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Car Rental Asturias Airport (OVD), Spain Guide

Picking up a rental car at Asturias Airport (OVD), Spain is remarkably straightforward and offers immediate freedom to explore one of Spain’s most underrated regions. Unlike busy hubs like Madrid or Barcelona, this modern airport is compact, meaning you’ll walk from baggage claim to the rental counters in under ten minutes. Many international travelers choose to rent directly upon arrival because public transport connections to coastal gems like Llanes, Cangas de Onís, or the Picos de Europa mountains are infrequent. While a taxi might get you to Oviedo or Gijón, a rental car becomes essential for visiting the tiny fishing villages and dramatic cliffside viewpoints that define Asturias’ charm.

One of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to pick up at the airport or take a bus into the city center and rent there. The airport surcharge for rentals is real—typically adding 15-25 USD per day—but the convenience of driving straight from arrivals often outweighs the extra cost. On the other hand, renting in Oviedo or Gijón city center can save money, but you’ll have to navigate public transport with luggage. Major rental desks inside Asturias Airport (OVD), Spain include well-known international brands as well as local Spanish operators. Money-saving tip: If you’re landing midweek, check both airport and city pickup prices—weekend airport rates can spike, but Tuesday or Wednesday pickups often drop the surcharge significantly.

Car Rentals Requirements in Asturias Airport (OVD), Spain

Before you arrive at Asturias Airport (OVD), Spain, it’s crucial to understand the legal requirements for renting a car. The minimum age to rent is 21, but drivers under 25 will almost certainly pay a young driver surcharge—anywhere from 15 to 35 USD per day. Some luxury or specialty vehicles require drivers to be at least 25 or even 30 years old. You’ll need a valid driver’s license from your home country, and if your license uses a non-Roman alphabet (e.g., Japanese, Chinese, Arabic), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory. Even for EU or US license holders, having an IDP can smooth over interactions with local police if you’re stopped.

Every rental company at Asturias Airport (OVD), Spain will require a credit card in the main driver’s name. Debit cards are rarely accepted for the security deposit, which typically ranges from 400 to 1,500 USD depending on the car category. Your passport is also required for identity verification. Regarding insurance, basic third-party liability is always included in the quoted price, but you’ll be offered a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection. Without these, your excess (deductible) can be as high as 1,500 USD. Many international travelers purchase separate excess insurance before traveling to avoid the rental desk’s expensive daily rates.

Why Rent a Car in Asturias Airport (OVD), Spain

The moment you leave the terminal at Asturias Airport (OVD), Spain, you’ll understand why a rental car transforms your trip. Public buses run to major cities but stop early in the evening, and trains don’t reach many of the region’s most spectacular spots. With your own wheels, you can chase the sunset over the Cantabrian Sea, pull over spontaneously for cider at a sidrería, or drive deep into the Picos de Europa National Park without waiting for a tour group. Families especially benefit—car seats for children are easy to add to your booking, and having a trunk full of snacks and rain gear (essential in Asturias) makes day trips stress-free.

Asturias is defined by its geography: steep green mountains plunging into a rugged coastline. The best way to experience this is via the N-632 coastal highway or the AS-114 through the Cares Gorge. Rental cars also let you stay in rural casas rurales (country houses) that have no taxi service. Whether you’re a solo photographer hunting for the perfect shot of the Bufones de Pría blowholes or a couple wanting to visit three different beach coves in one afternoon, a rental car pays for itself in saved time and flexibility.

• Freedom to explore hidden coves – Beaches like Gulpiyuri (a flooded sinkhole) have no bus access.
• Spontaneous cider house stops – Drive to any village with a sidrería sign without relying on tours.
• Picos de Europa access – The lakes of Covadonga require a car; shuttle buses fill up quickly.
• Family convenience – Store strollers, beach gear, and groceries in your own space.
• Rainy day flexibility – Asturias weather changes fast; a car lets you chase sunshine.
• Off-season travel – In winter, buses are scarce, but mountain villages are magical with snow.

Best Car Rental Companies in Asturias Airport (OVD), Spain

At Asturias Airport (OVD), Spain, you’ll find a healthy mix of global giants and local Spanish agencies. Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, Sixt, Alamo, and Europcar all maintain permanent desks inside the arrivals hall. These are ideal if you want a seamless experience and have loyalty points. However, local suppliers like Record Go, Goldcar, and Ok Mobility often offer lower base rates, though they can be more aggressive about upselling insurance at the counter. For most international travelers, the major brands provide peace of mind with English-speaking staff and clear terms.

The key difference between companies isn’t just price—it’s the condition of the fleet. Sixt and Europcar tend to have newer, well-maintained cars with lower mileage, while Budget and Goldcar may offer older vehicles. If you’re planning a mountain drive, paying slightly more for a trusted brand can save you roadside headaches. Always check the fuel policy (full-to-full is best) and take a video of existing damage before leaving the parking lot.

Popular Car Rental Categories & Prices in Asturias Airport (OVD), Spain

The most popular rental category at Asturias Airport (OVD), Spain is the compact car—think SEAT Ibiza, Ford Fiesta, or Renault Clio. These are perfect for the narrow streets of old towns like Cudillero and Lastres, and they return excellent fuel economy on the hilly roads. Economy cars (Citroën C1, Toyota Aygo) are even cheaper but can feel underpowered on steep mountain passes. For families or groups, SUVs like the Peugeot 3008 or Nissan Qashqai provide extra cargo space and better visibility on winding roads. Vans (SEAT Alhambra, Ford Galaxy) are necessary for 6+ passengers or long surfing trips with boards. Luxury cars (BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class) are available but rarely practical given the narrow parking in coastal villages.

Prices swing dramatically by season. In high season (July, August, and the first week of September), daily rates can triple. Low season (November through February, excluding Christmas) offers the best deals—sometimes as low as 20-30 USD per day for a compact car. Holiday demand spikes during Easter (Semana Santa) and the two weeks around Christmas, so book at least two months in advance for those periods. Pro tip: A one-week rental in October often costs less than a three-day rental in August.

Road Trips from Asturias Airport (OVD), Spain

Asturias Airport (OVD), Spain is perfectly positioned at the midpoint of the Asturian coast, making it an ideal launchpad for unforgettable drives. Here are four road trips that showcase the region’s dramatic landscapes.

• The Coastal Cider Route (Airport to Ribadesella) – 75 km, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Highlights: Stop in Villaviciosa for cider tasting, hike the cliffs at San Antonio Beach, and visit the Tito Bustillo Cave (prehistoric art). Extend to Llanes for its medieval tower and buzzing evening pinchos scene.
• Picos de Europa Lakes & Mountains (Airport to Covadonga) – 110 km, 1 hour 45 minutes to the lakes parking area. Highlights: The Basilica of Covadonga, then drive the steep, winding road to Lagos de Covadonga. Continue to Cangas de Onís for the famous Roman bridge and lunch at a sidrería. Note: In July/August, access to the lakes requires a bus ticket due to traffic limits.
• Western Coast & Cudillero (Airport to Cudillero) – 70 km, 1 hour. Highlights: The colorful cliffside village of Cudillero, the wild beaches of Aguilar and Concha de Artedo, and the Cabo Vidio viewpoint. From there, push on to Luarca, known as the “white town of the green coast.”
• Oviedo & Romanesque Churches (Airport to Oviedo) – 40 km, 35 minutes. Highlights: Oviedo’s UNESCO-listed pre-Romanesque churches (San Julián de los Prados), the Campoamor Theatre, and the legendary carbayón tree. This is a short, easy drive for jet-lagged arrivals.
• The Garganta del Cares Hike Base (Airport to Poncebos) – 120 km, 2 hours. Highlights: This drive is for serious hikers. Head to Poncebos, the trailhead for the famous Cares Gorge walk (12 km one-way). The drive itself on the AS-114 is spectacular, hugging cliffs above the Cares River.

Driving Rules in Asturias Airport (OVD), Spain

Driving in Asturias is on the right-hand side of the road, and all overtaking is done on the left. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers, front and rear. Child seats are required for children under 135 cm (approx. 4 feet 5 inches), and children under 12 cannot ride in the front seat unless the rear is occupied by other children. Spain has a zero-tolerance policy for using a mobile phone while driving—hands-free systems only, or you risk a fine of 200 USD and points off your license.

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% for drivers with more than two years of experience and 0.03% for professional drivers. However, police often set informal lower limits, and it’s best to avoid any alcohol if you’re driving in rural areas where checkpoints are common. Speed limits are strictly enforced by radar, especially on mountain roads. Winter tire laws are not mandatory in most of Asturias, but if you’re driving into the Picos de Europa between November and March, snow chains are required by law when snow is present on the road. Rental companies can provide chains for a small fee.

Toll Roads in Asturias Airport (OVD), Spain

You will not find any toll roads directly around Asturias Airport (OVD), Spain. The main coastal motorway, the A-8 (Autovía del Cantábrico), is completely toll-free between Asturias and neighboring Galicia or Cantabria. This is a huge relief for road-trippers, as tolls can add 30-50 USD per day in other parts of Spain. However, if you drive east beyond Santander into the Basque Country, the AP-68 toll road does charge. For trips solely within Asturias, expect zero tolls. The only potential electronic system you might encounter is in parking garages, not on highways. Payment for the rare toll outside Asturias is made by credit card, cash, or a via-T tag (electronic transponder). Since you won’t need it locally, don’t bother renting a via-T from the car rental agency unless you’re planning a long road trip to France.

Parking in Asturias Airport (OVD), Spain

Parking at Asturias Airport (OVD), Spain is simple: there’s a large, secure long-term parking lot (P1) costing approximately 12-18 USD per day, and a short-term lot (P2) near the terminal at around 3-4 USD per hour. If you’re dropping off a rental car, follow the signs for “Car Rental Return” which leads to a dedicated lane right outside arrivals. In cities like Oviedo and Gijón, street parking is a mix of blue zones (paid, Monday to Friday 9 AM to 8 PM) and green zones (residents only). The blue zone costs about 1.50 USD per hour, and you must display a ticket from the nearest meter. In smaller villages like Cudillero or Lastres, parking is the biggest challenge—roads are extremely narrow, and most visitors use designated lots outside the historic center (costing 2-5 USD for the day). Never leave valuables visible in a parked car, especially at beach parking lots or rural trailheads where break-ins, though rare, do occur.

Tips for Car Rental in Asturias Airport (OVD), Spain

• Book early for summer travel – By March or April for August pickup. The best cars and rates disappear quickly.
• Avoid the airport surcharge by picking up in Oviedo – If you’re staying overnight in the capital first, take the ALSA bus (10 USD) and rent from a city branch.
• Choose manual transmission to save 30-40% – Automatics are scarce and expensive; if you can’t drive stick, book an automatic at least two months ahead.
• Buy excess insurance separately – Third-party policies (e.g., from a travel insurer) cost 30-60 USD for the whole trip vs. 15-25 USD per day at the desk.
• Rent during the cheapest months (January, February, November) – You’ll often get a compact car for under 25 USD/day.
• Always choose “full-to-full” fuel policy – Take a photo of the fuel gauge and return it full. Avoid “full-to-empty” which charges inflated refueling prices.
• Inspect the car thoroughly and video the exterior – Point out any existing scratches to staff and have them note it on the contract before driving off.

Common Car Rental Mistakes Travelers Make

• Skipping the IDP (International Driving Permit) – Even if your license is in English, some local police in small Asturian villages have fined drivers without an IDP. It costs 25 USD and takes 15 minutes at AAA or CAA.
• Not checking for one-way fees – Dropping off the car at a different airport (e.g., Santiago de Compostela) can add 150-400 USD.
• Assuming all rentals include unlimited mileage – Some cheap local suppliers limit you to 100 km/day. Asturias road trips easily exceed that.
• Ignoring the low-emissions zone rules – Oviedo’s historic center (Zona de Bajas Emisiones) restricts older diesel cars. Most rentals are modern enough, but check.
• Returning the car with a dirty interior – Sand from Asturias’ beaches can trigger a 50-80 USD cleaning fee. Use the free vacuum at the airport gas station.
• Waiting until arrival to book in August – You might find nothing available or pay 200 USD/day for a small car.

Real Travel Experience Renting a Car in Asturias Airport (OVD), Spain

Last September, my partner and I landed at Asturias Airport (OVD), Spain on a drizzly Tuesday evening. We’d pre-booked a compact SEAT Ibiza with manual transmission through a major brand, paying 210 USD for five days including full insurance. At the counter, the agent tried to upsell us to an SUV for “mountain safety,” but we declined. The car was waiting in the parking garage with a half-full tank and a few minor scratches (which we photographed). Within an hour, we were driving the coastal AS-263 toward a rural hotel near Llanes. The next morning, we woke up to sunshine, threw our surfboards in the back, and drove 20 minutes to Playa de Toró—completely empty. Over five days, we drove 450 km, visited eight villages, and spent only 55 USD on gas. The only hiccup was getting lost near Cangas de Onís, but that led us to a roadside cider stand with the best chorizo we’ve ever tasted. Returning the car was painless: they checked the fuel level, glanced at the bodywork, and handed us our deposit back within ten minutes.

International Driving Permit for Travelers Visiting Asturias Airport (OVD), Spain

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not legally required for drivers from EU countries or from nations that have a valid license in the Roman alphabet (e.g., United States, Canada, Australia, UK). However, many travelers choose to get one anyway because it provides a Spanish translation of your home license, which can be helpful during traffic stops. The IDP becomes mandatory if your home license uses non-Roman characters—such as Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, Russian, or Thai. Without it, rental companies at Asturias Airport (OVD), Spain may refuse to give you the car, and local police can issue fines upwards of 250 USD. You can only obtain an IDP in your home country before traveling, through your local automobile association (AAA in the US, CAA in Canada, AA in the UK). It costs around 20-25 USD, requires two passport photos, a copy of your valid license, and a small application fee. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. Do not confuse it with an international driver’s license—no such thing exists. Keep both your original license and the IDP together whenever you drive.