Juan Santamaría International Airport

Juan Santamaría International Airport (Spanish: Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría) (IATA: SJO, ICAO: MROC) is the primary airport serving San José, the capital of Costa Rica. The airport is located in Alajuela Province, 20 kilometres (12 mi; 11 nmi) west of downtown San José. It is named after Costa Rica’s national hero, Juan Santamaría, a drummer boy who died in 1856 defending his country against forces led by William Walker, an American filibuster.

The airport is a hub for Avianca Costa Rica, Costa Rica Green Airways, Sansa Airlines, and Volaris Costa Rica and a focus city for Avianca El Salvador and Copa Airlines. It was the country’s only international gateway for many years, before the opening of the international airport in Liberia, Guanacaste. Both airports have direct flights to North and Central America and Europe, but Juan Santamaría International Airport also serves cities in South America and the Caribbean.

Operations: Juan Santamaría International Airport operates both domestic and international flights, connecting Costa Rica to destinations across North America, Central America, South America, and Europe.

Facilities: The airport consists of two terminals: the Main Terminal and the Cargo Terminal. It offers a wide range of passenger services, including duty-free shops, restaurants, cafés, car rental services, currency exchange counters, VIP lounges, and customer service facilities.

Transportation: The airport is well-connected to San José and other major cities in Costa Rica through various ground transportation options, such as taxis, buses, and shared shuttle services. Car rental services are also available at the airport.

Parking: Parking facilities are available for short and long-term stays, as well as valet parking and designated parking for persons with disabilities.

Security and Immigration: The airport maintains strict security and immigration controls to ensure passenger safety and compliance with international regulations.

Flight Schedules: Flight schedules may vary, so passengers are advised to check flight information with their airline or through the airport’s website before traveling.

Special Services: The airport provides special services for passengers with special needs, including wheelchair access, adapted restrooms, and personalized assistance.

Always remember to check for updates and current regulations at Juan Santamaría International Airport before your trip for a seamless experience.

Juan Santamaría International Airport was once the busiest airport in Central America, but is currently second after Tocumen International Airport in Panama. In 2022, Juan Santamaría International Airport received 5 million passengers (international and domestic).

Ground transportation

The road access to the airport is on an exit at Route 1, and near the exit to Alajuela. There is a parking area with surcharge, plus a bus stop with plenty of services to San Jose downtown (with no exact schedule but with 24-hour bus service and approximately one service every 10 minutes during working hours). Licensed taxis are available in the airport and will generally accept both colónes and U.S. dollars, but not other currencies.

Costa Rican taxis are red with yellow triangles on the doors, ubiquitous all over the country, plus there is a special airport taxi service that is licensed and employs orange taxis. While the rail line linking downtown Alajuela with San José’s Atlantic Station passes in close proximity to the airport, there is no station serving the airport and no rail service of any kind to the airport.

Visit de official website https://sjoairport.com/

Quote your private shuttle service

Shuttle Costa Rica is the nation’s leading Transportation Company, airport shuttle service, providing door-to-door ground transportation to more than 20 destinations.