Costa Rica Airport: Managing High Traffic And Tourism

Costa Rica is home to two international airports: San Jose (SJO), also known as Juan Santamaria International Airport, and Liberia (LIR), also known as Daniel Oduber International Airport. San Jose International Airport is the country's largest and busiest airport, with around 20 departure gates. The airport is modern, well-equipped, and accessible, with features like ramps, elevators, and escalators. It offers free Wi-Fi, and many staff members speak English. Liberia International Airport, located in the Guanacaste region, is another option for travellers, with 14 airlines operating and serving flights to 15 destinations.

Juan Santamaria International Airport is Costa Rica's busiest airport

Juan Santamaria International Airport, also known by its airport code SJO, is Costa Rica's busiest airport. It is located in the Alajuela province, about 20 kilometres (12 miles) northwest of downtown San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. The airport is named after Costa Rica's national hero, Juan Santamaria, a 20-year-old drummer boy who died in 1856 defending the country against forces led by American filibuster William Walker.

As the largest and busiest airport in Costa Rica, Juan Santamaria International Airport served more than 5 million passengers per year before the COVID-19 pandemic and saw a constant increase in traffic since its opening in 1958. The airport reached a record number of passengers in 2023. It is a hub for several airlines, including Avianca Costa Rica, Costa Rica Green Airways, Sansa Airlines, and Volaris Costa Rica.

The airport has a modern design and is well-equipped to handle a large volume of passengers. It offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, and many staff members speak English in addition to Spanish. The airport is also accessible for individuals with mobility restrictions, with features like ramps, escalators, elevators, and handicap restrooms.

Juan Santamaria International Airport has a range of facilities for travellers, including food courts, duty-free shops, and money exchange services. There are also car rental services available, as well as taxi and bus services for those travelling to and from the airport. For travellers with young children or mobility issues, the airport provides priority service to expedite the immigration process.

In terms of safety, the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica has issued a Travel Advisory Level 2 for the area, recommending that travellers exercise increased caution due to crime. There have been reports of incidents near the airport, including assaults and robberies. As such, travellers are advised to use caution when in the vicinity of the airport and consider using alternate routes to their destinations.

San Jose International Airport is the second busiest airport

San Jose International Airport, officially known as Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, about 3 miles from downtown San Jose, California. While San Jose is the largest city in the Bay Area, SJC is the second busiest of the three Bay Area airports by passenger count, after San Francisco International Airport (SFO). In 2018, SJC served 14.3 million passengers, surpassing its previous record of 14.2 million passengers set in 2001. The airport has experienced rapid growth since 2012, reaching a peak of 15.7 million passengers in 2019.

SJC has two terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B, with Terminal A handling both domestic and international flights, while Terminal B operates domestic flights and international departures. The airport is well-equipped and modern, offering free Wi-Fi, mobility access, and a variety of shops and restaurants. It is easily accessible by road and has a rental car center located on-site.

The airport serves as an alternative option for passengers travelling to or from the Bay Area, providing convenient connections to nearby cities like San Francisco and Oakland through train services. Southwest Airlines is the dominant carrier at SJC, accounting for nearly half of the passenger traffic, followed by Alaska Airlines.

In terms of international presence, SJC has expanded its offerings over the years. In 2012, All Nippon Airways began service between San Jose and Tokyo, restoring a link that was lost in 2006. Other international carriers, such as Hainan Airlines, British Airways, and Air Canada, have also launched nonstop flights to destinations like Beijing, London, and Vancouver.

SJC has a three-phase, nine-year expansion plan, which includes a consolidated "Central Terminal" with 40 gates, an international concourse, and enhanced security areas. This expansion aims to accommodate up to 17.6 million passengers annually.

Renting a car at SJO Airport

Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is the biggest and busiest airport in Costa Rica, with the most international flights. It is located in the Alajuela province, about a 30-minute drive from downtown San Jose.

If you plan to rent a car at SJO Airport, here is some information to help you navigate the process:

Car Rental Desks

After disembarking your flight and collecting your luggage, you can proceed to the car rental desks, which are located just before the airport exit doors in Terminal M. All rental car agencies are located offsite, so you will need to take a shuttle to their office to pick up your vehicle. Look for your representative at the rental agency desks, and if they are not there, they will be waiting outside at the end of the barriers.

Recommended Companies

Several car rental companies operate at SJO Airport, including well-known brands such as Alamo, Enterprise, National, and SIXT. These companies are known for their excellent customer service and convenient processes. Another recommended option is Adobe Rent a Car, which is described as one of the most reliable and customer-friendly companies in Costa Rica.

Age Requirements

To rent a car in Costa Rica, you must be at least 21 years old. If you are between the ages of 21 and 24, you will be charged an additional daily fee by most rental companies.

Insurance and Protection

When renting a car at SJO Airport, it is essential to consider insurance and protection options. Collision Damage Waiver-Theft Protection (CDW-TP) is optional, but it provides coverage in case of damage, loss, or theft of the vehicle. You can purchase this directly from the rental company or through your own insurance company. Additionally, consider adding the Enterprise Protection Package (EPP), which includes CDW-TP, Tire and Windshield Protection, Deductible Protection, and Third-Party Liability at a discounted price.

Fuel Options

When renting a car, you will have different options for refueling. Some companies offer the convenience of refuelling the car for you, but at a higher price per gallon. Alternatively, you can opt to refuel the car yourself before returning it to avoid extra fuel charges.

Additional Fees

Be aware of potential additional fees when renting a car at SJO Airport. For example, if you plan to add an extra driver to your rental agreement, there may be an extra daily charge. Additionally, if you are travelling across borders, some companies may charge a one-way fee, and you may need to pre-arrange a vehicle exchange.

Payment Options

Most major credit cards, such as American Express, Discover Card, Mastercard, and Visa, are accepted for payment. All cards presented must be in the renter's name. Debit cards and cash can also be used to settle any outstanding balances.

Other Amenities

SJO Airport offers various amenities to make your travel experience more convenient. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and signs are in both Spanish and English. The airport is also equipped with ramps, escalators, elevators, and handicap restrooms to accommodate those with mobility restrictions. Additionally, there are duty-free shops and a money exchange desk, although it is recommended to exchange money before arriving at the airport if possible.

Facilities for passengers with restricted mobility at SJO Airport

SJO Airport, or Juan Santamaria International Airport, is Costa Rica's largest and busiest airport. It is located in the Alajuela province, about 20 kilometres or a 30-minute drive from downtown San Jose, the country's capital city. The airport is well-equipped to accommodate passengers with restricted mobility and offers a range of facilities to ensure accessible travel.

Firstly, SJO Airport provides wheelchair rentals and other equipment for passengers with physical challenges. It is recommended that passengers request these services at least 48 hours in advance. The airport is designed with ramps, elevators, and escalators to facilitate easy movement between different levels. Additionally, there are handicap restrooms located throughout the terminal, ensuring accessibility for all passengers.

The parking lot at Juan Santamaria International Airport also considers the needs of passengers with reduced mobility. It offers facilities such as ramps, escalators, and elevators, ensuring convenient access to the terminal building. The parking lot has two levels, with the upper level recommended for departing passengers and the lower level for arriving passengers. Both levels provide easy accessibility for those with mobility restrictions.

The airport also offers transportation services that cater to passengers with special mobility conditions. These services include a fleet of vehicles, such as sedan-type cars and minibuses, that are equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and professional bilingual drivers. The drivers are trained to provide personalised attention and are known for their punctuality and safety.

In addition to the physical facilities, the staff at SJO Airport is accommodating to passengers with restricted mobility. Many of the employees speak English fluently, and the signage throughout the airport is available in both Spanish and English. This bilingual environment can help passengers with mobility restrictions navigate the airport more confidently and access the assistance they may require.

Food and shopping at SJO Airport

SJO Airport, or Juan Santamaria International Airport, is Costa Rica's largest and busiest airport, located near the capital city of San Jose. The airport is equipped with various restaurants, shops, and other amenities to cater to travellers' needs.

Food at SJO Airport

SJO Airport offers a variety of dining options for travellers, ranging from quick bites to sit-down meals. The food courts at Gates 5-7 and 8-9 provide a range of choices, including local and international cuisine. You can find Costa Rican specialties like typical music and food, including California-style pizzas, salads, pastas, soups, and desserts. Healthy food options such as salads, bowls, and soups are also available for health-conscious travellers.

For those who enjoy a good cup of coffee, there are cafes serving coffee drinks, pastries, and sandwiches. Additionally, travellers can find restaurants serving national and international beers, cocktails, wines, soft drinks, sodas, and hamburgers. These dining options are available at various locations within the airport, including the food court, Gate 8, Gate 11, and Gate 20.

Shopping at SJO Airport

When it comes to shopping, SJO Airport offers a mix of convenience and local flavour. Travellers can find specialty shops, newsstands, and souvenir shops throughout the airport. Duty-free shopping is also available, with competitive prices on items like wine and alcohol. It is recommended to compare prices, as there are two duty-free shops, and the smaller one near baggage claim usually has shorter lines.

For those seeking to stay connected, SIM cards from local providers like Kolbi and Claro can be purchased. However, it is noted that finding a SIM card within the airport can be tricky, and travellers may have better luck visiting a retail store outside the airport.

Frequently asked questions