There are several airports in Spain, with each large city featuring a major airport that connects to various regions across Europe and beyond. The smaller airports, often located close to these major cities, typically offer domestic flights within Spain, particularly during peak travel seasons. Consequently, choosing these smaller airports can sometimes result in more affordable airfare when traveling.

For international flights beyond Europe, Madrid, Barcelona, and Lisbon (in nearby Portugal) are the primary airports available.

It is crucial to make an informed decision about which airport to use, given the numerous regions and islands in Spain. Notably, distances between airports can be quite significant, so continue reading to determine the optimal airport for your travel needs.

Flying to Madrid and Central Spain

Madrid Airport stands out as one of the busiest in Spain, providing both international and domestic flights, and boasting the highest number of transatlantic flights in the country. Conveniently located just eight miles from the city center, it is easily accessible via car or train.

For travelers who prefer a quieter experience, two smaller airports—Valladolid and Zaragoza—are available, though they are 2.5 to 3 hours away from the city. If you cannot secure a flight to Madrid, consider flying into one of the well-connected airports, such as Valencia, Barcelona, Seville, or Malaga, where AVE high-speed trains provide convenient access to the capital.

Visiting Andalusia

Travelers heading to Andalusia, a stunning region on Spain’s southern coast, will likely visit cities such as Seville (the capital), Malaga, and Granada. Each city features its own airport. Flying into Seville is highly recommended due to its charm, and it is conveniently connected to Jerez, the home of sherry wine. Furthermore, Malaga Airport serves as a great option, providing direct bus connections to Seville and Granada. If your vacation focuses on Granada, you can fly directly into the city’s airport.

Visiting Barcelona

For a visit to Barcelona, it is advisable to fly into Barcelona Airport. While there are three airports — Barcelona, Girona, and Reus — keep in mind that it takes approximately one hour to travel between Barcelona and the latter two airports. Barcelona Airport is located just 13 miles from the city center, whereas Girona and Reus are about 65 miles away, making the latter less ideal for convenient access.

Flights to San Sebastian, Bilbao, and Biarritz

San Sebastian, Bilbao, and Biarritz are located on the Bay of Biscay, near the French border. Each city has its own airport, along with bus services connecting both Bilbao and Biarritz airports to San Sebastian. San Sebastian Airport offers direct connections to Madrid and Barcelona, while Bilbao Airport has extensive European connections, located approximately 65 miles from San Sebastian. Biarritz Airport, nearly 30 miles away, is served by both international and low-cost French airlines.

Galicia, Asturias, and the Northwest

The airports in the northwest of Spain are relatively small, including Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Vigo, and Oviedo. Your choice of airport may hinge on where you are arriving from or which part of Spain you plan to visit. Santiago de Compostela Airport handles both domestic and international flights, whereas the other airports primarily handle domestic travel. If you are near the Portuguese border, you may also want to consider flying into Porto and taking a convenient train to your destination.

Flying to Portugal, France, and Morocco

Traveling to Spain does not necessitate flying directly into the country. There are excellent transport links from Portugal, France, and Morocco. For instance, Faro in Portugal has reliable bus connections to Seville. Furthermore, ferries operate between Tangiers in Morocco and Spain, while airports in Perpignan and Biarritz, France, are well connected to northern Spain.