Asturias Airport (OVD) serves as your gateway to northern Spain’s green coast, where cider culture meets dramatic Atlantic coastlines. Whether you’re planning an Aviles layover or considering a quick escape to nearby Oviedo or Gijón, this compact airport offers surprisingly good amenities and easy access to some of Spain’s most underrated destinations. With buses departing every 30 minutes to the city center and verified luggage storage available, even a medium-length layover can become a memorable taste of Asturias.
Before You Leave the Airport
- Visa Requirements: Spain is part of the Schengen Area. EU/EEA citizens need only a valid ID card. US, Canadian, Australian, and many other passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days. Check IATA Travel Centre for your specific nationality.
- Language: Spanish and Asturian are spoken locally. English is understood at the airport and in tourist areas, but less common in smaller towns. Download Google Translate offline before landing.
- Transit Time Warning: Budget at least 6 hours total layover time to leave the airport safely (45 minutes to city + 2-3 hour return buffer + immigration/security). For international connections, allow 2.5-3 hours before your departure time.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). ATMs are available at the airport with better rates than currency exchange counters.
Airport Amenities at a Glance
Asturias Airport is a Tier 2 facility with essential amenities for layover travelers. Here’s what’s verified and available:
| Amenity | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Free WiFi | ✅ Yes | Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal |
| Luggage Storage | ✅ Yes | Baggage services available at the airport. For specific details and pricing, check the airport’s official website |
| ATMs / Cash Machines | ✅ Yes | Cash machines available in the terminal |
| Charging Stations | ✅ Yes | Electrical outlets and charging stations are available throughout the terminal |
| Pay-per-use Lounges | ✅ Yes | Private lounges with seating and amenities are reported to be accessible on a per-use fee basis |
| Sleep Pods | ✅ Yes | Small, private sleeping pods are available for hourly rental |
| Showers | ❌ No | No shower facilities reported |
| Children’s Play Areas | ✅ Yes | Family services are available. For specific locations, check the airport’s official website |
| Nursing Rooms | ✅ Yes | Private rooms are available for nursing mothers |
| Water Refill Stations | ✅ Yes | Water fountain and refill stations are available for reusable bottles |
| Pharmacy / Medical Clinic | ✅ Yes | A pharmacy and medical clinic are available for healthcare services |
| Free City Tours | ❌ No | No free city tour programs for transit passengers |
Getting from OVD Airport to the City Center
Asturias Airport is located approximately 15 km from Avilés and 47 km from Oviedo, the regional capital. The airport is well-connected by bus service, making it feasible to explore during an Aviles layover of 6+ hours.
| Transport Method | Travel Time | Cost | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALSA Bus to Oviedo | ~45 minutes | Check ALSA website for current fares | Best option for reaching Oviedo. Buses depart every 30 minutes, making this reliable and affordable |
| Taxi to Avilés | ~15-20 minutes | €20-30 (estimated) | Fastest option to Avilés, but more expensive. Good for groups splitting the cost |
| Taxi to Oviedo | ~35-40 minutes | €50-70 (estimated) | Expensive for solo travelers. Consider the bus unless traveling with 3+ people |
| Rental Car | 15-45 minutes (depending on destination) | €30-60/day + fuel | Only worthwhile for layovers of 8+ hours if you want to explore coastal villages or the Picos de Europa |
Pro tip: The ALSA bus to Oviedo is your best bet for an Aviles layover. With departures every 30 minutes and a 45-minute journey, you can easily reach the regional capital, explore the historic old town, and return to the airport with time to spare. Always factor in 2.5-3 hours before your international departure when returning to OVD.
What to Do at OVD Airport During Your Layover
For shorter layovers (under 4-5 hours), staying at the airport is your safest option. Here’s how to make the most of your time at Asturias Airport:
Dining Options
- Restaurants and Cafés: Meal costs at airport dining venues range from €8-20 depending on what you order. Expect standard airport pricing – about 2-3x what you’d pay in the city.
- Budget Tip: If you’re leaving the airport, eat in Oviedo or Avilés instead. You’ll get better food at half the price.
- Hydration: Bring an empty water bottle and use the water refill stations available throughout the terminal to save money and stay hydrated.
Lounge Access
- Private lounges with seating and amenities are reported to be accessible on a per-use fee basis at OVD
- If you have Priority Pass (included free with many premium credit cards), check if OVD lounges participate in the program
- For groups, compare the total lounge cost versus eating at the food court – lounges can get expensive when paying per person
Rest and Relaxation
- Sleep Pods: Small, private sleeping pods are available for hourly rental – perfect for overnight layovers or catching up on sleep between flights
- Quiet Zones: Look for less-trafficked gate areas if you need a quiet spot to work or rest
- Charging Stations: Electrical outlets and charging stations are available throughout the terminal, so you can keep your devices powered up
Shopping and Services
- Duty-free shopping is available for international passengers
- A pharmacy is available if you need medication or health supplies
- ATMs provide better exchange rates than currency counters – withdraw euros here if needed
For Families
- Family services including children’s play areas are available at the airport
- Private nursing rooms are available for breastfeeding mothers
- Pack a ‘layover bag’ with snacks, entertainment, and a change of clothes to keep kids comfortable without unpacking everything
What to Do in Avilés and Oviedo During a Layover
With 6+ hours for your Aviles layover, you can venture into the city and experience authentic Asturian culture. Here’s what to prioritize based on your available time:
4-6 Hour Layover: Oviedo Old Town Essentials
- Oviedo Cathedral (Catedral de San Salvador): Gothic masterpiece in the heart of the old town. The Holy Chamber contains important religious relics and pre-Romanesque art.
- Plaza del Fontán: Historic market square surrounded by colorful arcaded buildings. Perfect for a quick coffee and people-watching.
- Calle Gascona (Cider Boulevard): Experience Asturian cider culture. Watch bartenders pour cider from height (escanciado) and try local cheeses like Cabrales.
- Woody Allen Statue: The filmmaker fell in love with Oviedo and set part of “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” here. Find his statue on Calle Milicias Nacionales.
6-8 Hour Layover: Add These Experiences
- Campo de San Francisco: Beautiful urban park perfect for a leisurely stroll. Features peacocks, sculptures, and shaded paths.
- Mercado El Fontán: Traditional covered market (if visiting on a market day). Sample local products, cheeses, and cured meats.
- Pre-Romanesque Churches: UNESCO World Heritage sites Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo are just outside the city (taxi required, 15 minutes). These 9th-century churches are architectural marvels.
- Lunch at a Sidrería: Sit down for a proper Asturian meal. Try fabada asturiana (bean stew), cachopo (breaded veal), or fresh seafood.
8+ Hour Layover: Coastal Exploration
- Gijón Beach: Take a bus or taxi to Gijón (30 minutes from Oviedo) and walk along Playa de San Lorenzo, one of northern Spain’s best urban beaches.
- Avilés Old Town: Closer to the airport (15 minutes by taxi), Avilés features a charming medieval quarter and the striking Niemeyer Center, a contemporary arts complex designed by Oscar Niemeyer.
- Cudillero: If you rent a car, this picturesque fishing village (40 minutes from airport) cascades down a hillside to a tiny harbor. Absolutely stunning.
Luggage Storage Tip: Baggage services are available at OVD Airport, making it easy to explore the city hands-free during your Aviles layover. For specific pricing and locker details, check the airport’s official website before your trip.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Here’s what to expect to spend during your Aviles layover, depending on whether you stay at the airport or venture into the city:
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Airport Meal | €8-20 |
| City Meal (Oviedo/Avilés) | €10-25 (sit-down restaurant with cider) |
| ALSA Bus (round-trip to Oviedo) | Check ALSA for current fares |
| Taxi to Avilés (one-way) | €20-30 |
| Taxi to Oviedo (one-way) | €50-70 |
| Luggage Storage | Check airport website for current rates |
| Lounge Access (per person) | Varies by lounge and access method |
| Sleep Pod Rental (per hour) | Typically €10-20/hour (estimated) |
| Museum/Attraction Entry | €3-8 (most Oviedo attractions) |
Budget-Friendly Aviles Layover: €15-30 (bus to Oviedo, walk the old town, eat pintxos at a bar, bus back)
Mid-Range Aviles Layover: €40-70 (bus transport, sit-down meal with cider, museum entry, coffee)
Comfortable Aviles Layover: €80-120 (taxi to/from city, nice restaurant, attractions, lounge access)
Layover Tips by Traveler Type
For Families
- Pack a ‘layover bag’ inside your carry-on with snacks, entertainment, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries – accessible without unpacking everything
- Download offline maps and translation apps before landing – airport WiFi can be unreliable, especially when you’re trying to navigate with kids
- Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security – staying hydrated helps kids manage jet lag and saves money on overpriced airport drinks
- Use the family services and children’s play areas at OVD to let kids burn energy before the next flight
- Private nursing rooms are available for breastfeeding mothers – ask at information desks for locations
- If leaving the airport, Oviedo’s Campo de San Francisco park is perfect for kids to run around while adults relax
- Most major airports have baby care rooms with changing tables, bottle warmers, and nursing areas – OVD offers family services, so ask staff for specific locations
For Solo Travelers
- Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) before landing – essential for navigating Oviedo or Avilés without data
- Keep your most valuable items (passport, phone, wallet) in a cross-body bag or hidden money belt when exploring the city
- Oviedo’s old town is very walkable and safe for solo travelers – stick to the main pedestrian streets around the cathedral and Plaza del Fontán
- Sidrerías (cider houses) are social places where solo travelers can easily strike up conversations with locals and other travelers
- Get an eSIM before traveling (Airalo, Holafly) for instant data without hunting for WiFi or buying local SIMs
- Use a Wise or Revolut card for the best exchange rates – zero markup in most countries, much better than airport currency exchange
- Share your location with a trusted contact when exploring a new city solo – simple safety precaution
- Solo travelers can take advantage of voluntary bumping – airlines often offer €200-800+ in compensation, and it’s easier to rebook one person
For Groups
- Add 15-30 minutes ‘group tax’ to all time estimates – groups move slower through immigration, security, and transit
- Designate a ‘group leader’ before the layover who manages timing, headcount, and communication
- Use WhatsApp or a group chat for real-time coordination – share departure gate and boarding time as a pinned message
- For groups of 3+, splitting a taxi to Avilés (€20-30) or Oviedo (€50-70) becomes more economical than individual bus tickets
- Food courts work better than sit-down restaurants for groups – everyone can choose what they want and eat at their own pace
- Group lounge access gets expensive – compare the total cost versus eating at the food court before committing
- For groups, budget 2.5-3 hours before international departure and 60 minutes before domestic when returning to the airport
- Use Google Sheets or a shared note to track everyone’s flight details, passport info, and emergency contacts
- Splitwise automatically calculates who owes what – essential for groups sharing transport, food, and activities
Insider Tips for OVD Airport
- Time Your Visit for Cider Season: Asturias is Spain’s cider capital. Visit between January and April for the best selection and freshest cider. Watching the traditional escanciado (pouring from height) is a cultural experience in itself.
- Skip Currency Exchange Counters: Never exchange money at airport currency counters – rates are terrible. Use the ATMs at OVD instead, or better yet, use a Wise or Revolut card for the best exchange rates with zero markup.
- ALSA Bus Timing: The ALSA bus to Oviedo departs every 30 minutes, but double-check the schedule on the ALSA website before your trip. Service may be reduced on Sundays and holidays.
- Luggage Storage Strategy: If you’re planning to leave the airport during your Aviles layover, confirm luggage storage availability and pricing at the airport’s official website before your trip. This lets you explore hands-free.
- Weather Preparation: Asturias is known as “Green Spain” for a reason – it rains frequently. Pack a light rain jacket or umbrella in your carry-on, even in summer.
- Download Offline Entertainment: While OVD offers free WiFi, it may be slow during peak times. Download movies, podcasts, or books before your layover to stay entertained.
- Pre-Romanesque Churches Require Planning: If you want to visit the UNESCO World Heritage pre-Romanesque churches (Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo), you’ll need at least an 8-hour layover and should arrange a taxi or rental car – they’re 15 minutes outside Oviedo and not easily accessible by public transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth leaving Aviles airport during a layover?
Yes, if you have 6+ hours total layover time. The ALSA bus to Oviedo departs every 30 minutes and takes approximately 45 minutes, making it feasible to explore the historic old town, sample Asturian cider, and return to the airport with time to spare. For layovers under 5 hours, stay at the airport – OVD offers sleep pods, lounges, and dining options to keep you comfortable. Always factor in 2.5-3 hours before your international departure when returning to the airport.
How do I get from Aviles airport to the city center?
ALSA operates buses from Asturias Airport to Oviedo city center, departing every 30 minutes with a travel time of approximately 45 minutes. For current fares and schedules, check the ALSA website. Taxis are also available – expect to pay €20-30 to Avilés (15-20 minutes) or €50-70 to Oviedo (35-40 minutes). For groups of 3+, splitting a taxi can be more economical than individual bus tickets.
What can I do at Aviles airport during a layover?
OVD Airport offers several amenities for layover travelers: free WiFi throughout the terminal, restaurants and cafés with meals ranging from €8-20, private lounges accessible on a per-use fee basis, small sleeping pods available for hourly rental, charging stations for electronic devices, family services including children’s play areas, and nursing rooms for breastfeeding mothers. Baggage services are available if you need to store luggage. A pharmacy and medical clinic are available for healthcare needs.
How long of a layover do I need to leave Aviles airport?
You need a minimum of 6 hours total layover time to safely leave OVD Airport and visit Oviedo or Avilés. This accounts for 45 minutes to reach Oviedo by bus, 2-3 hours to explore, and a 2.5-3 hour buffer before your international departure (including the return journey, check-in, security, and immigration). For domestic connections, you can reduce the return buffer to 90 minutes. With 8+ hours, you can comfortably explore Oviedo’s old town, enjoy a sit-down meal, and even visit nearby attractions.
Are there lounges at Aviles airport?
Yes, private lounges with seating and amenities are reported to be accessible at OVD Airport on a per-use fee basis. If you have Priority Pass (included free with many premium credit cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve or American Express Platinum), check whether OVD lounges participate in the program. For specific lounge locations, amenities, and pricing, check the airport’s official website or ask at the information desk upon arrival.
Is there luggage storage at Aviles airport?
Yes, baggage services are available at Asturias Airport. This makes it easy to explore Oviedo or Avilés hands-free during your layover. For specific details about luggage storage locations, locker sizes, and current pricing, check the airport’s official website before your trip. Alternatively, services like Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero partner with local businesses near airports for luggage storage at typically €5-10 per bag per day.
What is there to eat at Aviles airport?
Asturias Airport has restaurants and cafés where meal costs range from €8-20 depending on the venue and what you order. Expect standard airport pricing – about 2-3x what you’d pay in the city. If you’re leaving the airport during your Aviles layover, eat in Oviedo or Avilés instead for better food at half the price. Try traditional Asturian dishes like fabada (bean stew), cachopo (breaded veal), or fresh seafood paired with local cider at a sidrería. Water refill stations are available at the airport, so bring an empty bottle to save money.
Plan Your Aviles Layover
Use the Yopki Layover Calculator above to see exactly how much time you have and what you can do with it. Whether you’re exploring Oviedo’s old town or relaxing at OVD Airport, make every minute count.