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Getting Around

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About San Antonio

San Antonio is located in south-central Texas, about 80 miles southwest of Austin and 150 miles north of the U.S.–Mexico border. It’s the second-largest city in Texas and the seventh-largest in the U.S., with a population of over 1.4 million people.

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Despite its size, San Antonio has a relaxed, welcoming feel — with a walkable downtown, historic neighborhoods, and plenty of green space. It’s easy to reach by air, with a major airport - SAT - just 15 minutes from downtown.

If You are Flying to San Antonio

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Need help booking flight to San Antonio?

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Find and Book Flights with Google Flights. It is a free, easy-to-use tool that lets you compare prices, airlines, and flight times — all in one place. You don’t need an account, and it won’t book anything for you. It’s simply a search tool to help you make an informed choice.

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How to Use Google Flights:

  • Visit https://www.google.com/flights

  • Fill In the search box:

    • From: Your departure city (example: Washington, DC – DCA)

    • To: San Antonio, TX – SAT

  • Choose your departure and return dates.

    The convention runs April 29–May 2, 2026. You will most likely fly in on Wednesday April 29, as that is when general check-in starts and probably fly home on Saturday, May 3. since the banquet ends late Friday night.)

  • Browse the available flights. You’ll see:

    • Prices across multiple airlines

    • Flight times and layover durations

    • Baggage and seat information (when available)

  • Click on a flight to see full details.

  • When you’re ready, select the booking option — it will take you to the airline or travel agency’s official site.​

 

 

Once you've arrived...there are several ways to get from SAT to the Hotel Contessa:

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  1. Taxi or ride-share: You can take a taxi or ride-share service such as Uber or Lyft from the airport to the Contessa hotel. The ride from San Antonio International Airport (SAT) to the Riverwalk will typically take about 16 minutes and cost around $26. The distance is roughly 9 miles.

  2. Rental car: You can rent a car at the airport and drive to the hotel. The hotel has a valet parking service available for an additional fee. Or there is public parking adjacent to the hotel.

  3. Public transportation: A bus (VIA route 5) provides a budget-friendly way to get from San Antonio International Airport (SAT) to the Riverwalk area, with a 30-minute ride and a one-way fare of $1.30.   Taking the bus from San Antonio airport to downtown is an excellent alternative for travelers on a budget. The bus is direct, runs daily, and only takes 30 minutes to reach downtown. Nevertheless, if you are traveling late at night or with heavy baggage, it would be best to take a taxi.

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For more detailed information about Google Travel, go to the Travel page on this website.

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You'll find information about:

  • Google Flights

  • TSA Pre-check

  • Non-rev numbers

  • Travel tips 

If you are driving to San Antonio:

If you live less than 300 miles from San Antonio, you will probably consider driving. Here are a few places that are less than a five hour drive.

  1. Austin, TX: Distance 80 miles, Driving time 1.3 hours

  2. Corpus Christi, TX: Distance 140 miles, Driving time 2.25 hours

  3. Laredo, TX: Distance 150 miles, Driving time 2.5 hours

  4. Abilene, TX: Distance 210 miles, Driving time 3.5 hours

  5. Lake Charles, LA: Distance 210 miles, Driving time 3.25 hours

  6. Houston, TX: Distance 195 miles, Driving time 3 hours

  7. McAllen, TX: Distance 230 miles, Driving time 4 hours

  8. Brownsville, TX: Distance 240 miles, Driving time 4.25 hours

  9. Fort Worth, TX: Distance 280 miles, Driving time 4.5 hours

  10. Shreveport, LA: Distance 290 miles, Driving time 4.5 hours

  11. Dallas, TX: Distance 275 miles, Driving time 4.17 hours

  12. New Orleans, LA: Distance 300 miles, Driving time 4.75 hours

  13. Tucson, AZ: Distance 330 miles, Driving time 5.5 hours

  14. Lubbock, TX: Distance 330 miles, Driving time 5.5 hours

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Parking

Parking at the Hotel:

  • Valet parking at Hotel Contessa in San Antonio is priced at $53 per night plus tax, which includes unlimited in-and-out privileges.

  • Day Parking: Available for $25 plus tax.

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Nearby Parking::

  • 146 Navarro St. Garage: Starting at $13.75, approximately a 2-minute walk from the hotel.

  • 408 E Commerce St. - Riverbend Garage: Starting at $26.44, about a 3-minute walk.

  • 421 W Market St. - SA001 Garage: Starting at $21.45, roughly a 4-minute walk.

    These options can be reserved in advance through services like SpotHero.

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On-Street Parking Meters & Pay Stations

  • On-street parking is free after 6 p.m. every day and all day on Sunday

  • On-street parking meters and pay stations are enforced Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

  • Use the SAPark app to find on-street parking and pay by phone.

 

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How to get Around San Antonio without a Car

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1. VIA Metropolitan Transit (City Bus)

  • Cheap: $1.30 per ride; $2.75 for an all-day pass.

  • Routes: Covers most of the city, including downtown, the airport, major attractions, and neighborhoods.

  • Frequency: Every 15–30 minutes on major routes.

  • Apps: VIA goMobile app for schedules, tickets, and live bus tracking.

2. VIA VIVA Bus Lines (Tourist-Friendly Routes)

  • Focused on downtown attractions, missions, museums, and the Pearl.

  • Air-conditioned, ADA-accessible, and frequent.

  • Same fare as regular VIA buses.

3. River Walk & Walking Paths

  • Pedestrian paradise downtown, especially along the River Walk.

  • Lots of signs, shade, and benches.

  • The best way to take in the vibe, shops, and margarita stands.

4. Scooters & Bike Rentals

  • Companies: Lime, Bird, and Blue Duck for scooters.

  • Where: Mostly downtown and the Pearl area.

  • Cost: ~$1 to unlock, ~$0.39/min.

  • B-Cycle: San Antonio’s bike share system – day passes around $12.

5. Rideshare & Taxis

  • Uber & Lyft: Plentiful and fairly priced.

  • Taxis: At major hotels, airport, and taxi stands downtown.

  • Good for getting out of downtown fast or late at night.

6. Streetcar Alternatives

  • No actual streetcars, but VIA has a "Primo" express bus and the VIVA lines that mimic trolley service.

  • Easy to spot and navigate for tourists.

7. River Taxis (yes, boats!) exist but are more scenic than practical for commuting.

8. Hop-On Hop-Off Tour Buses

  • Great for orientation and transportation.

  • Run loops that include Alamo, Market Square, Pearl, and more.

  • It costs more ($37+/day), but you get a guide and flexibility.​

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