San Salvador Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero Layover Guide (SAL)

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

San Salvador Airport (SAL) is an international airport located in San Luis Talpa, La Paz. It’s about 40 km (25 miles) from downtown San Salvador. The airport officially opened in 1980. San Salvador is the capital and largest city of El Salvador, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. It’s also recognized for its scenic volcano views and offers a diverse range of cultural and outdoor activities.

Can you leave San Salvador Airport (SAL) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes, during a layover under 48 hours you can exit SAL with an onward ticket. Travelers from visa-exempt countries get a $12 tourist card on arrival; others must secure a visa before travel. Always hold a valid passport with at least six months’ validity. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Museo de Arte de El Salvador (MARTE) Dedicated to modern and contemporary art showcases Salvadoran and international artists through permanent and rotating exhibitions in a light-filled building featuring sculptures, paintings and multimedia installations. Free guided tours available. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 min; Uber; public bus 102 to city center + short walk)
• Teatro Nacional de San Salvador Opulent neoclassical theater dating from 1917 renowned for its richly decorated auditorium, gilded balconies and vaulted ceilings hosting live concerts, operas, dance performances and guided architecture tours. Daily guided visits. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or hotel shuttle)
• Catedral Metropolitana Historic 19th-century cathedral blending Gothic and Renaissance influences featuring intricately carved altars, colorful stained-glass windows and saintly relics accompanied by a serene plaza perfect for people-watching. Daily mass services available. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or public bus from terminal)
• Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site UNESCO-listed pre-Hispanic village preserved beneath volcanic ash offering a unique glimpse into daily life of Mayans through excavated homes, communal kitchens and artifacts at interpretive center. Bilingual tours available. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~40 min)
• El Boquerón National Park Scenic rim of San Salvador volcano featuring a massive crater rim walk, panoramic city and mountain vistas and lush cloud forest trails populated by native orchids and tropical bird species. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~45 min or rental car recommended)
• Plaza Libertad Vibrant central square showcasing liberty columns, bronze sculptures and historical monuments surrounded by elegant colonial architecture, street vendors selling local snacks and lively cultural events on weekends. Evenings family-friendly ambiance. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or public bus)
• Mercado Nacional de Artesanías Colourful artisanal market offering an extensive selection of handcrafted leather goods, textiles, pottery and jewelry alongside traditional snacks, friendly vendors and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for souvenirs. Bargaining encouraged; cash-only. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or shuttle)
• Paseo El Carmen (Santa Tecla) Charming pedestrian street in Santa Tecla lined with trendy cafés, art galleries and boutiques, buzzing with live music, street performances and craft beer breweries ideal for relaxed afternoons and evenings too. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 min or public bus)

Things to Do in San Salvador Airport (SAL)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Two airside VIP lounges—Aeroconnections Lounge (near Gate 13) and Lounge 2 (near Gate 19)—offer comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, showers and business facilities. Priority Pass and pay-per-use entry grant access to the Avianca Sala VIP (Gate 8, 2F). Both lounges operate daily and cater to international and transit passengers. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
No on-site hotel exists; the closest is Quality Hotel Real Aeropuerto, 3.3 km away, featuring air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, private parking, on-site dining and a 24h airport shuttle. Other nearby options within 10 km include Hotel Paseo del Sol and Hotel Tesoro Beach, all offering airport transfers and comfortable guest amenities. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
SAL has spacious, air-conditioned waiting halls with benches and armchairs near all gates, but no dedicated sleep pods or lounges for overnight stays. Quiet corners near Gate 18 remain lit 24/7, and power outlets are available. Passengers are advised to carry travel pillows and earplugs for added comfort.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free airport Wi-Fi is available landside and airside. Connect to the “SAL_Free_WiFi” network, register via the splash page with basic details, and enjoy a 240-minute session. You can reconnect by re-registering after time expires; no password is required, but device limit policies may apply.

SIM/eSIM Card: Multiple kiosks in the arrivals hall sell prepaid Claro, Tigo and Movistar SIM cards offering local data and calling plans. For eSIM, Rent’n Connect provides instant profiles supporting up to 10 devices with secure 4G/5G access throughout El Salvador—ideal for avoiding roaming fees. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official taxi booths are located outside the Arrivals terminal; rates to downtown San Salvador average $30–40. Taxis run 24/7, and ride-hailing services like Uber pick up at a designated zone. Fares vary by demand and time, so confirm rates with the dispatcher before boarding.

Train: There is no passenger rail service to or from SAL; the airport is served exclusively by road. Travelers must use taxis, buses or shuttles. For complete ground-transport options and updates, see the official airport guide. more info

Bus: Budget travelers can catch local “coster” minibuses and buses from outside the terminal to downtown San Salvador. Services run from around 5 AM until early evening, cost about $1–2 and take roughly 1 hour with multiple stops; prepare for crowding and luggage handling. more info

Shuttle: Pre-booked shared shuttles depart the main terminal daily (5:30 AM–6:45 PM), costing from $21 per person for a 30-minute, Wi-Fi-equipped ride to San Salvador hotels. Private transfers run 24/7 with door-to-door service from about $40. Both options include meet-and-greet.

Car rentals: Desks for major companies—Europcar, Budget, Alamo, Avis—are on-site inside the Arrivals hall. Average daily rates start at $26. Rentals require a credit card and valid license; operating hours typically 6 AM–11 PM. Vehicles must be returned to the airport lot unless otherwise arranged. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term parking is adjacent to the terminal for pick-up/drop-off; long-term parking sits near runway 18/36 with space for 20+ cars. Lots are lit, monitored by CCTV and open 24/7. Daily rates apply; inquire at the ground-transport desk for current pricing and validation options.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

SAL offers no official luggage storage or lockers. Passengers can check bags through their airline or use privately operated facilities in downtown San Salvador. It’s recommended to travel with lockable cases and consider hotel-oriented storage services for flexibility. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- San Salvador Airport (SAL) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks