Hello,

We'll be arriving at the Juan Santamaria International airport @ 10:30pm. So, we're wondering if there are shuttle services (or taxi) we can get at that hour to drive us to our accommodations (which we have not yet secured), or if we would need to stay in San Jose for the night before heading out the next day? We believe we would be staying at least 30 min from the airport, but could be as much as 2 hours. We haven't landed on a specific location yet (recommendations?)

If there are shuttle/taxi services, we would like to travel to a location where we could rent a car there, but return it to the San Jose airport on our way out.

If there aren't shuttle/taxi services, we would like some recommendations for places close to the airport to stay for the night. Just looking for someplace clean, safe & friendly.

Thanks in advance.

Without knowing what your destination is, it's difficult to answer your question. The airport is about 12 miles northwest of San Jose near the city of Alajuela. There's no reason to head all the way into the city unless you want to. There are several chain hotels very near the airport (Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Fairfield, Holiday Inn Express, Marriott) as well as several local options. Arriving that late at night, I'd find a place to stay near the airport, pick up the rental car the next morning, and head out. Plenty of taxis wait outside the customs exit at the airport. Your hotel might have an airport shuttle if you arrange pick up in advance.

We usually book drivers through our hotels when we reserve them. The driver can pick you up at the airport and take you to your destination if you want that option.

Thanks for the practical info. We didn't realize the airport wasn't in San Jose!

Thank you. That's an option we hadn't thought of.