Getting to Northern Spain has never been easier. Thanks to improved connections, more travelers from across the globe are discovering how accesible it is to explore this part of the country. By plane, train, bus, or boat (even on foot—fancy the Camino de Santiago?), there are plenty of options to reach Northern Spain and kick off your adventure. Let’s take a look at the best ways to get here.
Airports in Northern Spain
Northern Spain boasts several well-connected airports offering direct flights to both domestic and international destinations. The four regions—Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country—each have international airports, with Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela serving as the region’s main hubs.
- Bilbao Airport (BIO) – Basque Country
- Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) – Galicia
- Asturias Airport (OVD) – Asturias
- A Coruña Airport (LCG) – Galicia
- Santander Airport (SDR) – Cantabria
- Vigo Airport (VGO) – Galicia
- San Sebastián Airport (EAS) – Basque Country
Many of these airports offer direct connections to major European cities such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Rome, among others.
For domestic flights, all these airports provide direct connections to Madrid and Barcelona, as well as other key cities in Spain, including Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Seville, and more.
Additionally, starting June 1, 2025, Bilbao Airport will offer direct flights to New York with United Airlines. This will be the first regular non-stop connection between Northern Spain and the United States.
ℹ️ Iberia is Spain’s flagship airline, offering domestic and international flights to major destinations worldwide.
Getting to Northern Spain by Train
Did you know that Spain has the second-largest high-speed rail network in the world? Well, it does. Thanks to this, you can now reach Galicia and Asturias in around three hours by high-speed train (AVE). They call it “AVE al Paraíso”, which literally means “high-speed train to paradise.”
For Cantabria, high-speed trains aren’t available yet, but Renfe’s Alvia services get you there in just over four hours—not bad at all. The same applies to the Basque Country, with travel times of up to five hours from Madrid to either Bilbao or San Sebastián.
As you may have noticed, most train routes to Northern Spain pass through Madrid—so if you’re coming by train, chances are you’ll be stopping in the capital on your way up north.
Booking your tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
ℹ️ RENFE is Spain’s national railway company, known for its high-speed (AVE) and regional train services connecting major cities.
Getting to Northern Spain by Bus
Buses are one of the most budget-friendly ways to reach Northern Spain—IF you’re already in Spain or traveling from a nearby town in France or Portugal. With several long-distance bus companies, you can easily get to cities like Bilbao, Santander, and Oviedo. The buses are modern and comfortable, making long trips more enjoyable.
- Alsa: One of Spain’s largest and most reliable bus companies.
- FlixBus: Connects several European cities to Northern Spain.
Of course, buses take significantly longer than trains or flights, but they’re a solid budget option. That said, low-cost airlines and trains are on the rise. Check prices before booking, as a small extra cost might save you hours.
Getting by Car
For those who love a good road trip, driving to Northern Spain is a fantastic way to travel at your own pace. If you’re flying directly in, renting a car is a great alternative. The road network is excellent, with scenic routes that turn the drive into an adventure of its own.
- From France: The border crossing is at Irun, and the AP-8 motorway is the fastest route into the Basque Country.
- From Madrid: The A-1 motorway takes you to the Basque Country, while the A-67 leads straight to Cantabria. The A-6 is the direct route to Galicia, and to reach Asturias, simply follow the A-66 afterwards.
- From Portugal: The A-3 leads into Galicia, connecting to the AP-9 in Spain.
Toll roads (autopistas de peaje) make long-distance driving faster. If you prefer a more scenic route, Spain’s national roads offer plenty of spots to stop along the way.
Getting by Ferry
If you’re after something a bit more, let’s say, unusual, traveling to Northern Spain by ferry might be just what you’re looking for. However, it’s only possible if you’re coming from the UK or Ireland. Several ferry services connect the ports of Bilbao and Santander with cities such as Portsmouth and Plymouth in the UK, and Rosslare in Ireland.
While a ferry ride is definitely not the fastest option, it certainly adds a sense of maritime charm to your journey. It’s not the cheapest choice either, but if you’re traveling with your own vehicle and planning to explore Northern Spain for a while, it can be a scenic and interesting way to arrive.
ℹ️ Brittany Ferries is THE choice for ferry travel from the UK and Ireland, offering spacious ships and excellent amenities to make your trip comfortable and enjoyable.
No matter how you choose to travel, getting to Northern Spain is easier than ever and ready to welcome you with open arms. Once you’re here, the adventure truly begins!