How to Get to Palas de Rei: All Transport Options

How to get to Palas de Rei: all transport options

Palas de Rei is a key stop on the Camino Francés, located in the province of Lugo in the heart of Galicia. Although it is a small town, it has good transport connections. Here are all the ways to get there.

By plane

The nearest airports to Palas de Rei are:

• Santiago de Compostela (SCQ): 65 km away, the closest and best-connected airport. Direct flights from Madrid, Barcelona, London, Frankfurt, Rome and many other cities. From the airport you can take a bus to Santiago city centre and then a bus to Palas de Rei.
• A Coruña (LCG): 110 km away. Flights from Madrid, Barcelona and London. Fewer frequencies than Santiago.
• Vigo (VGO): 150 km away. Flights from Madrid, Barcelona and European destinations with Ryanair.

Tip: Santiago airport is the best option for proximity and flight frequency. Compare prices across all three airports because Vigo or A Coruña sometimes have cheaper low-cost flights.

By train (RENFE)

There is no train station in Palas de Rei. The nearest stations are:

• Sarria: 30 km away. Trains from Madrid (5 hours on ALVIA), Barcelona and other cities. From Sarria you can take a bus or taxi to Palas de Rei, or start walking the Camino (2 stages).
• Lugo: 45 km away. Trains from A Coruña and Monforte de Lemos. Frequent buses from Lugo to Palas de Rei.
• Santiago de Compostela: 65 km away. High-speed AVE from Madrid (2h30), trains from all major cities. Bus connection to Palas de Rei.

Booking: Buy tickets at [renfe.com](https://www.renfe.com) in advance for the best prices.

By bus (Monbus)

The bus company Monbus operates services that stop in Palas de Rei:

• Santiago – Lugo: This route has a stop in Palas de Rei. Several daily services. Approximately 1h15 from Santiago.
• Lugo – Palas de Rei: 45 minutes, several departures per day.
• From Madrid/Barcelona: Take a bus to Santiago or Lugo and change to Palas de Rei.

Timetables and tickets: Check [monbus.es](https://www.monbus.es) for up-to-date schedules.

By car

Palas de Rei is accessible by road from all major Galician cities:

• From Santiago: Via the AP-54 motorway to the Palas de Rei exit. 50 minutes. Also via the N-547 national road (toll-free), 1h15.
• From Lugo: Via the N-547 towards Santiago. 40 minutes.
• From A Coruña: AP-9 to Santiago then AP-54. 1h30.
• From Madrid: A-6 to Lugo then N-547. Approximately 5h30.

Parking: Palas de Rei has free parking at the fairground area and on several streets in the centre. If you stay at Casa Andaina, we can advise you on the best parking spots nearby.

Walking the Camino Francés

The most traditional way to arrive. Palas de Rei is on the stage coming from Portomarín:

• From Portomarín: 25 km, one day of walking (6-7 hours)
• From Sarria: 2 stages (47 km total). Sarria – Portomarín (22 km) + Portomarín – Palas de Rei (25 km)
• From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: Approximately 28-30 stages on the full Camino Francés

Taxi from the airport

If you prefer comfort and arrive at Santiago airport, you can book a taxi or private transfer:

• Taxi Castro: Local taxi service in Palas de Rei. Contact them for transfers from Santiago, Sarria or Lugo.
• Estimated price: Santiago to Palas de Rei approximately 70-80 EUR (negotiable for groups)
• Shared transfer: Some companies offer shared pilgrim transfers at lower prices

Backpack transport

If you start walking from Sarria and want to arrive light in Palas de Rei, you can send your backpack ahead:

• Jacotrans: The most popular service. They collect your backpack from your accommodation and deliver it to the next one. 5-7 EUR per transfer.
• Correos del Camino: The Spanish postal service for pilgrims. Drop your backpack at a post office or collection point.
• Booking: Arrange the service the night before or first thing in the morning.

At Casa Andaina we are in the centre of Palas de Rei, just metres from the bus stop and the yellow arrows of the Camino. We are happy to help with any transport arrangements you need.