Suburban buses arrive at the airport as the cheapest form of travel.
There are also an unlimited number of taxis and many car rental companies.
Show availability and prices for hotels - San Jose
Buses
Public buses run to downtown San Jose and across to downtown Alajuela.
The Green Line stops at the airport (Línea Verde) of Grupo Tuasa.
After exiting the terminal, take a left, walk past the line of taxis and turn right at the first intersection. The bus stop is approximately 200 metres from the International Terminal.
The ticket price is flat regardless of the distance travelled and is 740 crc. It is payable in cash only to the bus driver.
Departures to both cities are very frequent (every 5-20 minutes), but without a precise timetable.
The first buses from San Jose to the airport leave around 4:00, and the first buses from Alajuela leave around 3:00. The last buses from the airport to the centers of both cities leave at about 22:15.
It takes about 40 minutes to get to San Jose, and about 20 minutes to Alajuela.
A map of the route with all stops and more information can be found on the official website: grupotuasa.com.
Taxi
A more convenient and safer way of transport is by taxi. There are many official orange taxis outside the terminal at all hours of the day and night.
Upon exiting the building, you will be approached by taxi drivers, who are usually one of the airport's official orange cars.
Remember that official taxis must always run according to the meter. If the taxi driver does not turn on the meter, you will probably pay a significantly higher amount.
The usual prices are as follows:
- San Jose - 10 000 crc
- Alajuela - 2 500 crc
Uber
The Uber mobile app works well in Costa Rica, where you can easily find out the amount in advance and pay directly through the app with a stored credit card.
Prices are usually lower than taxis and you can get to downtown San Jose for about 8 000 crc.
Rent a car
Costa Rica is a popular country for road-tripping and exploring its natural beauty.
Car hire is easy in the country and many large multinational car rental companies operate at San Jose Airport.
Prices for a weekly rental start at 160 usd.