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Juan Santamaría International Airport, also known as San Jose International Airport, is the primary airport serving San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Located in Alajuela Province, it is named after Costa Rica's national hero, Juan Santamaría, a drummer boy who died in 1856 defending his country against forces led by William Walker, an American filibuster. With over 5 million passengers annually, it is the largest and busiest airport in Costa Rica, serving as a hub for several airlines and featuring two terminals catering to both international and domestic flights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Juan Santamaría International Airport |
| Airport Code | SJO |
| Location | Alajuela Province, 20 km northwest of downtown San José, Costa Rica |
| Named After | Juan Santamaría, a drummer boy who died in 1856 defending Costa Rica against forces led by William Walker |
| Number of Runways | 1 |
| Number of Terminals | 2 (International Terminal A and Terminal B for domestic trips) |
| Number of Gates | 20 |
| Number of Airlines | 24 |
| Annual Passengers | More than 5 million before COVID, 2.6 million in 2024 |
| Transportation Options | Licensed taxis, Uber, shuttle bus services, public buses, rental cars |
| Dining Options | Denny's Restaurant |
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What You'll Learn
Location and transport links
Juan Santamaría International Airport, also known as San Jose International Airport, is located in Alajuela Province, 20 kilometres (12 mi; 11 nmi) northwest of downtown San José, the capital of Costa Rica. It is the country's biggest and busiest airport, serving more than 5 million passengers per year before the COVID pandemic. The airport is a hub for Avianca Costa Rica, Costa Rica Green Airways, Sansa Airlines, and Volaris Costa Rica, and a focus city for Avianca El Salvador and Copa Airlines.
The airport has two terminals: International Terminal A, which caters to international trips, and Terminal B for domestic trips. It has 20 gates servicing 24 airlines from North America, Latin America, and Europe. The minimum connecting time at SJO is 90 minutes for domestic flights and 2 hours for international flights.
By road, the airport can be accessed via an exit at Route 1 and near the exit to Alajuela. There is a parking area with a surcharge. Licensed taxis are available at the airport and can be identified by their orange colour. These taxis generally accept both colónes and U.S. dollars but not other currencies. Uber is also available in the Central Valley cities of Heredia, Alajuela, San Jose, and Cartago.
Although there is a rail line linking downtown Alajuela with San José's Atlantic Station that passes close to the airport, it does not serve the airport, and there is no rail service to the airport. Shuttle bus services such as Costa Rica Shuttle, Transportation in Costa Rica, and Tropical Tours Shuttles offer transport to and from the airport, with options including personal cars, shared vans, and buses. Tuasa buses run from 04:30 to 23:00, while Station Wagon buses operate 24/7. The journey from the airport to downtown San Jose takes around 35 minutes and costs $2.
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History and naming
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is the largest and busiest airport in Costa Rica. Located in the Alajuela Province, it is approximately 12 miles (20 kilometres) northwest of downtown San José, the capital of Costa Rica. The airport is named after Costa Rica's national hero, Juan Santamaría, a 20-year-old drummer boy who died in 1856 defending the country against an invasion led by William Walker, an American filibuster.
Juan Santamaría International Airport has been in operation since 1958 and has experienced a constant increase in traffic, fuelled by the growing influx of tourists. It surpassed one million passengers per year for the first time in 1991 and set a new record for passenger numbers in 2023, with more than 5.3 million visitors passing through. The airport serves as a hub for several airlines, including Avianca Costa Rica, Costa Rica Green Airways, Sansa Airlines, and Volaris Costa Rica.
The airport's sole runway is capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft, and it features two terminals: Terminal A, which caters to international flights, and Terminal B, dedicated to domestic trips. The minimum connecting time at SJO is 90 minutes for domestic flights and 2 hours for international flights.
SJO offers various transportation options to and from the airport, including licensed taxis, shuttle bus services, and public buses. It is also served by Uber and has a special airport taxi service that operates orange taxis. Although there is a nearby rail line, it does not currently provide service to the airport.
The airport provides a range of amenities for travellers, including a large shopping area, restaurants, and a VIP lounge with free Wi-Fi, food, and drinks. Additionally, passengers can contribute to supporting children in vulnerable communities through a dedicated space at the airport.
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Airlines and destinations
Juan Santamaría International Airport (IATA: SJO, ICAO: MROC) is the largest and busiest airport in Costa Rica, located in Alajuela, 20 kilometres (12 mi; 11 nmi) northwest of downtown San José, the capital of Costa Rica. The airport is named after Costa Rica's national hero, Juan Santamaría, a drummer boy who died in 1856 defending his country against forces led by an American filibuster, William Walker.
The airport is a hub for several airlines, including Avianca Costa Rica, Costa Rica Green Airways, Sansa Airlines, and Volaris Costa Rica. It serves as a focus city for Avianca El Salvador and Copa Airlines. Internationally, the largest operator in the airport is Avianca and all its branches, followed by Copa Airlines, which operates from the Main Terminal (M). Domestically, the largest airline is Sansa Airlines, with flights departing from the Domestic Terminal (D).
There are 29 different airlines at San Jose (SJO) with direct flights to 55 destinations in 21 countries and 13 U.S. states. The most popular destinations from San Jose (SJO) are Quepos, Cobano, and Panama City. Iberia, the largest European airline at the airport, operates daily flights between Europe and San Jose, with flights from its base at Madrid airport.
Some of the destinations served by direct flights from SJO include Buenos Aires–Ezeiza, New York-JFK via Guatemala City, San Pedro Sula, and San Salvador. Volaris Costa Rica also operates non-stop flights to Mexico City and Guatemala City.
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Facilities and amenities
San Jose Costa Rica Airport (SJO), also known as Juan Santamaría International Airport, is the primary airport serving San José, the capital of Costa Rica. It is located in Alajuela Province, about 20 kilometres (12 miles) northwest of downtown San Jose. As the biggest and busiest airport in Costa Rica, SJO offers a wide range of amenities and facilities to cater to travellers' needs.
Transportation and Navigation:
SJO offers a range of ground transportation options, including licensed taxis, Uber, private shuttles, and public buses, ensuring safe and reliable travel to and from the airport. The airport's website and mobile app provide up-to-date information on terminal layouts, flight schedules, and transportation choices, making it convenient for passengers to plan their journeys.
Dining and Shopping:
The airport features a diverse selection of dining options, ranging from local Costa Rican cuisine to international favourites. Eateries include Aroma Cafe, Taco Bar, and Pizza Hut. Duty-free shopping is also available, offering souvenirs, local handicrafts, electronics, and luxury goods. Convenience stores, newsstands, and specialty shops cater to travellers' needs, including currency exchange services and luggage stores.
Comfort and Convenience:
SJO provides essential amenities such as ample parking facilities, free Wi-Fi, ATMs, currency exchange kiosks, and luggage storage. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the airport offers the VIP Lounge, providing a relaxed environment. Additionally, nearby hotels with shuttle services are available for travellers requiring accommodation.
Immigration and Customs:
SJO has a well-equipped immigration and customs area, ensuring a seamless entry into the country. The line for immigration can sometimes be lengthy, depending on the number of arriving flights. Airport officials facilitate separate lines for families travelling with young children or individuals with mobility issues to ensure faster processing.
Other Services:
Car rental facilities are conveniently located within the airport for travellers who prefer to drive. Additionally, SJO has a dedicated domestic terminal, "Terminal Domestica SJO", servicing regional airports within Costa Rica.
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Passenger numbers and statistics
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is Costa Rica's primary airport, located in Alajuela, 20 kilometres (12 mi; 11 nmi) northwest of downtown San José, the country's capital. It is the largest and busiest airport in Costa Rica, serving as a hub for several regional airlines, including Avianca Costa Rica, Costa Rica Green Airways, Sansa Airlines, and Volaris Costa Rica.
SJO has experienced a constant increase in passenger traffic since its opening in 1958, boosted by growing tourism to Costa Rica. The airport surpassed one million passengers per year for the first time in 1991 and has continued to break records since then. In 2023, Costa Rica experienced a remarkable year in tourism, with air arrivals reaching 2,471,150, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and marking a 16.7% increase from 2022. This growth can be attributed to effective destination promotion, restored air connectivity, and the public-private sector's collaboration in providing exceptional experiences for visitors.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, SJO transited more than five million passengers per year. The airport offers various transport options for passengers, including frequent buses to San Jose, licensed red and orange taxis, and easy access from Route 1 for those driving their vehicles. The airport's parking lot has 400 spaces and is located next to the terminal building for easy access.
SJO's sole runway allows the operation of wide-body aircraft, including Airbus A330, A340, and A350, and Boeing 747, 767, 777, and 787, catering to both passenger and freight services. The airport has a range of facilities for passengers, including a bus stop, parking area, taxi services, and various shops and services inside the terminal.
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Frequently asked questions
SJO Airport, also known as Juan Santamaría International Airport, is the primary airport serving San José, the capital of Costa Rica. It is located in Alajuela Province, 20 kilometres (12 mi; 11 nmi) northwest of downtown San José.
There are a few ways to get to SJO Airport. Tourists can opt for cabs, airport shuttle services, or public buses, which link the airport to different parts of San Jose and other neighbouring cities. Licensed taxis are available at the airport and will generally accept both colónes and U.S. dollars, but not other currencies. Uber is also readily available in the Central Valley cities.
The Cartago Province is about 83 kilometres by vehicle from the airport. It takes approximately an hour to reach Cartago’s Irazú volcano, an active volcano with 5 craters situated at a height of 3,432 meters above sea level.
