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SJO

Juan Santamaría International Airport

San José, Costa Rica

Where to start
Uber / Official Orange Taxi

Costa Rica's main international airport, about 17 km northwest of San José city centre in Alajuela. Uber is available and widely used. Official orange taxis (SITTSA) are the regulated taxi option.

Ride Options

Uber

rideshare

Convenient and transparent app-based pricing

AvailabilityWidely used in Costa Rica
Pickup NoteOutside the terminal in the Uber pickup zone.
Convenience
Relative costLower cost
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SITTSA Orange Taxi

taxi

Official regulated taxi

AvailabilityAt the rank outside arrivals
Pickup NoteOfficial orange (SITTSA) taxi rank outside arrivals. Only use orange taxis — they are metered and regulated.
Convenience
Relative costMid cost
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Interbus Shuttle

shuttle

Pre-booked shared shuttle to popular tourist destinations

AvailabilityMultiple daily departures to La Fortuna (Arenal), Manuel Antonio, Monteverde
Pickup NotePre-book online. Shuttle departs from outside arrivals.
Convenience
Relative costLower cost
Visit Website

Pickup Guidance

Rideshare

Uber is available and popular in Costa Rica. Pickup outside the terminal.

Taxi

Official orange taxis (SITTSA) at the rank outside arrivals. Only use orange metered taxis — avoid unofficial red taxis.

Shuttle

Interbus and other shuttles connect to beach destinations (Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Arenal, etc.).

Transit

No direct bus or rail from the airport. Uber and taxis are the main options.

Travel Extras

Need a SIM?Need a lounge?Need a hotel?Need bag storage?

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Local Tips

  • Uber is the easiest option — download the app before arrival.
  • Only use orange (SITTSA) taxis — red unofficial taxis are unlicensed.
  • Authorized airport taxi (orange with yellow triangle) is the official option — has fixed zone fares.
  • Uber operates in Costa Rica but is technically grey at SJO — pickup is off airport property.
  • Orange airport taxis are the only authorized cabs at SJO — use them or pre-arrange. Uber operates but is technically grey-market.