Getting from Santiago de Compestalla to Lisbon

Check skyscanner.com for a list of budget airlines between European cities. You might find several options.

Thanks very much Nancy!

I was curious, so I did a quick look, and only found connecting flights, taking at least 3 hours 35 minutes. The shorter flights were on Iberia and cost a fortune; if you want to do this, you can book a round trip ticket and just not use the second part (don't not use the first part, or they'll cancel the second). The ones on budget airlines took much longer (over 5 hours). If you do book a flight (budget or "legacy" carrier), you book on line and get an e-ticket, just like for US airlines. I then looked at trains on http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en, and found some trains taking 8:48 with two changes. This confirms what I've found in the past; connections between Spain and Portugal are, in general, much worse than we picture them to be. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. I hope you find something suitable for your trip.

Thanks! This is very helpful. I did find a flight from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid on Ryan Air, connecting to Easy Jet from Madrid to Lisbon. It's a 1 hour and forty five minute layover in Madrid. Has anyone done this before, and was it OK? I'm not too familiar with the quality of these budget airlines.... Thanks,
L

As always when the subject of Ryanair arises, I must post this musical warning about Cheap Flights (warning: not safe for work - contains profanity). "there must be extra charges when the flights are 50p" As long as you understand all the rules, and understand that they make money by charging for any "breaking" of the rules, you can be fine. For instance, be sure to print out your boarding pass before getting to the airport, or it costs a lot to get it there. EasyJet has a more straightforward fare structure; they also have extra fees, but they are spelled out clearly on the website as you're booking. And good for you for leaving lots of time between the flights. If you miss your connection, your ticket is worthless, and you'll have to buy another one (at last minute prices).

I've found Ryan Air to be OK, certainly not pleasant, but OK; just follow the rules to the letter or it will get really expensive quickly. And expect a developing-world bus ride at 30,000 feet. Just have something to occupy your mind and you'll be fine.