Car Hire Vigo Airport — Your Gateway to Galicia and Northern Portugal

Vigo Airport (VGO), known as Peinador, sits just 10km from Galicia’s largest city and 20km from the Portuguese border. This strategic position makes it an ideal entry point for exploring both Spanish Galicia and northern Portugal. The Cíes Islands—with beaches regularly ranked among the world’s finest—lie just offshore. The Rías Baixas wine country stretches inland. Porto is a comfortable drive south. Hiring a car at Vigo Airport puts all of this within easy reach.

The airport’s position on the Ría de Vigo provides immediate access to one of Galicia’s most beautiful fjord-like inlets. Within 30 minutes of landing, you can be driving along the waterfront. Within an hour, you’ll reach pristine beaches, medieval towns, or Portuguese border fortresses. A rental car transforms a simple arrival into the start of a cross-border adventure.

Picking Up Your Rental Car at Vigo Airport

Rental desks are located in the small arrivals hall. All major international companies and Spanish specialists operate here. The airport’s compact size means efficient processing—typically 15 minutes.

Most companies have vehicles in adjacent parking within walking distance of the terminal.

Required documents: Valid driving licence, passport or ID, and credit card. EU licence holders don’t need an International Driving Permit; non-EU visitors should check requirements.

Cross-border note: If you plan to drive to Portugal, declare this when collecting your car. Most rental companies permit cross-border travel within the Iberian Peninsula.

Driving from Vigo Airport

The airport connects to the AP-9 motorway and A-55. For Vigo city centre, head south (about 15 minutes). For Santiago de Compostela, head north on the AP-9 (about 1 hour). For Portugal, head south on the A-55 to Tui/Valença (about 25 minutes). For the Rías Baixas, head north then west.

Top Destinations from Vigo Airport

Vigo City (10km, 15min)

Galicia’s largest city with a working port, historic Casco Vello quarter, and excellent seafood. The Monte del Castro offers panoramic views.

Cíes Islands (ferries from Vigo port)

Atlantic Islands National Park with pristine beaches and crystal-clear water. Rodas Beach is consistently ranked among the world’s finest. Ferries run regularly in season.

Baiona (20km, 25min)

Historic fishing town with a fortress, beaches, and a replica of Columbus’s Pinta. Beautiful views across the ría.

Tui and Valença (20km, 25min)

Spanish Tui and Portuguese Valença face each other across the Minho River. The cathedral and fortress make an easy cross-border excursion.

Santiago de Compostela (90km, 1hr)

The famous pilgrimage city with its magnificent cathedral and UNESCO-listed old town. An easy day trip.

Tips for Driving in the Vigo Region

Roads: Main roads are excellent. The AP-9 motorway connects to Santiago and A Coruña. Roads along the ría can be narrow.

Speed limits: 50km/h urban, 90km/h open roads, 120km/h motorways.

Cross-border driving: Declare Portugal travel when collecting your car. Traffic rules are similar but check specific requirements.

Parking: Vigo has paid parking in the centre. Beach and town parking fills in summer.

Fuel: Stations are plentiful on main routes.

Weather: Galicia is green for a reason—rain is common. Be prepared for changeable conditions.

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