San Jose Santamaria Airport SJO Airport Traveler Guide

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

San Jose Airport provides convenient options for picking up and dropping off passengers. If you are picking up a passenger, you can use the curbside parking area located outside the main terminal. However, keep in mind that parking is not allowed in this area for more than a few minutes, and vehicles must be attended at all times. Unattended vehicles may be towed away by airport authorities.

If you need to wait for your arriving passenger, you can use the cell-phone waiting area located near the airport entrance. This area is free to use and provides a convenient place to wait while your passenger collects their luggage and clears customs. Once your passenger is ready, you can proceed to the curbside area for pick-up. Please note that parking is not allowed in the cell-phone waiting area, and vehicles must be attended at all times.

Parking Facilities & Options

SJO offers a variety of parking options to suit every traveler's needs. Parking is available at both the main terminal and off-airport locations.

The main terminal offers both covered and uncovered parking options, with easy access to the airport. There are also cell phone waiting areas available for those waiting for arriving passengers.

For those looking for more economical parking options, off-airport parking is available with shuttle service to the airport. This option is a great way to save money on parking fees while still ensuring a convenient and hassle-free airport experience.

Handicapped parking is available at both the main terminal and off-airport locations, with designated spaces located close to the terminal for easy access.

Transportation Options

The airport in Costa Rica offers a variety of ground transportation options to get you to your final destination:

• Car Rentals: Major car rental companies such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz are available at the airport. You can find their rental counters in the baggage claim area. It is advisable to book your rental car in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability.
• Taxis: Taxis are available outside the airport terminal, with a designated drop-off area in front of the terminal building. Fares are regulated by the government and based on the destination zone. Make sure to confirm the fare with the driver before getting in the taxi to avoid any misunderstandings.
• Ride-Share Services: Services like Uber and DiDi are available at the airport. The pickup area for these services is located in the parking lot across from the terminal building. Be aware that some restrictions may apply, such as the number of passengers and luggage allowed in these vehicles.
• Airport Shuttles: Airport shuttles are a convenient option for travelers staying at nearby hotels. The service is available 24/7 and can be booked in advance or upon arrival at the airport. The pickup area for airport shuttles is located outside the terminal building. Fares vary depending on the destination, so it's a good idea to check in advance.
• Public Transportation: Public buses are available outside the airport terminal, with the bus stop located across from the parking lot. The fare is affordable and varies depending on the destination. Buses provide a budget-friendly option for reaching various parts of the city and surrounding areas.

Airport Hotels

Are you in search of a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the airport? Our comprehensive list of Juan Santamaria Airport Hotels is here to assist you. Whether you're in transit, catching an early flight, or simply want to stay close to the airport, we've got you covered. From budget hostels to luxury accommodations, these hotels offer a variety of amenities to meet your travel needs. Several of these hotels are located within a short distance from the airport, making them ideal for air travelers. Some offer complimentary shuttle services, ensuring seamless transfers for guests. Others are situated near local attractions like the breathtaking Poas National Park and the Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium, perfect for travelers looking to explore the area. No matter what your preference, these hotels offer comfort, convenience, and easy access to your flight.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

The airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options to make your travel experience more enjoyable. If you're looking for a quick bite to eat before your flight, check out Burger King or Dunkin' Donuts, both located in the main terminal. For a sit-down meal, La Pampa Argentina serves up delicious steak and seafood dishes, while Café Britt offers a selection of Costa Rican coffee and light bites.

When it comes to shopping, there are plenty of options to choose from. If you need to pick up some last-minute souvenirs or gifts, head to Pura Vida or Britt Shop. For electronics and gadgets, visit iShop or InMotion. And if you're in need of some reading material for your flight, stop by Libros & Libros.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at San Jose Santamaria Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map.

Passenger Services

• Free Wi-Fi: San Jose Santamaria Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal, ensuring travelers can stay connected during their time at the airport.
• Lost and Found: If you misplace an item during your journey, the lost and found office is located in the main terminal for your convenience.
• Children's Play Area: To keep young travelers entertained, San Jose Santamaria Airport features designated children's play areas in the terminal.
• Special-Needs Services: The airport offers wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and other services for passengers with special needs. It’s recommended to notify your airline in advance if you require any assistance.
• ATM: ATMs are available in the main terminal, providing access to banking services while you’re at the airport.
• Medical Center: In case of a medical emergency, a medical center is located in the main terminal and is open 24/7 to assist travelers.
• Airport Lounges: San Jose Santamaria Airport features several lounges, including the VIP Santamaria Lounge. These lounges offer amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, beverages, snacks, and comfortable seating areas to relax before your flight. Access may be available for a fee or through membership programs.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's important to stay up-to-date with the status of your flight departure. Fortunately, there are several ways to get flight status information at San Jose Airport in Costa Rica.

One of the easiest ways to check flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the airport. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Passengers can also be alerted about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes via the use of airline mobile phone apps. Most airlines have their own mobile apps that allow passengers to receive push notifications, text messages, or emails about any changes to their flight status. It's a good idea to download the app for your airline before your trip to stay informed.

Another way to stay informed is by signing up for text, email, or push notifications through third-party flight tracking services like FlightAware or FlightStats. These services provide real-time updates on flight status and can send alerts about any changes to your flight.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at SJO by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Airport Facts & Stats

• Location: San Jose Santamaria Airport (SJO) is located in Alajuela, just outside of San Jose, Costa Rica.
• Terminals: The airport has one main terminal serving both domestic and international flights.
• Airlines Served: Major airlines operating at SJO include Avianca, Copa Airlines, and American Airlines. For a complete list of airlines, visit the SJO Airlines Served page.
• Passenger Traffic: The airport handles approximately 20,000 passengers daily.
• Daily Flights: SJO sees around 200 daily flights.
• Top Destinations: The most popular destinations from SJO are Panama City, Miami, Mexico City, Madrid, and Houston.
• Hub Status: San Jose Santamaria Airport is a hub for Avianca Costa Rica and Volaris Costa Rica.

Airport History

The San Jose Santamaria Airport, located in Alajuela, Costa Rica, has a rich history dating back to the early 1950s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

• 1955 - The airport was officially opened as the Aeropuerto Internacional El Coco.
• 1975 - The airport was renamed to Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaria in honor of a national hero who died in battle.
• 1982 - The airport underwent a major expansion, including the construction of a new terminal building and runway.
• 1995 - The airport was privatized and became the first airport in Latin America to be managed by a private company.
• 2002 - A new international terminal was opened, increasing the airport's capacity to handle more passengers and flights.
• 2012 - The airport underwent another expansion, adding a new parking garage and more boarding gates.
• 2015 - The airport celebrated its 60th anniversary with a series of events and activities.
• 2019 - The airport began construction on a new cargo terminal, which is expected to be completed in 2021.

Today, the San Jose Santamaria Airport is one of the busiest airports in Central America, serving millions of passengers each year and connecting Costa Rica to destinations around the world.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Juan Santamaría International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

• IATA Code: SJO
• Airport Website
• Phone: +506 2437 2400
• Email: [email protected]
• Mailing Address: Juan Santamaría International Airport, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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