro Airport) to start the last 100 km of every Camino routes—like the Camino Francés from Sarria, Portugués from Vigo, Inglés from Ferrol or from Celtic Camino from A Coruna, Camino de Invierno, Espiritual from Vigo, and Camino del Norte from Vilaba. Santiago is also the starting point for the Camino Finisterre. Most pilgrims fly home from this airport, whether directly or via Madrid or Barcelona.

Direct international flights are limited. You’ll mostly find direct options from Dublin, London, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt—major hubs for connecting from the U.S. and Asia.

Lisbon Airport (LIS)

If you fly into Lisbon airport (Humberto Delgado Airport), you can start the Camino Portugues from Lisbon and walk all the way to Santiago, or walk a shorter section. From Lisbon, you can also catch a connecting flight to Porto, or alternatively, take a 3-hour train from Lisbon to Porto. This would enable you to start the Camino Portugues from Porto and walk or cycle this section of the coastal route. The Rota Vicentina, also known as the Fisherman’s Trail, is also accessible from Lisbon, and the starting point of Porto Covo is located less than 2 hours from Lisbon’s airport.

Airport for the Camino del Norte

Bilbao Airport (BIO)

Fly to Bilbao Airport to benefit from an enviable location on the Camino del Norte. From here, you can walk at the start of the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian. The closest route to you is, of course, a week-long walk from Bilbao to Santander. You can also get a transfer to San Sebastian when you land and end up spending a week walking from San Sebastian to Bilbao, with your Camino culminating in Bilbao.

Santander Airport (SDR)

Santander airport gives you direct access to the lovely section of the Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander or the rest of the Camino del Norte, one of the more scenic coastal routes to Santiago. It also puts you within reach of the Camino Francés starting from Logroño or camino from Burgos, and the Camino Primitivo from Oviedo—the oldest and one of the most challenging Camino routes.

This is a small airport with mostly domestic flights to Madrid and Barcelona, but it also offers limited international connections, including flights to London and other European hubs.

Biarritz Airport (BIQ)

Located in southern France, Biarritz Airport (Biarritz Pays Basque Airport) is the perfect access point for those hoping to walk the Camino Frances, starting in Saint Jean Pied de Port and Camino del Norte from San Sebastian. The airport is just a 40-minute drive across the France/Spain border to San Sebastian in the Basque country and the starting point of the Northern Way.

San Sebastian Airport (EAS)

Mostly domestic – If you land at San Sebastian airport, you can walk the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao or the full Camino del Norte from San Sebastian to Santiago. This wonderful city is home to a wide array of high-quality restaurants. It’s a food lover’s paradise and the perfect place to begin your Camino.

Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ)

Fly into Santiago de Compostela Airport (Rosalía de Castro Airport) to start the last 100 km of every Camino routes—like the Camino Francés from Sarria, Portugués from Vigo, Inglés from Ferrol or from Celtic Camino from A Coruna, Camino de Invierno, Espiritual from Vigo, and Camino del Norte from Vilaba. Santiago is also the starting point for the Camino Finisterre. Most pilgrims fly home from this airport, whether directly or via Madrid or Barcelona.

Direct international flights are limited. You’ll mostly find direct options from Dublin, London, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt—major hubs for connecting from the U.S. and Asia.

Airport for the Camino Primitivo

Asturias Airport (OVD)

This airport will give you easy access to Oviedo, which is less than an hour away. From Oviedo, you can walk the full Camino Primitivo all the way to Santiago de Compostela. The Camino Primitivo was first used by pilgrims from Asturias in the 9th century and continues to be a charming route to explore. Asturias Airport serves many European destinations and has good flight connections with Madrid, Barcelona, Paris and Milan.

Santander Airport (SDR)

Santander airport gives you direct access to the lovely section of the Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander or the rest of the Camino del Norte, one of the more scenic coastal routes to Santiago. It also puts you within reach of the Camino Francés starting from Logroño or camino from Burgos, and the Camino Primitivo from Oviedo—the oldest and one of the most challenging Camino routes.

This is a small airport with mostly domestic flights to Madrid and Barcelona, but it also offers limited international connections, including flights to London and other European hubs.

Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ)

Fly into Santiago de Compostela Airport (Rosalía de Castro Airport) to start the last 100 km of every Camino routes—like the Camino Francés from Sarria, Portugués from Vigo, Inglés from Ferrol or from Celtic Camino from A Coruna, Camino de Invierno, Espiritual from Vigo, and Camino del Norte from Vilaba. Santiago is also the starting point for the Camino Finisterre. Most pilgrims fly home from this airport, whether directly or via Madrid or Barcelona.

Direct international flights are limited. You’ll mostly find direct options from Dublin, London, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt—major hubs for connecting from the U.S. and Asia.

Airport for the Via Francigena

Rome Airport (FCO)

The Italian capital has two airports, but the main airport is Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Fiumicino. You can easily access the last 100km of the Via Francigena from Viterbo to Rome from this airport. If you hope to walk the Via Francigena in Tuscany, your flight connection will likely go through this Roman airport. Alternatively, you can board a train from Rome to Florence in the heart of Tuscany.

Pisa Airport (PSA)

The best airport for the Via Francigena in Tuscany is undoubtedly Pisa airport. From Pisa, Lucca is just a short 30-minute train ride away. This is also the best airport for the Full Via Francigena. Siena is less than 2 hours from Pisa, so this airport is ideal for getting home after your Via Francigena adventure. If you are coming from outside Europe, you may have a connecting flight through Rome, Milan, Madrid or Barcelona before reaching Pisa.

Florence Airport (FLR)

If you fly into Florence, your best Camino route is the Via Francigena in Tuscany. Florence is located in the heart of Tuscany, and the city is well worth a visit in its own right. From the airport (Florence Airport Peretola), Lucca is less than 100km away, as is Siena so this airport will work very well for your walk from Lucca to Siena. This is a good airport for starting the Full Via Francigena. If you are coming from outside Europe, you may have a connecting flight through Rome, Milan, Madrid or Barcelona before reaching Florence.

Airport for the Camino de Invierno

Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ)

Fly into Santiago de Compostela Airport (Rosalía de Castro Airport) to start the last 100 km of every Camino routes—like the Camino Francés from Sarria, Portugués from Vigo, Inglés from Ferrol or from Celtic Camino from A Coruna, Camino de Invierno, Espiritual from Vigo, and Camino del Norte from Vilaba. Santiago is also the starting point for the Camino Finisterre. Most pilgrims fly home from this airport, whether directly or via Madrid or Barcelona.

Direct international flights are limited. You’ll mostly find direct options from Dublin, London, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt—major hubs for connecting from the U.S. and Asia.

Vigo Airport (VGO)

Vigo airport is a great entry point for walking the last 100 km of the Camino Portugués from Vigo to Santiago. It’s a small airport with limited international flights—mainly to London and Dublin—and mostly serves domestic routes like Madrid, Barcelona, and Bilbao.

Vigo also puts you within reach of the final stretch of most Camino routes: the Camino Francés from Sarria, Portugués from Vigo, Inglés from Ferrol or from Celtic Camino from A Coruna, Camino de Invierno, Espiritual from Vigo, Camino del Norte from Vilaba, and the Camino Finisterre.

A Coruna Airport (LCG)

A Coruña airport sits right at the start of the Camino Inglés or the Celtic Camino from A Coruña to Santiago—a route historically used by pilgrims from Ireland and the UK. Since this trail is under 100 km, some pilgrims walk part of their Camino in Ireland to qualify for the Compostela, which is why it’s called the Celtic Camino. The airport is small, with domestic flights to Madrid and Barcelona and limited international service to London.

A Coruña is also within reach of the final stretch of most Camino routes: the Camino Francés from Sarria, Portugués from Vigo, Inglés from Ferrol or from Celtic Camino from A Coruna, Camino de Invierno, Espiritual from Vigo, Camino del Norte from Vilaba, and the Camino Finisterre.

Airports for the Camino Espiritual

Vigo Airport (VGO)

Vigo airport is a great entry point for walking the last 100 km of the Camino Portugués from Vigo to Santiago. It’s a small airport with limited international flights—mainly to London and Dublin—and mostly serves domestic routes like Madrid, Barcelona, and Bilbao.

Vigo also puts you within reach of the final stretch of most Camino routes: the Camino Francés from Sarria, Portugués from Vigo, Inglés from Ferrol or from Celtic Camino from A Coruna, Camino de Invierno, Espiritual from Vigo, Camino del Norte from Vilaba, and the Camino Finisterre.

Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ)

Fly into Santiago de Compostela Airport (Rosalía de Castro Airport) to start the last 100 km of every Camino routes—like the Camino Francés from Sarria, Portugués from Vigo, Inglés from Ferrol or from Celtic Camino from A Coruna, Camino de Invierno, Espiritual from Vigo, and Camino del Norte from Vilaba. Santiago is also the starting point for the Camino Finisterre. Most pilgrims fly home from this airport, whether directly or via Madrid or Barcelona.

Direct international flights are limited. You’ll mostly find direct options from Dublin, London, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt—major hubs for connecting from the U.S. and Asia.

A Coruna Airport (LCG)

A Coruña airport sits right at the start of the Camino Inglés or the Celtic Camino from A Coruña to Santiago—a route historically used by pilgrims from Ireland and the UK. Since this trail is under 100 km, some pilgrims walk part of their Camino in Ireland to qualify for the Compostela, which is why it’s called the Celtic Camino. The airport is small, with domestic flights to Madrid and Barcelona and limited international service to London.

A Coruña is also within reach of the final stretch of most Camino routes: the Camino Francés from Sarria, Portugués from Vigo, Inglés from Ferrol or from Celtic Camino from A Coruna, Camino de Invierno, Espiritual from Vigo, Camino del Norte from Vilaba, and the Camino Finisterre.

Airports for the Camino Finisterre

Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ)

Fly into Santiago de Compostela Airport (Rosalía de Castro Airport) to start the last 100 km of every Camino routes—like the Camino Francés from Sarria, Portugués from Vigo, Inglés from Ferrol or from Celtic Camino from A Coruna, Camino de Invierno, Espiritual from Vigo, and Camino del Norte from Vilaba. Santiago is also the starting point for the Camino Finisterre. Most pilgrims fly home from this airport, whether directly or via Madrid or Barcelona.

Direct international flights are limited. You’ll mostly find direct options from Dublin, London, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt—major hubs for connecting from the U.S. and Asia.

Vigo Airport (VGO)

Vigo airport is a great entry point for walking the last 100 km of the Camino Portugués from Vigo to Santiago. It’s a small airport with limited international flights—mainly to London and Dublin—and mostly serves domestic routes like Madrid, Barcelona, and Bilbao.

Vigo also puts you within reach of the final stretch of most Camino routes: the Camino Francés from Sarria, Portugués from Vigo, Inglés from Ferrol or from Celtic Camino from A Coruna, Camino de Invierno, Espiritual from Vigo, Camino del Norte from Vilaba, and the Camino Finisterre.

A Coruna Airport (LCG)

A Coruña airport sits right at the start of the Camino Inglés or the Celtic Camino from A Coruña to Santiago—a route historically used by pilgrims from Ireland and the UK. Since this trail is under 100 km, some pilgrims walk part of their Camino in Ireland to qualify for the Compostela, which is why it’s called the Celtic Camino. The airport is small, with domestic flights to Madrid and Barcelona and limited international service to London.

A Coruña is also within reach of the final stretch of most Camino routes: the Camino Francés from Sarria, Portugués from Vigo, Inglés from Ferrol or from Celtic Camino from A Coruna, Camino de Invierno, Espiritual from Vigo, Camino del Norte from Vilaba, and the Camino Finisterre.

Airports for the Camino Ingles and Celtic Camino

Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ)

Fly into Santiago de Compostela Airport (Rosalía de Castro Airport) to start the last 100 km of every Camino routes—like the Camino Francés from Sarria, Portugués from Vigo, Inglés from Ferrol or from Celtic Camino from A Coruna, Camino de Invierno, Espiritual from Vigo, and Camino del Norte from Vilaba. Santiago is also the starting point for the Camino Finisterre. Most pilgrims fly home from this airport, whether directly or via Madrid or Barcelona.

Direct international flights are limited. You’ll mostly find direct options from Dublin, London, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt—major hubs for connecting from the U.S. and Asia.

Large International Hubs

If you are flying to the Camino from the United States of America, Australia or Asia, you will likely be flying into one of the following international airports. These airports are hives of activity, and you can catch a domestic connecting flight closer to your starting point or, alternatively, catch a train or bus to where you want to go.

Madrid Airport (MAD)

If you fly into Madrid airport, your closest Camino route is the Camino Frances. Madrid Airport (Adolfo Suárez Madrid Barajas International Airport) is a short hop away from all the Camino starting points if you get a flight connection. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus to several stops along the French Way. For example, Pamplona and Logrono are just under 4 hours from Madrid by bus, and Burgos is just under 2 hours from Madrid.

Barcelona Airport (BCN)

The capital of Catalunya, Barcelona, is another huge European airline hub. From Barcelona, the closest Camino route is the French Way, with Pamplona being a 4-hour train ride away. Flight connections at Barcelona Airport (Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport) will take you to any domestic airport along the various Camino de Santiago routes from the Northern Camino, Camino Frances, and Portuguese Way.

Paris Airport (CDG)

If you land in Paris, your closest Camino Route is the Camino Frances. From Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can get the TGV close to the starting point of the French Way, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. This is the main starting point for pilgrims wishing to walk the full Camino Frances from Saint-Jean to Santiago, the ultimate challenge along the Way of St James.

Milan Airport (MXP)

A huge international airport, flying into Milan Malpensa Airport will give you access to the Via Francigena in Tuscany or even the full Via Francigena route. You will need a flight connection here to Rome, Pisa or Florence airport or, alternatively, a train. Italy’s train service runs throughout the length of the country.

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We hope this article about Camino Access Points helps you make the most of your Camino planning and travel from your home country. If you have any questions about accessing a Camino airport or need help planning your own adventure, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

We offer transfers to get you from the airports to the Camino start points, and if you need information, our team are always here to help. For more information about where to begin your Camino, be sure to read our article about the best Camino starting points.