Juan Santamaria International Airport

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is not merely the main air gateway to Costa Rica, but a true starting point for a journey into the world of "pure life," or Pura Vida, as the locals say. Located in the city of Alajuela, it welcomes guests with an atmosphere of tropical hospitality and serves as a departure point for exploring volcanoes, jungles, and pristine white beaches. Named after the country's national hero, this airport is one of the busiest in Central America and regularly receives high ratings for service quality.

Airport Features and Advantages

Juan Santamaría Airport is renowned for its modern infrastructure and passenger convenience. Here you will find numerous shops, including outlets selling local coffee and souvenirs, a variety of restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy a meal before your flight, as well as bank branches, a pharmacy, and free Wi-Fi. Comfortable lounges are provided for waiting for your flight. Additionally, the airport serves as an important hub for local carriers such as Sansa Airlines, making it the ideal starting point for travels across Costa Rica. Thanks to well-organised transport connections, it is easy to get from here to the capital, San José, by bus or taxi, or to rent a car for further independent travel around the country.

• Official Website: For the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations, visit the airport's official web resource: sjoairport.com.
• General Inquiry Phone: For general questions, you can contact the airport at: (+506) 2437-2400.
• Airport Address: The airport is located at: Alajuela Province, Río Segundo, Costa Rica.
• Email: For written enquiries, you can use the address: info@aeris.cr (AERIS is the airport operating company).
• Social Media: Follow airport updates and news on the official pages on Facebook and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost, please contact your airline's representative office first. General information from airport services can be obtained by phone: (+506) 2437-2625.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For passenger consultations and support, please use the main enquiry phone number or email address listed above.

There are several ways to get to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), which is located in the city of Alajuela, near the capital San José. The choice depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and personal preferences. Please note that traffic conditions in Costa Rica can be unpredictable, so always allow extra time for your journey.

Public Transport: Buses
The most economical way to reach the airport is by using public buses. TUASA routes run regularly between the centre of San José (from the terminal on Avenida 2) and the airport. The trip from the capital takes approximately 30-45 minutes depending on traffic, but during peak hours, it may take over an hour. This is an excellent option for travellers with light luggage. Buses coming from the centre of Alajuela reach the airport in just 5-10 minutes. The fare is very affordable, making this the most budget-friendly option.

Taxis and Private Transfers
For greater comfort, especially if you have many suitcases, it is better to choose a taxi or shuttle. Official taxis in Costa Rica are orange with a yellow triangle on the door and are equipped with meters ("la maría"). A trip from central San José will cost significantly more than the bus but ensures a direct route to the terminal. Services like Uber are also popular and often offer more competitive prices. Many hotels and tour companies offer private transfer services which can be booked in advance — a convenient and reliable way to get to the airport without any hassle.

Car Rental and Parking
If you plan to travel around the country by car, most major rental companies have offices in the immediate vicinity of the airport. Typically, they provide a free shuttle from their office to the departure terminal. If you are driving to the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, there is secure parking on the premises. This is the most expensive option, especially for long-term stays, but it ensures maximum security for your vehicle.

Regardless of the chosen method, we recommend leaving early. Heavy traffic is a common occurrence on the approaches to the airport, especially during morning and evening hours. Planning with a buffer will help avoid unnecessary stress and allow you to start your journey in true "Pura Vida" style.

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) has a simple and clear structure consisting of two main buildings: the Main Terminal for international flights and a small Domestic Terminal for flights within the country.

The Main (International) Terminal is a modern two-storey building serving all flights outside of Costa Rica. The upper floor houses the spacious departure zone, where airline check-in counters, security checkpoints, passport control, as well as main shops, a food court, and boarding gates are located. The lower floor is entirely dedicated to the arrival zone: here passengers go through immigration control, collect their luggage, and pass customs inspection before exiting into the city.

The Domestic Terminal is located in a separate building, approximately a 5-7 minute walk west of the main one. It is significantly smaller and serves flights of local airlines (such as Sansa Airlines) to popular tourist destinations within the country. Transfer between terminals is done on foot via the street; there are no special shuttles, but the path is well-marked and does not take much time.

For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for check-in and security screening, especially during the high season when queues can be long. Navigation in the airport is intuitive thanks to clear signs in Spanish and English. If you need to transfer from an international flight to a domestic one, ensure you have enough time to collect luggage, pass customs, and walk to the other terminal.

The history of Juan Santamaría International Airport is a story of development and modernisation, reflecting the transformation of Costa Rica into a popular tourist destination. Officially opened in 1958 under the name "El Coco Airport," it was built to replace the old airport in La Sabana Park in San José, which could no longer handle the growing passenger flow and new types of aircraft.

The airport received its current name in honour of Juan Santamaría, a national hero of Costa Rica born in the city of Alajuela, where the airport is located. This symbolic decision highlighted the importance of the facility for the entire country. In its first decades, the airport served mainly to establish air connections with other countries in Central and North America.

A significant leap in development occurred in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Due to the growth of the tourism industry, the government initiated a large-scale modernisation programme. In 2001, airport management was transferred to a private company, starting a series of renovations. New terminals were built, the number of boarding gates increased, the runway was extended, and infrastructure was upgraded to service wide-body liners.

An interesting fact: although the airport bears the code SJO (from San José), physically it is located 20 kilometres from the capital, in the city of Alajuela. Today, it is not just a transport hub but a modern complex that has repeatedly been recognised as one of the best in Latin America for passenger service quality. Its history is a clear example of how an infrastructure project can become a catalyst for the economic and tourism growth of an entire nation.

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) offers passengers modern infrastructure and a full range of services to make the wait for a flight pleasant and productive. Here you will find everything necessary for a comfortable journey, ranging from various dining establishments to convenient rest areas.

For those feeling hungry, the airport features numerous restaurants, cafés, and juice bars. You can try local cuisine, grab a quick bite at fast-food restaurants, or drink a cup of famous Costa Rican coffee. Shops offer a wide assortment of goods: from souvenirs, handmade items, and local chocolate to boutiques of famous brands and classic Duty Free offering perfumes, cosmetics, and other travel essentials.

Passengers can utilise free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, as well as numerous charging stations for electronic devices. For those who value enhanced comfort, VIP Lounges are open, where you can relax in silence, work, and enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks. Some lounges even offer shower facilities.

Financial matters can be easily resolved at the airport: ATMs and currency exchange points are at your service. For emergencies, a first aid station is available. The airport is also well-equipped for passengers with reduced mobility — ramps, elevators, and special restrooms are available. For families with children, there are nursing rooms.

If you have a long layover or an early flight, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, such as Hampton by Hilton and Holiday Inn Express, many of which provide a free shuttle to the terminal. For business travellers, conditions for work are created in the business lounges, including small meeting rooms and office equipment.

At Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), located near the city of Alajuela, passengers can find a wide selection of establishments for every taste and budget. Whether you plan to have a quick snack before departure or enjoy a full lunch, there is a suitable option here.

Most restaurants, juice bars, and cafés are concentrated in the departure zone, after passing passport control and security (airside). Here, both famous international fast-food chains offering burgers, sandwiches, and pizza, and à la carte restaurants are represented. For those wishing to try something local, look for establishments offering the cuisine of Costa Rica. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the traditional dish "casado" (rice, beans, salad, fried plantains, and a choice of meat or fish) or have a cup of excellent local coffee.

In the public zone (landside), before passing control, the selection is slightly smaller, but there are also coffee shops and snack kiosks. This is convenient for those seeing someone off or those who arrived at the airport well in advance. Prices in this zone may be slightly lower than in the departure zone.

For passengers with specific dietary preferences, many restaurants offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes. It is recommended to check information with the staff in advance. The price range varies: from moderate prices in the food court to higher ones in full-service restaurants.

The operating hours of most establishments are tied to the flight schedule — they open early in the morning and close after the departure of the last flights. Some coffee shops and fast-food points may operate 24/7 or until late at night. If you are short on time, a sandwich or pastry from a café will be the best choice. If time permits, you can sit comfortably in one of the restaurants and enjoy a calm atmosphere before your flight.

To ensure your journey through the main airport of Costa Rica goes smoothly, use these tips. Juan Santamaría Airport in Alajuela is modern and convenient, but preparation is never amiss.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. Consider that during peak hours, there may be traffic jams on the roads leading to the airport from San José and surrounding areas. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight in advance and save the boarding pass on your smartphone.

Security Checks and Hand Luggage. Security checkpoints at the airport work efficiently, but queues may form during the high season. Hand luggage rules are standard: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag. If you are carrying famous Costa Rican coffee as a souvenir, keep it handy — you may be asked to have it checked separately. Carrying fresh fruit, plants, and seeds is strictly prohibited.

Seat Selection and Customs Formalities. Want to enjoy a final view of the picturesque landscapes of Costa Rica? Choose a window seat. When departing north or east, views of the Central Valley volcanoes may open up to you. An important point: the departure tax, which used to be paid separately, is now already included in the ticket price in most cases. Nevertheless, it is worth checking this information in your booking confirmation from your airline.

For Transfer Passengers and Flight Delays. Juan Santamaría Airport is quite compact, and navigating it is easy. For transit passengers, there are Duty-Free shops, several cafés with local and international cuisine, and VIP lounges. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline's counter for instructions. The airport has free Wi-Fi, which will help you stay connected and monitor updates.

Saving Time and Money. To avoid overpaying for water, bring an empty reusable bottle with you and fill it at special fountains after passing security control. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are higher than in the city, so if you have time, have a snack before arriving at the airport.