⚡ Connection Time Dashboard
🏢 Terminal Guide & Navigation
Two terminals: Terminal M (main/international, 3 levels) and Terminal D (domestic, Sansa flights only). Three VIP lounges: Avianca Club, Copa Club, VIP Lounge BAC Credomatic (Gate 19-20, 4:30 AM-4:30 PM), Star Alliance VIP Lounge (Gate 5, 4:30 AM-8 PM). Free WiFi for 3 hours. Starbucks 24/7, other dining near Gates 5-8.
Walking between the farthest gates takes only about seven minutes, which is one of SJO's quiet strengths for self-managing a connection. The airport also offers free luggage wrapping services and a fast-track security option on the second floor, so experienced travelers can often save time by heading upstairs instead of joining the first screening line they see at ground level.
Under construction: $62.2M west terminal expansion with self-service facilities (2025). 2.6 million tourists (2024). Orange taxis with yellow medallions use meters.
Airlines Serving SJO
💡 Connection Tips
Immigration and customs processing at SJO can take over an hour during peak tourist seasons (December-April). For ground transportation, use only official orange taxis with yellow medallions, which are metered and available 24/7 Operationally, a pre-arranged pickup or host contact is the useful backup, because the airport is really the handoff into San José rather than a place to wait around. The meaningful alternates are Panama City, Barra del Colorado Airport, Tobías Bolaños International Airport, which is why the backup plan matters more than the terminal amenities. Scheduled service is carried by Avianca Costa Rica, Copa Airlines, American Airlines, so the first bank of the day is the one to watch. In practice, that means the airport works as San José's time-saving link to the rest of Costa Rica.
If connecting between the main terminal (Terminal M) and the domestic Sansa terminal (Terminal D), allow at least 15 minutes for the walk and re-clearing security When delays ripple through the schedule, a pre-arranged pickup or host contact is the useful backup, because the airport is really the handoff into San José rather than a place to wait around. The meaningful alternates are Panama City, Barra del Colorado Airport, Tobías Bolaños International Airport, which is why the backup plan matters more than the terminal amenities. Scheduled service is carried by Avianca Costa Rica, Copa Airlines, American Airlines, so the first bank of the day is the one to watch. In practice, that means the airport works as San José's time-saving link to the rest of Costa Rica.
Uber is available but drivers may ask to meet at the departures level or the bus stop to avoid taxi conflicts At street level, a pre-arranged pickup or host contact is the useful backup, because the airport is really the handoff into San José rather than a place to wait around. The meaningful alternates are Panama City, Barra del Colorado Airport, Tobías Bolaños International Airport, which is why the backup plan matters more than the terminal amenities. Scheduled service is carried by Avianca Costa Rica, Copa Airlines, American Airlines, so the first bank of the day is the one to watch. In practice, that means the airport works as San José's time-saving link to the rest of Costa Rica.
Expert Travel Tips & Insights
Pro Traveler Secrets
• Juan Santamaría offers separate security for domestic gates upstairs.
• Official orange taxis are worth using here because airport staff can back fare disputes.
• The farthest gates are still a short walk apart, so tight legal connections are realistic.
• Uber pickups often work best near departures because curbside taxi tensions remain common.
• The 24-hour Starbucks is useful when red-eye arrivals beat most other food counters open.
Quick Facts
Minimum domestic connection:
45 minutes
International connections:
75 minutes
Interline transfers:
120 minutes
⭐ Google Maps Reviews & Ratings
🌟 View Real-Time Airport Reviews
See current Google Maps reviews, ratings, photos, and traveler experiences for Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
Interactive Airport Location
🛠️ Traveler Tools
⚖️ Airport Comparison
Compare SJO/MROC with another airport: Comparison Tool
🗺️ Airport Map
Nearby Airports in North America
Buenos Aires Airport
Buenos Aires, Costa Rica
Barra del Colorado Airport
Barra del Colorado, Costa Rica
Mojica Airport
Cañas, Costa Rica
Drake Bay Airport
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Flamingo Airport
Brasilito, Costa Rica