Getting Around
How to get to and from Juan Santamaría International Airport — taxis, public transport, shuttles and car rental.
Transport Options at SJO
Juan Santamaría International Airport is connected to San José (Alajuela) and the wider Costa Rica transport network by multiple ground transport options.
Local buses (including routes marked Alajuela–San José via the airport) run from a stop just outside the terminal, a very cheap option but slower and less convenient with luggage than a taxi or shuttle.
Official orange airport taxis operate from a staffed booth in arrivals with set/metered fares; the ride to San José takes about 25–35 minutes and typically costs $25–30.
Uber operates around SJO, though pickup can be less straightforward than at the taxi stand — check the app for the designated pickup zone, which is sometimes a short walk from arrivals due to local airport regulations.
All major international brands operate from the terminal — a popular choice in Costa Rica given many visitors are heading onward to national parks, beaches or volcano regions well beyond San José itself.
SJO is actually located in Alajuela, not San José itself — the ride into the capital takes longer than the airport's name suggests, so budget accordingly if you're catching a connecting shuttle onward to the coast.
Pre-Book Your Transfer
Skip the taxi queue. Book a private transfer from SJO to San José (Alajuela) in advance and have a driver waiting when you land.
Recommended · Airport TransferPrivate and shared airport transfers — fixed price, no meter surprises. Driver meets you in arrivals.
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Car Rental at SJO
Exploring Costa Rica beyond San José (Alajuela)? Renting a car at the airport gives you maximum flexibility from the moment you land.
Recommended · Car RentalCompare rates from major and local car rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
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