How to Get to San Antonio. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

San Antonio International Airport SAT

SAT serves as the main airport for the city, located approximately 8 miles north of downtown. It supports convenient access to popular tourist areas.

Airlines & Routes

Major Carriers: American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Frontier, Spirit, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant.
Non-stop Flights: Connect to major U.S. hubs (DFW, IAH, ATL, ORD, DEN, PHX).
International: Direct flights mainly limited to Mexico and Canada. Global travelers connect through larger U.S. gateway airports.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

SAT has two terminals (A & B) with dining, retail, free Wi-Fi, and ATMs. Rental car counters are on the ground floor of the parking garage, with shuttles to off-site lots.

Transfer Options to City/Accommodation

Taxi: Readily available outside terminals; $25-$35 to downtown.
Ride-Sharing (Uber/Lyft): Designated pick-up areas; comparable fares to taxis.
VIA Metropolitan Transit (Bus): Route 5 from airport to downtown ($1.30, 30-45 mins).
Airport Shuttles: Shared-ride van services (e.g., SuperShuttle) for door-to-door service.

Price Fluctuations

Flight prices are higher during peak travel seasons (Spring, Summer, holidays). Better fares are found during off-peak seasons (late Fall, Winter).

Affiliate Flight Resources

Explore flight deals with Dollar Flight Club and compare options on Skyscanner.

Car Rental

All major car rental companies are at SAT. For car rental comparisons, check DiscoverCars.com.

Land Transportation Options

Train & Bus Services

Train: Amtrak service (Texas Eagle, Sunset Limited routes) connects San Antonio to cities like Chicago, Dallas, St. Louis, Los Angeles, and New Orleans.
Long-distance Bus: Greyhound and FlixBus offer extensive services to and from San Antonio, connecting to numerous U.S. cities.
Border Crossing: San Antonio is inland. Travel to Mexico involves crossing at border points like Laredo or Eagle Pass.
Stations: Amtrak and bus terminals are near downtown for convenient city access.

Self-Driving Considerations

Requirements: Valid driver's license (IDP if foreign license not English), major credit card. Minimum age 21 (under 25 may incur surcharges).
Road Conditions: Major highways (I-10, I-35, I-37) are well-maintained. Traffic is heavy during peak commute hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM).
Safety Concerns: Be aware of road construction. Drive defensively and follow speed limits. Use GPS for efficient travel.
Parking: Downtown parking may be expensive and limited. Public transit or ride-sharing eases downtown movement.

Sea/River Arrivals

No Traditional Sea Ports

San Antonio is an inland city, so traditional sea arrivals like cruise ships or international ferries are not applicable.

River Transportation within City

The San Antonio River (River Walk) supports sightseeing barges (GO RIO River Cruises) and recreational kayaking. It is not for long-distance travel arrival or departure.

Immigration Procedures

Not applicable for sea ports within San Antonio, as there are none.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are charged for departing San Antonio International Airport or from bus/train stations. Your ticket price generally includes all applicable taxes and fees.

Timing Recommendations

Domestic Flights: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before scheduled departure at SAT.
International Flights: Arrive 2.5-3 hours before scheduled departure. International flights often take longer for check-in and security.
Bus/Train Departures: Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before departure for boarding and luggage storage.

Airport & Station Facilities

San Antonio International Airport has check-in counters, baggage drop areas, and security checkpoints in both terminals. Post-security, various dining and shopping options are available. Airline lounges exist for eligible travelers.

Amenities for Departing Travelers

Dining options ranging from fast food to sit-down restaurants.
Retail stores for last-minute purchases or souvenirs.
Free Wi-Fi access throughout the airport.

Online Check-in

If flying, check in online beforehand to save time at the airport. This is especially useful if you have no checked luggage.

Luggage Considerations

Confirm baggage allowance with your airline to avoid unexpected fees. Weigh your bags before heading to the airport.

Ground Transportation

Amtrak and bus stations in San Antonio provide waiting areas and basic amenities for departing travelers. Plan your transport to the station in advance.

Final Departure Check

Double-check all travel documents, tickets, and reservations. Ensure all personal belongings are packed. Arrive with ample time to avoid last-minute rush.

How to Get to San Antonio