Tolls in Santiago de Compostela: prices and routes

tolls in Santiago de Compostela

Are you planning to visit Galicia soon? Do you want to hire a car in Santiago de Compostela? If so, you might be interested in knowing how the toll system works in Santiago de Compostela and its rates. Here's everything you need to know about the highways to travel smoothly in the region.

Santiago de Compostela is visited by thousands of tourists every year. It’s not only because the city marks the end of the Camino de Santiago, but also because it is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. You can get lost for hours in its historic streets while admiring its monuments and lovely landscapes.

Central highway network of Galicia: What is it?

If you are organising a road trip in Galicia and wondering what the central highway network of Galicia is, we’ll explain. It is a toll road considered the main route connecting Santiago de Compostela to Ourense. This highway also provides access to several towns and villages between the two cities.

It passes through important towns like Silleda and Lalin and is not very busy. So, if you’re in the area, you can take the opportunity to visit the beautiful villages near Santiago de Compostela.

What is the toll system in Spain?

toll roads in Santiago de Compostela

Toll roads in Spain are designated by the AP prefix followed by the highway number. The main characteristic of these roads is that the driver must pay a fee, either to maintain the road or to fund the construction of new routes. However, the price is not always the same, as it can vary depending on the section travelled, the type of vehicle, or the region in which the highway is located.

For example, if you drive on the AP-71 Leon-Astorga, the toll price will range between €2 and €3. On the other hand, if your route takes you on the AP-7 Malaga-Estepona from Malaga to Marbella, the toll will cost €4.80. If you travel on the AP-68 Bilbao-Zaragoza and complete the full route, the toll may not exceed €40.

Tolls and highways in Santiago de Compostela

If you're travelling in Galicia, especially in Santiago de Compostela, you may encounter toll sections on the AP-53 Santiago de Compostela–Alto de Santo Domingo, which costs up to €7. Below are some details of these sections:

Santiago de Compostela–Alto de Santo Domingo

Santiago Cathedral, tolls, Galicia

The full route from Santiago de Compostela to Alto de Santo Domingo on the AP-53 will cost between €6 and €7. In Santiago, you can visit monuments such as the Cathedral of Santiago or the Hostal dos Reis Catolicos. Once in Alto de Santo Domingo (Dozon), you can take a dip at the Sanguiñedo river beach. Nearby, you can also visit the Church of Santa Maria de Sanguiñedo.

Santiago de Compostela–Silleda

Silleda - towns and villages near Santiago

Another toll section is the route from Santiago de Compostela to Silleda, with a toll of around €3.70. In Santiago, don’t miss the central market to discover and buy local products. In Silleda, take the opportunity to explore one of Galicia's most impressive waterfalls, the Fervenza do Toxa.

Bandeira–Lalín city center

toll roads in Galicia by car

The next toll section along the AP-53 is from Bandeira to the centre of Lalin, which costs no more than €4. Once in Bandeira, you can pick up your rental car and explore the best driving routes through Galicia. Discover beautiful villages like Chapa, Moalde, or Breixas. In Lalin, you can visit traditional Galician houses, known as Pazos, such as the Pazo de Liñares, one of the most famous.

Silleda–Alto de Santo Domingo

tolls in Santiago de Compostela

Finally, the route connecting Silleda to Alto de Santo Domingo costs about €2.55. In Silleda, visit the Monastery of San Lourenzo de Carboeiro and hike the Do Deza trail. Upon reaching Alto de Santo Domingo (Dozon), you can explore the Monastery of San Pedro de Vilanova or take a stroll to the Church of Santa Maria de Dozon.

Are there free highway sections in Santiago de Compostela?

You might be wondering if there are any toll-free sections in Santiago de Compostela. The answer is yes! The section from Ourense to Alto de Santo Domingo is free of tolls. So, if you're travelling from one place to another, you won’t need to pay any toll fees.

If you wish to explore Ourense, you can visit Ponte Vella, the first bridge connecting the two banks of the Miño River. You can also stroll through the Jardines del Padre Feijoo or enjoy a relaxing bath in the thermal waters at one of Ourense’s many spa stations.

Hire a Car Now in Santiago de Compostela with DoYouSpain

Now that you know about the tolls and their rates in Santiago de Compostela, you can book your hire car and start planning your trip. Visitors agree that hiring a car is the best way to discover Galicia. With DoYouSpain, everything is simple, and the whole booking process won’t take more than 3 minutes.

You just need to choose where you want to pick up your rental vehicle. You can opt to collect it in Santiago de Compostela, at the train station, or at the airport. If you have any issues, don’t hesitate to contact us through our Client Area or by calling +34 964 830 995.