Travel information and logistics

Travel guidelines

Ourense is in the south of Galicia (NW Spain) and there is no airport in the city. It is well connected to the following airports:

• Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD), the main international airport in Spain. By train it is possible to get Ourense in 2h15 minutes.
• Vigo (VGO), 90 km from Ourense, 1h by car or train.
• A Coruña (LCG) → 160 km (1h45 by car and 1h by train)

Please note that Santiago de Compostela airport will be completely closed from April 23 to May 27, 2026, due to runway works.

From Madrid airport you can take the train to Ourense or to fly to other Galician airports (Vigo, A Coruña).

Recommended option for travelling

Fly to Madrid (Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport) and take a connection by train (Madrid Chamartín-Clara Campoamor train station) to Ourense.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach Ourense from Madrid airport is by high-speed train (AVE or Alvia) from Madrid. Trains depart from Madrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor Station and arrive at Ourense-Empalme Station in approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes (AVE), 2 hours and 40 minutes (AVLO) or 2 hours and 55 minutes (ALVIA).

The train station in Ourense is located about 15 minutes on foot from the Campus, the city centre and main hotels. Schedules and ticket prices of AVE, AVLO or ALVIA* can be purchased online. Please buy the ticket in advance to guarantee availability. The official Renfe website is www.renfe.com

*Differences between AVE, AVLO and Alvia

• AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) is Spain’s high-speed train service. It reaches speeds of up to 310 km/h, offers several classes (Standard and Premium), onboard services such as Wi-Fi and a cafe car, and provides the highest level of comfort. It is the fastest and most comfortable option, but also usually the most expensive.
• AVLO is Renfe’s low-cost high-speed service. It uses the same routes and trains as the AVE but offers only one class (Standard), no cafe car, and limited luggage included (extra bags can be added when purchasing the ticket). It is the cheapest option, ideal for travellers looking to save money, especially if tickets are bought in advance.
• Alvia trains combine high-speed and conventional rail tracks, reaching speeds of up to 250 km/h. Alvia trains offer comfortable seating, air conditioning, and a café car. They are slightly slower than AVE services but often more flexible in prices.

How to get to Madrid Chamartín-Clara Campoamor train station from Madrid airport, T4

There are two easy ways to travel from Madrid-Barajas Airport (Terminal T4) to Madrid-Chamartín train station: Cercanías train or Metro.

IMPORTANT
If you have purchased a Renfe high-speed or long-distance train ticket (AVE, Avlo, Alvia, Euromed or Long Distance), the Cercanías train is FREE. It is already included in your train ticket.

OPTION 1: CERCANÍAS TRAIN (FASTEST AND RECOMMENDED)

This is the easiest, fastest and most comfortable option, especially if you have luggage.

Steps:

1. Inside Terminal T4, follow the signs for “Cercanías / Trains”.
2. Go to the Cercanías train station located inside the terminal.
3. At the ticket machines, scan the QR code or enter the booking reference from your AVE / Renfe ticket.
   Your Cercanías ticket will be issued at no cost.
4. Take a Cercanías train to Chamartín
   (line C1 or C10).
5. Get off at “Chamartín” station.

Useful information:

• Travel time: 15–20 minutes

• Price: Free with Renfe long-distance ticket

• No transfers

• Suitable for luggage

Metro: Line 8 (pink line) from any airport terminal to Nuevos Ministerios, then change to Line 10 (dark blue line) towards Madrid Chamartín-Clara Campoamor train station. The trip takes around 35–40 minutes. https://www.metromadrid.es/en

Taxi or private transfer: Taxis are available at all terminals; the journey to Madrid Chamartín-Clara Campoamor train station takes 20–30 minutes depending on traffic, with a fixed fare of about €30–35. https://www.radiotelefono-taxi.com/

Alternative options

Fly to A Coruña or Vigo, from Madrid or other airports.

A Coruña (LCG)- about 170 km from Ourense (around 2 hours by road). Connections available by train or bus.

From the airport to the stations: Bus line A Coruña Airport – City Centre (Line 4051) runs every 30 minutes and stops near both the train station (Estación de San Cristóbal) and the bus station. Travel time: 20–25 minutes. Then choose an option:

Trains: from A Coruña to Ourense. https://www.renfe.com/es/en

Buses: from A Coruña to Ourense. https://www.alsa.es/estaciones/estacion-a-coruna

Alternative: Taxi and car rental desks available at the terminal.

Vigo (VGO)- about 90 km from Ourense (1 h 15 min by road). Regular train and bus connections.

From the airport to the stations: Bus line L9A connects Vigo Airport (Peinador) with the city centre, stopping near both the Vigo-Guixar and Vigo-Urzaiz train stations, as well as the Intermodal Bus Station. Travel time: 20–25 minutes. Then choose an option:

Trains: from Vigo to Ourense. https://www.renfe.com/es/en

Buses: from Vigo (Intermodal Station) to Ourense (Intermodal Station)

Alternative: Taxi or car rental available at the airport.

All airports offer car rental services (Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Enterprise, etc.).

By Car, Ourense is connected by the A-52 (Autovía das Rías Baixas) and the N-525, providing easy access from Vigo, Santiago, and Madrid and Oporto (with an international airport often offering good prices). You can plan your route with: Google Maps or ViaMichelin.

Taxi Services

Taxis are available throughout the city and at the train station. For local or intercity transfers, you can use:

Radio Taxi Ourense – Phone: +34 988 210 011

Tele Taxi Ourense – Phone: +34 988 370 370

Or book online at: https://radiotaxiourense.com