Costa Rica’s main international airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport, commonly known as the San Jose International Airport in Alajuela.
It’s much bigger than its fellow international airport, Guanacaste Airport and offers the most international flights.
If you’re flying into San Jose International Airport, check our guide below to help you navigate through the main international airport in Costa Rica.
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San Jose International Airport Location
San Jose International Airport is located in the province of Alajuela, about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from downtown San Jose, Costa Rica.
This is extremely important to know if you are looking to book an airport hotel as downtown San Jose is around a 30 minute drive to the airport without traffic.
If you’re looking for an airport hotel, the closest hotels will be in the Alajuela province. Don’t look for one in downtown San Jose, as that is at least 30 minutes away from the airport.
Check our list of best San Jose International Airport hotels here.
About San Jose International Airport and Airport Code
The name Juan Santamaria is after a drummer boy who died helping Costa Rica prevent getting taken over by the United States in 1856.
The San Jose International Airport airport code is SJO.
IMPORTANT!!! Do NOT get SJO confused with San Jose, California whose airport code is SJC. Or San Juan, Puerto Rico whose airport code is SJU.
In 2024, San Jose International Airport welcomed 2.6 million tourists.
San Jose Airport has 20 gates servicing 24 airlines from North America, Latin America and Europe. They have expansion plans to accommodate the many new flights, especially in high season.
Getting to Juan Santamaria International Airport
That being said, if you are not staying at an airport hotel that offers free airport shuttle, then there are a couple of easy ways to from your hotel to the airport.
Uber: Uber is readily available in the Central Valley cities (Heredia, Alajuela, San Jose and Cartago). We have been able to call an Uber at at all hours of the day to catch a ride to the airport.
However make sure you give yourself at least 20-30 minutes to call your Uber since during rush hour, there is a lot of demand and traffic. I recommend to schedule your Uber the day before if you need to get to the airport for your flight home.
From downtown San Jose, an Uber X costs around 9000 CRC (~$17 USD).
Private shuttle: Book a private shuttle at the time of your choice. Your driver will show up right at your designated time, help your group to load the vehicle and whisk you away straight to the airport departures gates. As a private shuttle, you won’t be waiting around for anyone else.
Contact us if you want to book your private airport shuttle. For up to 8 passengers plus luggage, the private shuttle costs ~$60 USD.
For departures, you should arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your departure time.
Exit tax: The $29 USD exit tax is now included in most of the airline tickets. Some airlines do not though (some Canadian and budget airlines). You can check the billboard in the check in area to see if you need to pay it.
Arriving at San Jose International Airport
One you land at the San Jose International Airport on an international flight, all visitors must go through immigration and customs. Remember, immigration is for people, customs is for luggage.
You will go through immigration first where you need to supply the officer your details such as name, occupation, length of time in Costa Rica, first destination in Costa Rica and date of departure. Then you will collect your luggage to go through customs. Put EVERYTHING except duty free on the scanners.
Next to baggage claim 5, there is a Claro SIM card stand in case you need to purchase a Costa Rican prepaid SIM card. Open everyday from 5 AM to 9 PM, sometimes 11 PM on weekends. There is also one 24/7 duty free store with alcohol.
After clearing customs, you will exit the airport terminal where you can then look for your tour company, car rental agent, private shuttle driver or catch your Uber, book a taxi or get picked up.
You can check our customs and immigration at San Jose International Airport and Guanacaste Airport guide for more details.
Leaving San Jose International Airport
From San Jose Airport, you can find many ways to get to your next destination.
Bus: There is a public bus stop down the ramp from arrivals that goes into downtown San Jose. It runs fairly frequently and is very cheap. If you plan to take this bus, we highly recommend to exchange like $5 USD into local currency at the airport to pay for the bus. There are ATMs at baggage claim and a money exchange.
Private shuttle: If you pre-booked a private shuttle, your driver will be waiting for you outside the airport terminal, holding a sign with your name on it.
Shared shuttle: If you booked a shared shuttle, most shared shuttle companies will have you meet them at the Denny’s Restaurant, Fiesta Casino or Rostipollos Restaurant which is 1.5 km away (~1 mile). The fastest way to get there is just to grab one of the official airport taxis right outside. Get 10% off your Interbus shared shuttle in the link!
Taxi: Official taxis in Costa Rica are red and orange for airport taxis. There is an official taxi stand right when you exit the airport.
Uber: We personally prefer taking Uber in Costa Rica. Some Uber drivers will have you meet them at departures upstairs or by the Malinche restaurant at arrivals. They may also ask you to sit in the front seat.
San Jose Airport Car Rentals
If you made a car rental reservation, then you need to look for your agency’s agent who will be waiting for you outside the exit terminal, holding a sign with the company logo on it.
Meet them, and they will bring you to their shuttle to take you to their off-site airport office to get the car.
Some companies may offer a VIP direct airport service, but for an extra charge and not all.
Read more about renting a car in Costa Rica and get our Costa Rica car rental discount here.
If you did not pre-book a car, you will see car rental stands in the baggage claim area. You can go up there to check availability and prices.
However, since the airport is not big enough to accommodate all the car rental companies’ offices, they will take you to their satellite airport office nearby to pick up the car.
We have a partnership with Adobe Rent a Car to give car rental discounts and extra benefits (free cooler, free prepaid SIM card, etc.).
You can click here “Costa Rica car rental discount” to make a reservation. Adobe will pick up passengers from the airport and take them to their close by airport office via complimentary shuttle. You can watch the process below.
Flying Out of SJO Airport: San Jose Airport Food, Shopping and Other Services
You should arrive at the airport 3 hours before your departure time.
San Jose International Airport has free Wi-Fi, restaurants, souvenir stores, luggage packing services, bathrooms, duty free shopping and VIP lounges.
There is only one level in San Jose Airport so after you clear security, go up an escalator. You’ll be at the level where all the gates, food and shops are.
There is a Starbucks, Cafe Britt stores and a couple of restaurants. If you have an early flight, there is a place that is 24/7, the Starbucks opens from 4 AM to 130 AM everyday.
There are two VIP Lounges. The VIP lounge for BAC Credomatic is at Gate 19-20 everyday from 430 AM to 430 PM. The VIP Lounge for Star Alliance passengers is at Gate 5, superior level from 430 AM to 8 PM.
Parking
San Jose International Airport has its own parking lot. It costs $2.48 USD per hour, $35 USD per day and $200 USD per week. It is under roof parking.
If you are leaving the country for a trip and need to park your car close by but do not want to leave it at the airport parking garage (it is expensive), there are options.
Many airport hotels will allow you to leave your car for either a small fee or free if you stay as a hotel guest before or after your trip.
Some hotels that offer parking for hotel guests are Mango Hotel, Pura Vida Hotel, El Rodeo Estancia Boutique Hotel and the Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela.
If you stay a night (or more) at the Fairfield by Marriott either before you leave or when you come back, you can leave your car there for free in their secure parking lot. Same with El Rodeo Estancia (20 minutes to SJO Airport).
San Jose Airport Hotels
There are many hotels around San Jose Airport with free airport shuttles included. You can read our post “Best hotels near San Jose Airport” for recommendations.
San Jose Domestic Terminal
For those flying on a local airline to take a domestic flight with Sansa, Aerobell or Green, you need to go to the Domestic Terminal SJO for your flight.
This is a separate terminal, about a 5 minute walk from the international terminal. On Google Maps, it is called “Terminal Domestica SJO.”
Should You Fly Into Liberia or San Jose Airport?
San Jose and Guanacaste Airport are hubs for different parts of the country. Find out which you should fly into before booking flights.
- You should fly into San Jose Airport if you are going to San Jose, Heredia, Alajuela, Cartago, the Central Valley, Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Tortuguero, Uvita, Dominical, Puerto Jimenez, Ojochal, Sierpe, Drake Bay, Golfito, San Gerardo de Dota, San Isidro de Perez Zeledon, San Vito, Turrialba, Vara Blanca (La Paz), Bajos del Toro, or Sarapiqui.
- Those destinations are closest from San Jose than Liberia.
- If you are going to La Fortuna or Monteverde, both destinations are around 3-3.5 hours from Liberia and San Jose. H
- If you are able to, I would choose Liberia over San Jose if you’re going to La Fortuna/Monteverde right away.
Read more about which Costa Rica international airport is best for you.
Costa Rica Vacation Checklist
- First time to Costa Rica? Read our First Time in Costa Rica guide.
- Not sure how to move around Costa Rica? Read our How to Get Around Costa Rica guide to find the best transportation method for you.
- Click the link to get our detailed Costa Rica Packing List so you know what essential items to bring.
- Check our Costa Rica destinations map and Costa Rica restaurant map
- Do not forget to purchase Travel Insurance for your trip to Costa Rica.
- Stay connected by purchasing a prepaid SIM Card in Costa Rica.
- Save money with Mytanfeet Deals for tours and hotels and our Costa Rica Car Rental Discount.
Lisa says
Tips on buying distilled water for CPAP machine? We fly into SJO and then our tour starts from Hotel Barcelo in San Jose.
Sammi says
They should have it in pharmacies
Lázaro Vindel says
Gracias por compartir un artículo tan útil y completo sobre el Aeropuerto Internacional de San José. Es fantástico tener toda esta información en un solo lugar, especialmente para quienes vamos a Costa Rica por primera vez. Siempre es importante saber la distancia entre el aeródromo y el centro de la ciudad para planificar bien el transporte y evitar llegar tarde.
¿Podrías contar si ha habido alguna mejora reciente en las instalaciones o servicios que el aeropuerto ofrece a los viajeros? Estoy planeando unas vacaciones durante la temporada alta y me preocupa que el tráfico sea un problema.
Una guía similar sobre el aeropuerto de Guanacaste sería también muy apreciada. ¡Saludos y muchas gracias de nuevo por la información excelente!
Sammi says
Hola, ya tenemos una guia a Guanacaste Airport.
Sam says
Hi there! Thanks for all the wonderful info on your site, it’s been a lifesaver planning for my trip to CR! I have a question. My flight arrives at about 1am to SJO… will I be able to spend a few hours hanging out at a restaurant in the airport, or will I need to arrange transport and a hotel? I’m a solo female traveler so I’m looking to stay safe as well since it will be the middle of the night.
Sammi says
Hi Sam, I’d definitely find a hotel for the night. There are only a couple small cafes and a restaurant at SJO and they are not open at 1 AM.
However, there is a Denny’s Restaurant about 5 minutes away by car that is open 24 hours. You can call an Uber or grab one of the airport taxis and go there to chill. I’m not sure what your plan is to get to your next destination, but that is an option.
Jaymee says
Hi Sammi,
Thank you for all the great information in your website. We are wondering how much time is needed to arrive at SJO for an international flight out from Costa Rica to Mexico (Cancun). Is 2 hours enough? Or should we arrive 3 hrs prior? We are flying Volaris at 8am on Sunday morning. Thank you!
Sammi says
Hi Jaymee, for international flights its usually recommended 3 hours nowadays.
Jonathan Wells says
Hey Sammi
What a great site. Thank you! Couple of queries on Costa Rica Green Airways, if you buy economy flight it says one checked in bag up to 25 pounds is included but it doesn’t mention about hand bag. Can you take a small ruck sack on the plane or would they charge you for that? If your checked in bag ends up being heavier than 25 pounds at airport do they fine you or just charge you next tariff up?
And second question…we have 3 hours between local flight and international flight on our return. Is that enough? Do you know if Costa Rica Green Airways would compensate you if you miss your international flight (British Airways) if there is a delay?
Many thanks again! Jay
Sammi says
Hello Jay, we would love to help you with your questions but we don’t work with Green or are affiliated with them so the information we have is the same on their website. For specific information, please contact them as they will be able to help you out directly.
Dwight Huffman says
Just got back. SJO is a nice modern airport. We spent about 20 minutes in line for customs when we arrived. Got to see much more of it when we departed. Large shopping area for all kinds of souvenirs, dominated by Britt coffee and chocolate. Also local liquor. About 4 different restaurant choices, most with multiple locations spread throughout the terminal. Shuttle to our rental car was reasonably easy. If renting a car, you’ll want to make sure you have a least a little bit of CR money, as you’ll encounter tolls immediatly.
Matt G. says
Thanks MTF, this site is great. I think the Uber situation must vary at SJO. I arrived last night (3/25/24) at 11pm and tried to get an Uber. App said to meet upstairs at departures which I assume is the top level of parking structure across street from arrivals area. Six drivers canceled, many sent messages that they could not pickup at airport. I eventually took a taxi which was much less hassle and maybe $5 more to my destination. Just info for other travelers. I vastly prefer Uber to taxis (I don’t speak Spanish) but in this case the unreliability of Uber at SJO makes taxi a reasonable choice I think. It’s hard to tell the official from private taxis, but it seemed the group of guys not trying too hard for your business just outside the arrivals area is the place to start. The cab should be close by and then you can make sure it’s official!
**It would be super helpful to have details on where to walk to outside airport for Uber pickup and what, if any, safety considerations there are. Like maybe it’s ok during day but not great idea at night?
Karen says
Can we walk from Sansa to SJO for departure, as easily as it was to walk from SJO to Sansa? We’ll have 3 kids and luggage, so just wondering if we need to arrange for a car.
Sammi says
It’s around a 2 minute walk up the ramp, which is very close and fast but with lots of kids and luggage, you can try to grab one of the taxis outside to assist you.
Jay says
Our tour company itinerary says we will be dropped off at the airport around 12pm on Friday 3/29 and our flight departs at 1:48pm. Is that enough time to check our bags, get through security, and get to the gate?
Sammi says
March 29 is good Friday….I would HIGHLY tell you to ask them to drop you off earlier. That’s not even two hours before your flight departure.
Lynn says
Hi, I was just wondering what your recommendation would be on this topic. We will be flying in to San Jose airport at 1:30 PM on a Thursday. We have an Airbnb in La Fortuna we have a rental car that we will pick up at the airport. Would it be safe for us to travel from the airport to La Fortuna during the evening hours when our flight gets in and we get through customs and pick up our car? Thank you Lynn.
Sammi says
Hi Lynn, depends on what month you’re traveling. In high season or peak season, just note that immigration/customs may take a long time (like 2 hours or even more) and it could take up to an hour to get your car…so you’ll be getting out right around traffic, rush hour and the construction near the airport. For less stress, I’d stay a night by the airport and leave early the next morning, especially if you’re coming in rainy season.
Deb Chapman says
Hi Sammi,
We need a hotel near the airport for our return flight. We’d like something with a nice pool and landscape so we can enjoy our last afternoon with the kids.
Also a decent onsite restaurant or something nearby better if it’s got local food options.
I was thinking the Marriott Hacienda Belen but it’s super expensive on our dates this year.
We have a 6 am flight so would like to be within 15-20 min drive of the airport at most for our morning departure. I’m ok with paying for a taxi for a really great spot.
Thanks for the help
Sammi says
Hi Deb, feel free to check out our hotels near San Jose Airport for recommendations
Bruce Gibson says
Hi Sammi
we are arriving Feb 8 2024 at midnight and wondered if you have hotel/lodging ideas for that night. Not sure how long immigration/customs will take but I am guising about an hour. We have a day in SJO and fly to Tamarindo on the 10th midday. Do you know of any hotels that would do a 1:00am to 2:00am check in? To that end, is it best to get something in town if we are just seeing San Jose for the 9th and morning of the 10th? And any thoughts on what to focus on in San Jose?
Any advice would be appreciated
Sammi says
Hi Bruce, sure you check our list of hotels near San Jose Airport but if you need to check in around 1-2 AM, I recommend you to choose a larger chain hotel like Marriott/Hilton because a lot of the small/cheap hotels don’t offer 24 hour front desk service. Here is our San Jose, Costa Rica guide with things to do
Nancy Streicher says
Are there certain days of the week to avoid when flying in and out of SJO? We have flexibility and would prefer to avoid long lines and the anxiety that goes along with it!
Sammi says
Weekends and holidays, but during high season nearly everyday is busy. Arriving around noon is the busiest time
Stephen says
Are there hotels in San Jose that you recommend? We arrive in SJO at 5pm and plan to spend the night, and then head to Potrero the following day. We’ll have a rental car and would like to find a nice, safe, and cool hotel in San Jose for the night. Preferably, we’d like to be in a cool neighborhood where we can have a nice dinner, and check out some nightlife. Thanks for any recommendations!
Sammi says
Hi Stephen, sure you can find hotel recommendations in our San Jose post. For a cool neighborhood with nightlife/food, check out Barrio Esclanate. You can easily Uber there (easier to Uber than drive so you don’t have to worry about parking).
Alex says
My flight out of SJO is at 7:45am. Any food options open early enough to grab a decent breakfast? Bonus question: any gluten-free options?
Sammi says
There is a Denny’s Diner about 10 minutes away that is 24 hours
Jin says
Hello. This blog literally helped me a lot schedule my trip in Costa Rica. I dont know how I can appreciate. Thank you very much.
I have one question. My return flight is at 9:55 am from SJO. And I am thinking of buying flight ticket from Tamarindo to SJO which arrives at SJO at 7:40 am. I don’t know how far it is between the domestic terminal & intetnational terminal of SJO and if this plan seems fine considering how often there the delay of the domestic flights is. It this plan seems impossible I will move to San Jose by bus a day earlier, but I would just love to take the least time possible to move to San Jose.
Thank you in advance.
Sammi says
Hi Jin, the domestic and international terminals are right next to each other, you could walk if you have light luggage it is very close. It is a bit tight though in case you have a delay in your local flight in the morning, to be safer I would recommend going back to SJO the day before as you never know what may happen.
Laurie W says
Do the hotel shuttles all pick up at the same location at SJO? Having a hard time finding info online. Staying at Hampton Inn upon arrival for one night, Feb 3.
Sammi says
Pretty much, the airport is small so once you exit, you will see all the drivers, taxis, tour companies, etc. waiting outside.
shawn says
we will be arriving at 1:00 am early morning into SJO
and have booked a rental vehicle to drive straight to La Fortuna.
However, the rental counter opens only at 6:00 am
can we take a short nap in the baggage area or car rental counter area from 1:00 am to 6:00 am ?
or are we required to exit the airport ?
We haven’t really booked any hotel for the day we arrive as the plan was to go straight to La Fortuna
Sammi says
Hi Shawn, I recommend to talk to your rental company to see if they accommodate you when you land
Terri Holte says
Hi,
We are traveling in April and are trying to get a shared shuttle from SJO. If we are only bringing hand luggage and arrive at 1:15 will we be able to make a 3 pm shuttle to Monteverde?
Sammi says
It really depends on how long passport control and customs will take. Lots of flights arrive at that time. Most shared shuttles will also require you to go to a meeting point like 10 minutes away as they cannot pick up directly from the airport
Suzanne says
Hi, thanks for answering questions. I have a flight from Tamarindo, through San Jose, to Mexico coming up. The layover is 2:15 arriving at San Jose at 740am on a Thursday. I know I need to get my luggage and switch terminals, would you be comfortable with that amount of time?
Thanks!
Suzanne
Sammi says
That should be fine since you don’t have to go through immigration and the domestic terminal is right next to the international one (you may need to get a taxi if you’re carrying heavy luggage since you have to walk up)
Laura A says
Hi! Your website is so informative – I’ve gotten so much information from it. Question: we will be arriving into SJO next week (from the US). Another family member is scheduled to arrive on another flight about 20 min after us. Is there a logical place to meet up with him in the airport? Will we be allowed to wait in baggage claim after claiming our luggage? Obviously, flight delays are inevitable, so wanted to have a couple of back up plans.
Sammi says
There’s a little cafe right outside the airport (it’s in the same building as the airport but with its own entrance from outside the airport) called Malinche that you can meet him there.
Laura Alexander says
Thank you! Unfortunately, it looks like they close at 9pm, which is when we are scheduled to arrive. We’ll figure something out. Thanks again.
Sammi says
In that case you can probably wait in baggage claim or just wait for him right outside the airport terminal exit. This airport is not very big.
Antonella says
Hello we want to travel just with hand luggage. Is it possible to buy suncream and other toiletries after arrivals in San Jose airport please?
Sammi says
You can buy them at any supermarkets
Sammi says
I would go fly to SJO the day before, personally for us, we never like to take risks like this and you are supposed to be at least 2 hours before at the airport for international flights. Sometimes you just don’t know what may happen and it’s better to be safer than sorry, especially as May is our transition month so there are more chances of bad weather in May
Andrew says
Hi guys…
My flight is scheduled to leave SJO at 9:40am on May 5th to fly back to Toronto, Canada.
I’m currently in Santa Teresa and I’m wondering if you guys think it is too risky to take a flight from Tambor leaving at 7:30am and arriving at 8:00am to SJO… This gives me 1 hour and 40 minutes before my flight and no room for error…
I have premium processing with Air Canada so I shouldn’t have to wait for too long but If security is a really long line I might be screwed? I have never flown out of SJO before.
The alternative would be to fly to SJO the evening of the 4th and stay in a hotel by the airport before my flight.
Thoughts?
Leigh says
Hi! My flight is to arrive at SJO at 12:30pm and I have a shared shuttle booked for 2pm leaving from the Denny’s. I’ve seen comments about immigrations and traffic being quite busy – just wanted some insight into if it’s likely I’ll miss this bus or if it’s possible to make it?
Sammi says
Yes I would definitely plan for immigration and customs to take longer, if you are traveling anytime now through APril
Adrian says
Hi guys, we will be arriving at 00:55 in the morning, so assuming nothing will be open at the airport.
Are there atms or currency exchange at the airport so we can get some colones, as we will have to get a taxi/uber to reach our accommodation.
Thanks
Adrian
Sammi says
I’m not sure if the currency exchange is open at that hour, but you can pay via the Uber app and if you take a taxi, you can pay in USD. There is an official taxi stand right outside the airport terminal exit.
Leslie Stevens says
I am flying to SJO. What is the best way to get from there to Arenal? Would it be better to fly to Liberia?
Thank you.
Sammi says
Hello, we have a section on how to get to La Fortuna in our La Fortuna guide
Gabyliz Machado says
Hi!
Do you know if I can take an Uber from La Fortuna to SJO?
Sammi says
I have seen a few Ubers in La Fortuna, they can take you to SJO if they accept it.
AGL says
Hello, Kudos on the great, informative blog. We have been using it to plan our upcoming trip. We are flying into the San Jose International airport in Mid July and will be heading to Manuel Antonio area immediately after we land. Is it best to take a shared shuttle or Uber both in terms of cost and convenience?
Sammi says
If you take a shared shuttle, make sure to check schedules because there aren’t very many so you will need to check if the timing works out.
Cai B. says
Hello! Great blog! We are flying into SJO at 12:30 PM and have a domestic flight on Sansa leaving about 4 PM. Do you know if there is a restaurant/bar in the domestic terminal, or if we should wait in the international terminal before going to domestic terminal?
Thank you!
Sammi says
There is a cafe/restaurant called Malinches that’s outside the airport (but part of the same building, just the entrance is from the outside). In the domestic terminal, they have a very small cafe/convenient store.
Mary says
Hello!!! Thank you for all your informative blogs!! I’m searching for an answer to this question: We are departing from SJO back to the US and our flight departed at 8:30am. How early should we arrive at the airport to make the flight? (We will be using an airport shuttle and need to make a timed reservation for it). THANK YOU!
Sammi says
You need to be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
Susan says
Where is the shuttle pick up for Hampton Inn after arriving in SJO? Thanks
Sammi says
I would assume it’s after you exit the airport but I would ask the hotel
David says
Hi there,
We are arriving from Canada to SJO on a Saturday around 13h30. We were hoping to get to Tambor asap. There’s an Aerobell flight at 15h30. Do you think that gives us enough time to cross customs and make the connection? Thank you so much.
Sammi says
Hi David, San Jose Airport on the weekend is really busy, it’s hard to say because you need to check in to Aerobell at least 1 hour before and I’m not sure if they have their station in SJO Airport or Tobias Bolanos. I would talk to Aerobell to see what they recommend.
Emmi says
Hello!
Love your blog, it has helped me so much when it comes to planning my trip to CR! When landing at SJO airport, are we able to purchase alcohol in duty-free and then take it with us through customs/immigration?
Thanks!
Sammi says
Yes you can! 🙂
Rebecca says
We are planning on Flying in to SJO then heading to the Arenal Area… since we aren’t going into the city of San Jose, should we still expect a lot of traffic on that route? We would arrive in SJO around 11. Just wondering if it’s worth the extra cost to fly into Liberia instead.
Also, had used the request form on your site to get info about boating with Marcy in Papagayo and haven’t heard back. Is there a better way to contact you/him?
Thanks!
Sammi says
Unfortunately there is always traffic in the Central Valley cities including the SJO Airport but you hopefully it won’t be too much as you just need to get out of the airport onto the highway and not all the way through the city.
I’ll send you an email regarding the boat tours.
Sam says
Hi There, love your blog! I’m arriving at SJO and have four hours in the middle of the night to kill between my flight landing and shuttle at 4am. Do you know if I can access the departures side of the airport (where the 24hr restaurant is) from arrivals?
Sammi says
You have to go upstairs from arrivals to get to departures in SJO Airport.
Sammi says
You can park at the airport parking lot and wait for them at the exit of the airport. There is free wi-fi upstairs in the departure of SJO Airport.
mjs says
Great blog! We will be leaving from Tapirus Lodge on Saturday Feb 8 to fly at 12:30pm out of San Jose airport (flight to Chicago) . Not trusting google maps as you recommend, what time do you suggest we leave the lodge? Thanks for all the timely information you provide.
Sammi says
Earlier the better because there is a lot of traffic on that route and you will need to give more time for returning the rental car or for bathroom stops, etc. I’d give yourself at least 3 hours for the total time to get to the airport from Tapirus.
Betsy says
Hi Sammi,
We are visiting CR for the first time and flying in to Liberia but we will be picking up our adult kids (with our rental car) from SJO a few days later. Just in case someone’s cell phone doesn’t work, I want to have a plan for where we should meet them. Can you recommend a spot? Would the Starbucks make sense or is there a landmark that we can drive right up to?
Thanks,
Betsy
Veronica says
hello, we are arriving at San Jose airport at 13:20 end of February.
we have not confirmed our rental car yet- to do this week. I saw in your blog we will need approximately 1 hour for customs and immigration.
Our destination is the “treehouse hotel Santa Clara, San Carlos with estimation time of 2 hour drive.
Any tips for our drive?
thank you, much appreciated.
Veronica
yeison says
Hello Veronica,
The drive is relatively easy, my only recommendation is to get a GPS or use an app called WAZE in your smartphone. You can rent a GPS with your car rental company or you can also buy SimCard if your phone is unlocked.
Eve says
Is there a place to securely check baggage at San Jose Airport?
We are arriving at 7am and meeting the rest of our party at 2pm and thought we would go into town for a few hours and then return to the airport.
Sammi says
Unfortunately no there isn’t 🙁
Iqbal says
HI Sammy,
Love your blog with loads of useful info. My wife and I will arrive in San Jose by Aircanada on 23 December around 1 PM We will be staying at Redison Hotel. Could you advise us the best way to reach or hotel from the airport. I have an Uber account in Montreal. Would it work in San Jose?
Sammi says
Hi, Uber will work here in CR too and that is an easy to way to get to your hotel!
Steve says
Is there a place like a cellphone lot to wait on arrivals? Don’t want to use paid parking lot unless I have too, takes too long to get out.
Steve
Sammi says
Unfortunately no I don’t believe so, I have seen people wait outside the airport by the side of the road but it’s not a parking lot or anything, just a small shoulder.
Isabella says
Hello, I will be flying into San Jose around 11;30 AM in January of 2020. Do you think I will have enough time to purchase a bus ticket and make it on to the noon bus for departure to Puerto Viejo? Also, is the Atlantico Terminal located inside of the San Jose Airport? If you do not think I will be able to make it onto the bus, do you think I should prepurchase a private shuttle? If I do this, do you think it is safe to take a taxi to the nearest Denny’s to wait for the shuttle? I am a female and I will be traveling alone.
Sammi says
You definitely will not make the noon bus because you need to go through immigration and customs and the bus terminal is about a 30 minute drive from the airport. There should be another bus to Puerto Viejo at 2 and 4 PM though so you can grab the 2 PM one.
You can also take a shared shuttle, there is one with Interbus at 3 PM and you have to go take a taxi to the Denny’s across the street. This is super common, tons of tourists take taxis to the Denny’s and tons of tourists are there because there are also a couple of airport hotels and it’s a really popular meeting point.
Jovana says
Hi, I’m going to costa in 2 weeks for vacation. I’ll be flying into SJO. Do Uber drivers drive from SJO to Jaco, or should I get a shuttle?
Sammi says
We haven’t personally but I have heard of several people getting Ubers from the San Jose airport to Jaco before
Jerry Johnston says
I am arriving tomorrow at 8pm at the San Jose Airport. I want to catch an Uber to downtown San Jose. Last January I had to catch the Uber outside the airport. Is that the same requirement (to catch Uber outside the airport)?
Sammi says
Last time we went they had us to go the bus stop at the west end, so walk towards the Malinche restaurant (to the right) when you exit and keep going.
Shel says
I am traveling with a group later this month and our flight arrives into San Jose at 6:21 am on a Saturday. We wanted to purchase our alcohol at the duty free shop at the airport before heading to Jaco. Is the duty free open that early in the morning?
Sammi says
I would think so but not 100% sure.
olivia says
Hi there! Flying into SJO this saturday at 145pm. Do you think we will make it to the bus station in time for the 4pm bus to Puerto Viejo? Or will we need to stay the night and leave the next morning? Thanks
Sammi says
You can probably make it in time, but this bus is very popular so hopefully it won’t be sold out when you get there, that would be my only concern since it is a Saturday and a lot of locals go to PV on the weekends and we are now entering a busy tourism time.
Daniel Boyd says
We have a relatively late arrival time. Will car rental places still be open? It looks like they close pretty early. Otherwise I was thinking we would take an Uber to our Airbnb and pick up a rental car the following day. What are your suggestions on that?
Sammi says
If you are picking up the car at the airport office, most companies will wait for you until you land regardless of how late it is so you can get the car. If you want to go straight to your hotel and pick up the car the next day, that works too.
Sammi says
I would recommend in advance otherwise you can get a taxi or Uber.
Violeta Castillo says
Hello should I book a private shuttle in advance or should i get one when I land?
Paul Dufresne says
Hello Sammi,
This is our first trip to Costa Rica. We will be in Playa Bejuco for one month in February 2020. I know its seems far away but we just wanted to have our reservations done early!
Could you tell me if there is a shuttle from san Jose airport to Playa Bejuco? We were not planning on renting a car right away. I would like to know my way around a little bit first.
Love your comments so far!!!
Thank you very much !
Paul and Janice
Sammi says
Hi Paul, there isn’t, the only option for to Bejuco is a private shuttle or taxi. It costs around $140 I believe and I can check with our provider to see exactly how much it is if you like because it’s a bit further south than Jaco.
Jim Cacioppo says
Hi Sammi,
Your blog has been great to help us with our trip to Costa Rica. Do you have any tips for a late flight (2:30 am) out of San Jose without booking a hotel in the city? We are staying in Jaco and looking for something safe to do until going to the airport around 11:00 since we have to have the car back by 11pm. Any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!
Sammi says
Hi Jim, to be at the airport by 11 PM, you should leave Jaco by 930 PM and for the day, you could check out Best Western Jaco, Villa Caletas or Punta Leona Resort to see if you can get a day pass. I’m not sure the hours it is valid for but at least then you’d be able to leave your luggage and car in a secure area and you can enjoy the facilities of the hotels. PUnta Leona Resort is very nice because it has a private entrance to Playa Blanca, a beautiful white sand beach and you can go to their pool and facilities. Villa Caletas has an amphitheater to watch the sunset and they have a bar and restaurant. If anything, there is also a movie theater (very small) in Jaco if the day pass ends at like 6 or 7 PM.
Gayle says
I will also be there Feb 2020 from Calif. I never feel it is a long time way. I always start with planning one year with research. Final plans are made 2 mths before
I always rent a car on trips. I will never rent one in Costa Rica. Way too dangerous.
Sarah says
Hi Gayle,
I’m interested to know what you think is dangerous about renting a car here? We rented and then bought one and though the roads can be challenging I’ve never felt like it’s dangerous.
Just interested.
Laura says
Hey Sammi, this is such a wonderful blog! I’m moving to San José in July to work at one of the international schools and your posts about Uber, the airport, and lots of other topics have been so beneficial. Keep up the great work!
Sammi says
Hi Laura, glad the blog has been helpful and have fun in Costa Rica!
JTK says
Hello MyTanFeet!
Just wanted to give a big thank you for your site! My Wife and I are long time US Expats working in international schools, currently in Dongguan China, and will be visiting Costa Rica this 2018 for summer for vacation, with potential investment/retirement interests. We just finished booking everything for our 2 week Costa Rica road trip today! Well everything but the car rental, and will do that soon through your partner Adobe.
We wanted to thank you so much for your site which helped us plan!
Sammi says
Hi JTK! Thank you for the kind words and we’re glad to hear the blog has been helpful. We hope you have a wonderful time in Costa Rica and thank you for reading our blog!