San Jose Costa Rica Airport SJO - Central America Airports

Juan Santamaria International Airport (IATA: SJO, ICAO: MROC), also known as Costa Rica Airport, San Jose Costa Rica Airport, Costa Rica Airport San Jose, or SJO Airport, is the main gateway for international and domestic flights in Costa Rica. It was named after Costa Rican national hero Juan Santamaria; this airport is a bustling hub that welcomes millions of passengers annually. The Juan Santamaria International Airport offers a smooth, comfortable travel experience with world-class facilities and exceptional services.

Airport code

The IATA code SJO and the ICAO code MROC identify the San Jose airport in Costa Rica. These codes are crucial for air traffic control, airlines, and passengers to recognize and navigate easily this airport.

Location

SJO Airport is located in the Alajuela Province of Costa Rica, serving as the primary gateway to the country’s capital, San José, and its surrounding regions. The address is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) Ruta Nacional 1, Alajuela Province Alajuela, Costa Rica.

Skytrax certified ratings

Juan Santamaria International Airport is certified as a Skytrax 3-Star Regional Airport for facilities, comfort, cleanliness, shopping, food & beverages, staff service, and security/immigration.

Terminals

SJO comprises a single terminal building that houses international and domestic flight operations.

Airlines and destinations

Aeromexico: with flights to/from Mexico City (MEX)
American Airlines: with flights to/from Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Miami (MIA)
Alaska Airlines: with flights to/from Los Angeles (LAX)
Arajet: with flights to/from Santo Domingo (SDQ)
Avianca: with flights to/from Bogota (BOG), Cartagena (CTG), Guatemala City (GUA), El Salvador (SAL), Quito (UIO), Washington, D.C. (IAD)
Copa Airlines: with flights to/from Guatemala City (GUA), Managua (MGA), Panama City (PTY)
Delta Airlines: with flights to/from Atlanta (ATL)
Edelweiss: with flights to/from Zurich (ZRH)
Frontier Airlines: with flights to/from Miami (MIA)
Iberia: with flights to/from Madrid (MAD)
Iberojet: with flights to/from Madrid (MAD)
Jetblue: with flights to/from Orlando (MCO)
LATAM: with flights to/from Lima (LIM)
Lufthansa: with flights to/from Frankfurt (FRA)
Wingo: with flights to/from Bogota (BOG)
Volaris: with flights to/from Cancun (CUN), Lima (LIM), Mexico City (MEX), New York (JFK)
Southwest Airlines: with flights to/from Houston (HOU)
Spirit Airlines: with flights to/from Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Orlando (MCO)
United Airlines: with flights to/from Houston (IAH), New Jersey (EWR)

Arrivals

Costa Rica entry requirements

Passport: valid passport or travel document. Only machine-readable passports or travel documents will be accepted following the guidelines established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and with the validity determined by these guidelines. The minimum validity of the passport will correspond to the group in which the person is located, according to the entry directive to Costa Rica. Follow the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería guidelines.
Visa: when required. Follow the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería guidelines.
Proof of economic solvency: with a minimum of USD 100.00 (one hundred US dollars) per month or a fraction of a month of legal stay in the country.
Return ticket: ticket or passage to the country of origin or continuation of the trip or the navigation plan in which the destination port is stated.
Vaccinations: Yellow fever, if the passenger has visited certain countries in Africa or South America
Impediments: do not have an impediment to entering the national territory.
Entry and Exit for Minor Children:  In Costa Rica, all children born within its borders automatically gain Costa Rican citizenship. Consequently, they are required to obtain an exit permit from immigration authorities when leaving the country. Additionally, non-Costa Rican minor children residing in Costa Rica as regular residents may need to adhere to this regulation. The authorities rigorously enforce this rule.

Departures

Baggage services

Secure Wrap is the world leader in passenger baggage protection services, specializing in checked baggage security. Services provided: baggage wrapping, re-wrapping, weighing, tracking, accessories and other. Business hours are from 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. Customer service 24/7 by telephone at (305) 423-0164, toll-free at 1 (866) 598-4264, by email at [email protected], or https://www.securewrap.com/.

Check-in

It’s recommended to arrive at the airport in plenty of time before the flight, as there may be long lines and security checks to complete. For international flights, check-in time is often 2-3 hours before departure, while for domestic flights, it’s usually 1-2 hours before departure. Remember that check-in times may differ for different airlines, so it’s essential to check with your carrier to confirm the check-in time for your flight.

Costa Rica exit requirements

Passport: valid passport or travel document.
Boarding pass
Entry and Exit for Minor Children:  In Costa Rica, all children born within its borders automatically gain Costa Rican citizenship. Consequently, they are required to obtain an exit permit from immigration authorities when leaving the country. Additionally, non-Costa Rican minor children residing in Costa Rica as regular residents may need to adhere to this regulation. The authorities rigorously enforce this rule.

Departure tax

The charge for departure tax from Costa Rican territory by air (US$29 or its equivalent in colones) applies to all passengers. Here’s a list of airlines whose tax is included in the cost of the air ticket: Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France, Air Panama, Alaskan Airlines, American Airlines, Avianca, British Airways, Copa Airlines, Delta Airlines, Edelweiss, Iberia, JetBlue, KLM, Lufthansa, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, Volaris.
If the airline you are traveling with is not on the above list, the tax must be paid at the International Terminal before check-in. Payment can be made in colones, dollars, credit, and/or debit cards.

VIP Lounges

There are three lounges available at the airport:

VIP Lounge BAC Credomatic

Eligibility: exclusive for BAC Credomatic American Express, Mastercard, or Visa Black/Platinum cardholders. More details here.
Hours of operation: Monday through Sunday from 4:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Services and facilities: Rest rooms, unlimited free food and drinks, workspaces, meeting room, Wi-Fi access, playroom for children, nursery room, tarmac views

VIP Lounge Costa Rica

Santamaria VIP

Shopping and duty free

Duty Free: IMAS Duty-Free
Souvenir shops: Casa Tica, Vida Pura, Tienda Morpho Britt Costa Rica, Terra Tica, Green Trails, Colibri, Terra Tica
Stores: MAC, Whoops,
Tech accessories: Plug In

Restaurants, bars, and coffee shops

Restaurants: EL PATIO BY MTR, Malinche Restaurante, Brioche Doree
Bars: Imperial, Bar 45° Gastropub
Coffee: Starbucks Coffee, Britt Cafe Bakery, Cafe Lavazza
Desserts: Kiosko

Internet access

Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible at SJO Airport via the “Free SJO Wi-Fi by Samsung” network. This free connection provides up to 3 hours of access and may include occasional advertisements. If you prefer an ad-free experience with faster speeds, consider upgrading to the premium service, “Premium Wi-Fi by Sitsifi.”

Banking

Currency exchange: Global Exchange Casa de Cambio S. A., with operations 24/7 in four locations at the airport: Main terminal Lobby, Gates, Baggage Claim, and domestic flights terminal.
ATM: Main terminal Lobby, Gate 4
Offices: BAC San Jose Branch, main terminal Lobby, daily business hours from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Ground Transportation

Ride Apps

Uber: is the only taxi app available in Costa Rica at the moment, and it can be used to go to and from the SJO Airport.

Airport Shuttle

I Love Travel Costa Rica: Reservations are available at https://iltcostarica.com/.
SJO Shuttle: in service since 2003, offering town BUS, SUV, and MiniVAN service; 14-55 passenger bus charters and group services. Reservations are available at WhatsApp (506) 6286-1968 or https://sjoshuttle.com/.

Taxis

COOPETRANSTURA Taxi SJO Airport: official taxis at Juan Santamaría International Airport, orange-colored vehicles. Offering passenger transportation services to and from the airport 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with a wide fleet of vehicle options, including sedans, hybrid vehicles, minibusses, and units for passengers with special mobility needs. Drivers are bilingual and trained in interpersonal skills and tourist information. Known for punctuality and for providing personalized attention to passengers. Reservations are available through telephone at (506) 2440-4444 and (506) 2440-3113, or at www.officialairportsjotaxi.com
Gorila Taxi Aeropuerto: taxis with new units (sedans and microbuses), air conditioning, professional drivers, free WiFi, and complimentary water bottles. Reservations are available by telephone at (506) 8888-0745, WhatsApp (506) 8888-0745, email [email protected], or www.gorilataxi.com.
Airport Taxi Safe Service (CARBONO NEUTRO): providing the passenger with security and excellent customer service, ensuring a first-class experience while being Carbon Neutral. A 24/7 reservation service allows you to request a taxi service to any destination in the country at any time, with responsibility and punctuality. Reservations are available by telephone at (506) 8897-0739, email at [email protected], or www.ecogo.cr.
TAXICAB: offering 24/7 service from Juan Santamaria International Airport to any part of Costa Rica. Official exclusive public transportation concessionaires of the SJO airport and its domestic terminal. Safe, comfortable, reliable, and high-quality transportation service at a very reasonable cost to any destination. Vehicles are orange, with vehicles to meet all needs and 100% bilingual staff. Reservations are available by telephone (506) 2524-5456, Whatsapp (506) 8366-4988, email at [email protected], or at www.taxicabsjo.com
Taxis Unidos: is a 100% Costa Rican company providing official taxi services since 1975. Offering safety and excellent customer service, guaranteeing a first-class experience. 24/7 reservation service allows you to request taxi service to any destination in the country at any time, with responsibility and punctuality. Reservations are available by telephone at (506) 2221-6865, (506) 2222-6865, Whatsapp at (506) 8479-5353, email at [email protected], or www.taxiaeropuerto.com.
Orange Taxi: the official Orange Taxi service at the SJO International Airport. Offering transportation from and to the international airport at any time to any destination. Licensed, secure, and insured personal transport option to your touristic or business destination. Offering various vehicles from Sedan and microbuses up to special Microbus for reduced mobility. All vehicles are air-conditioned for your convenience. Units are orange with a green-orange taxi logo on the front doors. Reservations are available by WhatsApp (506) 8475-8585 or www.orangetaxisa.com.

Rental Car

Hertz / Firefly: business hours 5:00 am to 11:00 pm, telephone (506) 2221-1818, (506) 2258-4343, (506) 2430-7707, website http://www.hertzcostarica.com
Enterprise: business hours 5:00 am to 11:00 pm, telephone (506) 2242-7700, website http://www.alamocostarica.com
Alamo: business hours 5:00 am to 11:00 pm, telephone (506) 2242-7700, website http://www.alamocostarica.com
National: business hours 5:00 am to 11:00 pm, telephone (506) 2242-7700, website http://www.alamocostarica.com
Dollar: business hours 5:00 am to 11:00 pm, telephone (506) 2443-2078, website http://www.dollarcostarica.com
Economy Rent a Car: business hours 5:00 am to 11:00 pm
Solid / Nü Car Rental: telephone (506) 2442-6000, (506) 2442-9000, website http://www.solidcarrental.com

Parking

Open 24/7, accepting US Dollars and Colones. Telephone (506) 2437-2627.

Hotels near the airport

Here, you can find the approximate distance and driving times to and from several hotels close to the airport:

Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela: < 1 mile, 5 minutes
Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport: < 1 mile, 5 minutes
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton San Jose Airport: < 1 mile, 5 minutes
Trapp Family Country Inn: 1.5 miles, 10 minutes
DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari – San Jose, Costa Rica: 2 miles, 10 minutes
Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center: 3 miles, 15 minutes
Aloft San Jose Hotel: 3 miles, 15 minutes
Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen: 3.5 miles, 20 minutes

Other airports in Costa Rica

Tobías Bolaños International Airport / Pavas Airport: 10 miles, 30 minutes driving time.
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport / Liberia International Airport / Guanacaste Airport: 130 miles, 3 hours 26 minutes driving time.

SJO Airport passenger statistics

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Jaco from San Jose Costa Rica Airport?

Jaco is located about 53-56 miles southwest of Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela near San José, Costa Rica. Depending on the mode of transportation and traffic conditions, the drive from the airport to Jaco typically takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours via the Route 27 highway (Autopista José María Castro Madriz). This coastal town is a popular destination for locals and tourists due to its beaches, surfing, and vibrant nightlife.

How far is Arenal from San Jose Costa Rica Airport?

With its famed Arenal Volcano and surrounding attractions, Arenal is located approximately 75 miles northwest of Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela, Costa Rica. The driving distance between the two points, usually taken via Route 702 through San Ramón, is roughly 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on road conditions, traffic, and the specific destination in the Arenal area. The scenic journey often gives travelers glimpses of Costa Rica's diverse landscapes, from lush valleys to mountainous terrains.

How far is Guanacaste from San Jose Costa Rica Airport?

Guanacaste is a large province northwest of Costa Rica, so the distance from Juan Santamaría International Airport (located in Alajuela near San José) to various parts of Guanacaste can vary significantly.

If we consider the southernmost part of Guanacaste, near the border with the Puntarenas province, the distance is roughly 93 miles and can take around 2 to 3 hours by car. However, if you're traveling to the city of Liberia, which is more central in Guanacaste and where the region's main airport (Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport) is located, the distance is approximately 130 miles with a driving time of 3 to 4 hours. The journey can take even longer if heading to the northern beaches or further north in Guanacaste.

Technical information

Airport Name: Juan Santamaria International Airport
Other unofficial airport names used: SJO Airport, Costa Rica Airport, Costa Rica International Airport,
Central Standard Time
Time zone in Costa Rica (GMT-6)
Airport Code: SJO
Location: Juan Santamaría Intl, Alajuela, Costa Rica
Phone numbers: (506) 24372400, (506) 22427131
Operating hours: 24/7
Operator: Aeris Holding Costa Rica, S.A
Official website: https://sjoairport.com/
Coordinates: 095938.0512N 0841231.8819W
Elevation: 3,048 feet
Landing strip length: 3,011 meters (9878.609 feet)
Runways: 07/25