Ruth Haines
San Jose, Costa Rica is served by Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), located in the province of Alajuela, about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) from downtown San Jose. It is the country's biggest and busiest airport, serving more than 5 million passengers per year before the COVID-19 pandemic. The airport is named after Costa Rica's national hero, Juan Santamaria, a drummer boy who died in 1856 defending his country against forces led by American filibuster William Walker.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Juan Santamaría International Airport |
| Other names | San Jose International Airport, Alajuela Airport |
| Airport Code | SJO |
| Location | Alajuela Province, 10-20 km (6.2-12 mi) northwest of downtown San José |
| Runway | Allows operations of wide-body aircraft |
| Airlines | Avianca Costa Rica, Costa Rica Green Airways, Sansa Airlines, Volaris Costa Rica, Avianca El Salvador, Copa Airlines, jetBlue, United Airlines, Iberia |
| Annual passengers | 5 million+ before COVID, 2.6 million in 2024 |
| Facilities | 3 VIP lounges, duty-free stores, currency exchange, SIM card stand, parking, bus stop |
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What You'll Learn
Juan Santamaría International Airport
As the largest and busiest airport in Costa Rica, it has experienced a constant increase in traffic since its opening in 1958, boosted by the growing number of tourists. The airport handled more than one million passengers per year for the first time in 1991 and saw a record number of passengers in 2023, with 5.7 million passengers (inbound and outbound) transiting that year. In 2024, the airport welcomed 2.6 million tourists. Juan Santamaría International Airport offers 20 gates servicing 24 airlines from North America, Latin America, Europe, and South America. The airport serves as a hub for Avianca Costa Rica, Costa Rica Green Airways, Sansa Airlines, and Volaris Costa Rica. It is also a focus city for Avianca El Salvador and Copa Airlines.
The airport has a range of facilities for passengers, including three VIP lounges, duty-free shopping, currency exchange services, and free wireless internet throughout the airport. There is a parking area with a surcharge and a bus stop with frequent services to San Jose downtown. Licensed taxis are available at the airport, and they generally accept both colónes and U.S. dollars.
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Immigration and customs
San Jose, Costa Rica is served by Juan Santamaría International Airport, commonly known as San Jose International Airport. It is the country's biggest and busiest airport, located in the province of Alajuela, about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) from downtown San Jose.
After landing at San Jose International Airport, passengers on international flights must go through immigration and customs. Immigration procedures apply to people, while customs regulations apply to luggage and goods.
Upon disembarking, passengers should follow the signs to the immigration area, where foreign passport holders will be processed first. Families proceed through immigration together, while spouses and friends typically go separately, with each adult being called individually to the desk for processing. When approaching the immigration officer, passengers must present their passport for scanning and verification and supply details such as name, occupation, length of stay in Costa Rica, first destination in the country, and date of departure.
After clearing immigration, passengers collect their luggage and proceed to customs. Everything except duty-free items must be placed on the scanners. Customs officers are on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary, such as large amounts of merchandise for resale. In some cases, passengers may be stopped and asked to present their luggage for inspection.
After clearing customs, passengers exit the airport terminal and can proceed to their transportation of choice, such as a pre-booked tour company, car rental agent, private shuttle, taxi, or ride-share service.
Passengers can also take care of other needs after clearing customs, such as purchasing a local SIM card or exchanging money. However, it is recommended to avoid exchanging money at the airport due to unfavourable rates. Instead, passengers can use their credit cards or USD until they can visit a bank or supermarket to obtain local currency at a better exchange rate.
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Transport to and from the airport
San Jose, Costa Rica is served by Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Located in the province of Alajuela, the airport is about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) from downtown San Jose.
There are several transport options for travelling between San Jose Airport and the city centre.
Taxi
The easiest and most convenient way to get to downtown San Jose is by taxi. Taxi services are available 24/7 and offer door-to-door services. The taxi fare from San Jose Airport to the city centre costs around €28 (CRC 16,522) during the day and €32 (CRC 18,882) at night, depending on traffic conditions. Licensed taxis are red with yellow triangles on the doors and will generally accept both colónes and U.S. dollars, but not other currencies. There is also a special airport taxi service that employs orange taxis.
Private transfer
Private transfers are another convenient way to get to your destination in San Jose. These can be booked in advance and will pick you up from the airport at your convenience.
Shuttle bus
Shuttle buses offer a comfortable and expedient trip to your destination in San Jose. They offer door-to-door services and have enough luggage space. A one-way ticket on the airport shuttle bus costs €17 (CRC 10,043), depending on the provider. You can pre-book your ticket through the shuttle bus company’s website.
Public bus
The main bus that operates from San Jose Airport to San Jose is the Tuasa bus. The journey takes roughly 35 minutes and costs just over $1 USD. Buses can be caught from the stop just outside the airport terminal.
Train
Although a rail line passes close to the airport, there is no rail service to San Jose Airport.
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Airlines that use the airport
San Jose, Costa Rica is served by Juan Santamaria International Airport, commonly known as San Jose International Airport. It is the country's biggest and busiest airport, located in the province of Alajuela, about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) from downtown San Jose.
Juan Santamaria International Airport is a hub for several airlines, including Avianca Costa Rica, Costa Rica Green Airways, Sansa Airlines, and Volaris Costa Rica. It also serves as a focus city for Avianca El Salvador and Copa Airlines.
Internationally, the largest operator at the airport is Avianca and all its branches, followed by Copa Airlines, which uses the Main Terminal (M). Domestically, the largest airline is Sansa Airlines, with flights departing from the Domestic Terminal (D).
The airport also serves as a base for several other airlines, including United Airlines, which operates flights to six US cities during the winter season. JetBlue is another major US airline with a presence at the airport, and Iberia is the largest European airline serving San Jose, offering daily flights between Europe and San Jose via Madrid.
In addition to these carriers, other airlines such as Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines also operate at Juan Santamaria International Airport, providing a range of travel options for passengers travelling to and from San Jose, Costa Rica.
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Airport hotels
San José, Costa Rica is served by Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), located in the province of Alajuela, about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) from downtown San José. It is the country's main international airport, and the biggest and busiest airport in Costa Rica, serving more than 5 million passengers per year before the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are several hotels near the airport, including:
- Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport, Costa Rica: This hotel offers a free shuttle service to and from the airport, and is within two miles of the National Technical University, City Mall, and companies like Intel, ADN, and Bridgestone. The hotel features an outdoor pool, and provides free hot breakfast and free WiFi.
- Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport: This hotel has been praised by guests for its quiet rooms, tasty late-night food and breakfast, and proximity to restaurants and Walmart. It is located less than a mile from the airport.
- Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela: This hotel has received positive reviews for its convenience and proximity to the airport.
- Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall: Guests have praised the staff at this hotel, which is located near the City Mall.
- Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela: This hotel offers free breakfast, free parking, and free WiFi. It is located within walking distance of the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Juan Santamaría International Airport, commonly known as San Jose International Airport.
SJO.
The airport is located 10-20 kilometres from downtown San Jose.
There is a 24-hour bus service from the airport to downtown San Jose. Licensed taxis are also available at the airport.
All visitors must go through immigration and customs. Immigration involves providing details such as name, occupation, and length of stay to an officer. Customs involves scanning all luggage except duty-free items.
