El Salvador International Airport (SAL)

Arriving passengers walk through the concourse to the central passport control area, proceed through baggage retrieval, and pass customs clearance before entering the arrivals hall.

• Follow signs along the main concourse to the central immigration hall.
• Present a valid passport and completed entry documentation; visitors from eligible countries must purchase a tourist card if not included in ticket fees.
• Proceed down to the baggage claim area to collect checked luggage from assigned carousels.
• Pass through customs inspection, submitting baggage for X-ray screening prior to exiting into the public arrivals area.

• Taxi

  Taxi

  Official airport taxis operate from marked stands outside the arrivals terminal and offer fixed or standard rates to San Salvador.

  Time:

  45-60 minutes

  Typical cost:

  30-40 USD

• Ride-hailing

  Rideshare

  App-based rideshare services pick up passengers in designated pickup zones outside the main terminal.

  Time:

  45-60 minutes

  Typical cost:

  25-35 USD

• Train

  Private Transfer

  Pre-booked hotel shuttles and private car services meet passengers in the arrival greeting area.

  Time:

  45-60 minutes

  Typical cost:

  35-50 USD

• Bus

  Public Bus

  Route 138 public buses depart from the airport perimeter road to central San Salvador, operating primarily during daytime hours.

  Time:

  60-90 minutes

  Typical cost:

  1-2 USD

Transit passengers remaining on a single international ticket can transfer airside without passing through El Salvador immigration.

• Passengers holding onward boarding passes should remain in the secure airside departure concourse.
• Travellers with separate tickets must clear immigration, collect checked luggage, and check in at the main departures hall desks.
• Allow a minimum of two to three hours for self-transfer connections involving separate tickets.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for passengers throughout the main terminal building.

• Select the public airport network from your device settings.
• Accept the terms of service on the browser portal page to establish a connection.
• Coverage extends across both landside public areas and airside boarding gates.

The United States Dollar (USD) is the official currency of El Salvador, alongside Bitcoin.

• Automated teller machines (ATMs) dispensing US Dollars are situated in both landside and airside zones.
• Currency exchange counters are available in the main terminal for standard international currencies.
• Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted at terminal shops, restaurants, and authorized transport providers.

A selection of dining options is available landside and airside in the main terminal.

• Airside facilities feature local pupuserías, international fast-food chains, and coffee shops.
• Landside dining options cater to arriving passengers and public visitors.
• Most food outlets operate in accordance with daily commercial flight schedules.

Airside VIP lounges provide comfortable seating and basic amenities for eligible travellers.

• Airline-operated and independent lounges are located past security in the main departures concourse.
• Access is granted based on travel class, elite frequent flyer status, or eligible lounge membership programs.
• Single-entry day passes can be purchased directly at the door subject to capacity limits.

While there are no hotels located within the terminal, several options exist nearby and in San Salvador.

• Short-stay hotels are situated along the highway connecting the airport to San Salvador.
• Major international hotel chains are concentrated in San Salvador, approximately 40 kilometres away.
• Hotel shuttles can be arranged prior to arrival or via travel desks in the arrivals concourse.

Baggage claim facilities are located directly past immigration control.

• Check flight display monitors in the hall to find the correct carousel for your flight.
• Luggage carts are available inside the claim area for passenger convenience.
• Baggage handling and airline customer service desks are situated near the carousels for lost or damaged luggage queries.

Basic family facilities are distributed throughout the main passenger terminal.

• Baby changing stations are located inside designated public rest rooms.
• Strollers are permitted up to the boarding gate, subject to individual airline policies.
• Family-friendly seating areas can be found in the main departures concourse.

• ATMs
• Currency Exchange
• Duty-Free Shops
• Restaurants & Cafes
• Car Rental Desks
• Tourist Information
• Executive Lounges

Local emergency number: 911 (Police/General Emergency), 132 (Medical Emergency)

• Dial 911 for general emergency and police assistance, or 132 for medical emergencies across El Salvador.
• First aid services are available inside the terminal by contacting airport personnel or information desks.
• In the event of a lost passport, contact your country's embassy or consulate located in San Salvador.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Comisión Ejecutiva Portuaria Autónoma (CEPA)Official airport source
• Dirección General de Migración y ExtranjeríaGovernment source
• Ministerio de Hacienda - Dirección General de AduanasGovernment source
• Policía Nacional Civil de El SalvadorGovernment source
• Ministerio de Turismo de El SalvadorGovernment source