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San José Juan Santamaría Layover Guide (SJO)

What are you looking for in SJO?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

San José Airport (SJO) is an international airport located in Alajuela, Costa Rica. It’s situated about 20 km (12 miles) from downtown San José. The airport officially opened in 1958. San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, known for its vibrant culture and growing economy. The city offers a mix of historical sites, lush nature, and exciting outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for travelers.

Can you leave San José Airport (SJO) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You may exit San José’s Juan Santamaría Airport during a layover if you clear immigration, retrieve and re-check luggage, and allow transit time. Visa requirements mirror tourist entry: nationals of 95 exempt countries receive admission; travellers from other nations must secure a Costa Rican transit or tourist visa before arrival. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Museo Nacional de Costa Rica Discover Costa Rica’s rich history through diverse archaeological, cultural, and biodiversity exhibits housed in a historic fortress with panoramic courtyard views of the city. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min; public bus 45 min)
• Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica Admire exquisite neoclassical architecture and ornately decorated interiors on a guided tour, enjoying live music performances or self-guided exploration of this iconic cultural landmark. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 25 min; Uber 20 min)
• Mercado Central Immerse yourself in vibrant local life sampling traditional Costa Rican snacks, fresh exotic fruits, handcrafted souvenirs, and local coffee at bustling stalls amid lively market ambience. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min; bus 45 min)
• Parque La Sabana Stroll lush tree-lined paths around a scenic artificial lake, observe locals playing soccer or rollerblading, visit nearby art museums, and enjoy peaceful greenery in San José’s urban oasis. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min; bus 35 min)
• Museo del Jade Explore the world’s largest collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts, intricately carved statues and ceremonial objects accompanied by informative displays revealing ancient indigenous craftsmanship. Official site. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min; bus 40 min)
• Museo de Oro Precolombino Delve into dazzling displays of gold jewelry, funerary masks, and ornamental objects beneath Plaza de la Cultura, learning about the symbolic importance of metalwork in pre-Columbian societies. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min; bus 40 min)
• Barrio Amón Wander this historic neighborhood featuring beautifully restored Victorian mansions, vibrant street art, quaint cafés, and boutique galleries showcasing local artisans amid charming tree-lined avenues. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min; Uber 18 min)
• Café Britt Tour Embark on a guided coffee plantation tour to learn about sustainable farming, handpick ripe beans, observe roasting processes, and enjoy freshly brewed Costa Rican coffee tastings. Official site. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 30 min)

Things to Do in San José Airport (SJO)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
SJO features three VIP lounges on the upper level near gates 5 and 19, offering complimentary meals, snacks, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, national magazines, newspapers, high-speed Wi-Fi, cable TV, shower service, and work areas with panoramic runway views. Access via airline partnerships, select credit cards, Priority Pass or day pass. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels within a five-minute drive include Courtyard by Marriott, Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn & Suites, offering comfortable rooms, airport shuttles, onsite dining and business facilities. Reservations recommended; some properties offer 24-hour front desk and day rooms for transit passengers requiring short overnight stays near the airport. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
While SJO lacks dedicated sleeping pods or rest zones, seating near gates and corners offer spots to rest. Benches do not recline; bring travel pillows and a blanket. Boarding areas fill quickly; consider earplugs and eye masks. Maintain awareness of PA announcements and overnight security patrols. Low subdued lighting levels.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free internet is available throughout both terminals via the “SJO Free WiFi” network. Simply select the network—no password required—to access high-speed connectivity in lounges, gates, shops and dining areas. Energy points with power outlets for device charging are located in boarding lounges. Sessions can be renewed smoothly as needed.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM cards from local operators Kolbi, Claro and Movistar are available at kiosks in the arrivals hall. Plans include data packages from 1 GB to 10 GB, with prices starting around $5. eSIM profiles may be purchased online via operator apps before arrival for immediate activation upon landing. Valid for 30 days. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: The official Orange Taxi stands are located outside both terminals, offering licensed, air-conditioned vehicles with professional drivers. Fares to downtown San José are fixed by zone; additional rates apply for luggage and night service. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber operate from the airport, with designated pickup areas on the curb.

Train: There is no direct rail link at SJO; the nearest station is Pavas Incofer, about 12 km away. Taxis or buses connect passengers to the Interurbano Line, which runs every 20 minutes during peak hours for service to downtown San José. Service operates daily from 05:00 to 21:00. more info

Bus: Public buses depart outside the arrivals hall, offering direct service to San José’s downtown district for around ¢230. Lines 1 and 5 run every 15–30 minutes from 05:00 to 22:00 daily. Tickets are purchased onboard. Onboard luggage racks and air conditioning ensure comfort; wheelchair boarding available upon request. more info

Shuttle: Shared shuttle services operate between SJO and major hotels and coastal destinations. Many companies offer door-to-door transfers with pre-booking online; vehicles are air-conditioned and seat up to 10 passengers. Fares vary by operator and route. Pickup and drop-off points are located outside both terminals near the taxi stands. Confirmation essential.

Car rentals: Multiple international and local car rental agencies, including Avis, Hertz, Alamo and Budget, maintain counters in the arrivals hall. Vehicles must be reserved in advance; drivers need a valid license, passport and credit card. Insurance and unlimited mileage options are available. Pickup and drop-off occur directly at the terminal. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: SJO offers covered short-term and outdoor long-term parking lots conveniently adjacent to the terminals, monitored year-round by 24-hour security and CCTV. Rates start at ¢200 per hour for short stays and ¢2,000 per day for long-term; monthly rates are available. Payment accepted by cash or credit card at exit booths.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Juan Santamaría Airport currently does not provide luggage storage or lockers on-site. Travelers must rely on licensed third-party off-airport storage services in Alajuela or coordinate with nearby hotels for temporary baggage holding. Authorized porters can assist with carrying bags, but there is no secure short-term storage facility within the terminal. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- San José Airport (SJO) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks