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
Data verified in September 2026 · Exact timetables: always check the official links.
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 |
Leave your car and walk
If you come by car to start the Camino, you can leave it here while you walk. Sarria has plenty of private long-stay car parks designed for pilgrims — some fenced with CCTV, and several offering a very handy service: your car is driven to Santiago for you when you finish the walk.
- Book your spot ahead in high season (May–October): they fill up.
- There are also luggage-transfer services between stages and taxis and transfers geared to pilgrims (airport pickups, baggage transport, your car taken to Santiago at the end).
- Need names and phone numbers? The tourist office (Antiga Prisión, Rúa da Mercé 8 · +34 982 53 06 68) has the up-to-date list and will help you book.
Note: there are no car rental offices in Sarria — drop-off is in Santiago, Lugo or A Coruña.
Arriving as a pilgrim
- Pilgrim credential: get yours at the Santa Mariña church (Rúa Maior), at the Mosteiro da Magdalena albergue, or at many other albergues; hours vary, so ask at your albergue on arrival.
- Credential stamps: you can stamp it almost anywhere — most albergues, hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and tobacconists will put their stamp on it — but the tourist office does not stamp credentials.
- 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.
