Getting There & Away: Costa Verde

Air Travel

Major Airports

The Costa Verde is served by several regional airports, with major international connections mainly through Bilbao (BIO).

Airports

Bilbao Airport (BIO): Largest in the region, serving Basque Country.
Santander Airport (SDR): Serving Cantabria.
Asturias Airport (OVD): Serving Asturias.

Airlines & Routes

Major Airlines: Iberia, Vueling, Ryanair, easyJet, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM. Routes: Direct flights from major European cities are common.

Flight Information

Direct flights from North America are limited; expect connections via Madrid, Barcelona, or major European hubs.
Seasonal Flight Availability: Most frequent and expensive in July-August. More moderate in May-June, Sep-Oct. Lowest prices Nov-April.
Booking in advance (3-6 months) is advisable for best prices, especially during peak season.

Bilbao Airport BIO

Features restaurants, cafes, shops (duty-free), car rental agencies, ATMs, and Wi-Fi. Bus (Bizkaibus A3247) to city center costs ~€3. Taxi ~€25-35.

Santander Airport SDR

Similar facilities but on smaller scale. Regular bus service to city center costs ~€3. Taxi ~€20-25.

Asturias Airport OVD

Offers cafes, some shops, car rental, ATMs, and Wi-Fi. ALSA bus to Oviedo/Gijón ~€9. Taxi ~€50-60.

Traveler Services

Airport Facilities

All airports offer facilities for travelers with reduced mobility.
ATMs widely available.
Car rental available at all major airports. Visit DiscoverCars.com for options.
No specific exit fees or taxes for departing travelers (included in ticket price).

Departure Advice

Air Travel: Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights, 1.5-2 hours for domestic/Schengen.
Train/Bus: Arrive 20-30 minutes before departure for domestic routes.
Ferries: Check operator for specific check-in times (1-2 hours for vehicle passengers).
Check for VAT refund offices at major international airports for eligible purchases.

Land Transportation Hubs

Renfe & FEVE Trains

Renfe operates long-distance and regional trains. FEVE is a narrow-gauge railway along the coast. Book Renfe tickets online.

ALSA Buses

ALSA is the dominant long-distance bus company, offering extensive routes within Costa Verde and to other Spanish cities. Buses are often more frequent and cheaper than trains.

Euskotren

Basque Country's Euskotren operates commuter and regional lines, including a scenic coastal line between Bilbao and San Sebastián.

Self-Driving Considerations

Driving Requirements

A valid national driving license is needed. If you are from outside the EU/EEA, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally required and must be carried with your national license.

Requirements

A credit card in the main driver's name is typically required for a security deposit.
Minimum driving age is 18, but rental companies often require drivers to be 21 or 23 (young driver surcharge under 25).
Roads are generally well-maintained. Major highways (autovías/autopistas) connect main cities. Rural roads can be narrow/winding.

Driving Safety & Tips

Mountain roads can be challenging due to curves, steep inclines, and occasional fog. Drive cautiously. Speed limits are strictly enforced. Spain has strict drink-driving laws.

Safety Measures

Carrying a reflective vest and two warning triangles in the vehicle is mandatory.
Parking can be difficult and expensive in city centers. Look for underground parking garages.
A GPS device or smartphone with a reliable mapping app is highly recommended for navigation.

Ferry Services

Ferry services offer connections to the Costa Verde from the UK and Ireland. Brittany Ferries operates services to Santander and Bilbao.

Port Connections

Santander Port connects with Portsmouth and Plymouth (UK), and Cork (Ireland).
Bilbao (Zierbena) Port connects with Portsmouth (UK) and Rosslare (Ireland).
Cruise Ports: Bilbao, Santander, Gijón, and La Coruñan are popular stops.

River Transportation

Formal public river transportation is limited. Some cities, like Bilbao, may offer tourist boat tours on their rivers.

Local River Tours

Tourist boat trips are available on the Nervión River in Bilbao.
Check locally for other coastal towns offering boat tours of the coastline or estuary.
Immigration procedures at seaports are similar to airport immigration, with passport control and customs if arriving from outside the EU.

Border Crossings & Park Access

Border Crossing: Not applicable within Spain. Minimal customs checks for land travel from France due to Schengen Area.
Immigration: Present valid passport to border control upon arrival.
Passport stamps issued for non-EU citizens.

Picos de Europa National Park: No general entry permit needed.
Vehicle access to some popular areas (Covadonga Lakes) may have restrictions; use designated public transport.
Caving: Some significant caves require guided tours or permits.

Optimizing Your Route

For speed, use high-speed trains where available or ALSA buses for extensive coverage.

Getting There & Away