How to Get to Galicia: A Complete Guide from Abroad
Discover International Connections to Travel to Galicia
Galicia, located in the northwest of Spain, is a fascinating region that combines breathtaking natural landscapes, a rich history, and world-renowned gastronomy. Despite its location in a corner of the Iberian Peninsula, Galicia is well-connected to the rest of the world, making it easier than it seems to explore this magical land.
In this guide, we will explain how to travel to Galicia from different parts of the world. From the United States and South America to European countries such as the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Germany, and Portugal, you’ll find useful information about the main airports, direct flights, and the best transportation combinations. Additionally, we’ll highlight practical options to help you plan your trip effortlessly.
Explore all the alternatives to reach Galicia and get ready to discover a region that combines the best of nature, culture, and Spanish hospitality.
1. From the United States
Travelling from the United States to Galicia is straightforward, even though there are no direct flights to Galician airports. The journey can be efficiently managed through connections at major Spanish and European hubs.
- Flights: Major US airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines offer direct flights from cities like New York (JFK), Miami (MIA), Chicago (ORD), and Washington (IAD) to Madrid-Barajas (MAD) and Barcelona-El Prat (BCN). From these airports, you can connect with domestic flights operated by airlines such as Iberia and Vueling to Galician airports: Santiago de Compostela (SCQ), Vigo (VGO), and A Coruña (LCG).
- Connections via Europe: Another option is to fly from the US to European cities like London-Heathrow (LHR), Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), or Frankfurt (FRA), and then take direct flights to the aforementioned Galician airports. Airlines such as Lufthansa, Air France, and British Airways facilitate these connections.
- Train from Madrid: If you prefer a combination of air and rail travel, you can fly to Madrid and then take a high-speed train (AVE or Alvia) to Galician cities such as Ourense, Santiago de Compostela, and A Coruña. Train travel times from Madrid range from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the destination.
Thanks to these options, reaching Galicia from the United States is convenient, with multiple alternatives tailored to your needs.
2. From South America
Travelling from South America to Galicia is straightforward, thanks to air connections from major countries in the region. Although there are no direct flights to Galician airports, you can easily reach Galicia with stopovers in Madrid or Barcelona, the main entry points to Spain.
- Argentina: From Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires, there are direct flights to Madrid-Barajas (MAD) operated by Iberia, Aerolíneas Argentinas, and Air Europa. From Madrid, you can connect with flights to Santiago de Compostela (SCQ), Vigo (VGO), and A Coruña (LCG).
- Mexico: From Mexico City International Airport (MEX), airlines such as Iberia and Aeroméxico offer direct flights to Madrid. From there, you can find numerous connections to Galicia via domestic flights or trains.
- Colombia: El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogotá connects directly to Madrid through airlines like Iberia, Air Europa, and LATAM. From Madrid, continuing to Galicia is simple and convenient.
- Brazil: From São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), airlines such as Iberia, Air Europa, and LATAM offer direct flights to Madrid. Flights are also available from Rio de Janeiro with similar options.
Thanks to these air connections, travelling from South America to Galicia is convenient, especially using international hubs in Madrid and Barcelona as transfer points to Galician airports.
3. From the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, offers excellent connections to Galicia, thanks to its geographic proximity and a wide range of direct and connecting flights.
- England: From London-Heathrow (LHR) and London-Gatwick (LGW), airlines like British Airways, Vueling, and Ryanair offer direct flights to Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ). There are also options to A Coruña (LCG) from secondary airports such as London-Stansted (STN).
- Scotland: From Edinburgh (EDI) and Glasgow (GLA), the most common options include flights with stopovers in London or Madrid. Airlines such as British Airways and Ryanair facilitate these connections.
- Ireland: From Dublin (DUB), there are direct flights to Santiago de Compostela operated by Ryanair, with a flight duration of approximately 2 hours. Flights to A Coruña with stopovers in Madrid are also available.
With these options, travelling from the United Kingdom to Galicia is fast and efficient, offering a wide variety of routes tailored to different needs.
4. From Italy
Italy, known for its cultural and historical ties with Spain, offers multiple options to travel to Galicia. Although there are no direct flights to Galician airports, convenient routes are available with stopovers at major Spanish and European hubs.
- Flights from Rome: From Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino International Airport (FCO), airlines such as Iberia and Vueling offer flights to Madrid (MAD) and Barcelona (BCN). From these airports, you can connect to domestic flights to Santiago de Compostela (SCQ), A Coruña (LCG), or Vigo (VGO).
- Flights from Milan: From Milan-Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Milan-Linate Airport (LIN), flights to Madrid and Barcelona are available, operated by Ryanair, Iberia, and Vueling. From these destinations, connections to Galicia are fast and frequent.
- Other cities: From smaller airports such as Naples (NAP) or Bologna (BLQ), you can fly with stopovers in Madrid or Barcelona to reach Galicia. Low-cost airlines like Ryanair are common options.
Connections from Italy to Galicia are flexible and convenient, leveraging major hubs in Madrid and Barcelona for onward travel to this beautiful region.
5. From France
France, due to its geographic proximity to Spain, offers excellent connections to Galicia, including both direct flights and routes with stopovers at major European hubs.
- Direct flights: From Paris-Orly Airport (ORY) and Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), airlines such as Vueling and Ryanair offer direct flights to Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ). These flights take approximately 2 hours.
- Flights with stopovers: From other cities like Lyon (LYS), Bordeaux (BOD), and Toulouse (TLS), connections are often made via Madrid or Barcelona. Airlines like Air France and Iberia are the primary choices.
- Train: For those who wish to combine air and rail travel, it is possible to fly to Madrid or Barcelona from France and then take high-speed trains (AVE) to Galicia. This combination is ideal for travellers looking for a more scenic journey.
With these options, travelling from France to Galicia is convenient and accessible, especially from the country’s main cities.
6. From Germany
Germany, one of the main sources of tourism to Spain, offers excellent connections to Galicia through a wide network of direct flights and routes with stopovers from its major cities.
- Direct flights: From Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC), airlines such as Lufthansa and Ryanair offer direct flights to Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ). These flights take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Flights with stopovers: From other cities like Berlin (BER), Hamburg (HAM), and Stuttgart (STR), it is possible to fly to Madrid or Barcelona, and from there connect to flights to Galician airports such as Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, or Vigo. Airlines like Iberia, Air Europa, and Vueling are common choices.
- Train from Madrid: Another interesting option is to fly to Madrid and continue to Galicia via high-speed trains (AVE). The journey from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Options from Germany to Galicia are varied, with direct routes from major cities and convenient connections through hubs in Madrid
7. From Portugal
Portugal, Galicia's direct neighbour, offers excellent connections by plane, train, and car, making it one of the most convenient entry points to this region of Spain. Below are the main options:
- Planes: From Portugal's main airports, such as Lisbon Airport (LIS) and Porto Airport (OPO), there are direct flights to Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ). These routes are mainly operated by TAP Air Portugal and Iberia, with an average flight duration of 1 hour.
- Car: Driving from Portugal to Galicia is a very popular option due to the geographic proximity:
- From Porto: Via the A3 motorway, you can reach Vigo in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. From there, you can continue to other Galician cities.
- From Lisbon: The journey via the A1 and A3 motorways to Santiago de Compostela takes around 5 hours.
- Train: Portugal offers convenient train connections to Galicia:
- Celta Express: A rail service connecting Porto to Vigo in about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
- From Lisbon: You can take a train to Porto and then connect with the Celta Express to Galicia.
With these options, travelling from Portugal to Galicia is simple and convenient, whether by plane, car, or train, depending on your preferences and starting point.
8. From the Netherlands
The Netherlands, with its major air hub in Amsterdam, offers multiple options to reach Galicia thanks to efficient connections with key Spanish and European airports.
- Direct flights: From Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport (AMS), airlines such as Vueling and KLM offer direct flights to Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ). The average flight duration is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Flights with stopovers: For connections from other Dutch cities like Rotterdam or Eindhoven, the most common stopovers are in Madrid or Barcelona. From these points, it’s easy to connect to flights to Galician airports.
With these options, travelling from The Netherlands to Galicia is convenient and quick, ideal for tourists seeking nature and culture.
9. From Belgium
Belgium, thanks to its strategic location in Europe, offers good air connections to Galicia, facilitating access for international travellers.
- Direct flights: From Brussels Airport (BRU), airlines such as Ryanair and Vueling operate direct flights to Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ). These flights have an approximate duration of 2 hours and 10 minutes.
- Flights with stopovers: From cities like Antwerp or Charleroi, it is common to have stopovers in Madrid or Barcelona. Airlines such as Brussels Airlines and Iberia offer multiple connection options.
Thanks to these alternatives, travellers from Belgium have convenient and efficient routes to discover Galicia.
10. From the Nordic Countries
The Nordic countries, including Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, are connected to Galicia through air routes that combine direct and connecting flights.
- Direct flights: Although there are no direct flights to Galician airports, it is possible to fly from Stockholm (ARN), Oslo (OSL), or Copenhagen (CPH) to Madrid (MAD) or Barcelona (BCN). From there, airlines such as Iberia and Vueling offer connections to Santiago de Compostela (SCQ), A Coruña (LCG), and Vigo (VGO).
- Connections with stopovers: Airlines such as SAS, Norwegian, and Ryanair facilitate routes with stopovers in European hubs such as Frankfurt, Paris, or London.
With these options, travellers from the Nordic countries can enjoy easy and practical access to Galicia, whether to explore its nature or rich culture.
Discover the Magic of Galicia
Galicia is not just a destination; it’s an experience that attracts travellers from all over the world with its spectacular landscapes, unique history, and rich culture. Although located in the northwest of Spain, reaching this magical land is easier than you might think, thanks to excellent international connections.
Whether you’re coming from America, Europe, or any other corner of the globe, each route to Galicia offers the opportunity to discover a destination that blends tradition, nature, and hospitality. From its paradisiacal beaches to its cities full of history, Galicia awaits with open arms.
Plan your trip now and discover everything Galicia has to offer to the world!
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