train station to santiago de compostela cathedral

Walking is .84 miles. Driving, because of the one way and pedestrian only streets, is 1.79 miles from the Renfe Train station. Is it walkable, yes. I’ve never walked from the train station and have no idea how safe walking is. A taxi should be perfectly safe and would be easier if you have luggage. Hope you’re staying at the Parador, right beside the cathedral. It’s expensive but very nice.

I'm pretty sure I was faced with a significant outdoor staircase outside the Santiago de Compostela train station. Whether it is avoidable, I do not know. I just muttered to myself and kept climbing.

I'm not usually out late, even in Spain, but I think it's unlikely that safety would be a concern in SdeC.

In my experience, a tourist is likely to be slightly overcharged on taxi rides from airports, train stations and bus terminals, so I avoid taxis except on rare occasions, but the overcharge seldom amounts to a more than a few dollars. With two people, at 10 at night, I'd opt for a taxi.

"In my experience, a tourist is likely to be slightly overcharged on taxi rides from airports, train stations and bus terminals"

I've had problems like that in some places, but never in Spain. I haven't been to Santiago de Compostela, but I've taken taxis from train or bus stations in many Spanish cities, including Seville, Madrid, Cordoba, Granada, Vitoria, San Sebastian, Toledo - and I may be forgetting one or two! In every case, the driver used the meter, and any allowed extra charges were posted on a placard in the taxi (such as for picking up from the airport, or putting things in the trunk). Tipping is not expected, but I usually have them keep the small change (so if the taxi fare is €7.80 and I hand them €8, they will start fishing for the change, but I tell them to keep it). Fares in Spain are relatively low, too.

So, with 2 people I'd just take a taxi from the station to your hotel. As always, have the address written out to avoid misunderstandings (in Vitoria I put the accent on the wrong syllable, and my driver genuinely had no idea where I wanted to go!).

Do remember that in Spain, 8 PM is not "night" - most locals are just starting to think about where they will eat dinner, which starts for them at 10 PM. Many stores will stay open until 9 or 10 PM.

Yes, you can walk, and after that long train ride, you may want to do this to give your legs a bit of exercise. The city will be filled with people so it won't be a lonely experience. August is a busy month for the Camino pilgrims.

If you really just want to get to your hotel because you are exhausted or have lots of luggage, then take a taxi. Have done this on a couple of occasions in Santiago. The taxi drivers are honest and friendly.

This is a really safe city, whether walking or in a taxi. (trying to figure out how a taxi can be unsafe?)

Which hotel will you be staying in?