Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport (SDR)
Santander, ES 🇪🇸 Medium Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
LEXJ
IATA
SDR
Elevation
16 ft
Region
ES-CB
Local Time
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GPS Code: LEXJ
Local Code: Not available
Location: 43.427101° N, -3.82001° E
Continent: Europe
Type: Medium Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Travelers generally view Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport (LEXJ (SDR)) as a small, efficient, and stress-free airport, offering a smooth and pleasant experience as a gateway to Northern Spain. The overall sentiment is highly positive, with many appreciating its manageable size and ease of navigation.
What Travelers Love
- Easy Navigation and Compact Size: The airport has a single, modern terminal that is easy to navigate, with clear signage and short walking distances. Travelers rarely feel lost or overwhelmed.
- Quick Security and Immigration: Security checks are typically fast and efficient, often taking under 10 minutes outside of peak season. Passport control for international arrivals and departures is also generally quick.
- Cleanliness and Modern Facilities: The terminal is described as neat, tidy, and very clean, with good toilet facilities. It features free WiFi and ample charging points.
- Good Transport Connections and Parking: The airport is well-connected to Santander city center by a public bus running every 30 minutes, and ALSA coaches connect to regional cities like Bilbao. Car hire services are readily available and conveniently located. Parking is available directly opposite the terminal, with competitive rates and options for shuttle and valet services.
Common Complaints
- Limited Food and Shopping Options: While there are some cafes and shops, options are described as limited, especially beyond security, with some suggesting eating before arriving.
- Airport Closes Overnight: The airport closes from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM, meaning overnight stays are not possible, and travelers need to make alternative accommodation plans.
- Potential for Congestion during Peak Season: Although generally efficient, security queues can be longer during peak summer months (July and August).
Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport is highly recommended for its efficiency, stress-free environment, and strategic location for exploring Cantabria and surrounding regions. It offers a calm and welcoming experience, particularly appealing to those who prefer smaller, more manageable airports over larger international hubs.
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Airport Routes
Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport (SDR) offers 36 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include Ryanair, Air Nostrum, Vueling Airlines and others. Popular destinations from Santander include Vienna Int'l (Schwechat), Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, Edinburgh, Granada and London Stansted.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
- Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas (MAD) new
- Barcelona Int'l (BCN) new
- Tenerife North (Los Rodeos) (TFN) new
- Gran Canaria Int'l (LPA) new
- Bucharest Henri Coandă Int'l (OTP) new
- Valencia (VLC) new
- Dublin Int'l (DUB) new
- Menara Int'l (RAK) new
- San Pablo (SVQ) new
- London Stansted (STN) new
- Malaga (AGP) new
- Brussels South Charleroi (CRL) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Seve Ballesteros-Santander AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ryanair
RYR
/ FR
|
15 | 267 | 15 | Feb 1, 2026 |
Air Nostrum
ANE
/ YW
|
4 | 196 | 4 | Feb 3, 2026 |
Vueling Airlines
VLG
/ VY
|
4 | 120 | 4 | Feb 3, 2026 |
|
Binter Canarias
IBB
/ NT
|
2 | 56 | 2 | Feb 3, 2026 |
Volotea
VOE
/ V7
|
3 | 39 | 3 | Jan 29, 2026 |
Iberia
IBE
/ IB
|
1 | 22 | 1 | Feb 3, 2026 |
Ryanair UK
RUK
/ RK
|
1 | 11 | 1 | Jan 23, 2026 |
Wizz Air Malta
WMT
/ W4
|
1 | 9 | 1 | Feb 3, 2026 |
|
Waltzing Matilda Aviation
WZM
/ MW
|
1 | 3 | 1 | Dec 8, 2025 |
Buzz
RYS
/ RR
|
1 | 1 | 1 | Sep 20, 2025 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
11/29 |
7612 ft | 148 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| APP | APP | 118.375 MHz |
| GND | GND | 121.7 MHz |
| TWR | TWR | 118.1 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
A taxi rank is located directly outside the arrivals terminal. The journey to Santander city center takes approximately 10-15 minutes and costs around €20-€25, depending on the time of day and traffic. Fares are metered.
Rental Cars
Several car rental companies have service desks in the arrivals hall, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season. The car pick-up and drop-off areas are located in the airport car park, a short walk from the terminal.
Public Transportation
A regular bus service, operated by ALSA, connects the airport to the main bus station in Santander (Estación de Autobuses). Buses run approximately every 30 minutes throughout the day. The journey takes about 15 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs around €3. This is the most economical option for reaching the city center.