Arrival brief · San José SJO
SJO Arrival Guide: San José Airport to the City, Without the Traps
Costa Rica's main airport is in Alajuela, near San José, and the arrival is straightforward — use the official orange taxis or Uber, and if you're picking up a rental car, start the keep-it-empty discipline right away.
2026-08-23
What to expect after landing
Costa Rica’s main airport, Juan Santamaría (SJO), is in Alajuela, near San José (20–30 minutes to the city or the western suburbs). Arrival is straightforward, and the choice is the official orange taxis or Uber — avoid the unofficial ‘pirata’ cabs and any driver who approaches you. Many visitors pick up a rental car here to explore the country, in which case the keep-it-empty discipline starts now. Costa Rica uses the colón but takes US dollars widely; draw colones from a bank ATM for smaller spending.
Option 1 — Official orange taxi or Uber
The official orange airport taxis are the licensed airport service — metered or fixed-price, and the safe, simple choice. Uber operates widely in Costa Rica and fixes the price in advance; follow the app’s pickup rules and match the plate. Either is the easy door-to-door option to San José or Escazú.
Option 2 — Rental car (the way to explore)
The airport has the major rental agencies, and a car is the classic way to reach Costa Rica’s beaches and parks. Read the terms carefully (mandatory insurance and deposits can add up), and from the moment you drive off, never leave anything visible in the car — smash-and-grab is the country’s signature crime. Be alert to the flat-tire distraction near the airport.
What it looks like
The SJO cautions are the ‘pirata’ taxi (use official orange taxis or Uber) and, if you rent a car, the smash-and-grab and the flat-tire distraction. Keep the car empty, be wary of roadside “help”, and use official transport, and the arrival is easy.
Do this instead
Use the official orange taxis or Uber, not a ‘pirata’ cab or a driver who approached you. If you rent a car, read the terms, keep it empty with nothing visible, and drive on to a gas station before stopping for any flat soon after the airport. Draw colones from a bank ATM, carry some US dollars, and pura vida awaits.
Late-night arrivals
Official orange taxis and Uber run for arriving flights and are the answer late — a straightforward ride to San José or Escazú. If you’re collecting a rental car late, do the keep-it-empty setup before you drive off, and consider waiting until morning to start a long drive. Have your accommodation address ready and go straight there.
Quick answers
What's the best way from San José airport to the city?
Use the official orange airport taxis (the licensed airport taxi service, metered or fixed-price — the safe, straightforward choice) or Uber, which operates widely in Costa Rica. It's about 20–30 minutes to central San José or the western suburbs (Escazú) depending on traffic. Avoid the unofficial 'pirata' taxis and any driver who approaches you. Many visitors also pick up a rental car here to explore the country.
Should I rent a car at San José airport?
A rental car is the classic way to explore Costa Rica's beaches and national parks, and the airport has the major agencies. Two cautions: read the rental terms carefully (mandatory insurance, deposits, and fees can add up beyond the headline rate), and start the keep-it-empty discipline immediately — never leave anything visible in the car, as smash-and-grab break-ins are the country's signature property crime. Also be alert to the flat-tire distraction scam near the airport.
What is the flat-tire scam at San José airport?
A distraction robbery aimed at rental cars: your tire is punctured (sometimes deliberately near the airport), and when you stop, 'helpers' assist while an accomplice takes bags from the car. If you get a flat soon after leaving the airport, drive on to a populated, official place (a gas station) before stopping if you safely can, be wary of unsolicited roadside 'help', and keep the car locked with valuables out of sight and with you.
How do I handle money in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica uses the colón, but US dollars are widely accepted (you'll often get change in colones). Draw colones from a bank-branded ATM in the terminal (decline conversion) for smaller purchases, and carry some US dollars too. Cards are accepted at most hotels, tours, and restaurants. Keep cash low-profile, especially around the airport and downtown.