San Antonio International Airport
Airport guide 2026

San Antonio International Airport SAT

United States

The two terminals (A, B) handle domestic connections and some routes to Mexico.

Gateway to San Antonio, a Texas city known for the River Walk and the historic Alamo mission.

Content verified on 06/09/2026
Official source: www.sanantonio.gov/aviation

How to get to San Antonio International Airport

San Antonio city center is a few kilometers from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 30 minutes by VIA line 5 bus.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach downtown San Antonio in about 15-20 minutes, traffic permitting.

By Train

There is no railroad station at the airport: San Antonio has no urban rail network.

By Bus

The VIA line 5 bus connects the airport to downtown in approximately 30 minutes, with daily service from 5:29 AM to 9:44 PM; single ticket 1.30 USD, with transfers at 0.15 USD; a daily pass is also available at 2.75 USD for unlimited trips.
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Tips The VIA daily pass at 2.75 USD is worth it if you plan multiple trips during the day, beyond just the airport journey to the River Walk or the Alamo.

Average travel time to SAT

TrainNot available (San Antonio has no urban rail network)
Shuttle bus30 min (1.30 USD, VIA line 5)
Taxi / Private hire15-20 minutes (20-30 USD)

Parking near San Antonio International Airport

Multi-story parking is located adjacent to the terminal: Long-Term $10/day, Garage $14/day (increase scheduled for November 1: Long-Term to $20/day); municipal Economy Lot $8/day, private areas along Broadway St. from $4.95/day.

How to get to San Antonio from SAT

By Train

The airport does not have its own railway station.

By Bus

The VIA line 5 bus connects the airport to downtown in about 30 minutes; single ticket $1.30, daily pass $2.75.

By Taxi

A taxi applies a fixed regulated rate of $30; Uber/Lyft cost approximately $15-28, to downtown, with a trip of 15-25 minutes (up to 35-40 during rush hour).

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Car rental at San Antonio International Airport

All major car rental companies are represented at the terminal.

You'll need a driver's license, passport, and credit card in the renter's name; for a short stay, holders of a Latin character license don't need an IDP.

 

Hotels near San Antonio International Airport

San Antonio International Airport is less than 15 kilometers from the River Walk, the city's tourist heart: in normal traffic, 15-20 minutes by taxi are enough. Anyone arriving late or departing at dawn, or traveling for work near the North Star Mall, finds it convenient to stay in the airport area. Anyone who wants to walk along the river, visit the Alamo or the Pearl district does better sleeping right downtown. Anyone looking for a multi-day stay with pool and spa can consider the hilltop resorts northwest of the city, far from downtown but convenient by car.
Airport area

Airport area

Free hotel shuttle or taxi, about 5-10 minutes from the terminal.

Best for: Anyone with a dawn flight, a short connection or a work commitment near the North Star Mall.

Pros
  • Free shuttle 24 hours a day at several hotels
  • Convenient for the North Star Mall and nearby offices
Cons
  • A car or taxi is needed for the River Walk
  • Office area, little life in the evening
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City centre

River Walk and the historic center

Taxi or rideshare, about 15 minutes from the terminal; bus route 5, about 30 minutes.

Best for: Anyone who wants to walk along the river, visit the Alamo and the Convention Center without driving.

Pros
  • Walking distance from the Alamo, River Walk and Convention Center
  • Many restaurants and bars open late
Cons
  • Paid parking almost everywhere
  • Higher prices during trade fairs at the Convention Center
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Neighbourhood

The Pearl

About 20 minutes by car or taxi from the terminal; linked to the River Walk by a pedestrian path along the river.

Best for: Anyone looking for a refined stay in a district of markets and restaurants, a little quieter than downtown.

Pros
  • A well-kept district with a market and quality restaurants
  • Connected on foot to the River Walk along the riverside
Cons
  • Farther from the airport than the other areas
  • Fewer hotels to choose from
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

La Cantera (northwest)

About 30-35 minutes by car from the terminal, far from downtown and the River Walk.

Best for: Anyone adding extra days with pools and spa who doesn't mind getting around by car.

Pros
  • Several outdoor pools and a spa at the resort
  • Close to the shopping centers and theme parks of the northwest
Cons
  • A car is always needed, far from the River Walk
  • Not suited to anyone who wants the historic center
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport serves San Antonio with domestic connections and limited routes to Mexico.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area offers tex-mex products, tequila, and luxury items.

Lounges & relaxation

The airport offers multiple reserved lounges for business clientele.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

The terminal features complimentary Wi-Fi with full coverage for major U.S. carriers.

Families & Children

Play areas for young children are replicated in each terminal, along with family assistance services.

Terminal guide

The 2 terminals (A, B) are connected by a system of pedestrian paths.

Those traveling on flights should allow 2-2.5 hours buffer.

Map of San Antonio International Airport

Map of San Antonio International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. How much does the VIA bus cost from San Antonio Airport to downtown?

1.30 USD per ride, with transfers at 0.15 USD; a day pass costs 2.75 USD.

Q. Is San Antonio Airport close to the River Walk?

Yes, the famous downtown riverside promenade is reachable in 15-30 minutes depending on the mode of transport.

Q. What hours does VIA bus line 5 operate?

From 5:29 am to 9:44 pm every day.

Q. Does San Antonio Airport have connections to Mexico?

Yes, in addition to domestic routes, there are some connections to Mexican destinations.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

Nearby Airports

Things to do in San Antonio

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