Sarria is the most popular starting point of the Camino de Santiago: one in three pilgrims starts here. And it is easy to reach without a car: there is a direct train from Madrid and a direct bus from Santiago airport.
- Direct train from Madrid · ~4 h
- Direct bus from SCQ airport · ~2 h
- A-6 · salida 488
By train
Sarria station (Rúa Ramón Cabanillas) runs long- and medium-distance trains, with ticket office, parking, taxi rank and step-free access. It is the easiest way to arrive — and the one pilgrims prefer.
Check timetables on Renfe(se abre en una ventana nueva)
By bus
The bus station is on Matías López street, in the town centre. Mind the airport bus: it is the only direct one of the day.
Official timetables on bus.gal(se abre en una ventana nueva)Monbus(se abre en una ventana nueva)ALSA Madrid–Lugo(se abre en una ventana nueva)
By plane: which airport to fly into
Santiago is the reference airport. These are the distances and the best way to complete the journey from each one:
| Airport | To Sarria | Without a car |
|---|---|---|
| Santiago · Rosalía de Castro (SCQ) | ~120 km · 1 h 25 | Direct Monbus ~11:15 from the terminal (~2 h, the only one of the day) · private transfer (~€135) · rental car |
| A Coruña · Alvedro (LCG) | ~135 km · 1 h 40 | Train or bus to Lugo + XG648 (~30 min) |
| Vigo · Peinador (VGO) | ~180 km · 2 h 15 | Bus to Santiago + the 11:00 direct Monbus |
| Asturias (OVD) | ~215 km · 2 h 45 | Bus a Lugo + XG648 |
| Porto (OPO) | ~291 km · 3 h 10 | FlixBus to Santiago + Monbus, or ALSA to Ourense + train. Allow almost a full day |
If you fly into Porto or connect via Madrid: the last leg to Sarria involves changes — book the same-day train/bus with margin, or overnight in Santiago/Lugo and travel in the morning.
By car
On the A-6 motorway (Madrid–A Coruña), take exit 488 towards Sarria/Monforte on the LU-546. From Lugo, the CG-2.2 corridor leaves Sarria about 30 minutes away. The N-540 is in poor condition: avoid it as your main route.
| From | Km | Time | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lugo | 31 | ~30 min | CG-2.2 / LU-546 |
| Monforte de Lemos | 32 | ~30 min | LU-546 N |
| Ourense | 73 | ~1 h | A-52 + CG-2.2 |
| Santiago de Compostela | 113 | ~1 h 20 | AP-9 + A-6 sal. 488 |
| Aeropuerto de Santiago | 120 | ~1 h 25 | AP-9 + A-6 sal. 488 |
| A Coruña | 128 | ~1 h 40 | A-6 |
| Vigo | 167 | ~2 h 15 | AP-9 + AG-53 + A-6 |
| Madrid | ~500 | ~5 h | A-6 sal. 488 |
| Porto | 291 | ~3 h 10 | A-3 + A-52 |
Take me to the tourist office (Google Maps)(se abre en una ventana nueva)
Leave your car and walk
If you come by car to start the Camino, you can leave it here while you walk. Sarria’s long-stay car parks are privately run — book ahead in high season:
- Peregrino Parking Sarria(se abre en una ventana nueva) — fenced car park to leave your car for the days you walk.
- CaminoSarriaSantiago(se abre en una ventana nueva) — covered, alarmed garage in the town centre; option to have your car towed to Santiago.
- PeregrinoTaxi(se abre en una ventana nueva) — parking in Sarria with your car delivered in Santiago at the end.
And if you want to travel light from day one, Correos picks up and ships luggage (and bikes) between stages: elcaminoconcorreos.com(se abre en una ventana nueva). Note: there are no car rental offices in Sarria — drop-off is in Santiago, Lugo or A Coruña.
Arriving as a pilgrim
- Pilgrim credential: issued at the tourist office (Antiga Prisión, Rúa da Mercé 8 · +34 982 53 06 68) and at albergues; call ahead to confirm opening times.
- The 100 km marker: from here it is about 100 km to Santiago — the minimum distance for the Compostela — in 5 stages. The full guide with stages and maps: The Camino de Santiago from Sarria.
- And at the end? To come back for your car (or travel on): bus and train from Santiago with a change at Lugo or Monforte (check bus.gal(se abre en una ventana nueva) y Renfe(se abre en una ventana nueva)). In high season, book the return ticket the same day you arrive in Santiago.
Pilgrim season (May–October and Easter): thousands of pilgrims leave Sarria every week. Book train/bus and your first night’s accommodation in advance.
Quick questions
Does the train from Madrid stop in Sarria?
Yes: there is a direct Alvia (~4 h from ~€20), plus daily connections with a change at Monforte de Lemos or Ourense. Check your train on Renfe, as not all services call at Sarria.
How do I get from Santiago airport to Sarria?
The easiest option is the direct Monbus that calls at the terminal at around 11:15 (~2 h, the only one of the day). Also a private transfer (~€135, ~1 h 15) or a rental car via the A-6 (~1 h 25).
Where do I leave my car while walking the Camino?
At Sarria’s private long-stay car parks: a fenced car park, a covered alarmed garage, and one option that delivers your car in Santiago at the end. Book ahead in high season.
Can I take my bike on the train?
On regional trains it travels free disassembled, and since July 2025 also assembled with the Tren + Bici ticket. On Alvia and AVE it is only accepted disassembled and packed.
How do I get back to Sarria after reaching Santiago?
By bus or train from Santiago with a change at Lugo or Monforte (~2–3 h in total). In high season book the same day you arrive in Santiago.
