Whether it’s planned or a surprise, a layover in Santiago gives you a genuine shot at exploring somewhere new. The trip from SCQ to the city takes roughly 50 minutes by Airport Bus (Freire), and we’ve put together this guide to help you spend your time wisely.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Three things to verify before you walk out of SCQ:
- Can you legally enter Spain? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 50-minute journey each way by Airport Bus (Freire), you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the EUR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Exploring Santiago on a Layover
For a layover visit to Santiago, we’d suggest Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and Praza do Obradoiro. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
The architecture is worth seeing, even from the outside. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
If you’d rather stay inside SCQ — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Lagardère Duty Free
- Airport Souvenir Shops
Food Worth Trying
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Santiago: Abastos 2.0 and Bodegón de Xulia. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for La Pausa or Starbucks. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Getting from SCQ to Santiago
You have two main options for getting from Santiago de Compostela Airport into town:
- Airport Bus (Freire): About 50 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 70 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Money & Budget Tips
Quick budget math for your Santiago layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$9 |
| Meal | ~$17 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$36 |
Cards are increasingly accepted in Santiago, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
What to Do With Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at SCQ may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Santiago’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at SCQ for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Santiago or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Sleep & Lounge Options at SCQ
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at SCQ.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Santiago count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave SCQ. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.