Tips to do the Camino
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Are you planning on doing the Camino in April or May 2026? Flying to Santiago or back home from there may get complicated. From April 23rd to May 26th, Rosalía de Castro-Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) will remain closed.
This situation forces thousands of pilgrims arriving to Galicia for starting the Camino de Santiago to chose an alternative airport or other means of transport. And to those who finish their pilgrimage in Compostela to find other ways to go back home.
We tell you the causes of this temporary closure of the Santiago Airport and what transportation alternative choices does the pilgrim count on when it comes to travelling to Compostela or going back home at the end of the Camino.
Santiago de Compostela airport closure dates
AENA has confirmed that the Rosalía de Castro-Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) will remain closed from April 23rd to May 26th 2026 due to imrpovement works on the track.
Will flights be operating during these dates at Santiago Airport? No, improvement works in the tarmac compel the total closure of the airport.
Despite the programmed dates for the works are from April 23rd to May 26th,
A pesar de que las fechas de las obras programadas son del 23 de abril al 26 de mayo, tal y como hemos dicho, operational restrictions and possible reductions in operating hours are expected before and after these dates.
Because of that, pilgrims wishing to fly to Santiago between April and June will have to plan their trips in advance.
Airports near Santiago
Galicia counts on two other airports in addition to the one in Santiago. These are Alvedro-A Coruña (LCG), situated 67 kilometers from Compostela, and Peinador-Vigo (VGO), 98 kilometers away.
Pilgrims flying to Vigo and A Coruña for starting their Camino de Santiago or travelling back home from there can reach both places by train or bus. Also, the three cities are connected by turnpile AP-9.
And for those who want to do the Camino de Santiago and don't have available flights to Vigo or A Coruña, there are some others alternative ones.
One of the most famous ones, especially among international pilgrims, is Adolfo Suárez-Madrid Barajas (MAD). From Madrid it is possible to reach Galicia by train, bus or plane.
Another good option for international pilgrims, especially for those coming from the U.S., Germany or Italy, is Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto (OPO), Portugal. It it the best connected airport in the Iberian Peninsula, with daily bus and train lines to Santiago.
Can I start my Camino without flying to Santiago?
The answer is yes. You can start the Camino de Santiago without passing through the capital, it just will be harder in terms of logistics.
Santiago counts on train connections from different points of Spain and even of Portugal. Different options can be consulted at the Renfe site.
Santiago de Compostela is also well connected by bus. Everyday, the city counts on several Alsa, Monbus, Flixbus and Arriva lines.
From Santiago, connections with the starting point of your Camino will remain as scheduled.
You have to consider that, as you are not flying directly to Santiago, some of the most popular starting points in Galicia needn't pass through its capital.
For example, you can reach Sarria by bus, transfering in Lugo. Tui can be reached by bus from Vigo or by train from Porto. And you can get to Ferrol combining a train to Coruña and a bus. And Ourense, directly by train.
How can I return home from Santiago if the airport is closed?
It is also possible to travel back home after finishing the Camino de Santiago without having to go through Lavacolla Airport.
As with the arrival, you can travel from Santiago by train and bus to different points of Spain and Portugal.
In addition, as we already explained, Vigo and A Coruña airport are connected to Santiago by train and bus, just as the Madrid, Porto an Lisboa ones.
Correos helps you in your Camino de Santiago
So that you don't have to worry about anything other than enjoying the Camino de Santiago experience, we would like to remind you that Correos offers services to help you with the logistics.
If you are going to do the Camino de Santiago on two wheels, remember that you can use the Paq Bicicleta service, which will send your bike to your starting point or back to you at the end of your journey. We do this from one post office to another, with special packaging and insurance cover of €300, which can be extended.
Are you going to make several transfers? Don't want to carry your backpack or suitcase? The Correos Paq Peregrino is at your disposal. You can send your luggage directly to Santiago de Compostela or to your home at the end of your Camino.
And if you don't want to walk with heavy loads once you're on the road, remember that the Paq Mochila is perfect for you. A postman will come by first thing in the morning to collect your backpack and take it to your next accommodation while you enjoy the Camino.
The Paq Mochila is available from March 16th on the main routes of the Camino de Santiago and can be booked now.
We hope these tips will help you plan your Camino de Santiago in 2026. We hope you enjoy it.
Buen Camino!
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