Juan Santamaría International Airport Car Rental

What to Know Before You Rent a Car at Juan Santamaría Airport

Picking Up Your Car

After you land at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), clear customs, get your bags, and walk to the arrivals exit. A Final Rentals team member waits near the car rental area. Bring your driving licence, your passport, and a credit card in the main driver's name. A photo or phone copy is not enough.

Papers for Tourists and Residents

Visitors can usually drive in Costa Rica with their home licence and passport during their tourist stay, which is often up to 90 days, so there is no IDP required. Keep your passport, licence, and rental papers with you in the car. Police checks can happen on any road, so stay calm and show your papers.

Credit Card Deposit

The rental company holds a deposit on your credit card at pickup. In Costa Rica, it is usually between USD $500 and $1,500, based on the car and the insurance you pick. You get the money back after you return the car. Cash, debit cards, and prepaid cards do not work for this deposit.

Required Insurance in Costa Rica

Every rental car booked in Costa Rica needs third-party liability insurance (TPL). You must buy it from the rental company, and it often costs about USD $15 to $25 per day. Credit card insurance cannot replace it. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) covers damage to the car, and some cards may cover it with a letter, but many guests choose our full cover to avoid a big deposit.

Child Seat Rules

In Costa Rica, children under 12 years old, or under about 145 cm tall, must use a child seat or booster that fits their size. They should also ride in the back seat. Final Rentals can give you a safe, approved seat. Ask for it when you book a car rental online.

Driving Rules and Traffic Rules

In Costa Rica, you drive on the right side of the road. Speed limits are about 40 to 60 km/h in towns and up to 80 to 90 km/h on highways, so follow the signs. The alcohol limit is about 0.05%, so the safest rule is not to drink and drive. Everyone must wear a seatbelt. Do not hold a phone while driving in Costa Rica.

Rough Roads, Rain, and One-Lane Bridges

Many roads have potholes, sharp curves, and one-lane bridges. Heavy rain from May to November can cause fog and small landslides in the mountains. Drive slowly, and try to arrive before dark. For hills like Monteverde, a 4x4 is a smart choice.

Toll Roads, Fuel Costs, and Money

Some highways, like Route 27 toward the Pacific coast, have tolls. Pay in local money, the colón (CRC), so keep some cash. Petrol costs about USD $1.30 to $1.50 per liter, and gas station workers often fill the tank for you. US dollars are accepted in many tourist places.

Keeping Your Car and Bags Safe

Never leave bags, phones, or passports in a parked car, even for a short time. Park in guarded lots when you can. Take photos of the car before you drive away, so you have proof of how it looked. These easy steps help keep your trip stress-free.

Age Rules for Renting

You usually need to be at least 21 years old and have a valid licence for at least one year. Drivers under 25 may pay a young driver fee of about USD $10 to $20 per day. Bigger 4x4 cars may need drivers who are 23 or 25 years old. Please ask us before you book.

Staying in Costa Rica and If Your Flight Is Late

Rental cars must stay in Costa Rica. You cannot take the car to Panama or Nicaragua. If your flight is late, we usually keep your car for one to two hours after your first pickup time. Book a few weeks early, mainly from December to April, for a better price.

About Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)

Full Name: Juan Santamaría International Airport. It is named after Juan Santamaría, a young drummer who became a national hero of Costa Rica in 1856. It is one of the two main international airports in the country.

IATA / ICAO Code: SJO / MROC

Location: Alajuela, about 17 km (11 miles) northwest of San José, the capital. The drive to the city takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. The airport sits high in the Central Valley, about 920 meters (3,000 feet) above sea level, so the air is cooler and fresh.

Official Website: sjoairport.com. The website shows flight times, parking prices, terminal maps, and travel news. Check it before your trip.

What You Can Find at the Airport

Juan Santamaría International Airport has one main terminal that is easy to walk around. Inside, you can find:

●        Duty-free shops and stores with Costa Rican coffee, chocolate, and crafts

●        Cafes, restaurants, and snack bars

●        Free Wi-Fi in the terminal

●        Money exchange desks and cash machines (ATMs)

●        Car rental counters, including the Final Rentals counter near arrivals

●        Short-term and long-term parking close to the terminal

●        Official airport taxis and shuttle areas outside the terminal

●        Lounges for travelers who want more comfort

●        Customs and immigration desks

●        Tourist information, restrooms, and first aid help

Help for Passengers With Limited Mobility

Juan Santamaría International Airport helps passengers who need extra support. This can include wheelchair help and staff help from check-in to the plane. Please ask for this help early. Tell your airline when you book your flight, so staff are ready for you. The airport also has special parking spots, ramps, and easy-to-use restrooms.

Contact Details for the Airport

For flight news, lost bags, or parking questions, you can find phone numbers and online help on the official airport website. Final Rentals also puts a local phone number on your booking confirmation. You can call our team before you land or after you arrive.

Why This Airport Is Special: It is the main gateway to Costa Rica, a country known for volcanoes, rain forests, beaches, and wildlife. The airport sits close to Poás Volcano and the Central Valley, and the roads to both coasts start nearby. A car lets you see waterfalls, cloud forests, and beaches at your own pace.