Car hire at Santander airport
Land in Santander and have your car ready in minutes to explore Cantabria and the Picos de Europa.
Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport (SDR) is just 5 km from the city centre, making car hire collection a quick formality straight after landing. It's the main gateway to Cantabria, ideal for those wanting to explore its beaches and head into the Picos de Europa without relying on bus or train timetables.
With Gavendo you book your hire car at Santander airport with negotiated rates and support in several languages, so on arrival all you need to do is head to the desk, sign and collect the keys. We've been specialist intermediaries since 1982, so we take care of finding you the best deal available across different rental companies.
Search carsWhere to collect the car on arrival at Santander airport
The collection desk is in the car hire area of the Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport (SDR) terminal, a few steps from the arrivals exit. As soon as you collect your luggage, just follow the "Rent a Car" signs (location may vary by company) to find the key handover point.
How the process works as soon as you land
The moment you set foot on Cantabrian soil, the process is simple: collect your case, head to the desk with your booking and your ID or passport, sign the contract and you're handed the vehicle. With Gavendo everything is already arranged in advance, so at the terminal all that's left is to formalise the handover — no last-minute surprises or haggling at the counter.
Why it pays to book before arriving in Santander
Booking ahead guarantees you the model of car you need and means you won't miss out in high season, when demand at Santander airport spikes thanks to visits to Cantabria and the Picos de Europa. What's more, Gavendo's negotiated rates are usually better value than what you'd find improvising at the counter itself.
From Santander airport to your destination in Cantabria
The airport is just 5 km from the city of Santander, so you can be in the centre within minutes. It's the natural gateway to the whole of Cantabria — its urban and rural beaches, and also the Picos de Europa, one of the most visited mountain destinations in northern Spain, where having your own car makes all the difference for getting around freely.
Returning the vehicle and one-way hire
You can return the car at Santander airport (SDR) itself at the end of your trip, following the same procedure as at collection. If your route ends in another city, ask about returning it elsewhere (one-way) — a common option for those touring Cantabria and continuing on to Asturias or the Basque Country.
What's included with your hire car from Gavendo
When you book with Gavendo you get insurance included, mileage as per your chosen rate, and customer support in several languages throughout your trip. As intermediaries with over 40 years of experience, we compare the best deals across companies so that at Santander airport all you need to worry about is grabbing the keys and setting off.
Opening hours and availability at Santander airport
Desk opening hours may vary depending on the company assigned to your booking, so it's worth checking the hours shown on your voucher before flying. Even so, as this is an airport with regular scheduled flights, the vast majority of collections fit comfortably within usual arrival times.
- Keep your booking to hand — Have your booking voucher and ID or passport ready to speed up the process at the desk as soon as you arrive.
- Check your company's opening hours — Desk opening hours can vary by company; check this on your voucher before flying.
- Book ahead in high season — At peak times for trips to Cantabria and the Picos de Europa, booking early secures the car model you need.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I collect the car at Santander airport?
At the car hire desk inside the Seve Ballesteros-Santander (SDR) terminal, next to the arrivals area.
Can I return the car in a city other than Santander?
Yes, in many cases it's possible to return it elsewhere (one-way service); check availability and any surcharge when booking.
Is the collection desk always open?
Opening hours depend on the company assigned to your hire and usually follow the airport's scheduled flights; check the hours shown on your booking voucher.
Do I need to print anything to collect the car at the airport?
Just bring your booking (on paper or on your phone), your ID or passport, and a valid driving licence in the main driver's name.
Is it better to book the car before flying to Santander or hire it there?
Booking ahead is safer and cheaper: it guarantees your chosen model and a negotiated rate, avoiding the risk of no car being available at busy times.
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