Logistics services in El Salvador.

El Salvador logistics overview: modes, trade and gateways

Logistics services in El Salvador rely on sea, air, road, and limited rail connections. Containerized ocean freight moves through 3 very small seaports, including Acajutla, La Union, and Acajutla Offshore Terminal. Acajutla and La Union handle cargo with berths up to about 15 m deep, while La Union is rail connected. Several global shipping lines have offices in San Salvador, Acajutla, Antiguo Cuscatlan, and elsewhere, supporting bookings and documentation.

Air freight uses scheduled services at El Salvador International Airport Saint Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez (SAL) and Ilopango International Airport (ILS), with about 27.8 million tonne-km moved by air in 2023. Goods also flow by road to and from Guatemala and Honduras, using a coastline of about 307 km for maritime access. El Salvador handled about 255,000 TEU in 2024 and has a logistics performance index score of 2.7 in 2022, matching the world median.

Freight forwarders in El Salvador need to coordinate across small Pacific ports, two international airports and road crossings into Guatemala and Honduras. Container volumes of about 255,000 TEU and a liner connectivity index of 7.55 in 2021 indicate moderate but limited maritime service options. Shippers should confirm which port a forwarder uses, typically Acajutla or La Union, and how they route via regional hubs.

Customs performance scored 2.4 on the Logistics Performance Index in 2022, below the world median of 2.6, so checking a forwarder’s customs brokerage expertise is important. Strong trade links with the USA, Guatemala and Honduras make experience on these routes especially relevant. Major container carriers with offices in El Salvador include Evergreen, APL, CMA CGM, COSCO, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC, Maersk, ONE, PIL, X-Press Feeders and ZIM, so forwarders working closely with these lines can offer more routing options.

FCL and LCL shipping from and to El Salvador is handled through 3 very small seaports: Acajutla, La Union and Acajutla Offshore Terminal. Acajutla and La Union have cargo pier depths of about 14 to 15 m; La Union connects to rail. Total container throughput reached about 255,000 TEU in 2024, ranking 104th of 168 worldwide and 19th of 38 in the region.

Liner shipping connectivity was 7.55 in 2021, ranking 119th of 169 globally. Major container shipping lines with offices in or serving El Salvador include Evergreen, APL, CMA CGM, COSCO, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC, Maersk, ONE, PIL, X-Press Feeders and ZIM. This supports both FCL and LCL shipping from El Salvador on regional and long-haul trades, particularly with the USA and neighboring Central American countries.

Air freight in El Salvador moves mainly through El Salvador International Airport Saint Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez (SAL), with Ilopango International Airport (ILS) also having scheduled services. Recorded air freight volume was about 27.8 million tonne-km in 2023, ranking 80th of 184 worldwide and 10th of 28 in the region.

Air cargo suits higher-value or time-sensitive exports such as garments, electrical components and plastic products, and urgent imports like packaged medicine and refined petroleum products. With 27 airports in total, shippers can use domestic connections to feed international air services at SAL or ILS.

Rail and road freight in El Salvador uses a short rail system and international highways. The rail network totals about 12.5 km, and La Union port is connected by rail, supporting port-area movements. Historic rail freight volume reached about 13 million tonne-km in 1996.

Most international cargo moves by truck to ports and airports. El Salvador borders Guatemala for about 199 km and Honduras for about 391 km, giving road access to neighboring markets and regional ports. Overland flows complement seaborne trade through the country’s 3 key ports and 2 main scheduled-service airports.

Customs clearance in El Salvador operates within the framework of World Trade Organization membership and World Customs Organization affiliation since 2005. The average applied tariff was about 2.16 percent in 2022. On the Logistics Performance Index in 2022, El Salvador’s customs score was 2.4 versus a world median of 2.6, with an overall LPI of 2.7.

Border compliance times recorded in 2012 were about 2 days for exports and 5 days for imports. Shippers should ensure their forwarder or broker prepares a clear commercial invoice, packing list and transport document to avoid delays, especially for import cargo. WTO membership supports predictable tariff treatment for trade with listed partners such as the USA, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.