Taking the bus from the laid-back surf town of El Tunco to the bustling capital of San Salvador is a journey many travelers take to explore the contrasts of El Salvador. Whether you’re heading to the city for its vibrant culture, historical sites, or to continue your adventure, knowing how to navigate the bus system is key to a smooth and stress-free trip.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best bus options, costs, and tips to help you get from El Tunco to San Salvador efficiently. Whether you prefer a direct route or don’t mind a quick transfer, we’ve got you covered with the details you need for a seamless journey.
Option 1: Direct Bus 102A
- Schedule & Frequency: Buses 102A depart from El Tunco’s main road (stop at the edge of town) every 20-30 minutes, from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
- Cost: $1.50 USD per person.
- Stops in San Salvador:
- Terminal de Occidente: The main bus terminal in western San Salvador.
- Ceiba de Guadalupe Station: Located near the San Benito area, ideal for accommodations in this zone.
- Tip: Confirm the bus displays “102A” (not the regular 102, which stops in La Libertad). Wave your hand to signal the driver, as buses may not stop automatically.
These buses have their terminal in San Salvador, near an old cemetery called “Cementerio Los Ilustres” (at least the Route 102A coaster does. We’re unsure if the Route 102A bus has the same terminal).
Therefore, you can also choose to go to the bus/coaster terminal if you wish to visit San Salvador’s historic center. You can see the location of the bus terminal in San Salvador HERE.
Option 2: Bus Combo (Via La Libertad)
For budget travelers or those outside the 102A’s operating hours:
- El Tunco → La Libertad: Take bus 80, 192, or 192A on the main road. These run every 15-20 minutes (4:30 AM – 5:30 PM) and cost $0.25 USD.
- La Libertad → San Salvador: In La Libertad, transfer to the regular 102 bus heading to Terminal de Occidente. Cost: $1.00 USD.
- Total Travel Time: Approx. 1.5 hours (including wait times).
Key Tips
- Check Schedules: Buses stop running around sunset. If traveling late, ask locals about the last departure, as timings can vary.
- Carry Cash: No electronic payments are accepted on these routes (as of 2025). Therefore, always try to have coins with you.
- Safety: Keep your belongings secure, especially on crowded buses.
- Stop Locations: In El Tunco, buses don’t enter the town center—wait on the main road. In San Salvador, Ceiba de Guadalupe Station is a key hub for transfers.
The bus stop called ‘Ceiba de Guadalupe’ is located on the border between the departments of La Libertad and San Salvador.
To help you locate it more easily, this stop is relatively close to the Multiplaza mall in the district of Antiguo Cuscatlán. Therefore, La Ceiba de Guadalupe is right on the edge of San Salvador.
Update
El Salvador’s government announced plans to modernize public transport (GPS, e-payments, and new buses), but routes like El Tunco-San Salvador may take longer to upgrade. For now, traditional buses remain the primary option.
