Asturias Airport (OVD) – Complete Travel Guide 2026

Asturias Airport quick facts

Asturias Airport (OVD) serves as a gateway to Spain's lush northern coast and operates as a seasonal base for Volotea. With a single efficient terminal, Asturias Airport caters to more than 1.5 million passengers annually, connecting the Principality of Asturias to major Spanish cities and key European hubs. Here is what you need to know:

Location: AI-82, 33459 Santiago del Monte, Castrillón, Asturias, Spain

Website: www.aena.es/en/aeropuerto-asturias/index.html

Airlines: Serves domestic carriers including Iberia, Vueling, and Binter Canarias, along with international airlines including KLM, Ryanair, and Volotea.

Terminals: 1 main terminal arranged in a linear layout.

Asturias Airport Terminal Map and Layout

Asturias Airport features a single, modern terminal building that handles all domestic and international traffic seamlessly. The linear design means navigating from the entrance to your gate is refreshingly straightforward. Upon entering the departures hall, the check-in desks are immediately visible, with security screening located just to the left. Once through security, you arrive at the central boarding area, which branches off into two distinct gate zones. This compact layout eliminates the need for trains, trams, or lengthy shuttle rides between terminals. The farthest boarding gate is less than a five-minute walk from the central retail area, making it easy to relax in a café until the final boarding call.

Navigating Asturias Airport Terminals

Unlike sprawling international hubs, Asturias Airport is housed entirely under one roof. This single structure is divided logically into ground-side (public) and air-side (passengers only) operations, with a clear, linear flow from the entrance to the runway.

Main Terminal

• Airlines that check in here: All airlines operating at the airport, including Iberia, Vueling, Volotea, KLM, Ryanair, and Binter Canarias.
• Key features and renovations: The terminal retains a bright, spacious feel with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the runway. Recent modernizations have updated the passenger seating areas and expanded the commercial zone post-security. The layout is split into the ground floor for arrivals and the upper floor for departures.
• Dining and shopping highlights: After security, passengers encounter a central atrium filled with natural light where the main cafeteria and duty-paid shop reside. Gates 1 to 4 serve Schengen and domestic flights, while Gates 5 to 9 often handle non-Schengen departures, reachable via a short corridor to the right after security.

Transportation to and from Asturias Airport

Extensive transportation options connect Asturias Airport with the city of Oviedo, the coastal town of Avilés, and the port city of Gijón. The airport is situated in the parish of Santiago del Monte, roughly 47 kilometers from Oviedo and just 10 kilometers from Avilés. While a rental car offers the greatest flexibility for exploring the rugged Asturian coastline and the Picos de Europa mountains, a reliable bus network provides an economical alternative for reaching the region's major cities.

Getting to and from Asturias Airport by Car

Reaching the airport by car is remarkably simple via the A-8 motorway (Cantabrian Highway) and the AI-82 dual carriageway, which leads directly to the terminal. Traffic congestion is rarely an issue compared to airports in Madrid or Barcelona. Simply follow signs for "Aeropuerto" once you merge onto the AI-82.

Parking at Asturias Airport

The official AENA car park sits directly opposite the terminal building. A weekend stay typically costs around €30 (approximately $33 USD). For budget-conscious travelers, several private low-cost car parks operate within a few kilometers of the terminal. Hotel Arias Aeropuerto, located just in front of the terminal, provides parking at approximately €7 per day ($8 USD). The Parking Aeropuerto Avilés Low Cost charges roughly €6.50 per day ($7 USD) and includes a shuttle transfer. For the most economical rate, the Alto del Praviano car park offers spaces for around €3.90 per day ($4.50 USD) with a shuttle van operating 24 hours a day. Booking these private lots in advance is highly recommended during the peak summer season.

Curbside Drop-off

A dedicated drop-off zone lies immediately outside the departures entrance on the upper level. There is a strict time limit designed to ensure smooth traffic flow. Drivers must remain with their vehicles or unload passengers and luggage quickly before proceeding to the parking areas. Security personnel actively patrol the curb, so idling for more than a few minutes will result in a request to move.

Getting to and from Asturias Airport by Rideshare or Taxi

Taxis are the most convenient door-to-door option for those who prefer not to drive. The official taxi stand is located directly outside the arrivals hall on the ground floor level. Local taxi services operate under the city tariffs of Castrillón and neighboring municipalities, providing transparent, metered pricing. While international rideshare apps like Uber have a minimal presence in this part of rural Spain, local taxi services are efficient and readily available.

Estimated Fares

• To Avilés: Approximately €20-€25 ($22-$28 USD), a journey taking roughly 15 minutes.
• To Oviedo: Approximately €55-€65 ($60-$72 USD), with a drive time of about 35-40 minutes.
• To Gijón: Approximately €45-€55 ($50-$60 USD), with a travel time of roughly 30 minutes.

Getting to and from Asturias Airport by Public Transportation

The ALSA bus company provides a direct and reliable connection from the airport to the region's three main cities. The bus stop is situated directly outside the arrivals terminal on the ground floor, leaving passengers just a short walk across the curb to board. You can purchase tickets directly from the driver in cash or via the ALSA mobile application.

Key Amenities at Asturias Airport

ATMs

Two ATMs are available inside the terminal. One is located in the main public concourse near the check-in desks on the ground floor, and a second is positioned in the boarding lounge after security. Both machines dispense Euro currency.

Lost and Found

The lost and found office is managed by AENA and is situated near the arrivals baggage claim area. If you lose an item on the aircraft, you must contact your airline directly. For items misplaced within the terminal, you can file a report at the information desk or call the general airport phone line at +34 913 21 10 00.

Luggage Services

Luggage carts are available for a small fee in the arrivals hall. A luggage wrapping service is available on the ground floor near the check-in area, offering secure plastic wrapping for roughly $6 USD per bag to protect against tampering and weather.

Pets

Pets must remain in their approved carriers while inside the terminal. A dedicated pet relief area is located outside the terminal building to the right of the arrivals exit. It is a grassy area with waste disposal bags available.

Showers

There are no public showers available at Asturias Airport. The Picos de Europa VIP Lounge does not currently offer shower facilities.

Currency Exchange

There is no dedicated currency exchange office at Asturias Airport. The ATMs provide the most competitive exchange rate for withdrawing Euros from foreign accounts.

Smoking Area

Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the terminal building, including in the VIP lounge. Designated smoking areas are located outside the main entrance and the arrivals exit.

Terminal Building Features

The terminal is fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, and adapted restrooms throughout. A dedicated meeting point is marked in the arrivals hall, directly opposite the exit barriers, making it easy to connect with drivers or tour guides.

WiFi

Free, unlimited WiFi is available throughout the terminal via the "Airport Free Wifi Aena" network. Simply connect, agree to the terms and conditions via the pop-up browser window, and you are online. Charging stations with standard EU power sockets and USB ports are integrated into many of the seating areas in the departures lounge.

Other Amenities

An information desk is staffed at the center of the arrivals hall. While there is no full medical center on-site, first aid assistance can be requested through airport staff. A non-denominational chapel/prayer room is not currently available, although the information desk can direct passengers to a quiet rest zone.

Airport Lounges at Asturias Airport

Asturias Airport offers a single VIP lounge that serves all passengers, regardless of their airline or ticket class, through various membership and payment options.

Airline Lounges at Asturias Airport

Picos de Europa VIP Lounge

• Location: Main Terminal, after security. Turn right and proceed to the end of the corridor, located just before the stairs leading to Gates 5-9.
• Standout features: This lounge offers a quiet sanctuary with floor-to-ceiling views of the Cantabrian Mountains. It is a non-smoking space featuring complimentary Wi-Fi, a selection of spirits, beer, wine, soft drinks, and light snacks. Live flight monitors and multiple TV screens keep you updated on departures.
• How to access: Access is available to Business Class passengers on operating airlines, Priority Pass members, and certain premium credit card holders. A day pass can be purchased for approximately $30 USD, subject to capacity. Access is restricted to a maximum of 4 hours (or 3 hours during peak Christmas periods) prior to departure.

Credit Card-Affiliated Lounges

The Picos de Europa VIP Lounge participates in the American Express Global Lounge Collection, granting complimentary access to Platinum Card Members. Card members may bring up to one guest, subject to a per-person fee.

Priority Pass Lounges at Asturias Airport

The Picos de Europa VIP Lounge is the official Priority Pass lounge at Asturias Airport. A valid same-day boarding pass with confirmed travel is required for all cardholders and guests.

Other Airports in the Region

Santander Airport (SDR)

• Distance to city center: Approximately 190 km east of Oviedo, roughly a 2-hour drive.
• Best for: Travelers visiting eastern Asturias or Cantabria, including Llanes and Santillana del Mar.
• Unique advantages: A modern terminal with more frequent domestic connections to Barcelona and Madrid. The design emphasizes panoramic views of the bay.
• Recommended for: Trips focused on the Picos de Europa National Park via the Cantabrian entrance or coastal tours heading east.

Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ)

• Distance to city center: Approximately 270 km west of Oviedo, roughly a 2.5-hour drive via the A-6.
• Best for: Pilgrims completing the Camino de Santiago or travelers exploring Galicia and western Asturias.
• Unique advantages: A striking modern architectural terminal handling major international wide-body flights. It serves as a crucial European hub.
• Recommended for: Long-haul connections to the Americas and travelers planning a combined Asturias-Galicia road trip.

Bilbao Airport (BIO)

• Distance to city center: Approximately 300 km east of Oviedo, roughly a 3-hour drive on the A-8.
• Best for: Art lovers heading to the Guggenheim Museum, or business travelers in the Basque Country.
• Unique advantages: Designed by Santiago Calatrava, this is one of Spain's busiest northern airports, offering far greater international connectivity.
• Recommended for: Travelers who want a major European hub experience with flights to London, Paris, and Frankfurt before driving along the scenic coast to Asturias.

Asturias Airport Overview

Asturias Airport traces its origins to 1968, when it replaced a smaller airfield near Gijón to meet the growing demand for air travel in the Principality. Its official name matches its regional identity, though locals occasionally refer to it simply as "Santiago del Monte" after the parish where it sits. The airport is located 47 kilometers northwest of Oviedo, situated dramatically between the rolling green hills of the Cantabrian coastline and the Bay of Biscay. It operates as a fully civilian airport managed by AENA. With a single runway and one terminal, the facility handles approximately 1.5 million passengers annually. A significant recent development is the inauguration of direct KLM flights to Amsterdam, connecting Asturias to a global long-haul network for the first time without requiring a stop in Madrid or Barcelona.

Asturias Airport Postal Code

Postal Code: 33459

City: Santiago del Monte, Castrillón

Province/State: Asturias

Country: Spain

Complete Mailing Address: Aeropuerto de Asturias, AI-82, 33459 Santiago del Monte, Asturias, Spain

Duty Free and Shopping at Asturias Airport

Asturias Airport is located within the European Union's common customs area. Therefore, there is no traditional duty-free shop for passengers traveling to destinations within the EU (such as Madrid, Barcelona, or Amsterdam). Duty-free purchases are available exclusively to passengers traveling to non-EU destinations, such as the United Kingdom. For intra-EU travelers, the commercial area operates as a "Travel Value" store, offering competitive tax-paid prices on local specialties and international goods.

👉 Shopping Tip: For authentic Asturian souvenirs, the airport shop excels at edible gifts that are difficult to find outside Spain. If you are looking for artisan crafts like traditional wooden clogs (madreñas) or local cider-pouring gadgets, the shops in Oviedo's old town offer a much wider selection than the terminal.

Security Wait Times Asturias Airport

Security at Asturias Airport is typically swift and stress-free. On a standard day, you can expect to clear the checkpoint in under 10 minutes. During peak holiday periods—particularly the first two weeks of August and the Easter processions (Semana Santa)—wait times can extend to 20-30 minutes. The busiest time blocks are early morning, between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, when the first wave of flights to Madrid and Barcelona departs. There is no TSA PreCheck, as that is a United States program. However, the standard screening process is efficient. Be prepared to remove laptops and liquids from your hand luggage; the 100ml liquid rule applies strictly.

Asturias Airport Drop Off and Pick Up Information

• Departures Drop-off Zone: Located on the upper ramp directly outside the check-in hall. Active curbside management limits waiting time to just a few minutes.
• Arrivals Pick-up Zone: Located on the ground floor outside the baggage claim exit. The official meeting point is just inside the automatic doors.
• Cell Phone Lot: While there is no designated "cell phone lot," the official AENA car park (P1) offers the first 15 minutes free of charge, making it the ideal waiting area for drivers.
• Kiss and Fly Zone: A short-stay express parking zone is available directly adjacent to the main car park entrance for very quick drop-offs.

Flight Routes and Airlines at Asturias Airport

Six airlines operate a network connecting Asturias directly to 17 destinations. Asturias Airport functions as an important seasonal operating base for Volotea.

• Iberia: Frequent daily flights to Madrid-Barajas (MAD), connecting to Iberia's global long-haul network.
• Vueling: Direct flights to Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) and seasonal service to Málaga (AGP) and Palma de Mallorca (PMI).
• Volotea: The airport's dominant carrier by destinations, operating to Alicante, Valencia, Málaga, and seasonal summer routes to Ibiza and Menorca.
• Ryanair: Regular low-cost connections to London Stansted (STN), Charleroi/Brussels (CRL), and Rome (CIA).
• KLM: A strategically important new route to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), operating two flights per week and increasing to daily service during July and August.
• Binter Canarias: Seasonal service connecting Asturias to the Canary Islands.

Getting to and from Asturias Airport

Asturias Airport is well-connected to the region's main cities by road. Renting a car is strongly recommended as public transport links to rural and coastal areas are limited, and having a vehicle unlocks the dramatic landscapes of the region.

Car Rental at Asturias Airport

Car rental counters for major international and local Spanish companies are located inside the arrivals hall on the ground floor. Enterprise, Europcar, Avis, Hertz, and Sixt all maintain desks here. The Enterprise office is a short 250-meter walk from the terminal exit, located at the Hotel Arias Aeropuerto.

Popular vehicle types include compact economy cars for navigating narrow village streets, SUVs for mountain roads, and luxury sedans for business travelers. We strongly recommend booking your vehicle in advance, especially during the summer months, as the small fleets in this regional airport can sell out quickly. 👉 Book your rental car at Asturias Airport in advance to secure the best rates and guarantee availability.

Asturias Airport Taxi Services

The official airport taxi service operates on a metered system. Taxis can carry up to four passengers and accept both cash and credit card payments. The taxi rank is immediately outside the arrivals terminal. For larger groups, a private minivan taxi can be arranged through the information desk.

Private Car Services

For a premium experience, private transfer companies offer fixed-rate meet-and-greet services. A driver will wait in the arrivals hall holding a name sign. This is an excellent option for business travelers or families with significant luggage, with the cost to Oviedo averaging around $75 USD pre-booked online.

Bus Services at Asturias Airport

The ALSA bus stop is located directly outside the arrivals terminal exit. Buses provide a direct, economical link to Oviedo bus station and Avilés. The service frequency aligns with flight arrival and departure banks. Tickets cost approximately $7 USD to Oviedo and can be purchased directly from the driver.

Hotel Shuttles

Several hotels near the airport offer complimentary shuttle services. The Hotel Arias Aeropuerto is within walking distance. Others, such as the Palacio de Avilés or hotels in the town of Castrillón, often provide pickup arrangements. It is advisable to schedule your pickup directly with the hotel concierge the day before your arrival.

Parking at Asturias Airport

• Short-term parking (P1): Located directly in front of the terminal. Ideal for picking up arriving passengers. Approximate rate of $0.07 USD per minute, with the first 15 minutes free.
• Long-term parking (P1): The main car park serves both long and short stays. A full day costs approximately $14 USD. Weekly passes offer a slight discount.
• Economy/Budget parking: Independent lots like Alto del Praviano charge as little as $4.50 USD per day with a free 3-minute shuttle bus to the terminal.
• Electric vehicle charging: Dedicated EV charging stations are available in the P1 car park, situated on Level 0.

Places to explore near Asturias Airport

• Avilés (10 km / 15 min drive): A historic industrial city that has undergone a stunning cultural rejuvenation. The Niemeyer Centre, an iconic white and yellow avant-garde cultural hub, is a must-see architectural landmark.
• Oviedo (47 km / 40 min drive): The capital city is famed for its pristine pedestrianized old town, Gothic Cathedral of San Salvador, and the 9th-century Camara Santa. Woody Allen famously fell in love with Oviedo, and a life-size statue of the director stands on Calle Milicias Nacionales.
• Gijón (40 km / 30 min drive): A vibrant coastal city with a sandy urban beach (Playa de San Lorenzo), a historic fishermen's quarter (Cimavilla), and excellent Roman bath museums.
• Picos de Europa National Park (110 km / 1.5-hour drive to Covadonga): Access the dramatic limestone peaks, the sacred Covadonga Lakes, and the Basilica de Santa María la Real. The drive up the mountains is an attraction in itself.
• Playa del Silencio (25 km / 25 min drive): One of Spain's most beautiful wild beaches, flanked by towering jagged cliffs. There are no facilities here, so pack water and wear sturdy shoes for the rocky path down.

Local Weather and Best Time to Visit Asturias

Asturias is known as a "Green Spain" destination, characterized by mild temperatures and regular rainfall that feeds the lush landscapes. Unlike the arid south, here you will find dramatic cliffs, foggy forests, and verdant pastures.

• Spring (March to May): Temperatures range from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F). Expect a mix of sunny days and sudden showers. The countryside explodes with wildflowers.
• Summer (June to August): The peak tourist season. Temperatures are comfortable, averaging 18°C to 23°C (64°F to 73°F). Days are long and mostly sunny, though morning fog (coastal niebla) can temporarily disrupt flights. This is the best time for hiking.
• Autumn (September to November): October brings heavy rainfall. Temperatures drop to 12°C-20°C (54°F-68°F). This is the harvest season for apples, making it a fantastic time to witness the production of Asturian cider.
• Winter (December to February): Cold and damp, averaging 6°C to 12°C (43°F-54°F). Snow blankets the Picos de Europa peaks, and flights are rarely disrupted by snow at the coastal airport.

Essential Travel Tips

• Arrival Time: Arrive 90 minutes before a domestic or Schengen-area flight, and 2 hours before a non-Schengen flight (like the KLM service to Amsterdam).
• Flight Status: Check the AENA app live flight tracker for real-time updates on Asturias Airport arrivals and departures, especially useful during the summer morning fog.
• Packing Advice: Always bring a light waterproof jacket and layers, even in July. An umbrella is a permanent necessity in Asturias.
• Currency: Euro (€). Cards are accepted everywhere, though some rural cider houses (sidrerías) and small village bakeries prefer cash. The ATMs at the airport provide the best exchange rate upon arrival.
• Language: Spanish is the official language. However, you may see billingual signage in Asturian (Bable). English is not widely spoken in rural areas, so a translation app is useful.
• Documentation: A valid passport is required for non-EU nationals. EU citizens can travel with a National ID card.
• Driving License: Your home driving license is valid for short stays. Non-EU licenses require an International Driving Permit to be used alongside your original license for car rental.
• Fuel Station: The nearest gas station is the Repsol station on the N-632, a 2-minute drive east from the airport roundabout. Fill up here before returning your rental car.

About the City

Asturias is not a city, but a Principality—an ancient region often called "paraiso natural" (natural paradise). While Oviedo is its administrative capital, the region functions as a single breathtaking canvas of deep valleys, wild Atlantic beaches, and the jagged peaks of the Picos de Europa. With a population of just over 1 million, it remains one of Spain's most undeveloped and authentic corners.

The cuisine here is legendary. This is the home of fabada asturiana, a rich bean and chorizo stew, and cabrales, a famously pungent blue cheese aged in mountain caves. Cider, or sidra natural, is the regional drink; waiters pour it from a great height above their heads to aerate the flat liquid, a ritual you will see in every sidrería. Culturally, the region is rich in pre-Romanesque art, with the UNESCO-listed churches of Naranco just outside Oviedo serving as unique architectural treasures from the 9th century. For visitors seeking a genuine Spanish experience far from the tourist crowds of the Mediterranean, Asturias offers a symphony of green landscapes, hearty food, and proud tradition. It is an ideal base for a road trip into Spain's wild north.

Start Your Journey at Asturias Airport

Asturias Airport is more than just a transit point; it is the first glimpse of a truly unique region. Its small size ensures a calm, efficient arrival—a welcome contrast to large international hubs. You can step off the plane, collect your bags, and be driving through the green hills toward Oviedo or the coastline within minutes of landing. The new KLM connection to Amsterdam has opened the region to the world, making a multi-stop European itinerary effortless. Plan ahead, secure your transportation, and prepare to discover one of Spain's most magical secrets. Book your rental car today and drive into the heart of Green Spain.