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San Antonio Layover Guide (SAT)

What are you looking for in SAT?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

San Antonio Airport (SAT) is an international airport located in San Antonio, Texas. It’s situated about 13 km (8 miles) from downtown San Antonio. The airport officially opened in 1942. San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the United States and is known for its rich colonial heritage. The city offers vibrant culture, historic landmarks like the Alamo, and a variety of leisure activities, including the famous River Walk.

Can you leave San Antonio Airport (SAT) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can leave San Antonio Airport (SAT) during a layover by collecting checked bags, clearing U.S. immigration and customs, then rechecking luggage before boarding your next flight. All non-U.S. citizens must hold a valid entry permit—either a U.S. visa or an ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program to reenter. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• The Alamo Explore the iconic Alamo, site of the 1836 battle for Texas independence. Wander through museum exhibits, preserved grounds, interactive multimedia presentations and guided tours available daily. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi or rideshare ~15 minutes.)
• San Antonio River Walk Stroll along the scenic River Walk lined with lush, colorful landscaping, charming cafes and historical art installations. Enjoy a riverboat tour and picturesque al fresco dining by the waterway. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi or rideshare ~15 minutes.)
• Tower of the Americas Ascend the 750-foot Tower of the Americas for sweeping skyline views from the observation deck. Dine at the revolving Chart House restaurant or visit the interactive 4D cinematic experience. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi or rideshare ~15 minutes.)
• San Fernando Cathedral Visit the historic San Fernando Cathedral, Texas’ oldest continuously operating church. Admire Gothic architecture inside, restored interiors and experience the spectacular “San Antonio|The Saga” light projection show daily after dusk. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi or rideshare ~15 minutes.)
• Market Square (El Mercado) Explore Market Square, the largest Mexican market in the U.S., featuring vibrant stalls of crafts, textiles and authentic cuisine. Enjoy live mariachi performances and a festive atmosphere year-round. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi or rideshare ~15 minutes.)
• Pearl District Discover the Pearl District’s vibrant, revitalized brewery campus, home to award-winning restaurants, boutique shops and a weekend farmers market. Relax by the river promenade or sample artisanal coffee and pastries. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi or rideshare ~10 minutes.)
• Japanese Tea Garden Escape to the serene Japanese Tea Garden with winding stone paths, koi-filled ponds, ornate pagodas and beautiful seasonal blooms. Admire lush landscaping, tranquil waterfalls in this urban, family-friendly oasis. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi or rideshare ~15 minutes.)
• Mission San José Explore Mission San José, known as the “Queen of the Missions,” featuring an iconic stone church, granary and living history demonstrations. Wander restored grounds and visit the visitor center exhibits. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi or rideshare ~20 minutes.)

Things to Do in San Antonio Airport (SAT)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
San Antonio International Airport offers two primary lounges for relaxation: a United Club located between gates B3 and B5 in Terminal B, with seating, Wi-Fi, snacks and beverages; and a USO lounge landside at Terminal B baggage claim, open daily 9 am–5 pm, providing complimentary refreshments, games and military family amenities. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels are within a two-mile radius of SAT, including Hilton Garden Inn San Antonio Airport South, Courtyard by Marriott, Homewood Suites, Embassy Suites and Days Inn by Wyndham. Most offer complimentary airport shuttle service, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desks and luggage storage, ensuring convenient overnight accommodations near the terminal. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
San Antonio Airport has no dedicated rest zones or cots. Travelers may stay landside past the ticketing lobby, where vending machines, massage chairs and occasional bench seating in baggage claim provide rest spots. Seating in the departures area has armrests, limiting lie-flat options, so consider nearby hotels for uninterrupted sleep.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: San Antonio Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi throughout both terminals. Connect to the “SAT Free WiFi” network without a password prompt. Signal strength may vary by gate area. Ample charging stations and power outlets are located near seating areas and gate concourses, ensuring reliable connectivity and device charging for all travelers.

SIM/eSIM Card: Prepaid SIM cards are available at Hudson newsstands and mobile kiosks landside pre-security, offering AT&T and T-Mobile options. Vending machines near the ticket lobby may also stock universal SIM cards. Travelers can purchase eSIM plans online in advance through providers like Airalo or Holafly, ensuring instant cellular access upon arrival. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxi services queue at the lower-level curbside outside baggage claim in both terminals. Meters or flat-rate options to downtown (approximately $28) are accepted. Taxis seat up to four passengers with luggage. Payment by cash or credit card is accepted. Ride-share pickups occur daily at designated cell phone lot areas. Efficiently.

Train: There is no rail service directly serving San Antonio Airport. Passengers wishing to travel by train can take a VIA Metropolitan Transit bus to Downtown San Antonio’s Amtrak station at 350 Hoefgen Street. For schedules and connections, visit the official Amtrak page: (more info) and book tickets. Easily.

Bus: VIA Metropolitan Transit operates two bus routes from SAT curbside: Route 7 express links to Downtown San Antonio and the Stone Oak park-and-ride on weekdays; Route 5 runs local service with connections at North Star Transit Center. Schedules and fares are available on VIA’s site: (more info).

Shuttle: SAT offers free interterminal shuttles between short-term garages, economy lots and the consolidated car-rental facility 24/7. Most nearby hotels provide complimentary airport shuttle service. Passenger Van services like GO Airport Express and SuperShuttle operate paid shared or private transfers. Reservations often for private shuttles are recommended to secure pick-up times.

Car rentals: San Antonio Airport’s consolidated rental car facility is reachable via a skybridge from Terminal B mezzanine. It houses 10 companies including Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, Budget and National. Counters operate daily from early morning until late evening. Complimentary shuttle buses circulate between the terminals and the rental center every 10 minutes. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: SAT features short-term garages directly adjacent to both terminals with hourly and daily rates, plus long-term garages. Economy surface lots farther out offer lower rates and complimentary shuttle service. The first 15 minutes are free. EV charging stations are available in the short-term garages. Monthly parking options can be arranged.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

San Antonio Airport does not provide on-site luggage storage or lockers. Travelers can utilize hotel luggage services or inquire at Minute Suites for bag storage if booked. No public self-service lockers are available landside or airside. Passengers should plan to carry their belongings or arrange off-site storage solutions before arrival. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- San Antonio Airport (SAT) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks