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Getting around Santiago de Compostela

Public transport: 

Buses in Santiago de Compostela are provided by Tralusa (http://tralusa.twa.es). Services are reliable and operate regularly between 0730 and 2230. You can buy standard tickets and bonobus tickets (a book for 10 trips) on the bus.

Taxis: 

Municipal taxis in Santiago are white with a green light and can be safely hailed in the street. There are also many taxi ranks around the city. Radio Taxi (tel: 981 569 292) operates 24 hours a day, and Eurotaxi (tel: 981 535 154) has adapted vehicles for disabled travellers. Tips are not expected but it’s fairly common to round the fare up.

Driving: 

The Old Quarter of Santiago de Compostela is small and compact - it is best for visitors to walk, as it can be very hard to find a place to park in the narrow streets, and much of the quarter is pedestrianised. There are car parks at Praza de Galicia, Rúa de Ramon Pineiro (near the Galician parliament building) and near the police station on Avenida Rodrigo de Padron. Metered parking is also available.

Car hire: 

A valid driving licence is required - national licences from EU countries or an International Driving Permit for non-EU nationals are accepted. The minimum age is usually 21 years. Third-party insurance is mandatory in Spain and should be included in the hire price at no extra charge.

If you want to explore further afield, there are several car-hire agencies based both in town and at the airport. These include: Atesa (tel: 981 599 877 (airport), 981 599 007 (city); www.atesa.es), Avis (tel: 981 547 734 (airport), 981 590 409 (train station); www.avis.com), Europcar (tel: 981 597 476; www.europcar.com) and Hertz (tel: 981 598 893; www.hertz.com). Special rates are available for weekend or weekly hire.

Bicycle hire: 

Cycle lanes around Santiago are gradually appearing. Bicycles are available for hire from Tour ‘n’ Ride, Rúa Laverde Ruiz 5 (tel: 981 936 616; www.tournride.com). Cyclists can also count as genuine pilgrims on the Way of St James, if they cycle at least 200km (124 miles) along the historic route.

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