We are flying into Santiago de Compostela and out of Bilbao and want to see the major sights between these two cities over a period of several days. Would like a private driver to take us from city to city, probably overnights in Oviedo and Santander. I have some sightseeing priorities in the region, but the driver's knowledge of the area would be invaluable. We are not looking for just a transfer service. Anyone have positive experiences in this area?
Posted by
105 posts
Having previously been in the business of arranging private drivers in Europe, my guess is that you will have a hard time finding that service from a company based out of Santiago. It is not big enough of a hub. I don't recall anyone asking for service in that area when I was in the biz.
My advice, look for that service in Bilbao and have the driver meet you in Santiago.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7157 posts
Seems like that would be pretty expensive. The roads in Spain are very well maintained and well marked. Outside the cities traffic is very light, so not stressful. Not sure what major sights you want to see as priorities or why you picked Oviedo and Santander as possible overnights. It’s your trip, but you could easily do the trip with a rental car. Also, since you’re covering such a large area, there’s no guarantee a private driver will have a good knowledge of the entire area.
Posted by
340 posts
Try Caminofacil... https://taxi.caminofacil.net/
They drove us from Pamplona to St Jean Pied de Port and from Leon to Sarria. They serve the entire Camino.
We were very satisfied with them.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you all for your kind replies. Renting a car may be the best option but we also don't like the downsides. Possible accident, theft of our luggage, parking issues, navigation difficulties, etc. We may try to go hub to hub and then do day trips. One company was quoting $1000 a day for private driver service. That is for sure out of our range. But our trip is several months away so we have lots of time to consider our options. Thanks again for the comments.
Posted by
105 posts
$1000 day for private car service is typical for Europe. Keep in mind you are also paying for the driver's lodging and meals for the kind of service you were looking for. My advice if you are really adamant about not driving but want the flexibility of a car, pay for a cousin, nephew, friend, etc to go on the trip with you with the expectation they will drive.
Otherwise, bite the bullet and drive. Get full insurance and don't worry too much about what could happen. There's nothing too exotic about driving in Europe, it's all in our head.
Posted by
Paris
7303 posts
Driving in northern Spain is very very chill. I did a road trip from Santiago to Oviedo and back last year, it really was a breeze. The roads are excellent, signage is great, parking is easy just about everywhere. Risk of theft is much lower than in southern Spain, and the vast majority of cars have luggage covers anyway (they greatly reduce risks).
Skip Santander, though! Try to spend at least a day in a smaller coastal town instead, like Comillas, or in the Picos de Europa mountain.
Posted by
897 posts
kinda expensive, but might be of interest -
The Transcantábrico Train takes 8 days and 7 nights between San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela (or vice versa), visiting wonderful places such as Santander, Oviedo, Gijón and Bilbao. A very special opportunity to discover the North of Spain aboard a luxurious hotel on rails surrounded by glamour, with exclusive attention and maximum comfort.
https://eltrentranscantabrico.com/en/
There's a one hour travel show on the train/trip, 'Mighty Trains'
https://www.smithsonianchannel.com/shows/mighty-trains/uphdtq/season-4
or https://www.amazon.com/Mighty-Trains-Season-4/dp/B098YVKVBH
Posted by
11570 posts
Yes to staying in Comillas!