How to get to Zamora

Picturesque Zamora, located in the Castile and León region of western Spain, is renowned as a true treasure trove of Romanesque architecture and an "open-air museum." For those planning to visit Zamora, a wide range of transport solutions is available: from comfortable trains and intercity buses to driving along scenic highways. When considering how to reach Zamora, tourists often combine a flight to neighboring major cities with a short ground transfer directly to the center of this historic site.

Although Zamora does not have its own airport for regular passenger flights, reaching it by air is quite simple. For international travelers, the most convenient option is flying to Madrid (MAD). The capital's Barajas Airport receives aircraft from all over the world. From there, you can easily reach your destination by ground transport: the high-speed train takes approximately 1.5 hours, while a bus journey will take longer — about 3 hours.

Alternatively, you can consider the airports of neighboring cities — Valladolid (VLL) and Salamanca (SLM). They are located significantly closer, less than 100 km from the city, but they primarily serve domestic or seasonal European flights. This option is excellent for those who are already in Spain or are planning a complex itinerary with connections within the country.

Rail transport is one of the fastest and most comfortable ways to reach your destination. Zamora has a modern railway station, which serves as an important hub on the high-speed AVE train line connecting Madrid with the Galicia region.

Thanks to the high-speed connection, the journey from the Spanish capital (Chamartín Station) takes only about 1–1.5 hours. Trains run regularly, making the trip convenient and allowing for easy itinerary planning. Trains continuing further northwest to the popular tourist destinations of Galicia also pass through this station.

Bus services are a great way to reach the city comfortably and on a budget, enjoying the landscapes of the Castile and León region along the way. One of the most popular and shortest routes leads from neighboring Salamanca: the 65-kilometer distance can be covered in less than an hour thanks to frequent departures. Regular connections are also established with Valladolid, from where the journey of about 100 kilometers takes an average of one and a half hours.

For those traveling across the Iberian Peninsula, an international route from Bragança in Portugal is a convenient option. The trip across the border lasts about two hours, allowing you to easily combine a visit to two countries in one tour. Zamora's bus station is located within walking distance of the main attractions, eliminating the need to seek additional transfers upon arrival.

Traveling by car is an excellent way to enjoy the views of the Castile and León region on the way to Zamora. The fastest route leads from Salamanca: the drive along the A-66 highway takes about 50 minutes, covering a distance of 65 kilometers. From Valladolid, the journey along the A-11 motorway, spanning 100 kilometers, will require just over an hour.

For tourists coming from Portugal, it is convenient to travel from Bragança: the 120-kilometer route takes approximately one and a half hours. If you do not plan to rent a car, you can use a taxi or private transfer; the cost from the nearest Spanish cities usually varies from 70 to 130 euros.

To ensure your trip to Zamora is as comfortable as possible and leaves only pleasant impressions, it is worth learning about some local nuances in advance. We have prepared a list of useful recommendations that will help you better plan your stay in this ancient city and avoid common tourist mistakes.

1. Clothing and Seasonality: The climate in this region is continental, with noticeable temperature fluctuations. Summers here are hot and dry, so be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and light clothing made of natural fabrics. Winters can be quite cold and windy — a warm jacket will be required. Since the historic center is paved with ancient cobblestones, comfortable flat shoes are strongly recommended.
2. Transport: Zamora is a compact city, and its main treasures are best explored on foot. The historic center is partially closed to traffic, and the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. If you need to get to the station or remote districts, you can use local buses or taxis, which are relatively inexpensive here.
3. Finances: As in all of Spain, the currency is the Euro. Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere: in hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets. However, it is always better to carry some cash for small purchases in souvenir shops or when ordering snacks in small traditional eateries.
4. Health and Safety: The city is considered very calm and safe for tourists, even in the evening. Pharmacies are easily recognized by the glowing green cross, and the level of medical care is high. Tap water meets sanitary standards, but due to its specific taste, tourists often prefer to buy bottled water.
5. Communication: The main language of communication is Spanish (Castilian). In tourist offices and large hotels, staff generally speak English, but in ordinary cafes or shops, you may not be understood. Learning a few basic phrases of courtesy in Spanish is recommended — locals greatly appreciate such gestures of respect for their culture.
6. Local Etiquette: Take the siesta schedule into account: many small shops, museums, and institutions close for a break from 14:00 to 17:00. Dinner here starts late, usually after 21:00. When entering small establishments, it is customary to greet everyone present or at least the staff.
7. What to Avoid: Do not plan to visit active churches during mass solely for the purpose of sightseeing or photography — this is considered disrespectful to worshippers. Also, avoid loud conversations in temples and observe the dress code (covered shoulders and knees) when visiting religious sites.
8. Extra Tip: If you wish to try the best local snacks (tapas), head to the Calle de los Herreros area. This place is extremely popular among locals, and it is here that you can experience the city's true gastronomic atmosphere at very reasonable prices.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid minor inconveniences and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the "City of Romanesque Art." Enjoy the hospitality of the locals, the leisurely pace of life, and the unique charm of this corner of the Iberian Peninsula.