Transfer to/from - Santander airport (SDR)

 

Public transportation services, licensed taxis and rideshare, private transfer companies and car rental services in Santander airport (SDR)

Transportation

 

Bus and taxi stops are conveniently located right in front of the Arrivals Hall. The airport is connected to the capital of Cantabria and several cities in northern Spain via regular services.

Buses

The transport service is divided into two categories: the direct connection with the city of Santander and long-distance routes.

Santander - Airport Route (Line S4)

The company Transportes de Cantabria (official site) operates line S4, which links the airport with Santander Bus Station.

Duration: Approximately 15 minutes.

Frequency: Usually departs every 40 minutes, from 7:20 am to 10:30 pm (check updated schedules on the operator's website).

Long Distance (ALSA)

The company ALSA (official website) connects Santander Airport with major cities in northern Spain. It is essential to purchase tickets in advance (online, app, or automatic machines in the Arrivals Hall) since buses only stop at the airport if there are passengers with a purchased ticket.

Main Destinations: Bilbao, Gijón, Oviedo, Laredo, San Sebastián, Zaragoza, among others.

Ticket Purchase: Automatic machine in the Arrivals Hall, ALSA website, or mobile app.

Rent a Car

 

Taxis

Taxi stands are located in front of the Arrivals Hall, a few metres from the exit. The journey to the centre of Santander takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

A fixed airport service surcharge applies. Additional charges are applied during night hours (10:00 pm to 6:00 am), on weekends, and on public holidays.

Radio-Taxi Santander: +34 942 333 333

Tele Taxi: +34 942 369 191

For detailed information on fares and surcharges, it is recommended to consult the official AENA website.

 
 

Latest updates: September 29, 2025

Transportation Tips to/from the airport

Although there are issues that seem more than obvious, it is always advisable to take them into account when moving to or from the airport, and especially if we go by public transport.
 
 1- To the airport - It is convenient to leave with a little more anticipation than what is commonly suggested. If you choose a taxi or a private car service, always take into account peak traffic times, demonstrations, strikes or events that may delay the journey to the airport from where you are. It is always good to be informed about what is happening.
 
If you contract a shared transfer service, have a contact telephone number handy in case of any delay by the company. In these cases they usually already have a scheduled collection time.
 
If you use public transport (collective, train) take into account the schedules (weekends and holidays tend to have less frequency), if you have to change and also how to board (if you need a card or paying the driver or motorist at the moment ). These are details that seem obvious, but it is advisable to know so as not to have surprises and suffer a delay that could cause complications.
 
If you rent a car to get to the airport, check where to leave the vehicle. At some airports, there is an exclusive parking lot for rental cars.
 
 2 -From the airport- Here it is a little less stressful since you don't have the pressure of missing your flight. In the worst case, you will arrive later at the place where you are going to stay or at the meeting point where you are trying to arrive.
 
Once you leave the plane, look for your suitcase and finish with the arrival procedures that are required. Then, follow the directions for public transportation or ask the airport staff.
 
It is very useful to find out in advance the schedules of the buses or trains in case you arrive late at night. Not all work 24 hours. The same goes for taxis. In case of using an Uber-type service, have the mobile application handy to contact the driver.
 
On the other hand, if you booked a private transport service, it is likely that they will have a person waiting for you, identified with a sign. If you rent a car to go from the airport to your final destination, for greater peace of mind it is advisable to book it in advance. Rental counters are usually available in the arrivals hall.

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