How to Get to Sarria to Start the Camino de Santiago

Everything You Need to Know About Getting to Sarria

Sarria is the most popular starting point of the Camino Francés and the place chosen by thousands of pilgrims every year to walk the final 100 kilometres to Santiago de Compostela. If you’re planning your trip, it’s only natural to wonder how to get to Sarria, especially if you’re travelling by plane, train, bus or car.

In this guide, you’ll discover the main ways to reach Sarria from Santiago de Compostela, Santiago Airport, Madrid and Barcelona. You’ll also find a comparison of the different travel options, approximate journey times, and our recommendations to help you choose the option that best suits your itinerary.

If you’d rather not worry about the logistics, at Santiago Ways we organise your Camino Francés from Sarria with carefully selected accommodation, luggage transfer and all the information you need so you can simply enjoy the experience.

Getting to Sarria at a Glance

Best Ways to Reach Sarria Depending on Your Starting Point

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How to Get from Santiago to Sarria

If you’re arriving in Santiago de Compostela, there are several ways to travel to Sarria, the most popular starting point of the Camino Francés. You can make the journey by bus, train or car, and each option offers different advantages depending on your budget, available time and the level of flexibility you’re looking for.

In most cases, the bus is the most practical way to get to Sarria. It offers direct connections, affordable fares, and drops you just a few minutes from the historic centre, where the pilgrimage begins.

Bus from Santiago to Sarria

The bus is the most popular means of transport between Santiago de Compostela and Sarria. There are direct services every day, and the journey usually takes between 2 hours and 2 hours 45 minutes, depending on the timetable and scheduled stops.

Buses depart from the Santiago de Compostela Intermodal Station, located next to the train station, and arrive at Sarria Bus Station, just a short walk from the historic centre.

If you’re travelling during the high season, it’s advisable to check the timetables in advance, as they may vary depending on the time of year.

Train from Santiago to Sarria

The train also connects Santiago de Compostela with Sarria, although it runs less frequently than the bus and, depending on the schedule, may require a transfer.

The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on the service you choose. Sarria train station is about a 10-minute walk from the historic centre, allowing you to start the Camino without needing any additional transport.

If the timetables fit your travel plans, the train can be a convenient option for starting your route.

Getting to Sarria by Car

Travelling by car is a great option if you’d like to explore Galicia before starting the Camino or if you’re travelling with companions.

Sarria is approximately 120 kilometres from Santiago de Compostela, a journey that usually takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes via the A-54 and A-6 motorways.

If you plan to leave your vehicle in Sarria for several days, it’s advisable to check in advance the available parking areas or long-stay car parks.

What’s the Best Way to Travel from Santiago to Sarria?

If you’re looking for the best combination of convenience, price and accessibility, the bus remains the most recommended option for most travellers.

The train can be an excellent choice if its timetables suit your itinerary, while travelling by car offers greater flexibility for organising your trip and discovering other parts of Galicia before starting the Camino.

How to Get from Santiago Airport to Sarria

If you land at Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ) and your destination is Sarria, there are several ways to complete the journey. Although there is no direct public transport service between the airport and this town in Lugo, getting there is straightforward by combining different means of transport or booking a private transfer.

The most common way to begin the journey is to travel first to the Santiago de Compostela Intermodal Station and then continue by bus to Sarria. This combination offers a good balance between convenience, journey time and cost.

Bus from Santiago Airport to Sarria

The most popular option is to take the bus connecting Santiago Airport with the city centre. From the Intermodal Station, you can then connect with one of the services travelling to Sarria.

The complete journey usually takes between 2 hours 30 minutes and 3 hours, depending on your flight arrival time and the waiting time between the two connections.

To minimise waiting times, it is advisable to check the timetables in advance and plan your journey before landing.

Train from Santiago Airport to Sarria

If you prefer to travel by train, you will first need to get from the airport to Santiago de Compostela train station and continue from there to Sarria.

Although this is a comfortable option, trains generally run less frequently than buses and, depending on the selected service, may require a transfer. For this reason, many travellers choose to complete the journey by road.

Private Transfer

If comfort is your priority or you are travelling in a group, a private transfer can be an excellent choice.

The driver will collect you directly from the terminal and take you to your accommodation in Sarria, avoiding waiting times, transfers and the need to adapt your journey to public transport schedules. This option is particularly convenient if you arrive on a late-night flight, are carrying a lot of luggage or simply prefer to begin the Camino with complete peace of mind.

What Is the Best Way to Get from Santiago Airport to Sarria?

For most travellers, the combination of a bus to the Santiago de Compostela Intermodal Station followed by a bus to Sarria remains the most practical option thanks to the wide range of available departure times and its reasonable cost.

However, if you are looking for a more comfortable journey or are travelling with others, a private transfer will allow you to reach Sarria directly without changing vehicles.

How to Get to Sarria from Madrid

Travelling from Madrid to Sarria is relatively straightforward thanks to the good train, air and road connections. Your choice will mainly depend on how much time you have available and how you prefer to organise the journey before starting the Camino de Santiago.

Generally speaking, the train offers the best balance between comfort, journey time and sustainability, while flying is a good alternative if you find a flight that fits your schedule.

Train from Madrid to Sarria

The train is one of the most comfortable ways to travel from Madrid to Sarria. Depending on the service, the journey can be made on a direct train or with a change in Ourense or Lugo.

The journey usually takes between 4 and 5 hours, making it a very practical option for travellers who want to avoid additional transfers after arriving in Galicia.

Sarria train station is also just a few minutes’ walk from the historic centre, allowing you to start the Camino with ease.

Flying from Madrid

Another option is to fly from Madrid to Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport. Once there, you will need to travel to the Santiago de Compostela Intermodal Station and continue your journey by bus to Sarria.

Although flying reduces the time spent in the air, once airport transfers, security checks and the onward connection are taken into account, the difference compared with travelling by train is often smaller than it may seem.

This option is particularly attractive if you find competitive fares or are already planning to fly for other reasons.

Driving from Madrid to Sarria

If you prefer complete freedom, travelling by car allows you to organise the journey at your own pace and make stops along the way.

The distance between Madrid and Sarria is approximately 500 kilometres, and the journey usually takes around five hours via the A-6 motorway.

This option is particularly suitable for groups or travellers who want to use the trip as an opportunity to discover other parts of Galicia before beginning the pilgrimage.

What Is the Best Way to Get to Sarria from Madrid?

For most travellers, the train remains the most balanced option thanks to its comfort, good connections with Sarria and the possibility of avoiding unnecessary transfers.

If you want to minimise travel time and find a conveniently timed flight, flying can also be a good choice. Travelling by car, meanwhile, offers greater flexibility for those who prefer not to depend on timetables or would like to explore Galicia before starting the Camino.

How to Get to Sarria from Barcelona

If you are travelling from Barcelona, the best way to reach Sarria will depend on the balance you are looking for between speed, comfort and budget. Although several options are available, flying to Santiago de Compostela and then taking a bus to Sarria is usually the most popular choice among travellers starting the Camino Francés.

You can also complete the entire journey by train or travel by car. Both options offer greater flexibility but require more travel time.

Flying from Barcelona

Flying is the fastest way to travel from Barcelona to Galicia. There are frequent flights to Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport, from where you can continue your journey to Sarria.

After landing, the usual option is to travel to the Santiago de Compostela Intermodal Station and take a bus to Sarria. Depending on your flight schedule, the complete journey generally takes around 4 or 5 hours, including the connections.

When booked in advance, this is often one of the best options in terms of journey time and cost.

Train from Barcelona to Sarria

You can also travel by train, although the journey is considerably longer than flying and generally requires one or more changes.

The total journey time usually exceeds 10 hours, making this option better suited to travellers who prefer to avoid flying or would like to enjoy the journey at a more relaxed pace.

Once you arrive in Sarria, you can easily reach the historic centre and start the Camino without needing any additional transport.

Driving from Barcelona to Sarria

Travelling by car gives you complete freedom to organise your itinerary and discover different places before beginning the pilgrimage.

The journey between Barcelona and Sarria covers more than 1,000 kilometres, so driving generally takes around 10 or 11 hours, depending on traffic and the stops you make along the way.

For this reason, it is usually a more attractive option for travellers who want to turn the journey into a road trip or share the driving with others.

What Is the Best Way to Get to Sarria from Barcelona?

For most travellers, flying to Santiago de Compostela and continuing by bus to Sarria remains the most practical combination, as it significantly reduces the journey time without making the travel arrangements too complicated.

The train can be a good choice if you prefer to avoid flying, while travelling by car offers greater flexibility to explore Galicia or complete the journey at your own pace before starting the Camino.

What Is the Best Way to Get to Sarria?

The best way to reach Sarria will depend on your starting point, the time available and the type of journey you want to make. Although all the options allow you to begin the Camino de Santiago comfortably, some are more practical depending on where you are travelling from.

If you are already in Santiago de Compostela, the bus is usually the most recommended option thanks to its direct connections and good balance between price and journey time.

Travellers coming from Madrid will find the train to be one of the most balanced alternatives, while those travelling from Barcelona usually combine a flight to Santiago de Compostela with a bus to Sarria to minimise the overall journey time.

However, if you value the flexibility to organise your journey at your own pace or want to visit other places before beginning the pilgrimage, travelling by car can be an excellent choice.

Comparison of the Options for Getting to Sarria

What Do We Recommend at Santiago Ways?

• If you are arriving in Santiago de Compostela, the bus is the most convenient and popular option among pilgrims.
• If you are travelling from Madrid, the train usually offers the best balance between journey time and comfort.
• If you are coming from Barcelona, flying to Santiago and then taking a bus to Sarria is usually the fastest option.
• If you want maximum flexibility, travelling by car will allow you to organise the journey at your own pace.

Planning your timetables and connections in advance will help you begin the Camino de Santiago with peace of mind and avoid unexpected problems on your first day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to Sarria

If you are planning your Camino de Santiago, it is normal to have questions about the best way to get to Sarria. These are some of the most common questions among pilgrims.

What Is the Easiest Way to Get to Sarria?

If you are travelling from Santiago de Compostela, the bus is usually the most convenient option thanks to its direct connections and good balance between journey time and price. From other cities, the best choice will depend on your starting point and the itinerary you have planned.

Are There Direct Buses to Sarria?

Yes. Direct buses run between Santiago de Compostela and Sarria throughout the year. If you arrive at Santiago Airport, you will first need to travel to the Intermodal Station to connect with one of these services.

How Do You Get to Sarria from Santiago Airport?

The most common option is to travel from Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport to the Santiago de Compostela Intermodal Station and then take a bus to Sarria. You can also choose a private transfer if you are looking for a more comfortable and direct journey.

Is It Better to Travel by Car or Public Transport?

If you are looking for a practical and straightforward option, public transport is usually the best choice. Travelling by car, however, gives you greater freedom to organise your journey, stop along the way or discover other parts of Galicia before starting the Camino.

Where Does the Camino de Santiago Start in Sarria?

The Camino Francés begins in the historic centre of Sarria, very close to the Church of Santa Mariña. From there, you will walk the final 100 kilometres to Santiago de Compostela, the minimum distance required to obtain the Compostela, provided that you meet the other requirements established by the Pilgrim’s Office.

Conclusion

Getting to Sarria is easy thanks to the good connections by bus, train, plane and car. The best option will depend on your starting point, although planning your journey in advance will allow you to begin the Camino de Santiago with greater peace of mind and avoid unexpected problems along the way.

If you have already decided to begin your adventure from Sarria, at Santiago Ways we organise every detail so that you can simply enjoy the experience. We offer carefully selected accommodation, luggage transfer, 24-hour assistance and the support of an expert team so that you can walk the Camino Francés in complete comfort.