What happens when I arrive at San José Costa Rica (SJO) Airport?

This is one of our most frequently asked questions!

Firstly you should be pleasantly surprised at the modern airy construction and attractive scenes of Costa Rica as you walk through the airport to reach passport control. At this stage ‘follow the crowd’ would be our advice!

You first choice comes when you reach the passport control area – where the lines are. One line for Nacionales and one for Extranjeros (foreigners) – you got this!  Wait in line for the next available booth, Smile and do your stuff, then onward through the new Duty Free area on your way to Baggage Collection. Here you have people offering to help with your bags or just pick up a trolley yourself. Foreign exchange is available at this point.

Make sure you have the white customs form filled and then on through customs, handing in the form to the officer by the security belt and all bags on the security belt. Bags back on the trolley and you are at the Car Hire area to collect a car if you hired one or to book an official taxi at the Taxi Aeropuertos desk if you need one.

Then the sliding doors open to reveal the welcoming crowd – which can sometimes be a little overwhelming as with any airport with taxi drivers, sign holders and the madding crowd. Welcome to Costa Rica!

Here’s the choices this time –

1. Look for a sign from whichever Accomodation option you chose from our Directory

2. Look for a sign from whatever Medical or Health provider you chose from our Directory

(At the time of booking these services on our Directory you can request airport pick up which may be included in the price or an extra – always clarify beforehand)

3. Take an official airport taxi as shown in the photo here. They now have an english website where you can book an airport taxi in advance from the airport to your destination or you can book on arrival at the Taxis Aeropuerto desk in the car hire area

4. Book an Uber –  at time of writing their status is ‘under discussion’ in Costa Rica but it is possible.

Always travel with the contact details of your Accommodation and Health Provider – or just connect with them again on our Directory if you need help at any stage.

Buen viaje!

For more travel tips for Costa Rica check out our Directory.