Getting Around San Antonio
Find the best way to access the city from anywhere.
San Antonio Airport information
San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is just 8 miles north of downtown, providing quick access to the River Walk, Convention Center, and business districts. The airport handles millions of passengers annually and is served by major airlines such as Southwest, American, Delta, and United, with nonstop flights across the U.S. and to cities in Mexico. A large-scale expansion project is underway, including a new terminal designed to boost international service and amenities. Ground connections are convenient with rideshares, taxis, and VIA Transit offering multiple options to reach the city center in under 20 minutes.
Key Highlights:
2 terminals with an expansion project adding new gates and international capacity
Nonstop service to U.S. hubs and Mexico (Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Monterrey, etc.)
Rideshares and taxis: 15–20 minutes to downtown, average fare $20–$30
VIA Route 5 bus provides affordable link between SAT and downtown transit centers
On‑site consolidated rental car facility for visitors needing private transport.
Key Highlights:
2 terminals with an expansion project adding new gates and international capacity
Nonstop service to U.S. hubs and Mexico (Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Monterrey, etc.)
Rideshares and taxis: 15–20 minutes to downtown, average fare $20–$30
VIA Route 5 bus provides affordable link between SAT and downtown transit centers
On‑site consolidated rental car facility for visitors needing private transport.
San Antonio Train information
Amtrak serves San Antonio through the Texas Eagle route, which connects Chicago to Los Angeles with stops in major Texas cities like Dallas, Austin, and El Paso. The city also connects to the Sunset Limited, continuing east to Houston and New Orleans or west toward Tucson and Los Angeles. The train station is conveniently located near the Alamodome and downtown, making transfers to taxis, rideshare, or transit easy. However, rail service is limited to specific days and times, often overnight, so passengers should check schedules in advance.
Key Highlights:
Station located downtown near Alamodome and St. Paul Square
Texas Eagle connects Chicago ↔ Los Angeles via San Antonio
Sunset Limited links San Antonio ↔ Houston ↔ New Orleans and west to California
Limited service (not daily); arrivals/departures often late-night or early-morning
Checked baggage available on select departures, plus easy rideshare/taxi access
Key Highlights:
Station located downtown near Alamodome and St. Paul Square
Texas Eagle connects Chicago ↔ Los Angeles via San Antonio
Sunset Limited links San Antonio ↔ Houston ↔ New Orleans and west to California
Limited service (not daily); arrivals/departures often late-night or early-morning
Checked baggage available on select departures, plus easy rideshare/taxi access
San Antonio Public information
San Antonio’s public transit is operated by VIA Metropolitan Transit, providing reliable and affordable service across the metro. Buses connect all major hotels, downtown, the River Walk, the Pearl District, and university areas, while express Primo BRT lines reduce travel times along busy corridors. The city is expanding flexible options like VIA Link microtransit, which combines ride-hailing with public bus stops using app-based bookings. For visitors staying downtown, walking and scooters are practical, with rideshare options widely available for quick trips to nightlife or historic districts.
Key Highlights:
VIA runs 90+ local routes plus Primo Bus Rapid Transit (100/101)
VIA Link on-demand microtransit available in select neighborhoods
Standard VIA fare: about $1.30–$2.60, with unlimited day passes offered
Route 5 bus links airport with downtown and Pearl area convenient for tourists
Downtown is pedestrian-friendly, enhanced by scooters, bike-share, and taxis
Key Highlights:
VIA runs 90+ local routes plus Primo Bus Rapid Transit (100/101)
VIA Link on-demand microtransit available in select neighborhoods
Standard VIA fare: about $1.30–$2.60, with unlimited day passes offered
Route 5 bus links airport with downtown and Pearl area convenient for tourists
Downtown is pedestrian-friendly, enhanced by scooters, bike-share, and taxis
