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SJO

Juan Santamaría International Airport

San José, Costa Rica

Where to start
Official orange airport taxi via the taxi representative right after customs

Juan Santamaría sits in Alajuela, about 20 km northwest of downtown San José. After customs, a taxi representative directs you to the official orange airport taxis. Uber operates with app-directed pickup. Costa Rica has two international airports — SJO and Liberia (LIR) in the northwest — so confirm which one you are flying into.

Ride Options

Official Airport Taxi (Orange)

taxi

Official airport taxi, no app needed

AvailabilityTaxi representative right after customs
Pickup NoteFollow the taxi representative to the official orange taxis.
Convenience
Relative costCost varies
Visit Website

Uber

rideshare

App ride with an app-directed pickup point

AvailabilityOperates at SJO
Pickup NoteFollow the pickup location shown in the app.
Convenience
Relative costCost varies
Visit Website

Public Bus

transit

Public bus connection to Alajuela and San José

AvailabilityListed on the airport's transportation page
Pickup NoteCheck current routes and times before travelling with luggage.
Convenience
Relative costCost varies
Visit Website

Pickup Guidance

Rideshare

Uber operates at SJO. Follow the pickup location shown in your app.

Taxi

Official orange airport taxis are reached through the taxi representative right after customs.

Shuttle

Hotel shuttles and pre-arranged transfers meet passengers outside arrivals.

Transit

The airport's own transportation page lists public buses serving Alajuela and San José terminals. Check current routes and times before relying on them with luggage.

Private Transfer

Pre-booked transfer drivers meet you outside arrivals with a name sign.

Travel Extras

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Local Tips

  • The airport is in Alajuela, about 20 km northwest of downtown San José.
  • A taxi representative right after customs directs you to the official orange airport taxis.
  • Costa Rica's second international airport is Liberia (LIR), serving the northwest.
  • Uber operates at SJO — follow the pickup location in your app.

Tarmyq local tip

Double-check your airport: Guanacaste beach resorts are usually closer to Liberia (LIR) than to SJO. At SJO, use only the orange airport taxis the representative directs you to.

Frequently asked questions

How far is SJO from San José?

About 20 km — the airport is in Alajuela, northwest of downtown San José.

Which taxis should I use?

The official orange airport taxis. A taxi representative right after customs will direct you.

Should I fly into SJO or Liberia?

It depends on your destination. Costa Rica has two international airports; Liberia (LIR) serves the northwest, including many Guanacaste beaches.