Juan Santamaria International Airport to San Jose

Grupo TUASA airport–San José bus

Red-and-white TUASA buses run between Juan Santamaría International Airport and San José, stopping near Parque La Merced in the city center; typical travel time is about 30–40 minutes and services operate roughly 04:00–22:00 with frequent departures. Note that some TUASA routes or times may not enter the airport directly, so check the destination sign and confirm with the driver that the bus serves San José centro from the airport stop.

Station Wagon airport–San José bus

Yellow/orange Station Wagon buses operate regular public services between the airport and central San José, passing along Paseo Colón and finishing close to Parque La Merced, with a journey time of roughly 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. Frequency is generally every few minutes during the day; confirm at the airport stop that the bus is heading to San José centro before boarding.

Official airport taxis (orange taxis)

Licensed airport taxis queue outside arrivals and provide direct service to downtown San José, typically taking 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. They run 24/7 on demand; always use the official taxi stand inside the terminal or just outside exits and confirm the approximate fare before departure.

Shared airport shuttle vans (various operators)

Pre-bookable shared shuttle vans, such as services sold via SJO shuttle companies, connect the airport with hotels and major points in central San José and other regions. Departures are scheduled according to bookings rather than a fixed timetable; advance reservation is strongly recommended, especially in high season.

App-based ride services (informal/variable)

App-based ride services may operate in the San José area and can sometimes be used from near the airport to reach downtown, but pickup locations and legality are subject to change. Travelers should check current local guidance and the app at arrival time, and be prepared to use official taxis or buses as a backup.