English Llanes
A traditional seaside town with a coastline dotted with dozens of beaches, on the way to Cantabria.
≈ 1 h 25 View transfer →
Asturias Airport OVD → Santander
Asturias Airport to Santander: the full eastern coastal route into Cantabria
The journey to Santander covers around 214 km and takes roughly 2 hours 10 minutes: it is the longest route along this coast, but follows the A-8 dual carriageway all the way, with no tolls. And if you are heading for the ferry to the UK, one time matters more than your flight time: your boarding time. Indicative prices from €275 for 1–4 passengers and from €329 for 5–8.
from €275 1–4 passengers
from €329 5–8 passengers
≈ 214 km reference distance
≈ 2 h 10 depending on traffic and destination
The longest coastal route, but on toll-free dual carriageway from start to finish
Santander lies to the east, in Cantabria, and the journey follows the entire Cantabrian coastal corridor: the A-8 passes through the areas around Gijón, Villaviciosa, Ribadesella and Llanes, crosses into Cantabria and continues via San Vicente de la Barquera and Torrelavega to Santander. It is more kilometres than any of the previous routes, but unlike the journey to León, there are no tolls here: it is a toll-free dual carriageway from one end to the other, so the key consideration is journey time rather than toll costs.
How pick-up works at Asturias Airport
The airport pick-up process is the same for every destination, and on a long journey like this it is worth knowing what to expect when you book.
- Book with your flight numberWith your flight details, the driver can track its status and adjust the pick-up time if it arrives early or is delayed, without you needing to let us know.
- Your driver waits for you in arrivals with a welcome signThis is a meet & greet service: the exact meeting point inside the terminal is confirmed with your booking.
- A courtesy waiting period so you can leave without rushingA waiting period after landing is allowed for collecting your luggage and reaching the meeting point; the exact conditions are shown in your booking confirmation.
If you are catching the ferry to the UK, your boarding time takes priority over your flight time
Ferry to the UK
Ferry check-in closes well before departure
Brittany Ferries operates from Santander Ferry Terminal (Muelle de Calderón, in the city centre) to Portsmouth and Plymouth, with only a few sailings each week. Passengers are required to arrive at the terminal in advance, generally around 2 hours before departure if travelling with a car and 1 hour on foot, and as the transfer from OVD takes around 2 hours 10 minutes, your pick-up time is calculated based on your boarding time and the required check-in allowance, not simply on your flight arrival time. If your flight and ferry are on the same day, it is advisable to allow plenty of time.
Which part of Santander: El Sardinero, the city centre and port, or the ferry terminal
In a city, the exact location determines the pick-up point and journey time. Santander's main arrival points are spread between the bay and the city centre: El Sardinero, with its beaches, Gran Casino and Magdalena Peninsula; the city centre and port, where the ferry terminal and Paseo de Pereda are located; and the railway and bus stations, which are very close to each other. Providing the exact address avoids unnecessary driving across the city.
Why fly into Asturias when Santander has its own airport?
Santander has its own airport (SDR), but depending on your departure point, airline or flight times, many travellers may find it more convenient to fly into Asturias Airport and complete the final leg by road. If you are travelling as a group or with bulky luggage —or with equipment for your ferry crossing—, it is worth checking the Zonetransfers fleet to make sure you have enough seats and luggage space.
Without a car, Santander is at the end of a long chain of connections
There is no direct public transport service from the airport. By bus, you need to change in Oviedo or Gijón for the coastal route towards Cantabria, making the overall journey considerably longer than the 2-hour drive. The narrow-gauge railway from Oviedo to Santander does exist and offers a very scenic journey, but it is slow and does not start at the airport either. For a journey of this distance, particularly if you need to catch a ferry, a single door-to-door transfer is where the difference is most noticeable.
Specific questions about your Santander transfer
Will I arrive in time for the ferry to England?
It depends on your sailing and flight times, which is why the pick-up is calculated when you book. Bear in mind that the terminal requires passengers to arrive in advance (around 2 hours with a car, 1 hour on foot) and that the journey takes around 2 hours 10 minutes. Tell us your boarding time and we will adjust the pick-up so you arrive at the ferry terminal with plenty of time.
Is Santander in Asturias?
No. Santander is the capital of Cantabria; the transfer follows the entire Asturian coast along the A-8 before entering Cantabria and continuing to Santander. The airport is in Asturias, but the destination is in a different autonomous community, which is why this is the longest route in the series.
Why fly into Asturias Airport if Santander has its own airport?
Santander has its own airport (SDR), but flight availability, airlines and schedules can mean that, depending on your departure point, it works out better to fly into Asturias (OVD) and travel the final leg by road. This transfer is designed precisely for that situation.
Does the Santander price apply to El Sardinero, Torrelavega or the outskirts?
You should not assume so. El Sardinero, the city centre, Torrelavega and accommodation on the outskirts are different destinations, with different journey times and distances. It is best to provide the exact address so the correct fare can be calculated.
Other transfers from Asturias Airport
If Santander is not your destination, these are other routes along the eastern corridor from OVD, towards the coast and the Picos de Europa.
Ribadesella
The town of the Sella, set between its historic centre and Santa Marina Beach.
≈ 1 h 05 View transfer →
Cangas de Onís
Gateway to Covadonga and the Picos de Europa, in eastern Asturias.
≈ 1 h 30 View transfer →
Villaviciosa
The town, estuary and coastline, the first stop on the eastern corridor.
≈ 55 min View transfer →
Oviedo
Direct transfer from the airport to the capital of the Principality of Asturias.
≈ 40 min View transfer →
Bilbao
Continuing east along the Cantabrian corridor, into the Basque Country.
≈ 3 h View transfer →
More private transport options in Asturias and Cantabria
Book your Santander transfer around your flight and ferry times
Enter your date, flight number, number of passengers and destination — El Sardinero, the city centre or the ferry terminal — and, if you are travelling by ferry, your boarding time, so you can see the available vehicle and final price before confirming.