Juan Santamaría International Airport

Welcome

At Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), you might feel more like you're stepping into a jungle gateway than a large airport hub. Located 20 km northwest of downtown San José, this airport is where hiking boots and surfboards outnumber business suits. It handles over 5.3 million passengers annually, with terminals brimming with last-chance opportunities to buy local coffee, chocolate, and craft beer. Despite its modest size, SJO’s security can be unexpectedly stringent, and the variety of souvenir shopping may deplete your colones faster than expected.

At a glance

SJO is smaller compared to other international hubs, which often makes navigating it a relatively quick experience. However, the airport becomes incredibly lively given its mix of airlines, including Avianca Costa Rica, American Airlines, Copa Airlines, JetBlue, and Southwest Airlines. It has two runways and two terminals — Terminal A and Terminal B — with a total of three gates between them. Those exploring Costa Rica's treasures will appreciate the authentic selections available in its 14 restaurants and numerous souvenir shops.

Terminals & layout

SJO’s terminals are straightforward: Terminal A caters to international flights for airlines such as Avianca Costa Rica and American Airlines and boasts two gates. Terminal B handles JetBlue and Southwest flights with just one gate, keeping things compact. Despite its size, be prepared for thorough security checks. Frequent travelers point out spikes in lines, particularly during the 5–8 a.m. departure bank, necessitating early arrival.

Getting to and from the city

The airport’s proximity to San José, just 20 km away, can be both a blessing and a curse depending on traffic, especially during rush hours (7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.). Many opt for airport-hotel shuttles situated in Alajuela to avoid traffic jams. For those continuing on domestic flights, remember that the domestic terminal is a separate building, about a five-minute walk from the main international terminal, requiring a bit of extra time to navigate.

Traveller essentials

SJO might not have its own parking facilities, but with 23 shops and several eateries, you’ll find plenty to explore before flight departures. Security checks can consume a significant amount of time, especially during peak hours, so plan accordingly. Also, upon arrival, immigration can be unpredictable, ranging from swift to drawn-out, sometimes taking over an hour during busy times.

Dining & shopping highlights

Food at SJO ranges from fast to fancy. Restaurants like Malinche near gates 10–11 and 45 Gastro Pub near gates 1–2 offer more leisurely dining experiences, perfect for those keen on savoring a meal over a beer. For coffee fans, the deeper concourse hosts Britt Café hotspots with a promising selection of single-origin beans worth exploring. Shops such as BRITT SHOP and CASA TICA provide unique local souvenirs bound to keep you browsing.

Lounges

SJOs lounges include the BAC Credomatic and VIP Santamaría, both priced at $33.90, along with the VIP Lounge costing $39.55, all located in Terminal A. However, reviews suggest they might fall short of expectations during peak times, often being crowded with limited amenities compared to other international business lounges.

Insider tips

• Time: Arrive 3 hours early for morning international flights (5–8 a.m.) as lines can stretch painfully long through the main hall.
• Local: Skip the tourist shops for regular groceries at the mini market near gates 5–7 for snacks and essentials at more reasonable prices.
• Quiet: For a calm coffee break, head deeper into the terminal where Britt Cafés offer less crowded spaces and more bean varieties.
• Avoid: Try to sidestep arrival immigration bottlenecks by scheduling your shuttle pickup at least 1.5 hours post-landing.
• Insider: Near gates 1–2, 45 Gastro Pub offers a more relaxed lounging spot with full meals compared to the central busy food court.
• Time: If connecting to a domestic flight, budget around 30–40 minutes to move between international and domestic terminals, especially during rain.
• Money: Prices for duty-free liquor and coffee are competitive with city supermarkets, so you won't be leaving empty-handed even if you didn’t shop in town.