 Air:
The Juan Santamaria International Airport is three kilometers from the center of Alajuela.
Two domestic airlines, Nature Air and SANSA also have airports close to town. SANSA is adjacent to the international terminal and Nature Air’s airport is located in Pavas, about a 20-minute drive from Alajuela.
There is an official taxi stand as you exit the international airport. Taxis to Alajuela cost roughly 2,000 colones ($3.50) and the trip takes less than 10 minutes.
Bus:
From the Airport
TUASA buses headed for Alajuela stop at the international airport once every 10 to 15 minutes. Be sure to ask the bus driver if the bus is going to Alajuela, as many buses stop there on their way from Alajuela to Heredia or San Jose.
From San Jose
On Avenida 2, between Calles 12/14, TUASA (red) buses depart for Alajuela via the autopista. Buses leave every five minutes and almost always stop by the international airport on the way. The trip lasts about one hour and costs 310 colones (60 cents). Buses depart San Jose starting at 4 a.m. until 10 p.m.
TUASA Bus
Tel: 506-2-442-6900
Station Wagon (brown and yellow) buses also depart San Jose for Alajuela from Avenida 2, between Calles 10/12. Buses depart every five to ten minutes, some of which are direct, making no stops en route. Buses depart from 5 a.m. until midnight and cost 270 colones (50 cents).
Station Wagon Bus
Tel: 506-2-222-7532
Car:
Rental Cars
Tourists who have a current driver’s license from their home country and a passport with valid entry stamps can rent a car in Costa Rica. Several American car rental companies like Dollar, Economy and Thrifty have offices in or near the airport.
Local car rental companies such as TriColor, Mapache and Hola Rent-a-Car also have offices in Alajuela and give competitive rates, especially in the low season (May through November).
Travelers should note that car rental fees are higher if renting from a company located within the airport, as an airport tax is added. There are plenty of car rental agencies with offices near the airport that offer clients free hotel and airport pickups.
Directions
From the airport, take Highway 1 (the autopista) and follow signs to Alajuela. The trip is just under three kilometers.
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