Vigo, Spain to Santiago de Compostela

[theduffys]

Okay friends, I did try to do a search but the system is down. We will be in Vigo from 8-5 and would like to go to Santiago on our own. Has anyone done this? Train, bus or car hire? Where are the stations or rental agencies? All help is appreciated. Our cruise line offers an excursion that includes a visit to some gardens and a lunch which we think won't give us too much time in Santiago.

[cruiseluv]

Hi,

 

You are smart to want to do it on your own. I have been to Santiago twice and spent 4 days each time! I never get bored of that place. It is very special.

 

Go to the following thread:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=735188

 

 

i just posted a link there to a thread posted by people on a cruise that contracted with a local tour firm that picked them up in Vigo. They had a good experience. I think that given the time you have in port , that's a better option that take the train on your own from Vigo.

 

Good luck!

[samscruiser]

We went to Santiago in 2004 from Vigo. Shared a private guide arranged through Shore Tours . com. Set up the sharing arrangement through our roll call board.

We enjoyed our guide and the trip to Sanitago.

[keltic]

You have several ways to get here.

 

-Train: Get a cab at the port, to get directly to the station. Hourly trains, 90 minutes ride, and about 14 euros return. Once in Santiago, walk up Rua do Horreo, cross Plaza Galicia, and you will getting into the old town. Tourist office is located in Rua Do Vilar.

http://www.renfe.es (for the train timetables).

 

-Rent a cab for the whole morning. Well, bargain in advance. I advise not to pay more than 120 euros, and a bit more if you are sharing it with other passengers.

 

-Excursion or contact a private tours agency. Just check in http://www.santiagoturismo.com/ It´s the city´s official tourist websit. You can use the ship excursion. The city is the one with the most number of parks in the whole country, so I suppose that´s what they refer when they mention "gardens". Some tours go to Pazo de Oca, a nice manor house, close here famous for the gardens.

 

-Then you could rent a car. There´s a 88 km motorway, the whole way, and takes you about 50 minutes to get here. Once in the city, the San Juan XXIII parking is the most convinient for the old town.

 

-Scheduled buses. Quick, effective and not too expensive either. Takes just an hour, and the Santiago Bus Station is five minutes walk from the old town. Monbus is the company which operates the route. Disadvantage. You would need a cab for the Bus Station in Vigo. http://www.monbus.es/index2.htm

 

Anyway, you will love my city.

[theduffys]

Thank you Keltic, for the great information. I am still trying to decide how to get to your wonderful city but, we are determined to see it!!

[keltic]

For any further details, don´t hesitate in asking.