San José airport (SJO)

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), opened on May 2, 1958, is Costa Rica's main airport and a strategic hub for connectivity in Central America. Recognized with the ASQ Customer Experience Award in 2025, this airport serves as a vital gateway for tourism and trade, offering direct connections to major international hubs across the Americas and Europe, including destinations such as Madrid, Frankfurt, Paris, London, Panama City, Bogotá, Lima, Mexico City, and numerous cities in the United States and Canada.

Official Website: sjoairport.com

Phone: +506 2437 2400

Flight Information: +506 2437 2616

WhatsApp: +506 7257 5627

Social Media:

Terminals

The airport operates 24 hours a day and is divided into two main structures:

• International Terminal (Terminal M): Handles all international flights and features modern boarding areas and immigration services.
• Domestic Terminal (Terminal D): Located west of the main terminal, this building is dedicated exclusively to domestic flights, facilitating travel to the country's various tourist destinations.

Annual passenger traffic (2025): 6.7 million passengers.

Information Desks

You can find general information and tourist assistance desks in the central lobby on the departures level (near Gate 8) and in the international arrivals area, opposite the immigration and customs area.

 Location

The airport is located in Alajuela, 20 km (12 miles) northwest of San José.

Parking services at San José airport (SJO)

The airport parking facility is located next to the terminal building, allowing passengers to reach the terminal on foot within a few minutes. It operates 24 hours a day and has approximately 400 parking spaces distributed across two levels:

• Upper level (uncovered): recommended for passengers heading to the departures area.
• Lower level (covered): recommended for passengers arriving at the airport.

Both levels have ramps, escalators, and an elevator to facilitate access for people with reduced mobility. The parking facility is equipped with a surveillance camera system to ensure the safety of users and their vehicles.

Rates and Payment Methods

The rate structure is designed for both short- and long-term stays. Parking is charged by the hour or by the full day (24 hours). Once a certain number of hours is reached, the daily rate is automatically applied, making it more economical for travelers who leave their vehicle for several days.

Payment methods: Payment is made at the electronic payment kiosks before retrieving the vehicle. Costa Rican colones, U.S. dollars, and credit or debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted.

Official rates: To check the latest rates, you can visit the parking section of the official website.

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Juan Santamaría Airport offers facilities and services designed to ensure accessibility and comfort for all passengers, including those with reduced mobility or special needs.

Infrastructure and Services

The airport's facilities include access ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and wheelchairs available to assist passengers who require them. The terminal is designed to facilitate the movement of people with reduced mobility.

Travel Recommendations

• Advance notification: It is essential to inform the airline of any special needs at least 48 hours in advance to ensure appropriate assistance throughout the journey, from check-in and boarding to arrival at the destination.
• Ground assistance: Passengers requiring assistance can request wheelchair service or assistance at the airport's information desks and checkpoints.

Fast Track Service

The airport has implemented the SJO Fast Track service, a priority access service designed to speed up passenger processing at immigration and customs checkpoints for both international departures and arrivals. This service can be purchased individually through the airport's official website and is particularly useful for passengers with special needs who wish to reduce their waiting times.

Service Animals

The airport and airlines operating at SJO allow guide dogs and service animals for people with visual or hearing impairments and other disabilities. It is recommended that you check the specific requirements with your airline before traveling, including any necessary documentation.