Juan Santamaría (SJO), Costa Rica's main international airport, is in Alajuela, about 20 km north-west of central San José. Most visitors land here and either head into the capital or straight on to the volcanoes and the coast.
Before you land
You need a passport and proof that you will leave the country: a return or onward ticket by air, by bus or on a cruise ship. Immigration can ask for it, and airlines often check it before you board.
Getting online
The terminal has free Wi-Fi. If you still need to add an eSIM, do it on the Wi-Fi: adding one from a QR code needs a connection. Once the eSIM is on your phone, turn its line on after landing and choose it for mobile data (switch it on after landing).
From the airport
Taxi. The official airport taxis are orange and marked "Taxi Aeropuerto". Take one from the rank outside arrivals. The ride to central San José takes 25 to 45 minutes, and longer at rush hour.
Bus. TUASA buses link the airport with San José and Alajuela, every few minutes from early morning to late evening. They are the cheapest way into town.
Good to know
- Time. Costa Rica is on UTC-6 all year, with no daylight saving time.
- Emergencies. Call 911, the national number for police, fire and ambulance.
