El Salvador: Getting there & around

El Salvador's international airport, Aeropuero Internacional Comalapa, is 44km (27mi) southeast of San Salvador. The following airlines fly to/from San Salvador: TACA, American, Continental, Copa and Delta. There's a US$30.00 departure tax.

It's a 45min drive to San Salvador. Catch a taxi or a colectivo van.

There are three first-class international bus lines plus a number of second-class lines, but they're not as safe or comfortable. In San Salvador, they leave from Terminal Puerto Bus.

There are four border crossings to Guatemala and three border crossings to Honduras, where a token departure tax is payable. Take a connecting microbus from Honduras to the Nicaraguan border. There's also a once-daily service to Costa Rica. From here, you can continue to Panama City or to the Mexican border.

When driving into El Salvador, show a license (international permits are accepted) and proof you own the car. To stay longer than 30 days, leave the country and drive back in.

There is no regular domestic air service in El Salvador.

Take a boat around the Bahía de Jiquilisco. A passenger boat and car ferry travel across Lago Suchitlán.

The intercity bus service uses old American school buses painted in wild colors - terminals are chaotic and dirty. Information is rarely posted, but other passengers can point you in the right direction. Purchase your ticket onboard. Buses run frequently and are cheap. Services begin 04:00 - 05:00 and end 18:00 - 19:00 .

By car, unmarked areas are frustrating. Gas can be found even in the smallest villages, but it's not cheap. Car insurance is available, but not required. There are car rental agencies in San Salvador. Drive on the right. Carjackings and theft are not common, but use common sense. Watch out for the locals' erratic driving habits and animals grazing on the road.

Taxi fares are negotiable.

If you're hitching, it's customary to give (or at least offer) a small payment.