Navigating the Airport

Arriving at Juan Santamaria International Airport

Costa Rica's Juan Santamaria International Airport receives most of the country's tourist traffic. Though it is referred to as the "San Jose airport," it is actually located in Alajuela, a city just a few miles northwest of the country's capital.

Despite its importance and status as the country's largest airport, the international airport is relatively small. Much like the airports found in small cities and towns across the United States, arrivals to and departures from Juan Santamaria are simple and straightforward. About an hour before you land on Costa Rican soil, a flight attendant will hand you two forms to be filled out: one is for Immigration, the other for Customs. Note that only one Customs form is required per family.

Depending on availability, your plane may connect to a portable hallway, or you may have to walk a few feet across the tarmac to enter the airport. Once inside, follow signs to "Migracion" or Immigration. Make sure to enter on the left side, which is marked for tourists. Recent airport renovations have expanded Immigration, helping cut down on wait times. If you arrive during an incoming flight lull, you can be in and out of the airport, bags in hand, in less than 20 minutes. High-traffic periods are usually between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.

As you wait in line for Immigration, make sure to have your forms filled out and your passport ready. Immigration officials are generally pleasant and friendly, and many will speak some English. Your Immigration official will check your form answers against your passport information, swipe your passport through a machine, stamp you into the country, and send you on your way. The entire process takes about two minutes.

After Immigration, head down the escalator to baggage claim. Defying all Costa Rican tradition, baggage arrives quickly, so if you waited at Immigration for more than 20 minutes, your bag will likely beat you to baggage claim. There are three baggage carousels, each marked with a digital display that indicates which flight's baggage is on each carousel. During peak traffic times, two flights might share a carousel. If you've checked overweight or large luggage like a surf board, follow the signs to the overweight baggage claim. Free baggage carts are available, so grab one if you have several bags.

After you've recovered your luggage, take a look around. You'll see currency exchange, duty-free shopping, and a tourist information center. The information office is manned by a knowledgeable representative, and has hundreds of brochures for hotels and activities throughout the country. If you can avoid it, do not change money at the airport's Global Exchange counters. Try and exchange your dollars at a local bank, where exchange rates are more favorable. Airport taxis will accept payments in dollars.

Next, head to Customs. There are two lines.  One is for travelers with items to declare (desktop computers, lots of cash, animals, etc.).  The other is for those with nothing to declare.  Be sure to head to the correct line.  Have your Customs form ready (one per family), and hand it to the Customs official. You will need to place all items – checked luggage and carry-ons – onto the x-ray belt. After the official waves you on, proceed through the doors and out of the airport. Once you exit through the doors, you cannot re-enter.

If you've rented a car, you should see your rental agency just beyond Customs. If you need a taxi, keep an eye out for the airport taxi window as you exit the airport. Airport taxis are always orange. If you want to hire a city taxi (generally for San Jose, Alajuela, and Heredia only), head a few yards out to the main road and hail a red taxi. The airport bus stops here as well, and can take you into downtown San Jose.

Before you go outside, you must abandon your baggage cart. If you're overwhelmed with luggage, someone will help you out. A suitable tip is $0.50-$1 per bag for this service. If your hotel or tour has sent someone to pick you up, you'll find him just outside the airport's final glass windows.

Departing from the Juan Santamaria International Airport

Leaving from Juan Santamaria is generally a treat – short lines and fast service usually have you from check-in to your gate in less than 45 minutes. However, backups and problems do happen here, as in any other airport, so try to arrive at least two hours before an international flight.

As you enter the airport, the first order of business is to pay Costa Rica's departure tax. As of mid-2009, the exit tax is $26 per person, or its equivalent in colones, and may be paid with cash or a Visa card. There are two departure tax counters, both located against the wall opposite the airline check-in counters. They are easy to find, and all employees speak English.

After you've paid the departure tax, you'll be given a proof of payment and a form to fill out. Fill out the form immediately, and keep both it and your payment receipt handy.  As you head into your airport check-in line, officials will make sure that you've paid the exit tax. Once you've checked your baggage and gotten your plane tickets, walk left towards Airport Security.

Airport security in Costa Rica is very similar to its American counterpart.  You must deposit all metal objects (watches, coins, belts, etc.) in a plastic bin along with your shoes, laptops, etc. Once through, pick up all of your belongings, and continue to your exit gate. Gates are well-marked and easy to find.

While you wait for takeoff, you'll find plenty to see and do. The airport has a small food court, in addition to free wireless internet and plenty of duty-free shopping and souvenirs. Have a safe flight!

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