Map of Santiago de Compostela Station – Trains, Buses & Entrance Guide

Santiago de Compostela–Daniel Castelao is the principal railway station serving Santiago de Compostela and one of Galicia’s most important transport hubs. It handles high-speed, long-distance and regional trains connecting the city with Madrid, A Coruña, Vigo, Ourense, Pontevedra and other destinations across northwestern Spain.

The station forms part of Santiago’s intermodal transport complex, with the main bus terminal directly connected to the railway facilities. The historic centre, cathedral and final stages of the Camino de Santiago are north of the station.

## Quick Answer

Santiago de Compostela Station is on Rúa do Hórreo, approximately 1 kilometre south of the historic centre. Use the new main entrance facing the station plaza and Rúa do Hórreo for the passenger hall, trains and intermodal bus connections. The cathedral is uphill and usually takes around 15–20 minutes to reach on foot.

## Map of Santiago de Compostela Station

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

## Location and Entrances

The station is located at Rúa do Hórreo 75A, between the city centre, the Sar district and Santiago’s southern neighbourhoods.

The principal visitor entrance opens onto the new public plaza beside Rúa do Hórreo. It is the best entrance for:

- The main passenger hall
- Ticket offices and machines
- High-speed boarding
- Regional train platforms
- The connected bus station
- Taxis and passenger pickup
- Central Santiago

The modern passenger building opened in 2025 above the railway tracks, replacing the former entrance arrangements. Covered and accessible routes descend from the hall to the platforms.

Passengers arriving from the bus terminal can reach the railway facilities through the integrated intermodal complex without making a long street-level transfer.

## Train Services

Santiago de Compostela is served by AVE, Avlo, Alvia, Avant and Media Distancia trains.

Important direct or connecting destinations include:

- Madrid Chamartín–Clara Campoamor
- A Coruña
- Vigo-Urzáiz
- Pontevedra
- Ourense
- Vilagarcía de Arousa
- Lugo connections
- León
- Valladolid
- Barcelona connections

High-speed and long-distance trains connect Santiago with Madrid through Ourense. Some cross-country journeys continue towards Castilla y León, Aragón or Catalonia, although service patterns and direct destinations may vary.

The Atlantic Axis provides frequent regional and fast services between A Coruña, Santiago, Pontevedra and Vigo.

Check whether your service is AVE, Avant, Alvia or Media Distancia because boarding procedures and stopping patterns differ.

## Bus Station and Local Transport

Santiago’s principal bus station forms part of the same intermodal complex.

Regional and long-distance buses provide connections towards:

- Santiago Airport
- A Coruña
- Lugo
- Pontevedra
- Vigo
- Coastal towns
- Communities along Camino routes
- Other Galician destinations

City buses stop around Rúa do Hórreo, Clara Campoamor and nearby streets. These services connect the station with the historic centre, university areas, hospitals and residential districts.

Taxi and passenger pickup areas are available near the intermodal station. Confirm the exact meeting point because railway, bus and parking access may use different sides of the complex.

## Station Layout and Transfers

The new passenger building is elevated above the tracks and contains the principal hall, waiting areas and boarding zone.

Covered accessible passages lead down to the railway platforms. The connected bus station is reached through the wider intermodal complex.

Allow approximately:

- 5–10 minutes to reach most train platforms
- Around 10 minutes between train and bus areas
- At least 20 minutes between separately ticketed services
- Additional time during pilgrimage periods and holidays

High-speed passengers may need to complete ticket inspection and security screening before boarding. Monitor the departure screens because platform information may appear closer to departure.

## Historic Centre and Nearby Landmarks

Santiago’s historic centre is north of the station and can be reached on foot, by city bus or taxi.

Nearby destinations include:

- Praza de Galicia
- Alameda Park
- Santiago Cathedral
- Praza do Obradoiro
- Mercado de Abastos
- University of Santiago
- San Martiño Pinario
- Camino de Santiago finishing area

Praza de Galicia is approximately 10 minutes away on foot. Santiago Cathedral and Praza do Obradoiro generally take around 15–20 minutes.

The route towards the cathedral is uphill in places and includes stone-paved streets. Travellers carrying large bags may prefer a bus or taxi, especially in wet weather.

## Camino de Santiago Connections

The station is commonly used by pilgrims arriving before a Camino route or departing after reaching Santiago.

The cathedral and Pilgrim’s Reception Office are not inside the station district. Continue towards the historic centre by walking, bus or taxi.

Pilgrims transporting bicycles or large backpacks should check the train operator’s luggage and bicycle rules before travel. Restrictions may differ between high-speed and regional trains.

Allow additional time during the busiest pilgrimage months, when trains, buses and accommodation can be heavily booked.

## Airport Connections

Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport is approximately 10 kilometres northeast of the city.

Bus services connect the airport with Santiago, while taxis and private transfers are also available. Confirm the current city stop and timetable before travelling, as airport transport arrangements may change.

The airport does not have a railway station directly at the terminal.

## Facilities and Accessibility

Facilities include ticket offices, ticket machines, departure screens, waiting areas, toilets, cafés, passenger information and bicycle parking.

The modern station provides lifts, accessible boarding routes and covered access between the hall and platforms. Assistance is available for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility.

## Visitor Tips

- Use the new Rúa do Hórreo entrance and station plaza.
- Allow extra time when changing between separately booked trains and buses.
- Expect an uphill walk towards the cathedral.
- Check bicycle and large-luggage rules before travelling.
- Confirm whether your Madrid service uses AVE, Avlo or Alvia.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is the station near Santiago Cathedral?

Yes. The cathedral is approximately 15–20 minutes away on foot.

### What is the station’s official name?

Its official name is Santiago de Compostela–Daniel Castelao.

### Are there direct trains to Madrid?

Yes. High-speed and long-distance trains connect Santiago with Madrid.

### Are there direct trains to A Coruña and Vigo?

Yes. Frequent services operate along Galicia’s Atlantic Axis.

### Is the bus station in the same complex?

Yes. The railway and main bus terminals form an integrated transport complex.

### Can I take a train to Santiago Airport?

No. Use an airport bus, taxi or private transfer.

### Is the walk to the cathedral difficult?

It is manageable but partly uphill and may be inconvenient with heavy luggage.

### Is the station accessible?

Yes. Lifts, covered routes and passenger-assistance services are available.

Related Railway Station Maps

Disclaimer: This map is provided as a general guide. Station entrances, platforms, services and transfer routes may change. Check current information from the relevant railway operator before travelling.