Car hire at Santiago de Compostela Airport
Land in Santiago, collect your car in Lavacolla and head straight for the Camino, the city or the Rías Baixas.
Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ), in Lavacolla, is about 12 km from Santiago de Compostela and is Galicia's main airport alongside those of A Coruña and Vigo. As well as being the arrival point for thousands of pilgrims completing the Camino de Santiago, it's the perfect base for exploring the Rías Baixas and the rest of Galicia by car.
With Gavendo you can book your hire car at Santiago Airport before flying, with negotiated rates and support in four languages. That way, as soon as you land at SCQ, you collect the keys and head straight for your destination, without wasting time weighing up options on the spot.
Search carsPick-up at the Santiago Airport terminal
On arrival in Lavacolla you'll find the car hire desks in the arrivals area of Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport. With your Gavendo booking confirmed, simply present your booking document, ID or passport and a bank card in your name to collect the keys and head straight onto the N-547 towards Santiago.
How the process works on landing
As soon as you land at SCQ, head to baggage reclaim and follow the signs to the car hire area. Your provider's desk (depending on the assigned company) is usually just a few minutes' walk from the terminal. Within fifteen to twenty minutes your car will be ready, with no endless queues or last-minute surprises.
Why book before you arrive
Booking your car at Santiago Airport in advance has two clear advantages: a better price, thanks to Gavendo's negotiated rates with leading companies, and a guaranteed vehicle in your chosen category. Arriving without a booking in high season can mean paying more or finding nothing available.
From the airport to nearby destinations
From Santiago Airport, just 12 km from the centre, you have direct access to the city and its historic old town, the destination of the Camino de Santiago, and it's also the natural gateway to the Rías Baixas. With a car you can move freely towards Pontevedra, Vigo or the beaches of the Galician coast without relying on bus timetables.
Returning the car and one-way options
You can return the vehicle at Santiago Airport itself following the return signage, usually near where you picked it up. If your route ends in another city, ask about returning at a different destination (one-way); availability and any surcharge depend on the assigned company.
What's included with Gavendo
Hiring with Gavendo means negotiated rates, support in four languages and over 40 years of experience as a specialist broker. We work with the leading companies present at Santiago Airport to offer you the best available car in each category, with no small print.
Galicia's shared airport
Santiago Airport operates alongside those of A Coruña and Vigo as the main air gateway into Galicia. Choosing Santiago makes sense if your plans combine the Camino, the city and a trip around the Rías Baixas, given its central location relative to the rest of the region.
- Book before you fly — This way you secure a better price and the category of car you need, without depending on what's available when you arrive.
- Have your documents ready — ID or passport, a bank card in the driver's name and your booking confirmation will speed up pick-up at the desk.
- Allow extra time during Camino season — During periods with heavy numbers of pilgrims and tourists, allow a few extra minutes for picking up and returning the vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I collect the car at Santiago Airport?
In the arrivals area of Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport (Lavacolla), at the desk of the company assigned to your booking, a few minutes from the baggage reclaim exit.
Can I return the car in another city?
Yes, it's possible to request a return at a different destination (one-way), although availability and any surcharge depend on the company assigned to your booking.
Is the hire desk open 24 hours?
This depends on the company and the flights scheduled at Santiago Airport (SCQ). We recommend confirming this in your booking or contacting us before travelling.
Do I need to book in advance or can I do it on arrival?
Booking before flying is best: you secure a better price with Gavendo's negotiated rates and guarantee your car category, which isn't always possible if you book at the airport itself.
What documents do I need to collect the car?
Your booking confirmation, the main driver's ID or passport and a bank card in their name. Some companies also require a driving licence with a minimum period of validity, depending on their conditions.
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