🚗 Complete Transport Guide El Salvador 2026
Getting around El Salvador is a question every tourist asks. Public buses? Uber safe? Car rental? Taxis? This guide covers ALL transportation options with 2026 updated prices, safety tips and practical information.
🚌 Public Buses: Ultra-Economical Option
Buses are the traditional means of transport in El Salvador. Ultra-cheap, but they require some precautions.
Fares & Routes 2026
Rates
- Standard urban fare: $0.25-0.50 USD
- Long distance trips: $2-8 USD depending on distance
- San Salvador → La Libertad: $3, 45-60 min
- San Salvador → Suchitoto: $2.50, 60 min
- La Libertad → El Tunco: $1, 20 min
Bus Safety Tips 2026
✅ DO: Take main buses, travel during daylight, keep luggage close, have exact change.
❌ AVOID: Late night/night buses, displaying phone/wallet, traveling alone on isolated secondary roads.
Schedules
Buses mainly run from 5am to 7pm. Very few night buses available.
🚕 Uber: Modern & Safe Transport
Uber operate in San Salvador and tourist areas. More expensive than buses, but MUCH safer and convenient.
Uber Fares 2026
Estimated prices
- Uber X: $3-8 for short urban trips
- Uber XL: $5-12 for groups
- Surge pricing: Peak hours = +40-100%
- Airport → downtown: ~$20-25
Advantages
✅ Maximum safety ✅ Fixed price before trip ✅ Air-conditioned ✅ 24/7 support ✅ GPS tracking
🚗 Car Rental: Total Independence
Car rental is the best option to explore the country freely. Safe if you follow the rules.
Rates 2026
Daily prices
- Economy: $35-50/day
- Compact: $45-65/day
- SUV: $70-90/day
- 4x4: $80-120/day
Important Rules
✅ International permit + national license ✅ Minimum age 21 ✅ Insurance MANDATORY ✅ Security deposit $300-500
🚖 Taxis: ALWAYS Negotiate
Yellow taxis are everywhere. Economical but REQUIRE price negotiation before boarding.
Fares 2026
Estimated prices
- Drop fee: $1.50-2
- Per km: $0.40-0.60
- Short urban trip: $3-5
- Inter-city trip: $10-25
- Airport: ~$20-25 (negotiated fixed price)
⚠️ ALWAYS negotiate before boarding ⚠️ Have exact change ✅ Use marked yellow taxis
📋 Transport Comparison 2026
Comparison table
- 🚌 Bus: Very low cost, medium safety, basic comfort, fixed flexibility
- 🚕 Uber/: Mid cost, excellent safety, comfortable, good flexibility
- 🚗 Car: Mid cost, good safety, comfortable, maximum flexibility
- 🚖 Taxi: Mid cost, medium safety, variable comfort, medium flexibility
💰 Transport Budget 2026 (7 days)
Estimates
- Max (Uber/Taxi): $100-150
- Mid (Mix Bus+Uber): $50-75
- Budget (Bus only): $15-25
- Car rental 7d: $250-350 + insurance $100 + gas $50 = $400-500
💡 Conclusion
El Salvador is well-served with options for EVERY budget. Uber/ is safest. Bus is ultra-economical. Car offers best exploration. Choose according to your priorities and budget!