Transportation in San Salvador

San Salvador moves on three levels: the bright red Metrobús BRT lines that carve dedicated lanes through traffic, the informal city buses that cost a fraction but require Spanish and patience, and taxis/Uber that become worth it after dark. First-timers should grab a Metrobús card at any station; it's the only payment accepted and works across the BRT network. The system runs frequently throughout the day. But stops get chaotic during rush hour when locals pile on, stand back and let the wave pass. From Comalapa Airport, the honest move is the official taxi rank outside arrivals. Anything inside the terminal is a tourist trap. Skip the unmarked cars that whisper "cheap ride", they're neither cheap nor safe. If you're arriving daylight and traveling light, the Metrobús Route 138 connects the airport to downtown for the price of a coffee. But it runs local stops and takes twice the time. After about 6 PM, just take the taxi, it's a splurge that saves an hour of uncertainty.