Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)

Layover Guide

Making the most of your stopover at Juan Santamaría International Airport — hotels, city tours and transit tips.

Your SJO Layover at a Glance

City AccessAccessible
Minimum layover for city4 hours

Best use of a long layover

With 4+ hours, a taxi (about 20 minutes) can get you to Alajuela's town center, a low-key but pleasant central park and church area, while central San José itself (30–35 minutes) offers the National Museum and Central Market if your layover allows a bit more time.

Inside the airport

The VIP Lounge Costa Rica is the best bet for a comfortable wait if you'd rather not brave San José traffic on a shorter layover.

Several airport hotels, including a Marriott and other properties, sit within a few minutes' shuttle ride of the terminal — a genuinely convenient option for an overnight layover before heading onward to the coast.

Most Western passport holders (US, EU, UK, Canada, etc.) can enter Costa Rica visa-free for tourism, typically granted on arrival for up to 90 days — confirm your specific nationality's requirement before leaving the secure zone.
Transit visa requirements vary by nationality and change frequently. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate of Costa Rica before travel.

Layover Duration Guide

Under 3 hrs
Stay Airside

Grab a meal, use the lounge or rest. Not enough time to clear immigration and return safely.

3 – 6 hrs
Airport Exploration

Explore landside facilities, duty-free and airport dining. Consider a transit hotel if you need rest.

6 – 12 hrs
Quick City Visit

Enough time to visit San José (Alajuela) city centre if transit visa permits. Allow 3 hrs buffer for return and re-entry.

12 hrs+
Overnight Stay

Book a nearby hotel. You can explore San José (Alajuela) properly — consider a guided tour to maximise your time.

Hotels Near SJO

Staying close to the airport? Airport hotels and transit hotels let you rest without a long transfer.

Recommended · Hotels
Find Hotels Near SJO

Airport hotels, transit stays and San José (Alajuela) city centre options — free cancellation on most bookings.

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City Tours from SJO

Short on time? Layover tours are designed to fit your connection window — pickup from the airport, back before your gate opens.

Recommended · Tours
San José (Alajuela) Layover Tours

Half-day and layover-specific tours with airport pickup. See the highlights of San José (Alajuela) without missing your connection.

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Practical Tips for Your SJO Layover

Use left-luggage storage at Juan Santamaría International Airport if you plan to leave the terminal — most airports offer coin lockers or staffed storage near arrivals.
Get a Costa Rica eSIM before your layover so you have data for maps and translation the moment you land.
Download offline maps for San José (Alajuela) in advance — useful if you leave the terminal and connectivity is patchy.
Always allow at least 3 hours buffer before your next departure when leaving the airport — immigration queues are unpredictable.
Check your next airline's check-in deadline. Some require you to be at the gate 45–60 minutes before departure.
Recommended · eSIM
Stay Connected in Costa Rica

Activate a Costa Rica eSIM on Airalo before you travel — instant data, no SIM card queue at the airport.

Browse Costa Rica plans →

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