Are there 24/7 buses?

Most airports keep at least one night bus or coach on standby—check the overhead screens near arrivals for the current stand.

Is it safe to take taxis overnight?

Stick to signed ranks and insist on the meter. Note any official surcharge for night operations before you hop in.

SJOCosta RicaTPL: night-owl-plan

Juan Santamaria International Airport

San Jose, Costa Rica

Drop-off

Downtown San José (Parque La Merced area)

Pin before customs

Fastest

Grupo TUASA airport–San José bus

bus · 6-12m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: Grupo TUASA airport–San José bus
Headway: 6-12
Backup: Station Wagon airport–San José bus · 10-20m

Note

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.

Late arrivals

San Jose: Night-Owl Operations

After-midnight contingencies for delayed flights and red-eyes. Targets queries likesan jose airport busandsjo to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Lines that keep running

Brief

This is the overnight lifeline when the metro or flagship express shuts down.

Service: Official airport taxis (orange taxis)
Mode: taxi
Freq: on-demandm
Note: 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.

Backup when rail sleeps

Brief

If even this pauses, default to the licensed taxi rank or approved ride-hailing pickup outside arrivals.

Service: Station Wagon airport–San José bus
Mode: bus
Freq: 10-20m
Note: 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.

Ticketing tips

Brief

Load balance onto the local transit card before midnight because some kiosks shut or stop accepting bills after hours.

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FAQs

01Are there 24/7 buses?: Most airports keep at least one night bus or coach on standby—check the overhead screens near arrivals for the current stand.
02Is it safe to take taxis overnight?: Stick to signed ranks and insist on the meter. Note any official surcharge for night operations before you hop in.