Juan Santamaria International Airport – Travel Guide
Your complete guide to getting from San Jose International Airport to Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Whether you want to visit Tamarindo, La Fortuna, Puntarenas, Playa Hermosa, Boca Tapada, or all of them, your flight to Costa Rica will probably land at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose – the capital city of Costa Rica. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about San Jose International Airport, including transportation options, airport facilities, and travel advice.
About Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
Juan Santamaria International Airport is the largest among the four international airports in the country. It's much bigger than Liberia International Airport in Guanacaste with greater passenger capacity, more airlines, and connections to more destinations across the globe. The airport was the only international airport in the country for many years until Liberia International Airport opened in 1995.
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The San Jose International Airport (SJO) is the busiest airport in the country as the majority of travelers coming to Costa Rica use this airport. It was once the busiest airport in Central America and is still the second busiest airport in Central America, handling a whopping 4.6 million passengers every year. Including domestic and international passengers, nearly 3.5 million travelers used the airport in 2021. Many visitors use this airport to reach our luxury villas in Tamarindo.
Juan Santamaria Airport features two terminals: one for domestic operations and one for international passenger flights. The domestic terminal handles passengers traveling within the country, while the international terminal has 20 gates. The airport's sole runway allows operations of large aircraft including Airbus A330, A340, and A350, and Boeing 747, 767, 777, and 787.
The airport was built and officially inaugurated in May 1958. It was first called "Aeropuerto Internacional el Coco" and was later renamed "Juan Santamaria International Airport" in honor of Juan Santamaría – one of the most popular figures in Latin America and the national hero of Costa Rica.
Airport Quick Details
- Airport Code
- SJO
- Opened
- 1958
- Annual Passengers
- 4.6M+
- Gates
- 20 International
Contact Information
- +506 2437-2400
- [email protected]
- Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica
- sjoairport.com
- Operator: Aeris Holdings Costa Rica (owned by Gov of Costa Rica)
Airlines Flying to Juan Santamaria International Airport
Major airlines fly directly to SJO from North America and Europe. If you're flying from Asia or Africa, you may need a connecting flight.
- American Airlines
- Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami
- Delta Air Lines
- Atlanta, Los Angeles
- United Airlines
- Houston–Intercontinental, Los Angeles, Newark
- JetBlue
- Fort Lauderdale, New York–JFK, Orlando
- Southwest Airlines
- Baltimore, Houston–Hobby
- Spirit Airlines
- Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando
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- Air Canada
- Montréal–Trudeau, Toronto–Pearson
- Air France
- Paris–Charles de Gaulle
- Alaska Airlines
- Los Angeles
- Copa Airlines
- Guatemala City, Panama City–Tocumen
- Volaris Costa Rica
- Bogotá, Cancún, Guatemala City, Lima, Mexico City, San Salvador, New York–JFK
- Aeroméxico
- Mexico City
Domestic Airlines & Destinations
- Sansa Airlines
- Costa Esmeralda, Coto 47, Drake Bay, Golfito, La Fortuna/San Carlos, Liberia, Limón, Nosara Beach, Palmar Sur, Pérez Zeledón, Puerto Jiménez, Quepos, Tamarindo, Tambor, Tortuguero
- Costa Rica Green Airways
- Quepos, Tambor
Seasonal Flights
How to get from Juan Santamaria Airport to Tamarindo
There isn't any subway system in San Jose, Costa Rica, but you have several transportation options to get to Tamarindo.
Public Bus
Cheapest option to get to Tamarindo
5-6 hours$7-11 per personTake a bus to Tamarindo via Liberia from bus terminals such as Pulmitam, 7-10, Terminal Atlantico Norte, and Terminal del Caribe. Alfaro runs buses at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Private Shuttle
Comfortable and stress-free transfer
5-6 hours$250-350 privateWe highly recommend private shuttles for a stress-free travel experience. Your driver will be waiting outside the terminal to pick you up.
Shared Shuttle
Comfortable shared ride option
5-6 hours$40-60 per personMore comfortable than public bus but less expensive than private shuttle. You need to find your way to your hotel after reaching Tamarindo.
Taxi
Direct taxi service to Tamarindo
5-6 hours$60-100 per rideA taxi from San Jose Airport to Tamarindo takes around 5-6 hours and charges $60-100 per ride.
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Car Rentals
Rent a car and drive yourself
4-5 hours$30-75/day + insuranceIf you have a valid driving license and proper driving skills, you can rent a car at the airport. The drive takes 3-4 hours from SJO to Tamarindo.
Domestic Flight
Quick flight to Tamarindo Airport
1 hour$100-300Take a short domestic flight to Tamarindo Airport which costs between $100-300 and takes about an hour.
What to Expect at Juan Santamaria International Airport
Juan Santamaria International Airport is clean and efficient, making both arrival and departure smooth. Although considered smaller than other major international airports, it has all essential facilities and services.
- Free WiFi throughout terminal
- Starbucks and cafe options
- Quiznos, Smashburger, and food court
- Ron Centenario Bar & Café
- Duty-free stores for watches, jewelry, perfume
- Souvenir shops
- Currency exchange counters
- Airport lounge ($28 access)
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- Disabled access facilities
- Costa Rican SIM card purchases
- ATMs at several locations
- Lost and found services
Airport Lounge Access
Best Places to Stay near Juan Santamaria International Airport
If you need to stay near the airport before your next flight or exploring San Jose, here are the recommended hotels close to SJO. For a more authentic experience, consider our luxury villas in Tamarindo.
Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport
Closest hotel to Juan Santamaria International Airport
Closest to airportAround $120 per nightAmenities:
- Restaurant
- Private parking
- Fitness center
- Bar
- Terrace
- 24-hour front desk
- Free WiFi
The closest hotel with excellent amenities and free WiFi
Holiday Inn Express San Jose Airport
Located just 1.5 km from the airport
1.5 km from airportAround $140 per nightAmenities:
- Free 24-hour airport shuttle
- Outdoor pool
- Gym
- Free Wi-Fi
- Breakfast buffet
- International restaurant
- Bar with live music
Includes breakfast and free airport shuttle service
Frequently Asked Questions about Juan Santamaria Airport
Where is Juan Santamaria International Airport situated?
Juan Santamaria International Airport is located in the city of Alajuela, 20 km (12 miles) west of downtown San Jose, Costa Rica, it's one of four international airports in the country, and the primary airport serving San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica.
What airport do you fly into to go to Tamarindo Costa Rica?
There are two airports you can fly into to get to Tamarindo. You can either fly to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose or Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. But you will be much closer to Tamarindo if you choose Liberia International Airport, You can drive to Tamarindo or get a car rental from both airports.
How long does it take to get from Juan Santamaria International Airport to Tamarindo?
The distance between San Jose Airport and Tamarindo is 247.2 km it takes about 5-6 hours to travel by bus and 3-4 hours in a car or shuttle. There are several options for transportation, you can either travel in public buses or private shuttles. You can also get a short flight to Tamarindo Airport which costs between $100 – 300 and takes about an hour.
How much is a taxi from San Jose Airport to Tamarindo?
A taxi from San Jose Airport to Tamarindo which takes around 5-6 hours charges $60 – $100 per ride. It's cheaper than a private shuttle or car rental but much more expensive than a bus.
Is it better to fly into San Jose or Liberia Costa Rica?
Both airports are great entry points in Costa Rica. But we highly recommend flying to Liberia International Airport – the closest airport to Tamarindo. And it's also up to you, you can pick the one best for you. If you are visiting places such as Paquera, Tambor, Montezuma, or Santa Teresa, look no further and choose (SJO) in San Jose. And because SJO has more airlines you can get a cheaper ticket and save some money as well