Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) — Live Arrivals
Below you will find the live arrivals board for Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Real-time information on all incoming flights, including flight status, scheduled arrival times, origins, terminals, and baggage claim belts. The board is updated every minute. Juan Santamaría International Airport handles approximately 5.7 million passengers annually.
Terminal Information at Juan Santamaría International Airport
Juan Santamaría International Airport has 2 passenger terminals.
Incoming international flights usually arrive at the main terminal. Low-cost carriers may use a different terminal. Check the live arrivals board above to confirm your arrival terminal before landing.
Juan Santamaría International Airport operates two passenger terminals — the Main Terminal and the Domestic Terminal — located a short walk apart.
The Main Terminal handles all international arrivals and departures. It features 31 check-in counters, 10 gates (including 9 with jet bridges), and a duty-free area. The terminal was extensively modernized in recent years, with improvements to infrastructure, technology, and passenger services. It offers a range of passenger amenities including duty-free shops, cafes and restaurants, a business lounge, free Wi-Fi, and a tourist information desk.
The Domestic Terminal is a smaller, separate building located a short walk to the left when exiting the Main Terminal. It serves domestic flights operated by SANSA (RZ) and Aerobell, with connections to popular tourist destinations across Costa Rica, including Liberia (LIR), Quepos (XQP), and Golfito (GLF). A free shuttle bus also runs between the Domestic Terminal and the Main Terminal.
Passengers connecting from an international arrival to a domestic flight must clear customs and immigration first, then exit the Main Terminal and walk to the Domestic Terminal. The walk takes about 5 minutes.
The minimum connection time at SJO is 90 minutes for international-to-domestic transfers and 60 minutes for domestic-to-domestic transfers.
Read the full terminal guide for SJO →
Baggage Claim
After landing, follow the Arrivals signs to passport control (for international flights) and then to the baggage claim area. Baggage belts are displayed on screens inside the terminal and on the live arrivals board above.
- Baggage is usually delivered within 20–40 minutes after landing.
- Lost or delayed baggage? Contact your airline's baggage services desk in the Arrivals hall.
- Most airports have luggage storage and lost & found offices near the Arrivals exit.
Getting from SJO to the City
Juan Santamaría International Airport is well connected to San José city centre and the surrounding region through several transport options. The airport is located about 20 km northwest of San José city centre.
Bus (TUASA and Pulmitan de Liberia)
Public buses connect the airport to San José city centre. TUASA operates a service from the airport to Torre Mercedes in downtown San José every 10 minutes, with a journey time of about 34 minutes and a fare of approximately 600–800 CRC (approximately $1–1.50). Pulmitan de Liberia also operates a route from the airport to San José, with buses running hourly. Buses depart from the stop outside the Main Terminal.
Taxi
Official orange taxis are available 24/7 outside the Arrivals hall. The journey to San José city centre takes about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic and costs approximately $25–35 USD. Only official taxis should be used. Unofficial drivers soliciting inside the terminal should be declined.
Ride-hailing
Uber operates at SJO. Pick-up zones are clearly marked outside the Main Terminal. Prices are usually similar to or slightly cheaper than official taxis, with fares to San José city centre typically $20–30 USD.
Private Transfer
Book a driver in advance for a stress-free arrival. Prices start from $25 USD for a sedan (up to 3 passengers), including meet & greet in the arrivals hall and 60 minutes of free waiting time. Popular with families and business travellers.
Car Rental
Major international and local car rental companies operate at SJO, including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Sixt, and Enterprise. Pickup counters are located in the Arrivals hall of the Main Terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does baggage claim take at SJO?
Baggage is usually delivered within 20–40 minutes after landing. Belt numbers are shown on screens inside the terminal and on the live arrivals board above.
Which terminal will my flight arrive at SJO?
Most international flights arrive at the main terminal. Low-cost carriers may use a different terminal. Check the live arrivals board above for real-time terminal information.
What is the fastest way to get from SJO to the city center?
Train is usually the fastest option, followed by taxi or private transfer. See the transportation section above for prices and travel times.
What should I do if my baggage is lost or delayed at SJO?
Report the issue at your airline's baggage services desk in the Arrivals hall before leaving the airport. You will receive a reference number to track your bag.