# SAL — San Salvador (San Óscar Arnulfo Romero International)

> SAL (San Óscar Arnulfo Romero International) is the main international airport serving San Salvador, El Salvador. Source: https://www.airportexit.com/airports/sal-san-salvador

## At a glance

- **Best exit method:** Acacya official taxi (US$25–US$35) or Uber
- **Typical fare:** US$25–US$35 taxi; US$20–US$30 Uber
- **Journey time:** 45–60 min to San Salvador
- **Pickup point:** Acacya desk in arrivals; Uber meets at designated zone
- **Key warning:** USD is the official currency — no exchange needed
- **Fare reality (SAL → San Salvador):** expected US$25–US$35 · concerning US$45+ · likely scam US$60 'private'
- **Overall risk:** medium — Airport is 45 km from city — long, expensive transfer. Security has improved significantly in recent years but Acajutla highway is still long. Use registered taxis or Uber.
- **Last updated:** June 2026 (high confidence)

## Ways out of SAL, ranked

1. **Acacya official taxi** _(recommended)_ — cost US$25–US$35, journey 45–60 min, wait Immediate, payment Card & Cash.
   - Pros: Regulated; Safe
   - Cons: Pricier than Uber
2. **Uber** _(recommended)_ — cost US$20–US$30, journey 45–60 min, wait 5–15 min, payment Card.
   - Pros: Cheap; Tracked
   - Cons: Pickup at designated zone
3. **Pre-booked hotel transfer** _(recommended)_ — cost US$30–US$45, journey 45–60 min, wait Pre-arranged, payment Card & Cash.
   - Pros: Trusted
   - Cons: More expensive
4. **Microbus 138** — cost US$1, journey 90+ min, wait Hourly, payment Cash.
   - Pros: Cheapest
   - Cons: Very slow; No luggage room

## First 30 minutes after landing at SAL

1. Clear immigration
2. Bags
3. Acacya desk in arrivals or Uber app
4. Confirm fare/route
5. Total: 45–60 min centro

## Common scams at SAL

- **'Private taxi' upcharge** (medium risk): Drivers outside terminal quote US$60+ flat. _How to avoid:_ Use Acacya desk inside arrivals or call Uber.

## Payment warnings at SAL

- USD is official currency
- Cards work in hotels and Acacya

## Arrival checklist for SAL

- Uber app installed
- USD small bills
- Hotel district

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Canonical URL: https://www.airportexit.com/airports/sal-san-salvador
Source: Airport Exit (https://www.airportexit.com)
Last updated: June 2026

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