# El Salvador International Airport Saint Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez (SAL)

> San Salvador (San Luis Talpa), SV · 40 km (25 mi) southeast of San Salvador

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/sal
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/sal.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: SAL
- **ICAO**: MSLP
- **Timezone**: America/El_Salvador
- **Runways**: 1
- **Terminals**: 1
- **Passengers**: 3.4M/yr
- **Hub for**: Avianca El Salvador

## Overview

## Welcome

El Salvador International Airport, officially known as Saint Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez (SAL), is noteworthy for its compact layout that simplifies connections. Positioned 40 km southeast of San Salvador, it's a hub for Avianca El Salvador with nearly every flight channeled through its singular, walkable concourse. This design makes for smooth same-carrier transfers, a rarity among Central American airports.

## At a glance

Handling approximately 3.4 million passengers annually, SAL is a regional airport featuring just one terminal: T1. Despite its size, it plays a crucial role in regional travel with a notable presence of major airlines such as Avianca, Copa Airlines, and American Airlines. The single runway facilitates flights to numerous destinations, making it a strategic junction for travelers in Central America.

## Terminals & layout

SAL’s layout is straightforward, with everything orbiting around Terminal T1. Recent renovations have modernized the facilities and offer a more passenger-friendly experience. The one long concourse eases navigation and shortens the distances between gates, minimizing the hustle typically encountered at busier airports. However, taking a walk down toward the gates in the 20s can offer a quieter environment away from the central food court bustle.

## Getting to and from the city

Located 40 km from San Salvador, SAL provides various transportation options. Official taxis and rideshares, including a dedicated pickup zone, are conveniently available. Local bus routes 138 and 133 offer budget options at $0.50-$3, while the minibus Colectivo Costa del Sol connects travelers to nearby destinations. For a more relaxed ride, hotel shuttles and intercity coaches to San Miguel and Santa Ana are also accessible. Remember, unofficial rideshares surface just beyond official taxi stands, away from the main scrum.

## Traveller essentials

Rushing through SAL is unwise, especially during Avianca’s busy early morning and late evening schedules when lines for security and immigration swell. At the same time, ATM services in arrivals sometimes fall short; consider withdrawing from a bank ATM in the city. While inside the terminal, Wi-Fi can be hit or miss unless you're in a lounge.

## Dining & shopping highlights

Dining at SAL reflects a mixture of international and local brands. Fast-food lovers will find comfort in familiar names like Pollo Campero, Burger King, and Subway in T1. At the same time, local flavors and a more relaxed atmosphere can be found at Café de El Salvador or Pupusería Express. However, prices here are higher than in the city, so consider eating in San Salvador beforehand. Shopping options include Duty Free Americas and boutique outlets like Montblanc and La Riviera.

## Lounges

For those seeking a quieter escape, SAL houses nine lounges, all located in T1. Notable mentions include the Aeroconnections VIP Lounge by Gate 19, offering a buffet and open bar, and the Avianca Sala VIP, favored for its showers and business amenities. Priority Pass holders have access, though check compatibility with your specific card. During game days, these lounges become lively with football fans.

## Insider tips

- **Time:** Plan for longer waits at security during Avianca peak hours. Early morning and late evening are particularly crowded in T1.

- **Insider:** With Priority Pass, access Aeroconnections VIP Lounge by Gate 19—it's less crowded and offers a satisfying buffet.

- **Local:** Seek out Salvadoran sweets at landside kiosks near check-in in T1—ideal for last-minute gift items.

- **Avoid:** Expect concession closures during late hours; secure snacks before late-night layovers.

- **Quiet:** For a peaceful wait, head towards gates in the 20s where announcements are infrequent.

- **Money:** US dollars are your friend, particularly for airport transport, to avoid ATM fees and conversions.

- **Local:** Informal taxis and rideshares are easiest to find a short walk from the main taxi stand bustle.

- **Quiet:** The lounge near gates in the high teens offers a less busy, more relaxed atmosphere compared to central spots.

## Terminals (2)

- **Main Terminal** — Avianca, American Airlines, Copa Airlines, Delta Air Lines
  SAL has a single main passenger terminal for commercial service.
- **Main Passenger Terminal** — Avianca El Salvador, Copa Airlines, American Airlines, Aeroméxico

## Dining (42)

- **Bar de Tapas**
- **Bean of Fire** — Main Passenger Terminal · coffee shop · $
- **Beer House**
- **Burger King** — T1
- **Cadejo Brewing Company** — Main Passenger Terminal · bar & brewery · $$
- **Café de El Salvador**
- **Celeste Imperio** — Main Passenger Terminal · Asian/Chinese restaurant · $$
- **Cinnabon**
- **Claudys Cake** — Main Passenger Terminal · bakery/café · $
- **Coffee Cup**
- **Cosecha Dorada**
- **Delight’s Restaurante & Bar** — Main Passenger Terminal · restaurant & bar · $$
- **Domino’s** — Main Passenger Terminal · fast food pizza · $
- **El Palmarcito** — Main Passenger Terminal · Salvadoran restaurant · $$
- **Gloria’s Coffee Cocina Café** — Main Passenger Terminal · coffee shop · $
- **Gofres** — Main Passenger Terminal · snack/waffle shop · $
- **Illy Café**
- **Island Grab’n Go** — Main Passenger Terminal · grab‑and‑go · $
- **Juan Valdez** — Main Passenger Terminal · coffee shop · $$
- **La Cocinita** — Main Passenger Terminal · café/restaurant · $
- **La Habana** — Main Passenger Terminal · Caribbean/Latin restaurant · $$
- **La Hacienda Grill**
- **La K-fe** — Main Passenger Terminal · coffee shop/café · $
- **La Michoacana** — Main Passenger Terminal · ice cream & paleta shop · $
- **La Neveria** — Main Passenger Terminal · ice cream shop · $
- **La Rosa del Viento** — Main Terminal · Cafe/Restaurant · $$
- **Lizarran Latin Infusion Restaurant** — Main Passenger Terminal · sit‑down restaurant · $$
- **Mi Crepa** — Main Passenger Terminal · dessert/crepe shop · $
- **Mister Donut**
- **Pizque** — Main Passenger Terminal · Salvadoran restaurant · $$
- **Pizza Hut**
- **Pollo Campero** — T1
- **Pupusería Express**
- **Restaurante Nostalgia** — Main Passenger Terminal · Salvadoran restaurant · $$
- **Snack Café** — Main Passenger Terminal · café · $
- **Sports Bar**
- **Starbucks** — Main Passenger Terminal · coffee shop · $$
- **Subway**
- **Tapacun** — Main Passenger Terminal · café · $
- **Tea Toya** — Main Passenger Terminal · Asian restaurant · $$
- **The Coffee Cup Bar 3** — Main Passenger Terminal · coffee shop · $
- **Wendy’s** — Main Passenger Terminal · fast food burger · $

## Lounges (15)

- **Aeroconnections VIP Lounge** — T1 · Priority Pass, airside
- **Aeroconnections VIP Lounge 1** — Main Passenger Terminal · Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Select bank and card programs, Pay‑at‑door where space allows
- **Aeroconnections VIP Lounge 2** — T1 · Priority Pass, airside
- **Aeroconnections VIP Lounge 2 (Gate 13)** — Main Terminal · Priority Pass, Lounge membership programs, Prepaid lounge passes, Pay at the door (capacity permitting) · Available via prepaid passes and walk‑in payment; price varies
- **Aeroconnections VIP Lounge 2** — T1 · Priority Pass
- **Aeroconnections VIP Lounge (Gate 19)** — Main Terminal · Priority Pass, Lounge membership programs, Prepaid lounge passes, Pay at the door (capacity permitting) · Available via prepaid passes and walk‑in payment; price varies
- **Aeroconnections VIP Lounge** — T1 · Priority Pass, Day pass · $30
- **Ambaar Lounge (Airside, Gates 18–23)** — Main Terminal · Lounge membership programs, Pay at the door (capacity permitting) · Pay at the door; price varies
- **Ambaar Lounge (Landside, before X‑ray Control)** — Main Terminal · Lounge membership programs, Pay at the door (capacity permitting) · Pay at the door; price varies
- **Avianca Sala VIP** — T1 · Avianca business and elites
- **Avianca Sala VIP** — T1 · Priority Pass, Day pass · $40
- **Avianca VIP Lounge** — Main Passenger Terminal · Business class on Avianca, Star Alliance Gold on Star Alliance flights, Avianca LifeMiles Diamond elite, Eligible Avianca elites redeeming points, American Express Global Lounge Collection (select cards), DragonPass
- **Sky Lounge El Salvador** — T1 · Pay-in, airside
- **VIP Lounge by Gate 19** — T1 · Priority Pass, airside
- **VIP Lounge El Salvador** — T1 · Pay-in, airside

## Shops (24)

- **Dufry**
- **Duty Free Americas**
- **Duty-Free Shops (various operators)** — Main Terminal · Duty Free
- **Handcrafts Market**
- **Kids Zone Store**
- **La Librería**
- **La Riviera**
- **Main Duty Free (generic operator)** — Main Passenger Terminal · duty free
- **Montblanc**
- **News & Books Kiosk (generic operator)** — Main Passenger Terminal · newsstand
- **Newsstands & Convenience Kiosks (various)** — Main Terminal · News & Convenience
- **PharmaExpress**
- **Secondary Duty Free (generic operator)** — Main Passenger Terminal · duty free
- **Souvenir and Handicraft Stores (various)** — Main Terminal · Souvenir/Gifts
- **Souvenir & Handicrafts Shop (generic operator)** — Main Passenger Terminal · gift/souvenir
- **Souvenirs El Salvador**
- **Sports Fan Shop**
- **Sunglass Hut**
- **Tech and Accessories Kiosks (various)** — Main Terminal · Electronics & Accessories
- **TechZone**
- **The Boutique**
- **Tienda del Café**
- **Travel Convenience Store (generic operator)** — Main Passenger Terminal · convenience
- **Travel Essentials**

## Parking (5)

- **Estacionamiento Larga Estancia** — Long-stay
- **Parking Principal** — Short-stay
- **Parqueo Económico** — Economy parking
- **Parqueo Techado** — Covered parking
- **Parqueo VIP** — Valet parking

## Ground transport (8)

- **Bus Ruta 133** — Local bus · $0.50-3 · .},{
- **Bus Ruta 138** — Local bus · $0.50-3 · .},{
- **Colectivo Costa del Sol** — Minibus · .},{
- **Intercity Coach San Miguel** — Coach · .},{
- **Intercity Coach Santa Ana** — Coach · .},{
- **Rideshare Pickup Zone** — Rideshare · .},{
- **Shuttle Hoteles San Salvador** — Hotel shuttle · .},{
- **Taxi Oficial Aeropuerto** — Taxi · 7 · .},{

## Insider tips

- _Time_: Plan for longer waits at security during Avianca peak hours. Early morning and late evening are particularly crowded in T1.
- _Insider_: With Priority Pass, access Aeroconnections VIP Lounge by Gate 19—it's less crowded and offers a satisfying buffet.
- _Local_: Seek out Salvadoran sweets at landside kiosks near check-in in T1—ideal for last-minute gift items.
- _Avoid_: Expect concession closures during late hours; secure snacks before late-night layovers.
- _Quiet_: For a peaceful wait, head towards gates in the 20s where announcements are infrequent.
- _Money_: US dollars are your friend, particularly for airport transport, to avoid ATM fees and conversions.
- _Local_: Informal taxis and rideshares are easiest to find a short walk from the main taxi stand bustle.
- _Quiet_: The lounge near gates in the high teens offers a less busy, more relaxed atmosphere compared to central spots.