Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Santander. Santander Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 50 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Pre-Departure Checklist
A few things to sort out before you leave SDR:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Spain. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Santander takes about 50 minutes by Public Bus (Line 20). Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is EUR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Transport from Santander Airport to Downtown
From SDR, the Public Bus (Line 20) gets you to Santander in around 50 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 70 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Public Bus (Line 20) offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Money & Budget Tips
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Santander:
Transport to the city and back runs about $9 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $17 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $36 USD total.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Santander, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
How to Spend Your Time in Santander
If you head into Santander, here are two things worth checking out:
Palacio de la Magdalena & Peninsula is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Santander.
El Sardinero Beach is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and take in the scenery.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at SDR, check out Duty-Free Shop (Aeropuerto de Santander) or Airport Café (SDR) to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Grab a Meal
For food in Santander, local travelers recommend Bodega El Riojano. If you have time for a second stop, CañadÃo is another popular pick.
Back at SDR, CafeterÃa La GalerÃa is the go-to. Burger King (SDR Airport) rounds out your in-terminal options.
What to Do With Your Bags
Luggage storage options at SDR can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Santander for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at SDR, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Santander itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Spain that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Sleep & Lounge Options at SDR
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at SDR.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Santander is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Santander.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.