The airport is in Alajuela, about 18 km from San Jose downtown. The route follows the General Canas Highway.

About San Jose City Center

San Jose, Costa Rica's capital, is a bustling city set in the Central Valley at 1,170 meters elevation, surrounded by volcanic mountains. The city center features the magnificent National Theatre (Teatro Nacional), modeled after the Paris Opera, the sprawling Central Market with its labyrinth of food stalls and souvenir shops, and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum housed beneath Plaza de la Cultura.

While many travelers pass through quickly en route to beaches and rainforests, San Jose rewards those who linger. The Barrio Escalante neighborhood has become a culinary hotspot, Barrio Amon showcases Victorian-era mansions turned into boutique hotels, and the city's location makes it an ideal base for day trips to Poas Volcano, coffee plantations, and the Orosi Valley.

Nearby Landmarks

National Theatre Central Market National Museum Plaza de la Cultura

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $20-30 (metered)
Time 25-40 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $12-18
Time 25-40 min

Arrivals curb (parking area for Uber)

Step-by-Step Directions

Walk to the bus stop on the main road outside the airport (200m). Take the TUASA bus toward San Jose, get off at Parque La Merced

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $20-30 (metered) 25-40 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $12-18 25-40 min Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Official red taxis (with meters) operate 24/7 at the airport. A night ride to downtown costs approximately 8,000-12,000 CRC ($15-22). Uber operates in Costa Rica but can only pick up from a designated area near the airport. Public buses to San Jose stop running around 10 PM.

Luggage Tips

Use only official orange airport taxis or pre-arranged hotel shuttles. Keep luggage in the trunk and ensure the taximeter is running. Buses (Tuasa line) have overhead racks but limited space for large suitcases.

Accessibility

Official airport taxis can accommodate folding wheelchairs. Newer Tuasa buses have low-floor boarding. San Jose sidewalks are often uneven with unexpected gaps—wheelchair users should pre-arrange accessible transport.