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Air Travel

Air Travel

Asturias, Spain

Asturias Airport OVD

Airport Overview

Asturias Airport (OVD) is the closest and main airport serving Gijón and the wider Asturias region. It is in Castrillón, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of Gijón city center.

Airlines & Routes

  • Airlines: Vueling, Iberia Express, Ryanair, Volotea, Air Europa, easyJet.
  • Typical Routes: Mainly domestic (Madrid, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Seville).
  • International connections: London, Paris, Rome, Lisbon, Dublin, Geneva, Düsseldorf, Brussels, Milan.

Airport Transfers

Once at Asturias Airport (OVD), you have several options to reach Gijón city center or your accommodation.

Transfer Options

  • Bus: Alsa operates services to Gijón city center. Frequent (30-60 min), takes ~45-50 min, costs €9-€10. Book online via Alsa's website.
  • Taxi: Readily available outside terminal. Takes ~30 min. Fare ~€45-€55.
  • Car Rental: Desks for Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise at the airport. Use DiscoverCars.com for comparisons.

Direct Flight Availability

Direct flights from major global hubs outside of Europe are rare for Asturias Airport. Most international travelers connect through Madrid (MAD) or Barcelona (BCN).

Seasonal Fluctuations

High season (July-August) means increased flight frequency and higher prices. Shoulder seasons (May-June, Sept-Oct) offer moderate prices. Low season (Nov-April) presents fewer international routes, but lower domestic prices.

Airport Facilities

Asturias Airport is a smaller, modern airport offering car rental desks, cafes, restaurants, duty-free shops, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.

Flight Planning for Gijón

Connecting Flights

  • Most international travelers connect through Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD).
  • Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is another common connection point.
  • Both Madrid and Barcelona offer numerous daily flights to OVD.
  • Plan for these connections when booking your international flights.

Booking Recommendations

  • For best rates and availability, book flights several months in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Use flight comparison sites like Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.
  • Consider flying during shoulder or low season for more moderate prices.
  • Be flexible with your travel dates for potential savings.

Airport Information

Code & Location

Asturias Airport: OVD, located 40 km west of Gijón.

Connectivity

Connects to major Spanish cities and European hubs.

Services

Offers car rentals, dining, duty-free, ATMs, and Wi-Fi.

Land Transportation

Train & Bus Connections

Travel to Gijón by land using Spain's extensive train and bus networks.

Rail & Coach Options

  • Train (Renfe): Gijón-Sanz Crespo station. Direct high-speed (Alvia) trains to Madrid (~4-5 hrs). Connections to Barcelona (~7-9 hrs). Regional connections to Oviedo, Avilés. Book via Renfe's website.
  • Bus (ALSA): Main long-distance company. Gijón's bus station offers direct services to major Spanish cities (Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Santiago). Buses are modern. Book via Alsa's website.
  • Advance booking is recommended for popular routes and peak times for better prices.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Driving offers flexibility for exploring Asturias. Spain is part of the Schengen Area, so no routine border checks within the zone.

Driving Information

  • Requirements: Valid driving license. If non-EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is needed alongside your home country license.
  • Road Conditions: Generally well-maintained. Motorways (Autovías) connect major cities. Rural roads can be winding.
  • Traffic: Moderate traffic in Gijón city center during peak hours.

Parking in Gijón

Parking can be challenging in the city center. Several options exist.

Parking Zones & Options

  • Blue Zones (Zona Azul): Paid street parking for limited durations in city center. Use parking meters.
  • Underground Car Parks: Plentiful (e.g., Parking del Arbolón, Parking de la Playa de Poniente, Parking Centro). Convenient for secure, longer-term parking. Can be expensive (€2-€3/hr, €20-€30/day).
  • Free Parking: Limited in central areas, usually further from the city center.

Driving Laws & Safety

Familiarize yourself with local driving regulations for a safe journey.

Regulations

  • Driving Side: Spain drives on the right side of the road.
  • Speed Limits: 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on national roads, 50 km/h or lower in urban areas. Observe posted limits.
  • Drunk Driving: Spain has strict drunk driving laws with low blood alcohol limits. Avoid driving after consuming alcohol.

Road Safety Concerns

  • Narrow streets in old town areas.
  • Potential fog or rain in mountainous regions can reduce visibility.
  • Slippery roads during wet conditions.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
  • Children under 135 cm must use appropriate car seats.
  • Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry & Cruise Ports

While Gijón is a coastal city, sea transportation for tourists is limited.

Gijón Port El Musel

  • El Musel is mainly a commercial and industrial port.
  • No regular passenger ferry services connect Gijón to other countries or major Spanish ports for general tourism.
  • Gijón occasionally serves as a port of call for cruise ships.

River Transportation

River transportation options for tourism within Gijón or its immediate surroundings are not available.

Local River Navigation

  • Gijón's local rivers are not navigable for passenger services.
  • There are no river tours or regular river taxi services.
  • Focus on land-based transportation for getting around the city.

Immigration for Cruise Passengers

Immigration procedures for cruise passengers are typically handled onboard the ship or upon disembarkation. These procedures are similar to those at airports for non-Schengen citizens.

Port to City Connections

From El Musel port, taxis and pre-arranged shuttles are the main and most convenient connections to Gijón city center (~10-15 km). Public bus lines serve the area but are less direct for tourists with luggage.

Port Focus

Gijón's port, El Musel, is mainly for commercial and industrial purposes, with limited passenger services. Tourist sea arrivals mostly involve cruise ship calls.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

Spain does not levy specific exit fees or taxes upon departure by air, land, or sea. Any applicable taxes are generally included in your ticket price.

Departure Recommendations

  • Air Travel (OVD): Arrive 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights, 2-2.5 hours before international flights.
  • Train/Bus: Arrive at Gijón's train station (Sanz Crespo) or bus station 15-30 minutes before departure.
  • Procedures for check-in, security, and boarding are standard for European airports.

Airport & Station Facilities

Asturias Airport and Gijón's train/bus stations offer services for departing travelers.

Services for Departures

  • Asturias Airport (OVD): Standard check-in, security, cafes, restaurants, duty-free shops, lounges.
  • Gijón Train/Bus Stations: Waiting areas, ticketing offices, small shops, and cafes for drinks or snacks.
  • Ticket checks usually happen before boarding or onboard.

Departure Checklist

Documents

Passport, boarding pass, any necessary visa documents.

Packing

Check luggage weight limits, keep essentials in carry-on.

Connectivity

Delete downloaded maps and sensitive data from public devices.

Smooth Departure

Allow ample time for your departure, especially from the airport, to reduce stress and ensure a relaxed journey home or to your next destination.

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