Palencia

Cozy Palencia, located in the Castile and León region, attracts travellers with its rich historical heritage and the authentic atmosphere of Spain. For those planning a visit to Palencia, many convenient options are available, as this ancient city enjoys excellent transport connections with the country's major hubs. When considering how to get to Palencia, you can choose a high-speed train, an intercity bus, or a journey by car, enjoying the picturesque views along the way.

Although Palencia does not have its own airport, reaching it by air is quite simple due to its proximity to other transport hubs in the region. The most convenient option for air travellers is a flight to Valladolid (VLL), located just 43 kilometres from the destination.

Alternatively, you can consider flying to Burgos (RGS), situated 79 km away, or León (LEN), which is 108 km away. All these airports have established connections with Palencia, so covering the remaining part of the journey after landing will be effortless.

Travelling by rail is one of the most comfortable and fastest ways to reach your destination. Palencia has its own railway station, which serves as an important transport hub for the region and is conveniently located within walking distance of the historic city centre and the Jardinillos Park.

High-speed trains arrive here regularly, making the trip easy and pleasant. For instance, the journey from Madrid takes only about an hour and a half. Additionally, the station serves direct routes from neighbouring major cities such as Valladolid, León, Burgos, and Santander, ensuring excellent connectivity with various parts of the country.

Bus services connect Palencia with many cities in the region, offering travellers a budget-friendly and scenic mode of transport. Tourists most often arrive here from neighbouring Valladolid: a comfortable bus covers the distance of 50 kilometres in approximately 45–50 minutes. This is an ideal option for those who want to quickly reach the heart of the action while enjoying views of the endless Castilian plains along the way.

Routes from other historical centres in the north of the country are equally convenient. A trip from the city of Burgos, located 90 kilometres away, takes just over an hour, allowing you to easily combine visits to several attractions. Regular services also run from the city of León: the 125-kilometre journey can be covered on average in one and a half hours, arriving directly at the city bus station.

Travelling by car offers a great opportunity to enjoy the peaceful landscapes of Castile. The shortest and most popular route leads from the city of Valladolid: driving along the A-62 motorway, you will cover 50 kilometres in just 40–50 minutes. This same highway is convenient for travelling from Burgos, from where the 90-kilometre distance can be comfortably driven in about an hour.

The road from León via the modern A-231 highway takes slightly longer—about an hour and a half for a distance of 125 kilometres. If you decide to use a taxi instead of a rental car, be prepared for significant expenses: a trip from nearby cities will cost between 60 and 130 euros, depending on the departure point and the tariff.

To ensure your trip to Palencia goes perfectly, it is worth familiarising yourself with the local way of life in advance. Located in the heart of Spain, this city remains faithful to centuries-old traditions, and knowing a few simple rules will help you feel at home.

• Weather conditions. The climate in Palencia is continental and quite contrasting. Winters here are cold, often with fog and wind, so warm clothing is mandatory. In summer, it can be hot during the day, but nights bring freshness—even in August, it is advisable to carry a light sweater or windbreaker for evening walks.
• The Sacred Siesta. From 14:00 to 17:00, the city practically comes to a standstill. Shops, banks, and many museums close. Locals dedicate this time to lunch and rest. Plan your shopping for the morning or evening, and it is better to spend the middle of the day in a park or enjoying a leisurely meal.
• Complimentary Tapas. Palencia is famous for the generosity of its cafés and eateries. Here, as in neighbouring León, when you order a beverage (juice, soft drinks, or others), you are often served a small portion of a snack—a "tapa"—free of charge. This is an excellent way to explore local gastronomy on a budget.
• Late Dinner. The meal schedule here is typically Spanish but shifted to a later time. Lunch usually begins after 14:00, and people sit down for dinner no earlier than 21:00–22:00. If you arrive at a restaurant at 19:00, the kitchen will most likely still be closed.
• Language. Far from the coastal resorts, English is not understood everywhere. Knowing basic phrases in Spanish ("hola" - hello, "gracias" - thank you, "la cuenta, por favor" - the bill, please) will not only facilitate communication but also evoke sincere appreciation from the townspeople.
• Financial Nuances. Bank cards are accepted in most establishments, but having small denominations of cash is highly desirable. It will come in handy for paying for coffee in small cafés, buying souvenirs, or purchasing tickets for public transport.

The city is distinguished by a high level of safety and a calm atmosphere, so you can walk around the historic centre without concern at any time of the day. Furthermore, tap water in Palencia meets high quality standards and is safe for drinking.