San José Airport Transfers & Shuttles

San José serves as the principal starting point for a large number of tours in Costa Rica, but Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is situated outside the central part of San José. Therefore, the appropriate transfer will vary according to whether your accommodation is in the city, near the airport, or if you are going straight to another destination.

Private vs. shared transfers

For families, groups, or tourists who want direct transport and few stops, private transfers are generally the easiest choice. Although shared shuttles can be more economical, particularly for individual travelers and couples, they usually run on a fixed schedule and might pick up passengers at extra stops.

Before you book, find out whether the price is given per person or per vehicle, where the pickup is located, what the luggage allowance is, the cancellation terms, and if the service includes airport waiting.

Transfers from SJO Airport

Popular next stops from the San José area include La Fortuna, Jacó, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Guanacaste, and other main Costa Rica destinations.

In Costa Rica driving can take longer than the distance indicates due to traffic, the condition of the mountain roads, the weather and the state of the roads. It is advisable not to plan very tight connections when you arrive, particularly if your destination is several hours from the airport.

In some cases, it may be more comfortable to spend the first night near San José or SJO if your flight is late.

How to choose the right transfer

Look at the length of time involved, the type of vehicle, the pickup location, whether the service is private or shared, the cancellation policy, and the recent reviews from travellers.

When picking you up at an airport, you should make sure that you know precisely where your driver will meet you and also check whether flight delays are being monitored. When the pickup is at a hotel, you must confirm that the hotel is within the area served by the operator.

Prices shown on this page are starting rates supplied through Viator and may change according to route, date, availability, vehicle type, and group size. Confirm the final price and inclusions before booking.

When the specific route pages are available—such as those for San José to La Fortuna, San José to Jacó, San José to Manuel Antonio, San José to Monteverde, and the other major transfer routes—use them.