Juan Santamaria International Airport
San Jose, Costa Rica · Since 1958
Last updated:
About SJO
Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is Costa Rica's main international airport, located in Alajuela about 18 km northwest of San Jose city center. Named after Costa Rica's national hero, the airport is the country's primary gateway and handles the vast majority of international arrivals. SJO has a single terminal that was modernized and expanded in recent years. The airport serves as a hub for Costa Rica's nature tourism industry, with millions of eco-tourists arriving annually to explore rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches.
Terminals
Main Terminal
Single terminal with domestic and international wings. The international departures area was modernized with expanded duty-free shopping, new restaurants, and improved gate areas. The terminal is manageable in size and rarely overwhelming.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at SJO
Aeromexico
Air Canada
Air France
Air Transat
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Main Terminal
Arajet
Avianca
Main TerminalShowing 8 of 29 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Taxis (official orange), ride-hailing (Uber, DiDi), shared shuttle vans, public buses, rental cars
Taxi
$20-30
25-40 min to city center
Public Transport
$1-2
40-60 min to city center
Popular Destinations
Parking at SJO
Multi-level covered parking adjacent to the terminal. Additional open-air lots available....
Covered Terminal Parking
Economy Open Parking
Airport Lounges
Copa Club San Jose
Main Terminal
Copa Airlines lounge for premium passengers connecting through San Jose. Light buffet, beverages, and workspace.
VIP Lounge Costa Rica
Main Terminal
The main pay-in lounge in international departures offering a buffet with Costa Rican gallo pinto, fresh tropical fruits, casados, craft beer, and cocktails. Comfortable seating with garden views.
Where to Stay
Nearby Hotels
Hampton Inn & Suites San Jose Airport
Adjacent to airport on main road, 2-minute drive
The closest hotel to the airport with free shuttle, hot breakfast, pool, and fitness center. Day rooms available. Walking distance to the terminal.
Costa Rica Marriott Hacienda Belen
San Antonio de Belen, 10 minutes from airport
Beautiful hacienda-style hotel set in a colonial coffee estate. Features two pools, spa, multiple restaurants, and lush gardens. A tranquil retreat between flights.
Food & Dining
Subway
Fast Food/Sandwiches
Main Terminal (Landside)
Standard Subway sandwich shop. Quick, customizable, and affordable option in the arrivals area.
5:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Denny's
American/Diner
Main Terminal (Airside)
Full-service American diner chain popular with US travelers. All-day breakfast, burgers, and sandwiches. Familiar comfort food.
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Cafe Britt
Cafe/Costa Rican
Main Terminal (Airside)
Costa Rica's premier coffee brand serving freshly roasted local coffee, chocolate, pastries, and light meals. Don't miss the Costa Rican single-origin pour-over.
5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Car Rental
Adobe Rent a Car
Office near airport, free shuttle pickup
Leading Costa Rican rental company with excellent service. Free shuttle from airport. 4x4/SUV highly recommended for beach and national park roads. Mandatory liability insurance included.
National Car Rental
Arrivals Hall
Counter in arrivals hall. Costa Rica requires mandatory liability insurance regardless of credit card coverage. Many roads outside the Central Valley are unpaved — consider 4WD.
Economy Rent a Car
Office near airport, shuttle pickup
Budget option with free airport shuttle. Popular with backpackers. Basic vehicles, good for paved-road trips.
What to Do During a Layover
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Alajuela Town & Central Market
The airport is in Alajuela — explore the charming town center, visit the Juan Santamaria Museum, browse the Central Market for fresh tropical fruits, and grab a casado (traditional lunch plate). Just 5 minutes from the airport.
Doka Estate Coffee Tour
Tour one of Costa Rica's most famous coffee plantations in the Central Valley highlands. Learn about coffee processing from seed to cup and sample premium Costa Rican coffee. About 30 minutes from the airport.
Poas Volcano National Park
Visit one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes, just 45 minutes from the airport. Peer into the massive crater with its acid lake. Pre-booking required on the SINAC website. Best visited in the morning before clouds roll in.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●○○
- Power Outlets: Type A/B (US-style), USB charging stations
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: $5-10/day
- Medical Services: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
Money & Currency
- Currency: Costa Rican Colon (CRC)
- Exchange: BAC and BCR exchange counters in arrivals hall
- Hours: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
US Dollars are widely accepted throughout Costa Rica, but you will get change in colones. ATMs in arrivals dispense both USD and CRC.
Smoking Areas
Outdoor areas outside terminal entrances only
Insider Tips
Orange official taxis are the safest option — they use meters (called "maria"). Uber works but is technically in a legal grey area. The airport is in Alajuela, not San Jose — if heading to the beach, you may not need to go through San Jose at all. Departure tax is included in ticket price. Costa Rica is in the Central time zone (CST/GMT-6).
Facilities & Contact
Airport Facilities
Free Wi-Fi, chapel, duty-free shops, currency exchange, medical services, children play area, left luggage, SIM card kiosks, ATMs, food courts, souvenir shops
Traveler Reviews
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Compare with Nearby Airports
See how SJO compares to other major airports in the region.
Juan Santamaria International Airport
San Jose, Costa Rica
Augusto C. Sandino International Airport
Managua, Nicaragua