Traveling via plane is fun — jet-setting over beautiful blue waters or rolling hills, taking in cloud formations, and landing in a completely different location in a matter of hours is unlike anything else.
The whole navigating the airport part? Less exciting, and sometimes pretty stressful. To help make your time at the San Antonio International Airport (SAT) as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from gates and parking, to details on the airport’s dozens of nonstop flights.
What to know
- TSA | The SAT airport’s website recommends arriving two hours prior for flights at or before 7:30 a.m., and about 90 minutes before for flights after 7:30 a.m.
- Map it out | If you’re like us and need to completely visualize a place before you step foot inside, this map of the entire airport will be your saving grace.
- Food and drink | SAT really shines when it comes to its vast array of local food options. Case in point: Get some authentically-San Antonio tacos from La Gloria before washing it down with a cup of Joe from Merit Coffee.
- Reminder | By May 7, 2025, all travelers over the age of 18 will need a REAL ID to board commercial flights in the US.
- Flight status | While we recommend staying updated via your respective airline, you can also check the airport’s dashboard for your flight status in a pinch.
Current airport updates
SAT is currently undergoing a multi-year terminal expansion that will add a new, 17-gate terminal, five new gates at current terminals, a parking garage, and a ground transportation center. The expansion is set to be completed in 2028, but don’t worry — it shouldn’t impact your arrival or departure in any way.
Parking, shuttles, and rideshare
Not everyone has a bestie who will drop everything to pick them up from the airport at 3 a.m. Parking pricing at SAT varies by lot – here’s the cost as listed:
- Short term parking garage | $7-$9/hour, $29/day
- Long term garage | $16/day, 30 days max
- Economy green and red lots | $5-$10/hour, $10/day
- Fly Away Valet | $15-$33, rate varies
While each lot is walking distance from the terminals, the economy lot offers a free shuttle to take you directly to the right entrance. Check out a full map of parking at SAT and its rental car services.
Hate the thought of driving yourself? Try out a shuttle, rideshare, or taxi service that will take you to and from the terminal. These services are approved by the San Antonio Airport:
- VIA Metropolitan Transit | Bus service | VIA offers service throughout the city including the downtown area.
- VIA Airport Service | Parking and Bus shuttle | From its Stone Oak Park & Ride station, riders can park their car for free on the third floor and catch a direct bus route that’ll get you to SAT in about 15-20 minutes.
- Star Cab | Taxi service | For assistance, see the Airport Ground Transportation employee (wearing red shirts).
- Hill Country Limousine Service | Limousine service | Looking to ride in style? This option might be for you.
- CTA Charter | Shuttle | Call 210-829-8608 to book your ride.
The rideshare pick-up location is located on the outer commercial curbside (lower level of Terminal A), and rideshare services can drop-off passengers on the upper level.
Nonstop flights
SAT currently offers 45 nonstop flight destinations — with six international flights to different cities in Mexico and seasonal direct flights to Germany. View all the nonstop flights to consider for your next trip.
Bonus: Get lower fares by signing up for Going. You’ll get emailed when flights are 40-90% cheaper than usual. Get a two-week free trial of the Premium plan, which lets you set custom destination flight alerts (score).
Pro tip: Remember that flight times and schedules will often change — you should rely on your respective airline for exact timing and to stay updated on any changes.
- Frankfurt, Germany | Condor Airlines | May 17-Sept. 6
- Monterrey, Mexico | Viva Aerobus |Daily
- Los Angeles, CA | Delta | Daily
- Las Vegas, NV | Spirit | Daily
- New York, NY | Delta | Daily
- Mexico City, Mexico | Aeromexico | Daily
Gates
Here are five gates with popular food and drink options, stores, and lounges nearby:
- Gate A8 | Nearby services: Check out SAT’s travel essential store, Adina’s Market, for all your SATX merch, plus a collection of food options nearby.
- Gate A14 | Nearby services: If you’re a big fan of carbs, look no further than Boss Bagels.
- Gate B2 | Nearby services: This gate will put you right next to SAT’s food court.
- Gate B3 | Nearby services: United Members can unwind in style at SAT’s best-kept secret, the United Club Lounge.
- Gate B5 | Nearby services: Grab a marg before take off at Rosario’s Mexican Cafe y Cantina or your Starbucks fix, if that’s more your speed.
Click here to view a complete map.
Food and drink
SAT is a hub of local eateries with plenty of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops for fliers to dine before or between flights, like:
- Smoke Shack | Near Gate A8 | Menu highlights: This spot is serving up its same prize-winning barbecue with all meats smoked on-site.
- Merit Coffee | Near Gate A7 | Menu highlights: This San Antonio based coffee icon sources their own beans to develop the perfect roast.
- Boss Bagel | Near Gate A14 | Menu highlights: Boss Bagel prides itself on serving up rolls-with-holes that are neither New York-style nor Montreal-style, but are delicious all the same.
- La Fruteria | Near Gate A4 | Menu highlights: You can find light dishes and freshly squeezed juices made to your liking at this concept by chef Johnny Hernandez.
