Jerez Airport (XRY) Guide: Your Ultimate Gateway to Sherry, Flamenco, and Andalusia
Jerez Airport (IATA: XRY, ICAO: LEJR), affectionately known as La Parra Airport, is the essential air gateway to the sun-drenched region of Jerez de la Frontera and the entire Cádiz province in Andalusia, Spain. Famed globally for its exquisite Sherry wines, the majestic Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, and its deep roots in vibrant Flamenco culture, XRY offers travelers a convenient starting point for exploring Southern Spain’s cultural heartland.
By serving as a vital regional hub, Jerez Airport provides a seamless travel experience for both leisure and business visitors heading to one of Spain’s most culturally rich areas.
General Information and Location
Jerez Airport’s strategic location and efficient operation make it an ideal choice for travelers.
- Location: Conveniently situated just 8 km (5 miles) northeast of the Jerez de la Frontera city center.
- Coordinates: 36° 44′ 43” N, 6° 3′ 32” W.
- Management: Operated by Aena, Spain’s national airport authority, ensuring high service standards.
- Traffic (Latest Figures): The airport continues to demonstrate its regional importance, having successfully served approximately 1.2 million passengers in the latest operational year (2024 figures).
- Visa Requirement: As an airport within the Schengen Area, international passengers should ensure they meet the necessary Schengen visa requirements.
- Operational Hours (Approx.): General operating hours are typically from 06:45 to 23:00 local time, though these may be adjusted seasonally to accommodate flight schedules.
Terminal Facilities & Services
Jerez Airport features a single, modern, and highly efficient terminal building (T1), designed to ensure quick processing for both arrivals and departures.
- Terminals: One Passenger Terminal (T1) handles all domestic and international flights.
- Connectivity: Travelers benefit from Free Wi-Fi access available throughout the terminal, making it easy to plan onward journeys or stay connected.
- Shopping & Dining: Essential facilities include duty-free shopping areas offering local products, spirits, and perfumes, alongside various cafes and snack bars providing refreshments before or after flights.
- Currency & Payment: All services and facilities primarily accept payments in EUR (€), with card payments widely accepted.
- Lounge Access: Currently, Jerez Airport does not offer a dedicated public airport lounge. However, the compact nature of the terminal makes waiting periods short and convenient.
- Assisted Travel: The airport provides comprehensive disabled access facilities. Assisted Travel services for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) are efficiently managed by MITIE through the standard European procedure.
- Lost Property: For inquiries regarding lost items, passengers can contact the dedicated Aena Lost Property line: +34 913 211 000.
Airlines and Destinations (Focus on European Connections)
Jerez Airport is a hub for connecting Andalusia to major European hubs, focusing heavily on German, Swiss, and UK tourism markets, alongside essential domestic routes.
- Main Airlines: The principal carriers operating from XRY include Iberia, Vueling, Condor, and SWISS. Other important operators are Volotea and various charter airlines during the peak season.
- Key Destinations (Current Routes): Major, year-round routes maintain strong links to domestic hubs like Madrid, and key international cities such as London and Frankfurt.
- Seasonal Services: The summer schedule sees an increase in services, connecting the region to German cities like Hannover, often serviced by carriers like TUI Fly, catering to the significant sun-and-beach tourism demand.
- Longest Route: The longest non-stop flight route typically operates to London, with a flight time of approximately 3 hours, often served by major European carriers.
Ground Transportation Options
Connectivity from XRY to Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz, and surrounding towns is excellent, offering travelers multiple transport options.
- Bus: A reliable public bus service connects the airport directly to Jerez city center in approximately 20 minutes. The service is highly economical, with an average fare around €1.50. Routes also extend to major coastal destinations like Cadiz and El Puerto de Santa Maria.
- Train (Cercanías): The Cercanías (commuter rail line) provides a fast and direct link from the airport train station to the city and the wider Cádiz metropolitan area, offering a relaxed alternative to road travel.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals hall. The journey to Jerez is quick—about 15 minutes—with an estimated fare generally ranging between €20 and €25.
- Car Hire / Rental: For travelers planning to explore the beautiful white villages (Pueblos Blancos) of Andalusia, car rental is the most flexible option. Desks are conveniently located in the arrivals hall and include major international companies: Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar, Goldcar, Thrifty, Alamo, Enterprise, Key’n Go, Dollar, and Keddy By Europcar.
Parking and Drop-Off Convenience
The airport manages its parking facilities to accommodate both short stays and extended trips.
- Parking: Both short-term (P1) and long-term parking facilities are available and clearly signposted for travelers.
- Daily Rate: Standard daily parking fees are competitively priced, set at approximately €10 per day for the long-term option.
- Passenger Drop-off: A designated drop-off/pick-up zone is located directly outside the passenger terminal entrance, allowing a maximum stop of 15 minutes for immediate loading or unloading of passengers and luggage.
Nearby Hotels and Attractions
Jerez Airport serves as the perfect entry point to some of Andalusia’s most iconic experiences.
- Key Attractions: From the airport, you have fast access to the famous Sherry cellars (bodegas) for tasting tours and the world-renowned Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, a must-see for horse enthusiasts.
- Recommended Hotels: High-quality hotel options near the airport and in Jerez city include:
- Hotel Jerez
- Hotel Palacio Garvey
- Hotel Sherry Park
- The highly-rated Barceló Montecastillo Golf, located only 3.2 miles away, is an excellent choice for golf lovers.
Contact Information
For official and operational inquiries, please use the following contact details:
- Address: Apartado de Correos 579, E-11401 Jerez de la Frontera, SPAIN.
- Phone (Aena Information): +34 902 404 704.
- Official Website: www.aena.es (Search for Jerez Airport).