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.
This post has affiliate links which we may earn a small commission from if you choose to purchase, at no extra cost to you. Listed prices are quoted in USD and are estimates. More info: Disclosure
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.
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