How to get to Vigo: Best ways for Bournemouth fans to travel

Bournemouth supporters travelling to north-west Spain for the Cherries’ UEFA Europa League meeting with Celta Vigo will need to plan their journey carefully, as there are no direct flights from the UK to Vigo.

The match will take place at the Abanca-Balaidos on Thursday, November 26, with kick-off scheduled for 5.45pm GMT (6.45pm local time).

The 1,158 travelling supporters in Bournemouth’s allocation will be seated in the upper tier, with access through Gate 20. Our guide on how to get tickets for Celta Vigo vs Bournemouth covers everything fans need to know about securing a seat.

With several alternative routes available by air, rail and coach, Football Ground Guide looks at the best ways for Bournemouth fans to reach Vigo and make their way to the stadium.

Getting to Vigo by plane

Vigo Airport (VGO) is located around 10km from the city centre, making it a convenient arrival point for visiting supporters, although its limited international connections mean there are no direct flights from the UK.

Most fans travelling by air will therefore need to connect through Madrid or Barcelona, or fly into a neighbouring city before completing the journey to Vigo. Porto Airport (OPO), just across the border in Portugal, is a particularly useful alternative, with the city around two and a half hours away from Vigo by direct coach.

Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) is another option, with Ryanair operating direct flights from London Stansted. The journey takes approximately two hours and 10 minutes, although the service runs only a few times a week, so supporters should check the schedule carefully before booking.

For those flying directly into Vigo via a connecting flight, the airport is around 10km from the centre. Vitrasa’s L9A bus provides a link to Praza Eugenio Fadrique, with tickets costing approximately €1.63 and payable to the driver, while taxis are also available outside the terminal.

Getting to Vigo by train

Vigo has two main railway stations, with Vigo-Urzaiz handling Alvia services to and from Madrid, a journey that takes approximately four hours, while Vigo-Guixar, located around 500 metres away, serves regional routes.

There is also a Celta service between Vigo and Porto, with two departures in each direction every day, although it currently involves a replacement bus section (see below). Standard tickets cost around €16.75, although promotional fares can be found from approximately €7.15.

However, supporters considering this route should be aware of ongoing engineering works. Between April 6, 2026 and April 7, 2027, replacement buses operate between Vigo-Guixar and Valenca, near the Portuguese border, where passengers can continue their journey by train.

Rail operator CP says the published timetables remain unchanged, although actual arrival times may vary depending on road traffic during the replacement bus section.

Getting to Vigo by bus

For Bournemouth supporters flying into Porto, travelling onwards by coach is arguably the most straightforward option, with Alsa, FlixBus and Autna all operating direct services between the Portuguese city and Vigo.

The journey takes approximately two and a half hours, with advance fares available from around £6, making it a relatively affordable way to cross the border without hiring a car.

Regional and longer-distance coach services also run to Vigo from Santiago de Compostela and Madrid, giving supporters additional options depending on their arrival airport and travel plans.

Getting to Vigo by boat

Travelling to Vigo by boat is unlikely to be a practical option for Bournemouth supporters coming from the UK, as there are no direct international passenger ferry services connecting the city with Britain.

The nearest UK ferry connection is Brittany Ferries’ route to Santander, although that port is in a different part of northern Spain and leaves a long onward journey before reaching Vigo.

Boat services do operate from Vigo’s harbour to the Cies Islands, but these are primarily tourist routes, with access limited to guided visits outside the summer high season, making them unlikely to offer a useful alternative for supporters visiting in late November.

How to get to Abanca-Balaidos

Celta Vigo’s home, which currently holds roughly 23,000–25,000 supporters while redevelopment work continues, is approximately 4km from Vigo-Urzaiz railway station, with supporters able to reach the ground by taxi, public transport or on foot.

Walking takes around 45 minutes through the city centre, while a taxi journey should take approximately 15 minutes and cost in the region of €20, depending on traffic.

Several Vitrasa bus routes, including 5A, 7, 8, 11, 12B and 17, also serve the stadium, offering a convenient alternative for those who would rather avoid the walk.

Parking around the ground is limited, so supporters travelling by car are encouraged to consider public transport instead.

For those looking to grab a drink before the match, Bunny is the closest pub to the stadium, approximately a five-minute walk away. Our Abanca-Balaidos stadium guide provides further information about the ground and its surroundings.

Bournemouth supporters should also keep an eye on the club’s official travel updates for any additional guidance or matchday arrangements ahead of the trip.