English The arrival point for the heart of Ribadesella
This side of the estuary includes the medieval centre, the harbour promenade and much of the town's everyday life. It is a different destination from accommodation located across the water.
Asturias Airport OVD → Ribadesella
Around 100 km to Ribadesella, with one important detail on arrival: which side of the Sella will you end up on?
The transfer from Asturias Airport to Ribadesella covers approximately 100–105 km, with a typical journey time of 1 hr 5 min to 1 hr 15 min. Zonetransfers offers guide fares from €139 for 1–4 passengers and from €169 for 5–8 passengers.
from €1391–4 passengers
from €1695–8 passengers
≈ 100–105 kmtypical route
≈ 1 hr 5–15 mindepending on traffic and destination
After the A-8, the River Sella splits Ribadesella into two very different arrival areas
The A-8 motorway is the main road route from central Asturias to Ribadesella. Once you reach the town, the River Sella and its estuary divide the destination into two clearly distinct areas: the historic centre and harbour on one side, and Santa Marina with the Tito Bustillo area on the other.
The final stretch includes crossing the bridge
Santa Marina Beach lies on the opposite bank of the estuary from the historic centre and is reached via the bridge over the Sella. This side is also home to seafront hotels and the famous Tito Bustillo Cave.
“Ribadesella” alone does not identify the exact drop-off point
Providing your hotel name or full address makes it clear from the outset whether your transfer ends in the town centre, by the harbour, in Santa Marina or elsewhere within the municipality.
Without a car, the airport means changing first in Oviedo or Gijón
Asturias Airport has direct bus links to Oviedo and Gijón, but not to Ribadesella. To continue by coach, you'll need to change services in one of those cities before reaching Ribadesella bus station.
A journey of around 2 hr 30 min
The current route combines the airport bus to Oviedo bus station with a second coach to Ribadesella. The complete journey typically takes about 2 hr 30 min and costs roughly €11–17 per passenger.
An alternative taking around 2 hr 40 min
Another option is to travel by airport bus to Gijón before changing onto the coach to Ribadesella. The overall journey is usually around 2 hr 40 min, with fares of approximately €10–16 per passenger.
The journey doesn't necessarily end when you leave the coach
Both public transport options arrive at Ribadesella bus station. If your accommodation is in Santa Marina, near Tito Bustillo or outside the main town, you'll still need to complete the final part of the journey.
For a pre-booked transfer from OVD, the real comparison is between one direct road journey and a sequence of airport → connecting city → Ribadesella → final destination.
There is one week each summer when Ribadesella no longer operates like an ordinary day
Les Piragües Festival
The International Descent of the River Sella changes traffic and transport
The International Descent of the River Sella finishes in Ribadesella and takes place every summer on the first Saturday in August, or the second when the 1st falls on 1 or 2 August. If your transfer coincides with the event, it's advisable to check that year's traffic arrangements rather than relying on normal journey times.
During the 2026 edition, traffic restrictions affected regular services, additional coach routes were introduced and dedicated shuttle buses operated throughout the event. The municipality's own transport planning also identifies summer congestion on the roads into Ribadesella as a significant issue.
Practical questions about travelling to and from Ribadesella
Can I travel by train from Asturias Airport to Ribadesella?
Not directly. Asturias Airport does not have its own railway station. Ribadesella is served by the narrow-gauge railway linking Oviedo and Santander, but from the airport you'll first need to reach a station on the network before continuing by train.
Where are Ribadesella's bus and railway stations?
The Town Council lists the bus station on Palacio Valdés Street and the narrow-gauge railway station on Estación Street. They are separate locations, so it's worth specifying which one you're using for onward travel or pick-up.
How do I travel from Ribadesella back to Asturias Airport by public transport?
There is no direct connection. Current options involve changing in either Oviedo or Gijón. As a guide, the Oviedo route can take around 1 hr 57 min, while the Gijón option is approximately 2 hr 20 min, although timetables should always be checked for your flight date.
Does the Ribadesella fare also apply to every village in the municipality?
Not necessarily. The municipality includes other communities such as Ardines, Tereñes, Cueves and Sardalla. If your accommodation is outside Ribadesella town itself, please provide the exact village and address to confirm both the route and the applicable fare.
Are local taxis available in Ribadesella for onward travel from the station?
Yes. The Town Council lists the local taxi rank on Ramón Soto Street, opposite the Tourist Office. It's a practical option for completing a short local journey after arriving by coach or train.