Getting to San Antonio

San Antonio International Airport is the main gateway to the city, with flights coming in from around Texas, the rest of the US and Mexico via major airlines. Most transfer options are available for getting to the city from the airport including buses, shuttles, taxis and hire cars. Drivers will be pleased to learn that San Antonio is easy to get to from all compass points, while Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses also serve the city.

By car

San Antonio is easy to get to by car, with interstate and state highways coming in from all directions. Four interstates (I-35, I-10, I-37 and I-410) feed San Antonio: with I-10 coming in from the northwest (Los Angeles) and from the east (Houston); I-35 coming in from Dallas and Austin in the north and heading south to the Mexican border; and I-37 coming in from the southeast (Corpus Christi).

There are also three US highways (US 281 being the main north-south route), four state highways and many other back roads into town. In addition, I-410 and SR-1604 encircle the city.

By rail

Daily Amtrak trains run to San Antonio from Chicago, via St Louis, Little Rock, Forth Worth, Dallas and Austin. There is also a thrice weekly service which runs from Los Angeles in the west through San Antonio and onto Orlando in the east, going via Houston, Lafayette and New Orleans. In San Antonio, trains leave from the depot at 350 Hoefden Street.

By bus

Regular daily Greyhound buses arrive just north of downtown from Austin, Dallas, Houston and New Orleans. You can get all the way to San Antonio from any major city in the US, with only one or two changes en-route. The best way to get about the city is by using San Antonio's public bus system, known as VIA; a tourist streetcar network that offers basic to full-day tours.

By air

San Antonio International Airport is eight miles to the north of central San Antonio on US 281. This modern airport handles both international and domestic flights and is served by many major domestic and international airlines from cities all over the US and selected overseas destinations.

Facilities are very good and include: cash machines, exchange booths, left luggage, medical aid, restaurants, shops and good parking facilities. Transfer options include local buses, shuttle services and taxis, and there is a choice of car hire companies.

Taxis

Although all roads lead to downtown, driving here is not recommended for the faint-hearted due to the many one-way systems and heavy handed traffic cops. Parking is also tough in downtown, making taxi travel more attractive for those who dont care for buses or are short on time. Taxis can be found outside most major downtown hotels and at bus and train stations.