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San Antonio: Getting Around
San Antonio's airport is only 8.5 miles from the downtown business district -- about a 15-minute drive -- which is unusual for a major metropolitan area. This means that once you land at the airport, you're just minutes from downtown or major resorts. If you have questions about how to get around, the Visitor Center is a good source of up-to-the-date information.
How To Get To/From the Airport
TAXI OR SHUTTLE: Pick up an airport shuttle or taxi just outside the terminals near baggage claim.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: VIA, San Antonio's mass transit system, is available by riding the Employee Shuttle to the nearest stop.
AIRPORT SHUTTLE RESERVATIONS: Book your airport shuttle in advance to take advantage of discounts. Click here to reserve your shuttle. If you don't make reservations in advance follow the signs in the baggage claim area to purchase shuttle service tickets. For more information visit www.saairportshuttle.com.
COMPLIMENTARY SHUTTLE: The following hotels have complimentary shuttle service for their guests:
Holiday Inn Select Airport
OMNI San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade
San Antonio Marriott Northwest
Doubletree Hotel San Antonio Airport
Embassy Suites Hotel San Antonio Airport
Crowne Plaza San Antonio Airport
Embassy Suites Northwest
Oak Hills Medical Center Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott - Airport
Hilton Garden Inn Airport
Where to Park Cars & RVs
DOWNTOWN: San Antonio's urban core is very compact and you can walk to dozens of restaurants, top sights both on street and along the River Walk. If you stay in a downtown hotel, parking can be arranged through your hotel. Get more information about parking downtown.
RVs: Visitors with RVs who would like to park their vehicle downtown and explore the city have several choices. Downtown lots may require reservations advance and/or depend on activities that day, for instance, what's happening at the Alamodome . Another option is "Park Your RV and Ride" -- park your RV in a satellite lot and hop on a bus headed for downtown. Get more information about RV parking.
Getting Around the City
TAXI: Two to six people can ride the taxi for the price of one. Approximate fares, not including tips, to the downtown business district from the airport range from $24 - $26; Northwest Area (near SeaWorld) $39-$41; Westin La Cantera Resort $33-$35. San Antonio offers multiple taxi services.
BICYCLE: San Antonio's bicycle culture is growing rapidly. As part of the international bikeshare movement, the city has installed kiosks at convenient spots around the downtown urban core. Rent or share a bike and hop on the nearly 40 miles of urban bike trails to explore the city.
STREETCAR: Downtown travel is a breeze on the streetcar, an open air, authentic reproduction of a rail streetcar which traveled the streets of San Antonio more than 50 years ago. Four streetcar routes stop at top sights like the Alamo, the Spanish Governor's Palace, La Villita, Sunset Station, the Southwest School of Art, the Institute of Texan Cultures, the King William Historic District and downtown shopping. The downtown streetcar station at Convention Plaza provides convenient access for travelers. Order a streetcar pass online or purchase one at the Visitor Center. When you get in town, pick up a streetcar brochure in your hotel lobby.
SIGHTSEER BUS: (Bus 7) runs daily between the city's favorite sites. You can see them all for one price. Locations visited by the Sightseer Special include: River Walk Streetcar Station, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, Alamo, San Antonio Museum of Art, Japanese Tea Garden, Brackenridge Park , San Antonio Zoo, Trinity University, University of the Incarnate Word, Witte Museum and San Antonio Botanical Garden.
RIVER TAXI: The River Taxi stops at 39 locations along the River Walk. Purchase tickets online or from the operator. Look for the river cruiser with the black and yellow checkered flag.
Need Help?
Ask an Amigo
While exploring downtown San Antonio, if you find yourself in need of directions or information, ask for help from an Ambassador Amigo.
They are easily spotted with their bright yellow shirts, straw hats and friendly smiles. They can assist with directions, first aid assistance, dining or activity suggestions and are "in-the-know" regarding events taking place.
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Copyright (c) 2011 by City of San Antonio. Any party wishing to reproduce content displayed on this website must obtain the express written permission of the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau. Phone: (800) 447-3372
