Juan Santamaria International Airport is the main airport serving San Jose. It’s located about 20 minutes from the city centre near the town of Alajuela. Nearly all the direct flights into San Jose originate in North America. The United States offers lots of non-stop options, particularly from Miami, Atlanta, New York and Dallas-Fort Worth. Air Canada operates a direct flight from Toronto and Iberia has one from Spain. Most European or Asian travellers will need to make a connection in a US city.

Taxis are the most convenient way to get from the airport to your destination, and are reasonably priced. Two kinds of bus also offer transport into San Jose, but these are only useful for light travellers. There are plenty of car hire choices at the airport if you want to rent a car. Having a car in San Jose is a hassle, but if you plan to explore the wonderful countryside it’s the ideal mode of transport.

San Jose is the only hub for Costa Rica, so everything passes through the capital. Domestic flights can get you to a few destinations via NatureAir and Sansa. Long-distance coaches from every other Central American country arrive in San Jose, and the Tica Bus Terminal is the most useful for tourists. Once you’re in San Jose, much of the downtown area is best explored on foot. Traffic is a big problem in San Jose, so sometimes hoofing it is the best choice.

The public bus system is extensive and cheap but can be bewildering to visitors as it’s disorganised. Most locals use the bus to get around, but you may find taxis a better choice. Taxis drivers in San Jose are supposed to use meters, but many don’t (especially with foreigners). If they won’t use the meter, negotiate the fare or walk away. Renting a car is a bad idea if you only plan to stay in San Jose but for travelling around the amazing countryside, it’s the ideal transport and very easy to arrange.