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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

El Salvador

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Air travel is the most common and efficient way for international visitors to reach San Salvador.

SAL Airport & Carriers

  • Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL) is El Salvador's only international airport. It sits about 40 km (25 miles) southeast of San Salvador.
  • Major Carriers: Avianca (hub), American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, Copa Airlines, Aeromexico.
  • Typical Routes: Direct flights mainly from major US cities, Canada, Mexico City, and Central/South American capitals. Iberia offers direct flights from Madrid for European connections.

Flight Availability & Airport Services

Understand seasonal fluctuations and available amenities at the airport.

Seasonal Pricing & Facilities

  • Peak Season (Dec-Feb, major holidays): Expect higher prices. Book well in advance. Consider Dollar Flight Club for deal alerts.
  • Low Season (May-Oct): Lowest prices possible. Flexibility with dates saves on airfare. Skyscanner is a good resource for comparison.
  • Airport Facilities: Duty-free shops, restaurants, car rental agencies, ATMs, currency exchange, Wi-Fi access, lounges.

Airport Taxis

Official airport taxis have fixed fares to San Salvador, typically $25-$35 USD. Confirm fare before starting.

Ride-Sharing

Uber and InDriver are available. Pick-up points may be outside immediate terminal area. Fares are often lower than official taxis.

Hotel Shuttles & Buses

Some hotels offer shuttle services. Public bus Route 138 connects airport to city's South Terminal (cheapest option).

Airport Transfer Options

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

  • Official airport taxis are readily available.
  • Uber and InDriver services operate in El Salvador.
  • Pick-up for ride-share may be a short walk from the terminal.
  • Fares for ride-share are often slightly lower and fixed within the app.

Shuttles & Public Bus

  • Some hotels have their own shuttle services; inquire when booking.
  • Private shuttle services can be pre-booked online for groups.
  • Public bus Route 138 goes from airport to city's South Terminal.
  • Public bus option is cheapest, good for budget travelers with light luggage.

Departure Information

Exit Fees

The tourist card fee ($12 USD) typically covers any departure tax. No additional separate departure fee is usually taken at SAL Airport.

Timing Recommendations

For international flights, arrive at SAL airport at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure. This allows time for check-in and security.

Airport Facilities

SAL airport's departure area has duty-free shops, souvenir stores, various restaurants and cafes, and airline lounges for comfort.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings & Buses

Land travel offers a way to explore neighboring countries and different regions within El Salvador. Understand border procedures and bus networks for overland journeys.

CA-4 Agreement & Bus Terminals

  • El Salvador is part of the CA-4 Agreement, for relatively easy overland travel between El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
  • Long-distance buses: Terminal de Occidente (Western), Terminal de Oriente (Eastern), Terminal del Sur (South).
  • International buses (Pullmantur, Ticabus, King Quality) offer services to neighboring Central American countries. Book international tickets in advance.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

For those who prefer to drive, be aware of requirements and local road conditions.

Car Rentals & Safety

  • Requirements: Valid home country driver's license, International Driving Permit (IDP), major credit card.
  • Car Rental: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo, Enterprise at SAL airport and San Salvador. Book online for better rates. DiscoverCars.com offers comparison.
  • Insurance: Full coverage, including liability and CDW, is highly recommended due to unpredictable roads and traffic.

Driving Laws & Challenges

Familiarize yourself with local driving rules and common road situations.

Rules & Road Conditions

  • Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory. Speed limits are enforced.
  • Major highways are generally good. Rural roads can be unpaved or in poor condition, especially after rain.
  • Speed bumps ("túmulos") are common and often unmarked; hit them at speed for potential damage.

Safety on the Road

Awareness is when driving in El Salvador.

Driving Safety & Parking

  • Driving at night, outside major urban areas, is not recommended due to poor lighting and security risks.
  • Road signage can be limited. Aggressive driving, pedestrians, cyclists, and animals on roads are common.
  • Parking: Available at malls, hotels (often for a fee). Prefer secure, guarded lots ("parqueos"). Avoid leaving valuables visible.

Sea/River Arrivals Not Applicable for San Salvador

  • El Salvador does not have significant passenger ferry services for regular tourist arrivals into San Salvador.
  • Acajutla functions as a commercial port, not typically a cruise ship or passenger ferry terminal for international tourism to San Salvador.
  • Rivers do not serve as main modes of tourist transportation to or from San Salvador.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable for typical tourist arrival into San Salvador.
  • Connections to land transportation from sea/river points are not relevant for typical tourist arrival into San Salvador.
  • This section is included for completeness but is largely irrelevant for direct access to the capital.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

Prepare for a smooth departure from El Salvador. Confirm any fees and allow ample time at the airport.

What to Expect

  • Exit Fees: The tourist card fee ($12 USD) typically covers any departure tax. No additional separate departure fee is usually taken at SAL airport.
  • Departure Timing: For international flights from SAL, arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time.
  • This timing allows ample time for check-in, security screening, and any unforeseen delays.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

SAL airport offers various facilities in the departure area to make your wait comfortable.

Amenities & Services

  • Duty-free shops and souvenir stores.
  • A range of restaurants and cafes.
  • Airline lounges for comfortable waiting areas for those with access.

Online Check-in

Complete online check-in if your airline offers it; this saves time at the airport.

Security Screening

Be ready for standard security screening; liquids, electronics, and sometimes shoes removed.

Baggage Allowance

Verify your airline's baggage allowance and restrictions before packing to avoid unexpected fees.

Final Check

Always check current regulations closer to your departure date, as policies can change, especially regarding exit fees and security protocols.

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