La Coruna to Santiago

Can anyone comment on the public transportation options for getting from La Coruna to Santiago? Unfortunately we will be arriving on a Sunday (8-7pm), which might complicate things.

Thanks in advance.

Hi,

I highly recommend going to Santiago. We had been previously to Santiago during land trips but last year we took the train from Coruña(only 30-35 mins) during a cruise stop and it worked really well. There is also express bus, which takes about an hour. I dont think the fact that its Sunday will affect you that much . Many stores will be closed as will the Central market, but IMO that's not the main reason to go to Santiago.

This thread started by Santiago resident poster Keltic has probably all the information you need:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1381212

Website for train schedules : http://www.renfe.es

Website for bus schedules: http://www.monbus.es

What cruise are you taking?

If you have any questions,let me know. I love talking about Santiago!

Hi,

 

I highly recommend going to Santiago. We had been previously to Santiago during land trips but last year we took the train from Coruña(only 30-35 mins) during a cruise stop and it worked really well. There is also express bus, which takes about an hour. I dont think the fact that its Sunday will affect you that much . Many stores will be closed as will the Central market, but IMO that's not the main reason to go to Santiago.

This thread started by Santiago resident poster Keltic has probably all the information you need:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1381212

 

Website for train schedules : www.renfe.es

 

Website for bus schedules: www.monbus.es

 

What cruise are you taking?

 

If you have any questions,let me know. I love talking about Santiago!

Thanks for the links, they are very helpful :)

Yes sure.

http://www.waveandwind.net/p/santiago-for-independent-cruisers.html

Trains have been updated and there are options lasting only 28 minutes. In case you have additional questions, just ask.

Hi Cruiseluv.

I wonder if I could surprise you with some tips about out of the beaten track Santiago.

http://www.waveandwind.net/2012/02/diez-visitas-ineditas-de-compostela.html

Sorry it´s in Spanish. :-)

Gracias Keltic! No problem, Spanish is my native language. By the way, i'll be back in your beautiful city this July. We are doing part of the Camino ( starting in O'Cebreiro), God willing!

Hi Keltic,

Thank you so much for all of your wonderful information about Santiago. It really created an interest for us to read everything and since we will be stopping in La Caruna on a cruise in September, your information is very valuable to us.

We had a few more questions if you don't mind. We have decided to rent a car for 4 of us in La Caruna and drive ourselves to Santiago. We found a Hertz office very near the port with a reasonable rate for Auto Club Members (AAA).

1) Is it difficult to find our way out of La Coruna?

2) The main highway is by a toll road and we are curious as to how much we will have to pay in tolls. We would like to take that road as it is shorter than the other suggestions on Google maps.

3) Is there a charge to park at the San Francisco Parking and, if yes, how much will it be? Will the car be safe in this place?

4) Do we have to make advance reservations to see the Cathedral or any other wonderful building?

5) Do you have a suggestion for a restaurant/cafe for our midday meal that would give us a sample of typical Galician food?

Thank you in advance for the answers to our questions. We appreciate your help.

Billie

Hello Mountain Grandma,

Just came back from my 5th visit to the beautiful Santiago de Compostela (I was doing part of the Camino de Santiago). Last year I visited during a cruise stop at the port of Coruña. We opted to take the train which was a very easy, cheap and fast option so can't comment about your questions regarding driving.

The Cathedral doesn't close during lunch hours and doesn't charge for entrance. Be aware that if there is Mass going on you're not supposed to be touring the Cathedral but of course can attend mass. I highly recommend that if you go in and see the huge incense burning urn hanging over the altar you stay for noon mass (the Pilgrim's mass) to see it swing. It's a sight to behold. They do it at the end of mass, which takes about an hour. The best place to seat is in the pews on the side of the altar(especially the left side). Another beautiful church/ museum worth a visit is San Martin Pinairo, close to the cathedral. There is a small entrance fee. I believe they do close for lunch hours so I suggest you ask at the Visitor's information office or google their hours. Just walking around the old city is a joy, its mainly pedestrian and full of stone buildings.

Seafood, including octopus is the specialty in Galicia. There are many restaurants on Rua Franco, off the Cathedral, but also elsewhere. One we like is nearby , called Bierzo Enxebre on Rua La Troia http://www.bierzoenxebre.es/localizacion/index.htm. If weather is nice you can seat outside. Another is in a garden a bit further down on this street called Casa Felisa.

I also love visiting their market, called Mercado de Abastos http://www.mercadodeabastosdesantiago.com/ Actually, if you're there close to lunch hour they have several restaurants around it. We had lunch in one we liked, Cafe El Hispano

http://www.paxinasgalegas.es/el-hispano-19398em_79ay_461ep.html

There I had the "Menu del Dia", which included a choice of a starter (I had their typical Caldo Gallego soup), a Second (I had octopus, very yummy) and dessert and wine, all that for 11 euros.

If you like wine make sure you try one of their local wines, my favorite is albariño (white).

Good luck!

My brother, though not Catholic, has spent several weeks during each of the consecutive three years pilgrimaging between Santiago and France. Says it's good for his soul. So it's good to know how to get there from La Coruna, which we are scheduled to visit in April.

Hello Mountain Grandma,

 

Just came back from my 5th visit to the beautiful Santiago de Compostela (I was doing part of the Camino de Santiago). Last year I visited during a cruise stop at the port of Coruña. We opted to take the train which was a very easy, cheap and fast option so can't comment about your questions regarding driving.

 

The Cathedral doesn't close during lunch hours and doesn't charge for entrance. Be aware that if there is Mass going on you're not supposed to be touring the Cathedral but of course can attend mass. I highly recommend that if you go in and see the huge incense burning urn hanging over the altar you stay for noon mass (the Pilgrim's mass) to see it swing. It's a sight to behold. They do it at the end of mass, which takes about an hour. The best place to seat is in the pews on the side of the altar(especially the left side). Another beautiful church/ museum worth a visit is San Martin Pinairo, close to the cathedral. There is a small entrance fee. I believe they do close for lunch hours so I suggest you ask at the Visitor's information office or google their hours. Just walking around the old city is a joy, its mainly pedestrian and full of stone buildings.

 

Seafood, including octopus is the specialty in Galicia. There are many restaurants on Rua Franco, off the Cathedral, but also elsewhere. One we like is nearby , called Bierzo Enxebre on Rua La Troia http://www.bierzoenxebre.es/localizacion/index.htm. If weather is nice you can seat outside. Another is in a garden a bit further down on this street called Casa Felisa.

 

I also love visiting their market, called Mercado de Abastos http://www.mercadodeabastosdesantiago.com/ Actually, if you're there close to lunch hour they have several restaurants around it. We had lunch in one we liked, Cafe El Hispano

http://www.paxinasgalegas.es/el-hispano-19398em_79ay_461ep.html

There I had the "Menu del Dia", which included a choice of a starter (I had their typical Caldo Gallego soup), a Second (I had octopus, very yummy) and dessert and wine, all that for 11 euros.

 

If you like wine make sure you try one of their local wines, my favorite is albariño (white).

 

Good luck!

Thank you, Cruiseluv for the information -- especially the restaurants! We are so looking forward to this port of call!

Billie

Thank you, Cruiseluv for the information -- especially the restaurants! We are so looking forward to this port of call!

 

Billie

You're welcome Billie. Santiago is a very special place. La Coruña is also an attractive city , so if you have some time after you come back from Santiago take a walk on the promenade by the sea.

Hi,

 

I highly recommend going to Santiago. We had been previously to Santiago during land trips but last year we took the train from Coruña(only 30-35 mins) during a cruise stop and it worked really well. There is also express bus, which takes about an hour. I dont think the fact that its Sunday will affect you that much . Many stores will be closed as will the Central market, but IMO that's not the main reason to go to Santiago.

This thread started by Santiago resident poster Keltic has probably all the information you need:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1381212

 

Website for train schedules : http://www.renfe.es

 

Website for bus schedules: http://www.monbus.es

 

What cruise are you taking?

 

Cruseluv-How did you get to the train station in Coruna? We will be there on a port stop on the Nautica in June of 2013.

 

 

Thanks,

Irwin

We love going to Santiago on the train. Its fast, comfortable (the RENFE trains are modern and clean) and inexpensive. One in Santiago we really appreciate being able to do our own thing rather then being part of the typical tour "herd." While enjoying a nice lunch in the city we happened to be in a café that had some folks who were on the cruise ship excursion and they were frantically trying to gulp down their food and get their check (not always easy in Spain) because they had to meet their group. One of those folks stopped by our table and muttered, "should have listened to you and taken the train." Of course there are still plenty of folks who prefer to follow the leader of an excursion.

Hank

Hi Keltic,

 

 

1) Is it difficult to find our way out of La Coruna?

 

2) The main highway is by a toll road and we are curious as to how much we will have to pay in tolls. We would like to take that road as it is shorter than the other suggestions on Google maps.

 

3) Is there a charge to park at the San Francisco Parking and, if yes, how much will it be? Will the car be safe in this place?

 

4) Do we have to make advance reservations to see the Cathedral or any other wonderful building?

 

5) Do you have a suggestion for a restaurant/cafe for our midday meal that would give us a sample of typical Galician food?

 

Thank you in advance for the answers to our questions. We appreciate your help.

 

Billie

Ok, it´s not really difficult driving to Santiago. There´s a rent a car stand in the port shopping centre called Cantones Village. You´ll get out get of the shopping mall, turn left, left again, and then right. Then straight ahead along the only way out of La Coruña. There´re two signs. AP9 (blue sign) for the motorway, and the former old road.

The motorway is 6,05 euros each way and at a reasonable driving speed you´ll get in 50 minutes. Local road depending on the traffic is about 75 minutes. It´s the perfect choice to come back to the ship is you have time. More scenic. Stop at Ordes, for a nice "Pannetone" Galician Style called keike (perversion of the English language of Cake). Best place Casa Nogallas.

Public transportation system in Santiago. http://www.tussa.org/?lg=cas Unfortunately in Spanish. We are such a lazy country for language learning. http://www.tussa.org/web/interior.php?txt=arbore_web3&lg=cas

The parking is called Xoan XXIII and costs 1,24 euros per hour, 10,50 for the whole day.

No reservations for the cathedral. Just walk in. No fees only for groups, which 6 euros and includes the museum.

And about food. Try at Rua Do Franco, and a typical one is Casa Camilo, or Barola.

Thanks for the links, they are very helpful :)

All the suggestions for tour companies have their quota! I do not want to go with the ship but would like a small tour grouo as I have a child with me. Cannot find a reputable one on line. Many of the ones I find have had serious problems...any suggestions...Thank you!

Maria

Cruseluv-How did you get to the train station in Coruna? We will be there on a port stop on the Nautica in June of 2013.

 

 

Thanks,

Irwin

Irwin,

We took a taxi, there were taxis waiting as soon as we exited the port gate. It was about 10-15 mins, I believe it was less that 10 euros fare.

All the suggestions for tour companies have their quota! I do not want to go with the ship but would like a small tour grouo as I have a child with me. Cannot find a reputable one on line. Many of the ones I find have had serious problems...any suggestions...Thank you!

Maria

Maria,

Are you sure you wouldn't want to take the train there? Its really very easy, and that way you have total flexibility how long you stay in Santiago.

This is my city and it is just one of the most wonderful cities to live in. A Coruña is easy to walk around and is full of surprises. From the medieval old town, to the ultra modern 21st century buildings along the beach promenade. A Coruña is also the home of Amancio Ortega, the richest man in Europe and owner of Inditex/Zara. This makes la Coruña an exciting commercial hub with a lively and friendly atmosphere and renowned gastronomy.

However you are all right: Santiago de Compostela, the final stop on the epic Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail, always impresses the viewer. Whether you're wandering the streets of the Old Town, you visit the majestic Cathedral, get seduced by the lively market, (one of my favorite places in Santiago), stroll around peaceful gardens or sit at the many bars and taverns that offer a variety of tapas and are great places to take a break and watch the world, and all the other tourists, go by. Santiago is a must see...

For all of those who are lucky to know Galicia, I am sure you can recommend many spots around A Coruña worth the visit: Betanzos is one of the nicest old medieval villages in the whole region as is Pontedeume, which is surrounded by a wonderful beach and Europe's best-preserved Atlantic coastal forest, a sanctuary for the flora and the fauna of the region. Less than an hour away from your ship, you can find peace in this secret magical forest, generous like its waters, waterfalls and many shades of greens that hides, at his heart, an ancient monastery.

If you prefer the beach, there are magnificent panoramic beaches around the coast of la Coruña, where you can enjoy the impressive quality of live we have here. If you want to see an awe inspiring example of nature´s raw power, you can drive (1,5 hours) to the famous Beach of the Cathedrals (make sure you go on low tide).

One of the best places to find information about what to do in A coruña is http://www.turismocoruna.com/web/corTurServer.php?idSecweb=97&idCategoria=96.

If you still prefer to get to Santiago or any other place where you need transportation without being “herded along”, you don´t want to wait around , you want to make the most of your tight deadline or you just want to experience more intimate explorations, at your own pace, with friends and family a, you can contact me on mcaridad1@gmail.com.

Enjoy your cruise!

We did a tour of Santiago from Porto, Portugal after a Douro River cruise. If you can make it to Santiago, do go. It is a special historical site and very interesting. I suggest finding a tour. Our guide had a wonderful background in the history of Galacia, Spain and Portugal.

Hello all,

We are considering a cruise which will stop at La Coruna on Wednesday, Oct 12, a national holiday. Would it be more difficult to get to Santiago by train? Will everything be closed? We will be docked from 13:00 to 20:00. Maybe it would be smarter to stay in La Coruna... Anyone knows what to expect in La Coruna on Columbus Day?

Thank you

It's pretty easy. Hourly trains and trips lasts about 25 minutes. Train station is not downtown La Coruña. You could get a bus but its far more convenient getting a taxi from the port to Coruña railway station

In Spain is not Columbus Day. It's Fiesta del Pilar or Armed Forces Day. Everything is closed except sights.

We are back from a cruise from Lisbon to London, and I thought my post today on Santiago de Compostela might be helpful. It was really easy and enjoyable to take the train from A Coruña. The station is about a 5-minute taxi ride from the port, and the walk from the train in Santiago de Compostela to the Old Town is about 15 minutes. It's a wonderful place to visit!

http://www.themodernpostcard.com/?p=1120

Mary

Travel Blog: http://www.themodernpostcard.com

Thank you so much both of you for your reply. My only concern is that we will be travelling on Fiesta Del Pilar which is a national holiday. I am assuming the train service will be to a minimal... As we will be docked for 7 hours, that makes me nervous to travel to Santiago. What do you think?

Check timetables at http://www.renfe.es. It's to early but compare to any Sunday. Services will be similar. In any case should an emergency occur you have an hourly slower service by Monbus Coach company. I highly recommend to hire a car. It's pretty fast and easy getting to Santiago. 67 km motorway.