SAN JOSÉ AIRPORT (SJO) INFORMATION

Juan Santamaria International Airport (Spanish: Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaria) (IATA: SJO, ICAO: MROC) serves San José, Costa Rica's capital.

The airport is located in Alajuela, 20 kilometers (12 miles) west of downtown San José. It is named after Juan Santamaria, a drummer boy who died defending his country against forces led by American filibuster William Walker in 1856.

Sansa Airlines, Avianca Costa Rica, Costa Rica Green Airways, and Volaris Costa Rica use the airport as a hub, and Copa Airlines operates it as a focus city. Costa Rica has two international airports, one in San Jose.

Juan Santamaría International Airport was ranked second after Tocumen International Airport in Panamá as the busiest airport in Central America.

SJO was recognized in the Airport Service Quality Awards by Airports Council International as the 3rd Best Airport in Latin America - the Caribbean.

Internationally, Avianca, and all their branches, followed by Copa Airlines, use the Main Terminal (M). Domestically, Sansa Airlines and their flights depart from the Domestic Terminal (D).

American Airlines and JetBlue are the most prominent US airlines at the airport by the number of destinations served all year. Iberia is the only European airline that flies daily between Europe and San José from its base at Madrid airport.

The airport is currently being expanded on the south side, nearly doubling the size of the current structure. This is due to the many tourists visiting Costa Rica each year.

History of Juan Santamaría International Airport

SJO was built to replace the previous one in downtown San Jose, now known as Parque La Sabana.

The government secured funding in 1951, and construction proceeded until it was officially inaugurated on May 2, 1958. It was initially named Aeropuerto Internacional el Coco after its location in the province of Alajuela.

It was later renamed Juan Santamaria Boulevard. The highway's funding for connecting the airport to downtown San José was secured in 1961.

San José airport in Costa Rica now has two terminal buildings: Terminal M (main terminal), also known as the international building, and Terminal D (domestic terminal), which is exclusively dedicated to Sansa flights.

The international terminal at Juan Santamaria Airport is divided into three levels, each housing the arrivals zone, departures area, and VIP lounges.

Transfer Services at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Juan Santamaría International Airport has numerous options for getting away from the airport. You can take a taxi, rideshare, bus, or car rentals.

The airport's road access is located near the Alajuela exit on Route 1. There is a fee-based parking area and a bus stop with frequent service to downtown San Jose with no exact schedule but with 24-hours bus service and approximately one service every 10 minutes during working hours.

Taxis are present at the airport and generally accept colones and US dollars, but no other currencies.

Please contact them to reserve a vehicle or for more information via their official phone numbers or email address only.

Rental Car Service at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Numerous car rental firms, including some of the biggest names like Hertz and Dollar, are situated within the airport's grounds. A person who holds a sign with your name on it should be waiting for you outside the terminal if you have made the necessary arrangements.

You have a few choices if you rent a car in Costa Rica and want to return it. You can return the vehicle to the rental company. You may also return the car to the hotel where you are staying the night before departure. Lastly, you may leave your car in the airport's short-term parking lot.

Please don't forget to check with your rental car company to ensure that these will work for them.

You can simply make a reservation through their official phone number or approach their counter at the airport. See and compare all rental car companies at Juan Santamaria International Airport.

The rental fee depends on the vehicle and car rental agency. Rental Car providers are open from 5 am to 11 pm.

Rideshares​ at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Rideshares are available outside of the airport. It can be found in the parking lot and at the bus stop near SJO.

If you have a lot of baggage, be ready for people to offer to help you in substituting for a tip.

Taxis at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Taxi service to any place in Costa Rica is available 24 hours a day at the Juan Santamaria International Airport.

Authorized businesses follow all legal operating regulations and have insurance policies that protect the user. Its vehicles, which are cars, are in excellent mechanical condition and are serviced regularly and adequately.

The taxi units at Juan Santamaria International Airport are orange in color; each one is numbered and has the company logo on the side doors.

Costa Rican State regulates the rates for the services provided, and each unit has a taximeter that displays the amount to be paid. See more information about taxis at Juan Santamaria International Airport.

The service can be contacted at the Terminal building after customs, where representatives from authorized taxi companies will offer transportation from the airport to any location in Costa Rica.

You can also book a service by contacting each company directly.

You can buy your official ticket right before you leave the airport. This is the most secure option for taxis.

Trains at Juan Santamaría International Airport

The airport has no station or rail service, even though the rail line connecting downtown Alajuela to San José's Atlantic Station is close to the airport. More information about train services near Juan Santamaria International Airport.

Buses at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Traveling by bus at SJO follows the same route as taking the public line Montezuma-San José from the airport. The trip takes about 20 minutes, and one-way tickets are less than $1.

Buses and shuttle services to Puntarenas, Guanacaste, and other Costa Rican destinations are also available from the airport and downtown San José. More information about buses to and from Juan Santamaria International Airport.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Shared shuttles from nearby hotels are to the right as you exit the airport. You'll walk about 75 feet to your request, and the buses will stop directly in front of the cafe.

You can make a reservation and ask the hotel staff about the many lodging options, including hotels, guest rooms, and other information.

Parking Services at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Juan Santamaria International Airport has parking for 400 vehicles on two levels and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The parking space is adjacent to the Terminal Building, allowing you to walk from one point to another in minutes. See more information about short and long term parking at Juan Santamaria International Airport.

The airport has two parking spaces. The upper level (without a roof) is for departing passengers, while the lower level (under a roof) is for arriving passengers.

Other Services at Juan Santamaría International Airport

WiFi at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Passengers passing SJO can use the free WiFi connection for a limited time (3 hours), even in the public landside zone or the restricted airside area.

WiFi Premium is a network with increased bandwidth, and Courtesy networks for specific clients of sponsoring companies are also available.

ATMs at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Juan Santamaria International Airport has Automated Teller Machines. In the arrivals zone, BAC San José and Scotiabank ATMs are open 24 hours a day to allow you to withdraw your colones.

Currency Exchange at Juan Santamaría International Airport

There is a currency exchange counter available at the Juan Santamaría International Airport. It is Global Exchange, and you can find it in the Lobby of the terminal.

Nursing Stations at Juan Santamaría International Airport

SJO provides a baby washroom for traveling mothers. Mother's milk and infant bottles are also only allowed in the quantities required for the flight. The Liquid law may lead to additional assessments.

Before boarding, food for babies or young children must be stored apart in a transparent bag that has been sealed.

Restrooms at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Restrooms are located on all levels of Juan Santamaría International Airport. You may also approach the Information Desk for directions and more information.

Food and Beverages at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Juan Santamaría International Airport has many restaurants where you can eat while waiting at the airport.

Most eateries in Juan Santamaría airport of Costa Rica are found in the Departures area after security.

You can find cafes in Gates 5,8, 10, and the Lobby of SJO. Restaurants are located in Gates 10 and 19-20.

Shopping at Juan Santamaría International Airport

JSO has shopping centers on all levels of the terminal. All levels of Juan Santamaria International Airport have shopping centers. While you wait for your flight schedules, you can visit various stores. Mac is one of them, whoops! As well as other Costa Rican stores. The shops are open the whole day, seven days a week.

Smoking at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Passengers can not smoke inside Juan Santamaria Airport as smoking inside the airport is prohibited.

Lost and Found Section at Juan Santamaría International Airport

For lost items at Juan Santamaría International Airport, please contact Aeris Operations and Security Office at (305) 2437-2610, which is functional from Monday-Friday, 8 am to 4:00 pm.

Ticketing Services at Juan Santamaría International Airport

The ticket counters of the airport for each airline open at 5 am and close at 4 pm from Monday to Sunday.

There are specific check-in schedules for different flights: Flight 358 starts 5:30 am – 7:30 am, Flight 1774 starts 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm, and Flight 1922 every Saturday starts 11:30 pm-1:55 pm.

Juan Santamaría International Airport serves 32 airlines, including Alaska Airlines, Aeroméxico, Air Transat, Delta Air Lines, and Spirit Airlines.

You can find the ticket counters in the Main Terminal of SJO.

Information Desk at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Juan Santamaría International Airport has an Information Desk open every day. Fill out the form or email suggestions@aeris.cr with any recommendations or grievances.

For confidential complaints concerning AERIS personnel or third parties acting on its behalf that violate the company's internal policies or the laws in effect in the country: Use the confidential route or by contacting +599-9-788- 9931.

Pet Relief at Juan Santamaría International Airport

There is a pet relief area at Juan Santamaría International Airport. As you exit the terminal, turn to the left, about 50 yards away.

There is also a water faucet on the left side of the grassy area and against the fence. You can fill your dog’s water bowl there too.

Baggage Claim at Juan Santamaría International Airport

The Baggage Claim Area is on the terminal's ground level. There are four baggage claim areas, and your bags will generally arrive quickly. If you have not collected your baggage upon arrival, you must notify your airline, which will help you locate it.

Juan Santamaría International Airport operates from 3:00 am to 6:00 pm on a continuous day every day of the week.

Disabled Passengers at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Juan Santamaría International Airport offers wheelchair rentals, equipment, and services for physically challenged passengers, including elevators and escalators.

Please remember to request the service 48 hours before you want to visit SJO.

Juan Santamaría International Airport Contacts

Address: XQXW+43V, Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica

General Phone: +506 2437 2400

Email: suggestions@aeris.cr

Lost and Found Phone: +305 2437 -2610

Information Desk Phone: +599 9 788 9931

Official website: https://sjoairport.com/

Local Information

Drive on: Right

Electricity: 120V/60Hz

Plug: A, B

Currency: Colones, CRC, ₡

WiFi at Airport: Free WiFi service for 3 hours is available in the entire terminal.