What is the "Unofficial Taxi Touts at SCQ Airport" scam in Santiago de Compostela?

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Unlicensed drivers approach arriving passengers inside the arrivals hall at Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ), offering "pilgrim specials" or "fixed rates" to the city center. The official regulated fare is approximately €23 for up to four passengers; these touts typically charge €35–50 and may use unmarked vehicles without meters. The scam peaks during summer pilgrimage season and Holy Year (Año Santo Compostelano) when high pilgrim inflow makes the airport arrivals hall extremely active. Drivers sometimes claim the official taxi queue is "too long" or "not running" to steer victims toward their vehicles. Exit the terminal completely and use only the official taxi rank on the ground floor outside the arrivals exit — never accept a ride from anyone who approaches you inside the building. The official fixed fare to the city center is approximately €23; confirm this with the driver before entering the vehicle. Consider the Empresa Freire bus service (approximately €3) as a low-cost alternative to the city bus station.

Taxi & Transport Scams in Santiago de Compostela

Unofficial Taxi Touts at SCQ Airport

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