✈️ Airport Overview
Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL code), formerly Comalapa, is El Salvador's main gateway. Located 50 km south of San Salvador, it welcomes over 3.5 million passengers annually.
The airport features two modern terminals with recently renovated facilities, offering a pleasant experience for travelers.
🛬 Upon Arrival
Steps to follow
- Immigration: Present your passport — entry is free (the tourist card has been abolished)
- Baggage claim: Approximately 30-45 minutes after landing
- Customs: Generally quick process for tourists
- Arrival hall: Currency exchange, SIM cards, official taxis
💡 Tip: Allow about 1 hour between landing and exiting the airport.
🏪 Services & Amenities
Available services
- Free WiFi throughout the terminal
- Currency exchange and ATMs (USD)
- Duty-free: Perfumes, alcohol, Salvadoran coffee, local chocolate
- Restaurants: International cuisine and Salvadoran pupusas
- VIP lounges: Avianca Sala VIP, Ambaar Lounge ($25/person)
- Car rental: Hertz, Budget, Alamo, Europcar, Sixt
- SIM cards: Tigo, Claro, Movistar available on arrival
🚗 Transport to San Salvador
Options
- 🚕 Official taxi: $30-35, 45-60 min, negotiate before boarding
- 📱 Uber: $20-25, 45-60 min, safest option
- 🚐 Hotel shuttle: $15-25, 45-60 min, book in advance
- 🚌 Bus 138: $0.65, 1h30-2h, economical but uncomfortable
⚠️ Important: For bus 138, cross the parking lot to the small shopping center behind the airport. Ask the driver for "el centro."
🛫 Departure
Recommended times
- Regional flights: Arrive 2h before departure
- International flights: Arrive 3h before departure
✈️ Airlines
Major airlines serving SAL: Avianca (hub), American Airlines, United, Delta, Copa Airlines, Iberia (Madrid), Volaris/Spirit (low-cost), Air Canada (seasonal).
💡 Practical Tips
- Free entry — no tourist card to pay on arrival
- Download Uber app before arriving
- Carry small USD bills
- Buy a local SIM on arrival ($5-10)
- Salvadoran coffee in duty-free makes a great souvenir