The information provided below is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. However, we cannot accept responsibility for any subsequent changes; participants are advised to verify details directly with the relevant service providers prior to travel.
Spain Entry Requirements
International participants are advised to check the entry requirements for travel to Spain well in advance of their trip. Depending on your nationality, you may require a visa or other travel authorization to enter Spain and the Schengen Area. If you require an official letter confirming your participation in the conference, please contact the organizers well ahead of time. Please note that such letters can only be issued after completion of conference registration.
Airports
Santander is served by Santander Airport (SDR), a well‑connected regional airport located approximately 15 minutes from the city center. The airport offers regular domestic flights to Madrid and Barcelona, providing convenient connections to Spain’s main international hubs. In addition, Santander Airport operates a growing number of direct international routes to several European countries. Year‑round and seasonal services include destinations in the United Kingdom and Ireland (such as London‑Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Dublin), Belgium (Brussels‑Charleroi), France (Paris–Orly), and Italy (cities such as Bologna and Venice‑Treviso). Additional direct connections are available to Central and Eastern Europe, including Bucharest, Sofia, and Vienna, as well as to North Africa with services to Marrakech. These routes are operated by a mix of low‑cost and regional carriers, including Ryanair, Vueling, Volotea, Wizz Air, and Iberia, with some connections offered on a seasonal basis. Taxis and public transport provide easy access between the airport and the city.
For participants requiring a wider range of international connections, Bilbao Airport (BIO)—located about 100 km from Santander—offers an extensive network of European and intercontinental flights operated by major international airlines. Bilbao can be reached from Santander in approximately 90 minutes by car or coach. Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), Spain’s main international gateway with direct flights worldwide, is also easily accessible from Santander by frequent domestic flights or by train and coach. Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) provides a similarly extensive range of long‑haul and short‑haul connections and serves as a major European aviation hub. Barcelona can be reached from Santander by direct flights or by rail, though travel times are longer than via Madrid or Bilbao.
Participants may wish to compare flight options across airports, particularly when flying long‑haul or using specific airline alliances, as in some cases alternatives via Bilbao, Barcelona or Madrid may offer more convenient schedules or fares.
Rail
Santander Railway Station (Estación de Santander) is the city’s main rail hub, centrally located next to the bus station and within walking distance of the city center. The station is served by RENFE long‑distance and regional services, providing direct rail connections to major Spanish cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, as well as frequent regional services within Cantabria and northern Spain.
From Santander station, the city center, hotels, and waterfront are easily accessible on foot. Local bus and taxi services are also readily available for travel to other parts of the city, including the university campus.
Train tickets can be purchased online via the RENFE website or mobile app, through third‑party booking platforms, at ticket machines, or at staffed ticket offices (where available).
Connections from major airports
Participants arriving by air may find the following rail‑based connections convenient:
- From Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD):
Take the Cercanías (commuter train) or metro to Madrid Chamartín or Madrid Puerta de Atocha, both of which offer frequent direct long‑distance train services to Santander. - From Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN):
Use local rail or metro services to reach Barcelona Sants Station, which provides direct long‑distance train connections to Santander.
Long‑distance train travel in Spain is generally seat‑allocated, and early booking is recommended, particularly during peak travel periods.
Coach
Santander is well connected by long‑distance and regional coach services, which provide a flexible and often cost‑effective alternative to rail travel. Santander Bus Station (Estación de Autobuses de Santander) is conveniently located next to the main railway station and within walking distance of the city center, hotels, and waterfront area.
The majority of long‑distance coach routes are operated by ALSA, Spain’s main national coach provider, alongside regional operators serving destinations within Cantabria and northern Spain. Coaches are modern, comfortable, and typically offer amenities such as air conditioning, onboard Wi‑Fi, and power outlets.
Regular direct coach connections include:
- Bilbao → Santander: frequent services throughout the day, approx. 1.5 hours
- Madrid → Santander: multiple daily direct services, approx. 5–6 hours
- Barcelona → Santander: daytime and overnight services available, approx. 8–9 hours
For participants arriving by air, coach travel is often the most convenient option from Bilbao Airport, with direct services to Santander that avoid the need for transfers within Bilbao. From Madrid–Barajas Airport, coaches to Santander depart regularly from Madrid’s main bus terminals, which are easily accessible from the airport by metro or commuter rail.
Tickets can be purchased in advance through operators’ websites or mobile apps, as well as at ticket counters or machines at the bus station. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during weekends, holidays, or peak travel periods. Overall, coach travel offers a reliable and accessible way to reach Santander from major Spanish cities and nearby transport hubs.
Car
Santander is easily accessible by car via Spain’s motorway network. The city is connected to Bilbao via the A‑8 motorway along the northern coast, with an average driving time of approximately 1.5 hours. Madrid can be reached via the A‑67 in around 4–4.5 hours, while Barcelona is accessible by the A‑68 and AP‑2/AP‑7 corridors, with a typical journey time of approximately 6.5–7.5 hours, depending on traffic and routing.
Ferry
For international participants with more time and an interest in alternative travel options, ferry travel may offer a scenic and relaxed way to reach Santander. There are direct ferry services from the United Kingdom to Santander, operating seasonally from ports such as Portsmouth and Plymouth, which can be particularly appealing when combined with a holiday before or after the conference. In addition, ferry routes from France to northern Spain—for example to nearby ports such as Bilbao—provide another option, with onward travel to Santander. These crossings are especially attractive for travelers wishing to explore the Atlantic coast of northern Spain as part of their journey.
Local Transport
The Faculty of Economics and Business Administration of the University of Cantabria is located within reasonable walking distance of several parts of Santander. Depending on the starting point, the city center can be reached on foot in approximately 20–30 minutes, while areas such as El Sardinero and nearby residential neighborhoods are closer.
The university campus is well served by Santander’s municipal bus network (TUS), with several regular routes connecting the campus to the city center (lines 7C1 if you travel from the faculty to the city center and 7C2 if you travel from the city center to the faculty), the main railway and bus stations, and surrounding districts. Buses operate frequently throughout the day, providing a convenient and affordable way to travel around the city. Tickets can be purchased directly on board or via contactless payment, depending on the service.
Santander Airport is located about 15 minutes by car from the city and is connected to the urban area by bus and taxi services. Bus connections link the airport with the city center and main transport hubs, while taxis provide a faster and direct option.
Santander has a well‑developed taxi network, with taxis readily available throughout the city, including near major transport stations and central areas. Rides can be hailed on the street, booked by phone, or arranged through local taxi associations.
Overall, Santander is a compact and walkable city, and most destinations relevant for conference participants can be reached easily by a combination of walking and public transport.
Accommodation
Santander offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets, from luxury hotels with sea views to well‑located mid‑range and affordable options. Many hotels are situated close to the conference venue and along the coastline, allowing visitors to enjoy the city’s urban and natural surroundings during their stay.
The following hotels are relatively close to the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, the venue of the conference, and are particularly convenient for participants:
5‑Star Hotel
Eurostars Hotel Real
Address: Paseo de Pérez Galdós, 28, 39005 Santander
Phone: +34 942 27 25 50
Website: www.eurostarshotelreal.com
A landmark luxury hotel overlooking Santander Bay, offering elegant rooms, high‑quality services, and a tranquil setting.
4‑Star Hotels
Gran Hotel Sardinero
Address: Plaza de Italia, 1, 39005 Santander
Phone: +34 942 27 11 00
Website: www.hotelsardinero.es
Located next to El Sardinero beach, combining classic architecture with a prime seaside location.
Gran Hotel Victoria
Address: María Luisa Pelayo, 38, 39005 Santander
Phone: +34 942 29 11 00
Website: www.granhotelvictoria.es
Situated near the beach area, offering comfortable accommodation within walking distance of coastal attractions.
Hotel Santemar
Address: Joaquín Costa, 28, 39005 Santander
Phone: +34 942 27 29 00
Website: www.h-santos.es
A large and well‑equipped hotel close to El Sardinero, suitable for conference participants seeking modern amenities.
Hotel Silken Río Santander
Address: Avenida Reina Victoria, 153–155, 39005 Santander
Phone: +34 942 27 43 00
Website: www.hoteles-silken.com
Overlooking the sea promenade, with easy access to both the city center and the conference venue.
Vincci PuertoChico
Address: Castelar, 25, 39004 Santander
Phone: +34 942 22 52 00
Website: www.vinccihoteles.com
Located near the waterfront and marina area, offering a central yet relaxed setting.
3‑Star Hotels
Hotel Chiqui
Address: Avenida García Lago, 9, 39005 Santander
Phone: +34 942 28 27 00
Website: www.hotelchiqui.com
A seaside hotel with panoramic views, located slightly outside the city center but easily accessible.
NH Ciudad de Santander
Address: Menéndez Pelayo, 13–15, 39006 Santander
Phone: +34 942 31 99 00
Website: www.nh-hotels.com
A centrally located and reliable option, well suited for business and conference travel.
Hotel Art Santander
Address: Santa Teresa de Jesús, 20, 39006 Santander
Phone: +34 942 35 22 66
Website: www.hotelartsantander.com
A modern boutique hotel near the city center, offering contemporary design at moderate prices.
Abba Santander Hotel
Address: Calderón de la Barca, 3, 39001 Santander
Phone: +34 942 21 24 50
Website: www.abbasantanderhotel.com
Conveniently located next to the railway and bus stations, ideal for participants arriving by public transport.
Further accommodation options, including apartments and budget alternatives, can be found through standard hotel booking platforms. While Santander is less crowded than many southern Spanish destinations, the summer period can still be busy with tourists, and early booking is strongly recommended.
The conference organizers and the University of Cantabria are not responsible for booking conditions, prices, or availability. Participants are advised to check terms and conditions directly with the accommodation provider. In some cases, more competitive rates may be available through third‑party booking channels.
Please note that Spain uses Type F (European standard) power sockets (230 V). Some international visitors will require a suitable plug adapter.