Parking is one of the biggest headaches when arriving in a city you’re visiting for the first time, especially as traffic and parking restrictions become increasingly strict. If you’re planning a trip to Santiago de Compostela, this handy guide to park will help you find the best parking options and organise your trip with greater ease.

What options do I have?

Parking your car in the city centre is practically impossible. The old town is restricted to residents only, and the shopping streets are mostly pedestrianised, with loading and unloading zones where parking is limited and regulated, except at night or on public holidays.

White zone

If you’re not willing to pay for parking, it’s best to park on the outskirts, i.e. at least a half-hour’s walk from the main tourist attractions.

Some options in the southern part of the city include the open spaces at Pontepedriñas (where the surface is in poor condition), Santa Marta or Rúa do Restollal —near the Hipercor—; all are good options if you’re entering Santiago from the N-550.

The northern area offers other interesting options, such as those near the As Cancelas Shopping Centre, San Caetano – next to the regional government buildings –, Vite, Santa Isabel – near Vistalegre Park – or the Galicia Auditorium. Opening hours for shopping centres, government offices or universities are factors to bear in mind before assuming that there will be availability.

The neighbourhoods of Fontiñas and San Lázaro also have car parks, but they are further away. The Ciudad de la Cultura area, on the outskirts of the city, offers a wide range of facilities and is well connected by public transport. Accessibility for people with reduced mobility is guaranteed at this location.

Blue zone

It operates at the following times:

• 🟦 Monday to Friday: 10.00–14.00 and 16.30–20.00

• 🟦 Saturdays: 10:00‑14:00

• 🦨 Sundays and public holidays: free all day.

The maximum parking time depends on whether the street is a short-stay zone, such as those in the city centre, which allow up to 1 hour; a general zone, up to 2 hours; or a long-stay zone on less busy roads, up to 4 hours. You can pay at the parking meter or via the Moviltik app.

Some of the streets adjacent to the centre of Santiago de Compostela, such as Rúa do Doutor Teixeiro, Rúa do Hórreo and Rúa de República de Argentina, have blue zones; although during office hours it will be quite a challenge to find a space.

The South Campus, Rúa de San Clemente, Rúa de Galeras and the surrounding area, or the Estila area, are all options worth considering as they are relatively close to the city centre.

Public car parks

City centre: The infrastructure is old and was therefore not designed for large or long vehicles. Most have height restrictions ranging from 1.8 m to 1.9 m, and certain bends can be a challenge.

• Plaza Galicia: situated between the historic quarter and the shopping district, closer to the latter. An 8-minute walk from the cathedral.
• Rúa da Rosa: it’s located near the main shops. A 17-minute walk from the cathedral.
• Plaza Roja: located right in the heart of the shopping district. A 15-minute walk from the cathedral.
• San Clemente: located at the lower end of the cathedral. A few minutes’ walk from the historic quarter and six minutes from the shopping area.
• Hórreo: located behind the Galician Parliament. A 7-minute walk from the shopping streets and 15 minutes from the cathedral.
• Belvís: situated in a strategic location halfway between the historic quarter and the restaurant area. A 10-minute walk from both the local shopping area and the cathedral.
• Plaza Vigo: it is located near the restaurants and shops of Santiago de Compostela. It is a few minutes’ walk from the shopping streets and 15 minutes from the cathedral.

The highest-rated car park on Google is Plaza Vigo, with a rating of 3.8/5. Located in the immediate vicinity of Santiago’s commercial heart, this car park was refurbished a few years ago to convert what were previously three spaces into two that comply with current vehicle dimensions – a change that users undoubtedly appreciate. Close behind, with a 3.7/5, is San Clemente, which puts you just a stone’s throw from the cathedral; and with a 3.6/5, both Plaza Galicia and Hórreo, both close to restaurants and cafés.

Outlying area: An option you might consider if you’re staying in the city for more than a day and want to park your car, perhaps with the option of a parking pass or the peace of mind that comes with leaving it in a less busy area.

• Xoán XXIII: is located close to the city’s historic quarter. It is a 5-minute walk from the cathedral and a 15-minute walk from the shopping district.
• San Caetano: it’s on the outskirts, next to the old bus station. It’s a 20-minute walk from the cathedral and a 30-minute walk from the shopping area.

How expensive are the fees?

Short-stay blue zone

• 20 minutes (minimum): 0,15 €
• 30 minutes: 0,25 €
• 45 minutes: 0,40 €
• 1 hour (maximum): 0,55 €

General Blue Zone

• 17 minutes (minimum): 0,15 €
• 30 minutes: 0,30 €
• 1 hour: 0,55 €
• 1 hour and half: 0,80 €
• 2 hours (maximum): 1,05 €

Long-stay blue zone

• 34 minutes (minimum): 0,15 €
• 1 hour: 0,25 €
• 1 hour and half: 0,40 €
• 2 hours: 0,50 €
• 3 hours: 0,80 €
• 4 hours (maximum): 1,05 €

Public car parks

Plaza Galicia: 1 h → 1.95 € / 5 h → 8 € / 12 h → 15.5 € / 24 h → 15.5 €

Rúa da Rosa: 1 h → 2.2 € / 2 h → 4 € / 24 h → 17.5 €. Weekend voucher → 25 €.

Plaza Roja: 1 h → 2.7 € / 2 h → 5.4 € / 24 h → 19 €. Weekend voucher → 25 €.

San Clemente: 1 h → 2.5 € / 3 h → 6.45 € / 6 h → 12.45 €. Daily vouchers: 1 day→ 20.25 € / 3 days → 42.25 € / 7 days → 98.55 €.

Hórreo: 1 h → 2.4 € / 3 h → 5.9 € / 6 h → 10.8 €. Daily vouchers: 1 day→ 13.3 € / 3 days → 39.9 € / 7 days → 93.1 €.

Belvís: 1 h → 1.85 €. Daily voucher → 15 €.

Plaza Vigo: 1 h → 1.85 € / 2 h → 3.7 €.

Xoán XXIII: 1 h → 1.31 € / 2 h → 2.62 € / 4 h → 5.25 € / 8 h → 9.14 € / 24 h → 11.08 €. Weekly voucher: 31 €.

San Caetano: 1 h → 2.4 € / 3 h → 6.35 € / 6 h → 12.10 €. Daily vouchers: 1 day→ 19.8 € / 3 days → 32.35 € / 7 days → 53.95 €.

Remember to check the rates on each car park’s website in advance, as, apart from the fact that they may be subject to change, many allow you to book in advance and even offer discounts for doing so.