twc279

I've never been to Central or South America and I do not speak Spanish. I'd like to know if SJO is an easy airport for customs/immigration or it long lines are the norm. I am looking at a flight that arrives at 9pm and I am dbating what time I'll get to my hotel in town. (hotel is not booked at presend and I am looking at staying downtown) . Is the airport far from the city centre? Any help will be appreicated. Thanks.

volcanogirl

Everyone we've encountered there has always spoken excellent English. I speak basic Spanish but have never really needed it. We've had lines that lasted 3 hours on one trip and about 10 minutes on others, just depends on how many planes get in at once. That late at night, I wouldn't think there would be that many arrivals. We stay at Grano de Oro, about 15 minutes from the airport. Excellent service, some charm, and a great restaurant on site. In general, I'd say it usually takes us about 30 minutes or so to get through the process.

Jeff_Costa_Rica

The new immigration hall at the airport has helped a lot. Things move more quickly than they used to. Still, several flights arrive in the evening. As volcanogirl says, plan on about 30 minutes for the process. The aiport is about 30 minutes from downtown San Jose.

Enchanting_girl

I have arrived around 9 pm a couple times during this year, and immigration has been cleared, I have waited less than 10 minutes. As others posts hae recommended it, I think 30 minutes is a good expected time to be out of the airport.
Hope this helps!

Shooie

If you are headed to Arenal or the Pacific coast, you might not want to stay downtown. It is the opposite direction. There are many hotels in the area near the airport that are nice.

Max_Gomez

Ok, I have to go through that airport about 8 times a month and have done so for nearly twenty years. The airport is new and a very nice surprise.
Sometimes you can be through immigration in less than ten minutes but if several flights arrive at once you can be in line for maybe twenty minutes, which is not a huge issue since you will need to have your luggage removed from the plane.
After immigration there are up to four lines for customs. If you have to wait for your luggage you may want to check out the duty freee shop (Stoli Vodka is just $10 a liter!).
All bags must be screened by X-ray so it can take a little longer for everyone to pass through customs than immigration. Oustisde are the official taxi drivers and behind them, the pirates.
DO NOT TRY TO SAVE $2 WITH A PIRATE TAXI. The official guys have a white shirt and tie and drive the orange taxis. I speak fluent Spanish and live 15 minutes from the airport and I stick with the official taxis, always.
You should figure an hour for everything at the airport and may get out sooner.
I am not sure why you are choosing downtown for a hotel but you can contact me, if you wish, since a public forum on another issue may not be appropriate here. There a a few hotels with shuttles and closer to the airport, depending on your plans of course.
Max

Dayenu

Bookmarking. I already see some valuable advices.

hipvirgochick

Definitely agree with Max about the taxis. You don't even need to exit the airport first, there's a taxi window right inside before you exit. Orquideas Inn is a good place to stay not too far from airport.

sylvia3

Watch out for the cabs; we were charged $30 for a one way ride to Orquideas, and were too tired to protest.

hipvirgochick

If you go to the window before you exit, and tell them where you're going, it's a set price to Orquideas. $15 if I remember correctly.