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Two Surfers, Playa El Tunco, El Salvador

© Creative Commons / adobemac

Getting around in El Salvador

Air: 

There are no scheduled domestic flights.

Road: 

New cars, particularly with foreign licence plates, are obvious targets.

Automóvil Club de El Salvador (tel: 2231 5555; www.aces.com.sv) has reciprocal agreements with some international motoring organisations and can provide further information on driving in El Salvador.

Side of road: 
Right
Road quality: 

Road conditions vary.

Carjacking is not uncommon (especially in the cities) and drivers are advised to travel only by day and with the doors locked at all times.

Car hire: 

Car hire: Available in San Salvador and at the airport from international and local firms.

Coach: 

Regulations: 

Regulations: Seat belts must be worn. Speed limits vary from region to region.

Documentation: 

Documentation: A national or International Driving Permit is required for 30-day visits, after which visitors need to obtain a Salvadoran licence.

Getting around towns and cities: 

Bus: City buses are cheap and offer a good service, but are often crowded.

Taxi: These are plentiful but not metered, so it is essential to agree the fare beforehand. Cabs are yellow with a chequered stripe and easy to flag down. Alternatively, head to the town square (or similar), where taxis usually congregate between fares. Many large hotels have their own taxi services. Drivers do not expect tips, except when the taxi has been hired for the day.

Rail: 

San Salvador's railways are managed by FENADESAL (Ferrocarriles Nacionales de El Salvador) (website: www.fenadesal.gob.sv). However, there are no passenger services at present.

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