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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Asturias, Spain

Air Travel

Airports & Flights

Asturias Airport (OVD) provides the most convenient access for air travelers. Direct flights from North America or other major global hubs outside of Europe are not common to OVD.

Air Travel Information

  • Major Airports: Asturias Airport (OVD), 47 km (29 miles) north of Oviedo. Madrid (MAD) & Barcelona (BCN) are nearest international hubs for connections.
  • Airlines & Routes: Major Spanish airlines (Iberia, Vueling, Ryanair) connect OVD to Spanish cities. Direct international flights to several European cities exist.
  • Seasonal Availability: Flight availability generally increases during summer (July-August) due to higher demand. Prices peak then and around holidays.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Asturias Airport is a smaller regional airport. It provides basic but useful facilities and services.

Services and Getting to Oviedo

  • Facilities: Car rental, ATMs, shops, cafes, Wi-Fi.
  • Bus Transfer: Alsa operates regular direct bus service to Oviedo (45-55 mins). Most economical.
  • Taxi Transfer: Readily available. Around €55-€65 to city center.

Affordable Flights

Consider Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.

Flight Search

Use Skyscanner for comparing flight options.

Car Rentals

Major companies like Hertz, Avis, and DiscoverCars.com are available at OVD.

Travel Insurance Resources

Recommended Providers

  • World Nomads: Travel insurance for adventurous travelers.
  • SafetyWing: Insurance for digital nomads and remote teams.
  • Insubuy: Provides medical and travel coverage for foreigners visiting the US.
  • AirHelp: Assists with compensation for delayed or canceled flights.

Visa & Passport Services

  • IVisa: Consumer visa application service.
  • VisaHQ: Direct visa and passport service website.
  • Adventure Medical Kits: First aid supplies for travelers.
  • Pacsafe: Anti-theft bags and travel security products.

Retail & Tech Resources

Clothing & Gear

Amazon for general retail. Nordace for modern travel bags and accessories.

Tech & Electronics

NordVPN for secure browsing. B&H Photo for camera and electronics. Airalo for eSIM.

Water Filtration

LifeStraw for water filtration products.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Oviedo serves as a major railway hub within Asturias, with good connections to the rest of Spain.

Renfe & Routes

  • Operator: Renfe, the national railway company.
  • Routes: High-speed (Alvia) and long-distance trains connect Oviedo to Madrid (3.5-4 hours), Barcelona (6-7 hours). Regional trains to Gijón (30 mins) and Avilés (20 mins).
  • Booking: Purchase tickets online via Renfe website, at stations, or vending machines.

Long-Distance Buses

Long-distance buses provide an extensive and often more flexible network than trains.

Alsa & Connections

  • Operator: Alsa is the dominant long-distance bus company.
  • Routes: Alsa connects Oviedo to virtually all major Spanish cities and towns (Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Santiago de Compostela).
  • Booking: Purchase tickets online via Alsa website, at the bus station ticket office, or vending machines.

Self-Driving Considerations

A valid national driving license is needed. Non-EU citizens require an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Driving in Spain

  • A credit card in the main driver's name is required for the deposit. Minimum driving age typically 18, but rental companies often require 21-25.
  • Spain has an excellent network of highways (Autopistas) and well-maintained national roads (Autovías). Some Autopistas are toll roads (Peaje).
  • Parking in Oviedo city center can be challenging and expensive. Numerous underground parking garages are available.

Road Conditions & Safety

Spanish roads are generally in good condition.

Safety Notes

  • Be aware of varying speed limits: 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on national roads, 50 km/h in urban areas.
  • Respect local driving customs; Spanish drivers may be more assertive.
  • Pay close attention to road signs. The alcohol limit for drivers is strict.

Sea/River Arrivals Not Applicable for Oviedo

  • Oviedo is an inland city, so direct sea or river arrivals are not applicable.
  • The nearest major ferry port is Santander (200 km east). It offers services to/from the UK and Ireland.
  • No significant river transportation options exist for tourists within Oviedo.
  • Standard Schengen immigration procedures apply for international arrivals at Spanish seaports.
  • From Santander port, access train or bus connections to Oviedo.
  • You would first travel from the port to Santander city center, then take a train or bus.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Prepare for your departure from Oviedo to ensure a smooth exit.

Timing & Check-in

  • Airport Departure: For international flights from OVD, arrive 2-3 hours before departure. For domestic flights, 1.5-2 hours is sufficient.
  • Train/Bus Departure: For domestic services, arrive 15-30 minutes before departure.
  • This allows time for check-in, security, and finding your gate/platform.

Airport/Station Facilities

Facilities cater to departing travelers for comfort and convenience.

Amenities for Your Departure

  • Asturias Airport (OVD): Provides basic amenities: cafes for snacks/drinks, shops for souvenirs, duty-free for international.
  • Oviedo Train Station & Bus Station: Both have waiting areas, small cafes or kiosks, and restrooms.
  • These facilities are practical for travelers awaiting their departure.

No Exit Fees

Travelers do not pay specific departure taxes or exit fees when leaving Spain.

Luggage Check

Costs are typically included in your airfare or ticket price when you book.

Price Inclusion

Ensure your travel insurance is current for unexpected events.

Border Crossing Information

Spain's Land Borders

Spain shares land borders with France, Portugal, and Andorra. Border crossings within the Schengen Area are typically seamless for EU/Schengen citizens, with no passport checks.

Passport Control

  • Non-EU citizens will undergo standard passport control.
  • Oviedo is well within Spain, so no direct border crossings are involved when arriving from within the country.
  • The Schengen Area facilitates travel between member states.

Health & Safety Resources

For peace of mind during your travels, consider additional health and safety resources.

Safety Kits & Filtration

Land Travel Tips

Train Booking

For high-speed routes, book in advance to secure better prices and ensure availability, especially during peak travel times.

Bus Booking

Booking bus tickets in advance is a good idea for popular routes and during busy seasons.

Driving Age

Car rental companies may charge a young driver surcharge for those under 25, even if the minimum driving age is 18.

Additional Tip:

For US citizens, the U.S. Embassy in Madrid can be reached at +34 91 587 2200 for passport-related issues.