Getting to your Camino start is half the planning. Most pilgrims fly into Spain, then take a train, bus, or transfer to their trailhead. Here is how to reach the major Camino starting points.
Major gateways
- Madrid (MAD): Best for the Francés (SJPP), the Plata (Sevilla), and the Inglés (Ferrol). Trains and buses radiate to all start towns.
- Barcelona (BCN): Good for the Catalonian routes and connections to Madrid/Bilbao.
- Bilbao (BIO): Closest to the Camino del Norte (Irún) and the Primitivo (Oviedo via bus).
- Porto (OPO): The obvious start for the Camino Portugués — fly direct, walk from the airport.
- Santiago (SCQ): The finish, but also the start of the Camino Finisterre.
Last-mile transfers
- Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: Train from Bayonne (from Paris/Madrid) or the shuttle bus from Pamplona.
- Oviedo: Bus or train from Madrid (~5 h) or Bilbao.
- Sevilla: Direct flights, or AVE train from Madrid (~3 h).
- Sarria: Train from Madrid (~6 h via Lugo) or bus. The most popular last-100 km start.
FAQ
Where do I fly to start the Camino Francés?
Most fly to Madrid or Bilbao, then train/bus to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port via Pamplona or Bayonne.
Can I fly into Santiago to start the Finisterre?
Yes — Santiago airport (SCQ) is the start of the Camino Finisterre. See our Finisterre guide.
What about trains?
Spain's Renfe connects Madrid to most start towns. Book long-distance trains early; regional trains are walk-on. See Camino apps for schedules.
Plan your Camino
Getting there is part of the adventure. Browse all Camino routes and plan your Camino.
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Camino de Santiago
Plan your Camino
How to reach every major Camino start point: flights into Madrid/Barcelona/Bilbao/Porto, trains, buses, and the last-mile transfer to trailheads like SJPdP and Oviedo.