Are you planning to travel from the United States to Santiago de Compostela and don’t know how to get to the heart of Galicia? Don’t worry, we’ll give you a hand! Here we explain which flights are available and which ones are best for you, which airlines offer the best options, estimated prices, flight times and how to arrange transfers and accommodation. Keep reading and start organising your trip with all the information you need!
💡 GALIWONDERS TIP: If you’re flying in for the 2027 Camino Holy Year, book your flights and accommodation well in advance.
Are there direct flights to Santiago de Compostela from the United States?
No, there are no direct flights from the United States to Santiago de Compostela. However, there are several options with one or two stopovers. Most travellers choose to fly to Madrid, Barcelona, London, Frankfurt, Paris or Dublin and then take a connecting flight to Santiago de Compostela. There are also three airports in Galicia (A Coruña, Vigo and Santiago de Compostela). For more information, we recommend the post Airports in Galicia: Where to find them and which one to choose if you do the Camino de Santiago?
What flights are to Santiago de Compostela from the United States?
No, until October 2025 there are no direct flights from the U.S. to Santiago de Compostela. However, starting May 28, 2026, United Airlines will operate direct flights from Newark (New Jersey) to Santiago de Compostela three times a week (Monday, Thursday, and Saturday).
Before that date, there are several options with one or two stops. Most travelers choose to fly to Madrid, Barcelona, London, Frankfurt, Paris, or Dublin and then take a connecting flight to Santiago de Compostela.
In addition, Galicia has three airports (A Coruña, Vigo, and Santiago de Compostela). If you’re curious about this, we recommend reading the post “Airports in Galicia: Where to Find Them and Which One to Choose for the Camino de Santiago.”
PLEASE NOTE! Keep in mind that prices, frequencies and flight times may vary depending on the season and availability. On the other hand, if you are planning to fly with Ryanair for your connecting flight, remember that it has reduced its operations in Santiago de Compostela. In fact, the airline has withdrawn one of its three aircraft based at the airport and reduced its traffic by 28%. Therefore, although it is possible to travel with Ryanair for the final leg of your journey, we do not recommend flying with this airline.
| Departure | Stopover(s) | Airline(s) | Frecuency | Duration | Price |
| New York (JFK) | Madrid Dublin London | Iberia American Airlines British Airways Aer Lingus TAP | High | 10–13 h | From €450–600 |
| Miami (MIA) | Madrid Lisboa | Iberia American Airlines TAP Portugal | High | 11–13 h | From €430–600 |
| Boston (BOS) | Madrid Dublin Paris | Iberia Aer Lingus Air France | High | 10–14 h | From €700–900 |
| Chicago (ORD) | Madrid Frankfurt | Iberia Lufthansa United Airlines | High | 13–16 h | From €700–900 |
| Washington D.C. (IAD) | Madrid Zurich Paris | British Airlines Iberia United Airlines Lufthansa | High | 12–15 h | From €580–700 |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | Madrid London Amsterdam | Iberia British Airways American Airlines Lufthansa Air France | High | 15–18 h | From €800–1,100 |
| Atlanta (ATL) | Madrid Amsterdam | Delta United Airlines KLM Iberia | High | 13–15 h | From €700–850 |
| Dallas (DFW) | Madrid London | Iberia British Airways Finnair American Airlines Delta | High | 13–16 h | From €750–900 |
| San Francisco (SFO) | Madrid Frankfurt | Iberia Air France Lufthansa United Airlines American Airlines Delta | High | 14–17 h | From €900–1,200 |
| Philadelphia (PHL) | Madrid London | American Airlines British Airways Finnair Iberia | High | 12–15 h | From €700–850 |
⭐TIP: Prices may vary depending on the season. The cheapest months are usually between January and March, and the most expensive in July and August. In fact, if you can travel in May, September or October, you will have better weather, fewer crowds and better prices.
We also recommend booking your transfer in advance. You will probably arrive exhausted and want to get to your accommodation as soon as possible to rest. Trust in a specialised company to organise your transfer and accommodation. That way, you won’t have to worry about a thing; just enjoy your destination. At Galiwonders, we love organising trips and do everything for you, thinking of even the smallest details…
☑️ Accommodation management and booking. Professional planning with no surprises. We book hotel stays tailored to your needs and budget.
☑️ Luggage transport. We organise transfers from the airport to your accommodation in Santiago de Compostela.
☑️ Travel insurance. Protects you financially in situations that could be very costly.
☑️ 24-hour telephone assistance. Delays, lost luggage, cancellations, medical emergencies… you can contact someone who can advise and help you in your language at any time of the day.
FAQs
Do I need a visa to enter Spain from the United States?
No, US citizens do not need a visa for stays of less than 90 days in the Schengen area, including Spain. However, from 2025 onwards, it will be necessary to register with the ETIAS system (an electronic permit similar to the US ESTA).
Which other airports can I fly to if I can't find a direct flight to Santiago?
If you can’t find flights to Santiago de Compostela from the U.S., you can fly to A Coruña Airport, which is about 65 km from Santiago, or Vigo Airport. You also have the option to land at Porto Airport, which is just two and a half hours by road from Santiago de Compostela. We can also arrange your transfer to Santiago from any of these points.
Additionally, starting May 28, 2026, you can fly directly from Newark (New Jersey) to Santiago de Compostela with United Airlines, three times a week (Monday, Thursday, and Saturday), avoiding connections and making your trip much more comfortable.
What is the weather like in Galicia?
Galicia has an oceanic climate, which means that temperatures tend to be cool throughout the year. In addition, it can rain in any month, especially in spring and autumn.
How do I get from Santiago airport to the city centre?
The airport is about 15 kilometres from the city centre. You can get there by bus (every 30 minutes), taxi or private transfer.
How long before my flight should I arrive at the airport in the United States?
If you are taking an international flight, we recommend you arrive at least 3 hours in advance. In addition, if you are connecting to another European country (Schengen), you will have to go through passport control and additional security checks.
What is the time difference between Spain and the United States?
Spain (CET/CEST time zone) is generally 6 hours ahead of the US East Coast (EST/EDT time zone) and 9 hours ahead of the US West Coast (PST/PDT time zone). Keep this information in mind when planning flights and connections.
Still in doubt? We know that when you come from so far away, decisions can be complicated, both in terms of finding accommodation and choosing communications. Shall we talk?








