Santander Airport

Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport is not just a standard transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the picturesque "Green Spain" and the Cantabria region. Located directly on the shores of the bay, it offers travellers breathtaking views of the water and mountain ranges even before landing, turning the approach into an unforgettable excursion. This compact and modern terminal, named after the famous Spanish golfer, is devoid of the hustle and bustle of giant airports, allowing you to start your journey in a calm and relaxed rhythm.

Airport Features and Advantages

Santander Airport is renowned for its exceptional ergonomics. It is practically impossible to get lost here: the single terminal is intuitive, and the path from the entrance to the boarding gate takes minimal time. This is an ideal place for those who dislike long queues and complicated transfers.

Key advantages of the air harbour include:

• Transport Accessibility: The airport is located just a 10–15 minute drive from the city centre. You can get there by taxi or a special city bus (route S4), which connects the terminal with the Santander bus station.
• Comfort and Services: Despite its small size, there is everything necessary for a comfortable wait: a Duty Free zone with local delicacies, cafes for a snack, and free Wi-Fi access.
• Unique Location: The runway borders the waters of Santander Bay, so take-off and landing often take place over the water, revealing a stunning panorama of the coast and the Cantabrian Mountains.
• Convenient Parking: Opposite the terminal, there is a car park with reasonable rates, which is especially convenient for travellers planning to rent a car for a trip around northern Spain.

• Official website: https://www.aena.es/es/santander.html (managed by the operator Aena).
• Information service phone: (+34) 91 321 10 00. This is the general information line for Aena, serving all airports in Spain.
• Address: Carretera del Aeropuerto, s/n, 39600 Maliaño, Cantabria, España.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost luggage during a flight, you must contact the Lost and Found service of your airline directly. Airline contacts can be found on their official websites or at counters in the airport.
• Lost Property (items forgotten at the airport): If you have left personal belongings within the terminal (excluding the aircraft), you can contact the airport's lost property service. Contact information is usually available at information desks or on the official website under the "Objects found at the airport" section.
• Passenger Support: For assistance at the airport, including information about flights and services, please contact the Aena information desks located in the terminal or call the general phone number.

Santander Airport (SDR), also known as Seve Ballesteros Airport, is conveniently located just 5 kilometres from the city centre of Santander in northern Spain. Thanks to this proximity, getting to the terminal is effortless, and travellers have several convenient options to choose from, depending on budget and preferences.

Public Transport: Bus
The most economical and popular way to get to the airport is to use the special bus route by ALSA, which connects the airport with Santander's central bus station (Estación de Autobuses). Buses run regularly, approximately every 30 minutes throughout the day. The journey takes only about 15 minutes, making this option not only cheap but also fast. The ticket price is approximately 3-4 Euros. This is the ideal choice for solo travellers and those wishing to save money.

Taxi and Transfer
For those who value comfort, travel with family, children, or a large amount of luggage, a taxi will be the best solution. The taxi rank is located right at the exit of the arrivals area. The trip to the centre of Santander will take 10-15 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The estimated cost of the trip is 20-25 Euros. Alternatively, you can pre-book a private transfer: the driver will meet you with a name sign, and the price will be fixed, eliminating any surprises.

Car Rental and Private Transport
If you plan to explore the picturesque surroundings of Cantabria by car, you can return your rental vehicle directly at the airport before departure. Offices of all major rental companies are located in the terminal. For those arriving in their own vehicle, convenient parking is provided on the airport grounds. There are zones for both short-term parking (meeting or seeing off passengers) and long-term storage of the car during your trip. It is recommended to book a parking space online in advance to get a more favourable rate.

Santander Airport (SDR), officially bearing the name of golfer Seve Ballesteros, is a modern and compact aviation hub serving Cantabria and northern Spain. Its structure is extremely simple and convenient for travellers.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which handles all domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, orienting yourself here is very easy, and the risk of getting lost is minimized. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between buildings — all zones are within walking distance of each other.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The building is divided into two main levels:

• Ground Floor (P0) — this is the arrivals area. Baggage claim belts, customs control, as well as car rental offices and a tourist information desk are located here.
• First Floor (P1) — the departures area. You can go up here via escalator or lift. Airline check-in counters, where you can drop off luggage, and the main security checkpoint are located on this floor.

After passing security control, passengers enter the secure waiting area. All boarding gates, several shops, including Duty Free, and cafes where you can have a snack before the flight are located here. All gates are situated in one hall, making movement to the required exit quick and convenient.

Check-in and security procedures at Santander Airport usually proceed quite quickly. Outside of peak season, this takes no more than 20–30 minutes. Nevertheless, during summer months and holidays, passenger flow increases, so it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — 1.5–2 hours before departure, to complete all formalities without rushing.

The history of Santander Airport (SDR), officially bearing the name of the famous golfer Seve Ballesteros, is closely linked to the development of the Cantabria region in northern Spain. The airport was opened in 1953, replacing the old La Albericia airfield, which could no longer cope with the growing needs of aviation. The new location was chosen due to more favourable weather conditions and the possibility for further expansion.

A key stage in the airport's development was its complete reconstruction in the 1970s. From 1974 to 1977, it was closed for large-scale works: a new runway 2,400 metres long was built, along with a modern passenger terminal and a new control tower. The renovated airport, which opened on August 8, 1977, was ready to receive larger aircraft and serve international flights, giving a powerful boost to tourism development in the region.

The next round of modernization occurred in the 2000s, when passenger traffic began to grow rapidly with the arrival of budget airlines. To meet new requirements, another reconstruction was completed in 2010. During this process, the terminal was expanded and re-equipped, the number of check-in counters was increased, the baggage handling system was modernized, and parking zones were expanded. These improvements allowed the airport to effectively handle passenger traffic exceeding one million.

One of the interesting facts in the airport's history is its renaming. In 2015, it was given the name Seve Ballesteros, the world-famous golfer and native of Cantabria, in recognition of his achievements. Today, Santander Airport is an important transport hub that not only connects northern Spain with the rest of Europe but also offers passengers one of the most picturesque views upon landing approach — a flight over the beautiful Bay of Santander.

Santander Airport (SDR) offers passengers a set of essential services to make their stay comfortable and convenient. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and restaurants where you can have a full lunch or a quick snack before departure. For shopping enthusiasts, there is a Duty Free shop with a classic selection of perfumes, beverages, and tobacco products, as well as shops offering press, souvenirs, and travel goods.

For those who value comfort, the airport has a VIP Lounge (Sala VIP), where guests can relax in silence and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks. Free Wi-Fi (AENA network) is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected. Special zones with sockets and USB ports are provided for charging gadgets.

The airport has taken care of travellers with special needs. Mother and child rooms with changing tables are equipped for passengers with children. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with a free assistance service (PRM), which is recommended to be booked in advance. In case of necessity, you can contact the medical point for first aid.

Financial services are represented by ATMs of several banks located in the arrivals and departures areas. Currency exchange points are also available, but their opening hours may be limited.

There are no hotels directly within the airport building, however, there are many hotels to suit any taste and budget located a few minutes' drive away, which are easily accessible by taxi. Specialized conference rooms are not provided in the terminal; for business meetings, it is better to use the services of business centres in Santander hotels.

Santander Airport (SDR), despite its compact size, offers travellers several specific and convenient places where one can have a snack or a full lunch. The main establishments are concentrated in the main terminal and are available both in the public area and after passing security control.

In the public area, located on the ground floor before the security checkpoint, is the airport's main cafe-restaurant — La Cantina de la Estación. This is an ideal place for those seeing off or meeting passengers, as well as for travellers who have arrived early. Here, the widest selection of dishes is presented: from hot lunches and salads to fresh pastries and sandwiches. If you have time, this is the best option for a leisurely meal.

After passing security control, in the departures area, the Mahou Sports Bar awaits passengers. This establishment is excellent for passing the time before boarding. Here you can order refreshments, coffee, or a snack. The menu is oriented towards quick bites: take the opportunity to try authentic tastes of Spain by ordering a traditional bocadillo (Spanish baguette with cured meat or cheese) or a piece of tortilla española (potato omelette).

Regarding special dietary needs, the choice at a regional airport may be limited. Vegetarians can generally find sandwiches with cheese and vegetables or fresh salads. For vegans or travellers adhering to a gluten-free diet, the choice will likely be limited to fruits, nuts, or pre-packaged snacks. It is recommended to always check the ingredients of dishes with the staff. Prices in airport establishments are expectedly higher than the city average, and their opening hours usually correspond to the flight schedule, starting from early morning until the departure of the last aircraft.

To ensure your journey through Santander Airport (SDR) goes as smoothly as possible, make use of these useful tips. Although it is not the largest airport in Spain, proper preparation will help save time, money, and stress.

When to arrive at the airport?
Santander Airport is relatively small, and procedures here are faster than in major hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive 2 hours before domestic flights and flights within the Schengen zone. If you are flying to a country outside the Schengen area, it is better to arrive 3 hours before departure. During peak seasons, especially in summer, allow extra time for possible queues.

Check-in and security control
The best way to save time is to complete online check-in and print your boarding pass or save it on your phone in advance. If you are travelling only with hand luggage, this will allow you to go straight to security. At security control, be prepared to present liquids in a transparent bag (each container no more than 100 ml) and remove large electronic devices, such as laptops and tablets, from your bag.

How to choose the best seat on the plane?
When departing from or arriving in Santander, window seats can offer stunning views of the Cantabrian coast and mountains. If comfort and the ability to stand up freely are important to you, choose an aisle seat. Most airlines allow you to select a seat during booking or online check-in, sometimes for an additional fee.

Hand luggage: what is allowed and what is not
Strictly observe the rules for carrying liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in one transparent resealable bag with a volume of up to 1 litre. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances. Be sure to check the weight and size limits for hand luggage on your airline's website, as low-cost carriers, which frequently fly to Santander, have strict requirements regarding this.

If you have a connection
Santander Airport mainly serves direct flights and is not a major transit hub. If you do have a connection planned, it will most likely be a self-transfer. This means you will have to collect your luggage, exit the arrivals area, and go through check-in and security again. Ensure you have enough time between flights — at least 3-4 hours.

Customs control
For flights within the European Union, there is no customs control as such. If you are arriving from a country outside the EU, you will need to pass through the "green" (if nothing to declare) or "red" (if there are goods subject to declaration) channel. Familiarize yourself in advance with customs regulations regarding the import of goods.

How to save time and money
Book parking or transfers in advance to get a better price. Bring an empty reusable water bottle with you and fill it after passing security control — this will save money on drinks. To avoid standing in queues, use online check-in and travel light.

What to do if your flight is delayed?
In case of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative at the airport. According to EU rules (Regulation EC 261/2004), for long delays, you may be provided with vouchers for food, drinks, and if necessary, hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts and documents so that you can request compensation later if applicable.