A long layover in San Antonio is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Lackland Air Force Base for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 90 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
A few things to sort out before you leave SKF:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for United States. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to San Antonio takes about 90 minutes by local transport. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
How to Get Into San Antonio
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| local transport | ~90 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~110 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the local transport is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Money & Budget Tips
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in San Antonio, budget roughly $37 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $18 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $9 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Exploring San Antonio on a Layover
If you head into San Antonio, here are two things worth checking out:
The Alamo is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
San Antonio River Walk is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at SKF, check out USO Lackland Center or Lackland Air Force Base Exchange (BX) to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Eat
- In the city: Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia and Boudro’s Texas Bistro are both worth a visit if you’re exploring San Antonio.
- At the airport: Burger King (Lackland AFB BX) and Subway (Lackland AFB BX) will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
What to Do With Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at SKF may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in San Antonio’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at SKF, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in San Antonio itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United States that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Taking a Break at SKF
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at SKF, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in San Antonio exploring the streets or relaxing at SKF, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.