This is one of the most commonly asked questions for visitors who are planning a trip to San Antonio. Given that we traverse the city on the regular to scope out the best restaurants, hotels, and activities, we have a pretty well-established handle on the transportation options that are available. If you are planning a future visit to SA, read on so that you have the information you need to make your visit to the Alamo city a hassle-free one. So do you need a car in San Antonio? The short answer: yes, yes, you do. But given that not every trip to SA will require crisscrossing the city, the long answer is a bit more nuanced.
But first, a few things you should know about San Antonio
San Antonio is big! And lots of people don’t realize just how big. The city itself is really spread out, with the entire metropolitan area covering approximately 7,000 square miles. To get from one side of the city to the other, in light to moderate traffic, takes at least 45 minutes.
If you are venturing further afield to New Braunfels or Boerne, or the Texas Hill Country, plan on an hour to an hour and a half drive time, minimum. Activities and attractions are spread out as well. While San Antonio boasts a number of exciting, entertaining, and educational experiences, they aren’t all grouped together. A typical tourist visit to San Antonio may involve a trip to the Riverwalk, a tour of the San Antonio Historical Missions, and a day or two spent at the theme parks, none of which are remotely close to one another (we’re talking 20 miles or more apart, in some instances). To make the most of your visit, exploring Things To Do On Riverwalk, discovering Ice Cream Spots, and tasting the Best Burgers in town are musts, adding a rich variety of experiences to your stay. And mass transit is severely lacking. San Antonio is the 7th biggest city in the United States by population but lags far behind in quality mass transit.
There are no light or commuter rail options and no subway system in San Antonio. However, the city does have a metropolitan bus service called Via that services the downtown area as well as some of the more outlying areas of the city, including the Medical Center, Stone Oak, and the military bases. Despite this, it’s important to note that outside of downtown, bus routes can be limited and infrequent, potentially leading to longer travel times compared to driving. For those who prefer other means of transportation, alternatives such as ride-shares, taxis, scooters, and BCycle bike rental are available. These options, while convenient, should be considered carefully as the costs can quickly accumulate due to the large distances that need to be covered across the city. For families exploring San Antonio, especially those with children, checking out Local Playgrounds offers a convenient and enjoyable way to spend time, providing a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of travel.
Okay, but do I need a car?
Probably, but it completely depends on why you are coming, how long you will be staying, and what you will be doing
Do I need a car at the Riverwalk if I am staying downtown?
No, you don’t need a car if you are headed to the Riverwalk or will just be staying downtown for your vacation or convention. Downtown conventions and stays are great because hotels, food, and entertainment are all packed into a handful of very walkable blocks, saving you the hassle of renting a car and finding/paying for parking.
A few Uber or Lyft rides should be able to cover any of your extra transport needs (getting from the San Antonio International Airport to downtown and back again, as well as 1-3 short trips to points of interest). This convenience allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and discover the Things To Do On Riverwalk, where a variety of activities, dining, and cultural experiences await within easy walking distance.
Do I need a car for a short trip of 1-3 days?
You may need a car for a short trip to San Antonio. This will completely depend on where you are staying and what you plan to do. If you plan to stay downtown, enjoy the Riverwalk, and simply relax, you can make do without (see above for convention trips). The same goes for those staying at an airport hotel with hotel shuttles.
However, if you are staying near the Rim or Sea World, or if you are just planning to get out of the downtown area to explore the city, you will want to assess the costs of driving (rental fees, parking, gas) versus ride-shares or taxis to determine what the most cost-effective, as well as convenient, option, may be. Keep in mind, surge pricing is a common occurrence in San Antonio and can quickly make those ride-share costs skyrocket. If your travel plans include family-friendly activities, you might want to explore the Best Kids Spots in San Antonio, which offer a variety of attractions and experiences that are enjoyable for children and convenient for the whole family.
Do I need a car for a long trip of four days or more to San Antonio?
Yes, you will likely want or need a car for a long trip to San Antonio. With time on your hands, it makes sense to explore and take in as much of South Texas as you can, including a day trip to the Hill Country or one of the historic German towns just outside the city like Boerne, New Braunfels, or Gruene. A car is an absolute must for this as there are no transit options available.
Do I need a car in order to live in San Antonio permanently?
If you are permanently relocating to San Antonio, you will absolutely need a car. Or you will need infinite patience to deal with the bus lines, infinite money to pay for Uber rides, and infinite heat tolerance to be able to walk for distances in the punishing summers. Best to just have a car.
Where can I rent a car in San Antonio?
There are rental locations all over the city, but the main rental hub is located at the airport. After baggage claim, just head outside and cross the street to the parking garage, where you will take the elevator up to the rental desks. While this is certainly the most convenient place to rent a car, you will typically pay a premium to rent at the airport.
We suggest pricing out a few off-airport locations to determine if you can get a better deal. Sometimes the cost of the rental plus the ride-shares to get to and from the off-property location is still less than renting directly from the airport.
Are there any alternative car rental options in San Antonio?
Yes, there is an alternative to traditional car rental in San Antonio. Turo is an online service that functions much like AirBnB, except with personal vehicles. Locals will advertise their personal vehicles online, and visitors can pay to rent them directly from the owner of the car.
There are a variety of car types as well as drop-off/pickup locations, and prices are frequently less than what a traditional car rental will cost. Just be sure to read EVERYTHING, as owners don’t all offer the same thing.
If I really want to maximize my time and experience in San Antonio, should I have a car?
Yes. To take advantage of everything that San Antonio and the surrounding areas have to offer, a car is really the most effective way to get around. With a car, you’ll save tons of time and be in control of your schedule, giving you the power to see and do what you want, when you want.
Getting Around San Antonio
The best way to get around San Antonio is by car, especially if you need to reach sites like Brackenridge Park and SeaWorld. Driving through the narrow downtown streets can be difficult, however, so plan to park your car in a lot or garage and explore some of the downtown area on foot. The bus system is also a handy and relatively inexpensive way to navigate the city center.
Many travelers arrive through San Antonio International Airport (SAT), about 10 miles north of the city center, where you can find a plethora of rental car agencies. There is an airport shuttle service ($15 per person for a one-way ticket; $28 for a round-trip) that takes visitors between the airport and downtown hotels; city bus route No. 5 also services the airport and downtown areas. Taxis from the airport to downtown San Antonio cost between $24 and $29. Using taxis downtown is unnecessary, and you’ll probably have to wait for one to arrive.
Car
Renting a car makes the most sense if you wish to sightsee beyond downtown, but the 18th-century city planners did not take that car into account when designing and constructing roads. Downtown streets are convoluted and confusing for visiting drivers.
Twentieth-century architects did a much better job: The freeways effectively shuttle drivers around, and you’ll want to hop on them as well. SeaWorld, the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park and the San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium are all easiest to reach with your own vehicle. Several reputable rental car companies can be found at the airport and various locations in the city center.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can you get around San Antonio without a car?
The San Antonio public bus system is known as the VIA Metropolitan Transit. It runs seven days a week and has more than 90 routes. Downtown has the most bus service and stops, making it easy for travelers to explore the most popular neighborhood at an affordable price.
Do you need a car when visiting San Antonio Texas?
Yes, you will likely want or need a car for a long trip to San Antonio. With time on your hands, it makes sense to explore and take in as much of South Texas as you can, including a day trip to the Hill Country or one of the historic German towns just outside the city like Boerne, New Braunfels, or Gruene.
How good is public transportation in San Antonio?
Service is extensive and convenient, and many of San Antonio’s popular attractions are easily accessible with public transportation, including: The Alamo, The Japanese Tea Gardens, The Majestic Theater, Mission Conception, and Mission San Jose.
Why are rental cars so expensive in San Antonio?
SAN ANTONIO — Car-rental prices are driving up the cost of vacations these days because of high demand and limited supply
How much does it cost to rent a car in San Antonio Texas?
SAN ANTONIO — Car-rental prices are driving up the cost of vacations these days because of high demand and limited supply
How much is it to rent a car for 4 days?
FORD FIESTA or similar with Radio/CD, A/C & P/S
FORD FIESTA or similar with Radio/CD, A/C & P/S Group B Hire Car
1-3 Days (Standard Cover) R689
4-9 Days (Standard Cover) R477
10-30 Days (Standard Cover) R426
31 Days + (Standard Cover) R373
