Motorways (Autopista) are prefixed by the letter ‘A', while highways (Autovía) and other major roads (Carretera Nacional) are indicated by either two Roman numerals or, more commonly, three digits. Many motorways have tolls and rates are shown at tollbooths - cash is preferred, although major credit cards may also be accepted.
Traffic drives on the right. No person under 18 years may hire or drive a vehicle over 75cc. Seat belts are compulsory for front-seat passengers and for back-seat passengers, if belts are fitted. Crash helmets must be worn on motorcycles and dipped headlights used during the day. After sunset, sidelights must be used at all times - spare bulbs and red hazard triangles must be kept in all vehicles. The speed limit for cars and motorcycles is 120kph (75mph) on motorways, 100kph (62mph) on dual carriageways, 90kph (56mph) on roads outside built-up areas, 50kph (31mph) within towns and 20kph (12mph) in residential areas. Fines for traffic offences are strictly enforced. On-the-spot fines for traffic violations are hefty. The legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving is 0.05%. Drivers who fail an alcohol test are subject to fines.
Foreign visitors require a valid driving licence to drive in Spain. National licences from EU countries are accepted - nationals of other countries, including the USA, Canada and Australia, are advised to obtain an International Driving Permit. Third-party insurance is required and documents should be carried at all times. A Green Card is compulsory for visitors bringing their own vehicles.
Breakdown services and motoring information can be obtained from the Real Automobile Club Espana - RACE (tel: 902 404 545; website: www.race.es), which has reciprocal agreements with the AA or RAC in Britain and AAA in America.
Emergency breakdown service: RACE (tel: 902 300 505).
Alternatively, drivers can contact the Ayuda en Carretera via the roadside SOS telephones, located on both sides of the carriageway at 2km (1.2-mile) intervals, who will contact the breakdown services.
Routes to the city: Santiago de Compostela can be reached by road from major cities in Spain and Portugal but a common alternative route is along the Pilgrim's Way via Santander, running parallel to Spain's north coast. The AP-9 is the major north-south route running through the city. The national roads, N547 and N525, have route connections to the A6/NVI, which branches off southeasterly toward León (connected by the N120 and N630), Valladolid (connected by the E80/N620) and finally to the capital, Madrid.
Coach services: Estación Central de Autobuses, San Caetano (tel: (981) 542 416), to the northeast of the city centre, is the main terminus for international coach services. The coach operator Castromil-Monbus (tel: 902 292 900; website: www.castromil.com), runs services from Madrid and other major Spanish cities, as well as from Portugal and other foreign destinations. The other major coach operator is Alsa (tel: 902 422 242; website: www.alsa.es).
Driving times to Santiago de Compostela: From León - 4 hours; from Valladolid - 6 hours 45 minutes; from Madrid - 6 hours.
Traffic drives on the right. No person under 18 years may hire or drive a vehicle over 75cc. Seat belts are compulsory for front-seat passengers and for back-seat passengers, if belts are fitted. Crash helmets must be worn on motorcycles and dipped headlights used during the day. After sunset, sidelights must be used at all times - spare bulbs and red hazard triangles must be kept in all vehicles. The speed limit for cars and motorcycles is 120kph (75mph) on motorways, 100kph (62mph) on dual carriageways, 90kph (56mph) on roads outside built-up areas, 50kph (31mph) within towns and 20kph (12mph) in residential areas. Fines for traffic offences are strictly enforced. On-the-spot fines for traffic violations are hefty. The legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving is 0.05%. Drivers who fail an alcohol test are subject to fines.
Foreign visitors require a valid driving licence to drive in Spain. National licences from EU countries are accepted - nationals of other countries, including the USA, Canada and Australia, are advised to obtain an International Driving Permit. Third-party insurance is required and documents should be carried at all times. A Green Card is compulsory for visitors bringing their own vehicles.
Breakdown services and motoring information can be obtained from the Real Automobile Club Espana - RACE (tel: 902 404 545; website: www.race.es), which has reciprocal agreements with the AA or RAC in Britain and AAA in America.
Emergency breakdown service: RACE (tel: 902 300 505).
Alternatively, drivers can contact the Ayuda en Carretera via the roadside SOS telephones, located on both sides of the carriageway at 2km (1.2-mile) intervals, who will contact the breakdown services.
Routes to the city: Santiago de Compostela can be reached by road from major cities in Spain and Portugal but a common alternative route is along the Pilgrim's Way via Santander, running parallel to Spain's north coast. The AP-9 is the major north-south route running through the city. The national roads, N547 and N525, have route connections to the A6/NVI, which branches off southeasterly toward León (connected by the N120 and N630), Valladolid (connected by the E80/N620) and finally to the capital, Madrid.
Coach services: Estación Central de Autobuses, San Caetano (tel: (981) 542 416), to the northeast of the city centre, is the main terminus for international coach services. The coach operator Castromil-Monbus (tel: 902 292 900; website: www.castromil.com), runs services from Madrid and other major Spanish cities, as well as from Portugal and other foreign destinations. The other major coach operator is Alsa (tel: 902 422 242; website: www.alsa.es).
Driving times to Santiago de Compostela: From León - 4 hours; from Valladolid - 6 hours 45 minutes; from Madrid - 6 hours.
