Private shuttle from SJO Airport to San Jose City
San Jose, Costa Rica
- 20 to 35 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Simplify your arrival in Costa Rica with this simple private transfer service from the San José airport to the city. Avoid the hassle of queuing for taxis or haggling with drivers. Whatever time of day or night you arrive, and even if your flight is delayed, your driver will be waiting for you at the airport to take you directly to the hotel.
- This is a private shuttle just for you and your party
- Relax on your flight knowing your arrival will be straightforward
- Provide your flight number so your driver can track your flight
- A safe and comfortable way of traveling
What's Included
- Private transportation
- WiFi on board
- All Fees and Taxes
- Drop off in San José Hotels
- Travel outside the metropolitan area
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup point
- Juan Santamaria Intl AirportSan Jose Costa Rica
Pickup details
Please keep in mind that this service is exclusive to SJO Airport - San Jose. The transfer in is made based on the time of your arrival, it is important that you indicate the arrival flight number to coordinate your arrival in Costa Rica, the name of your hotel in San Jose is indispensable.
Drop-off point
- San José Province, San José, Costa Rica
Our service is only for the city area of San Jose and its surroundings.
Arranged start time
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
Select your preferred transportation option to see hours.
What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Karona_O
Driver arrived promptly and found us. Vehicle was very comfy and we had a lot of space even for our extra bags. Definitely would recommend and would book again.
Reviews
4.1
based on 126 reviews
Karona_O, Apr 2026
Driver arrived promptly and found us. Vehicle was very comfy and we had a lot of space even for our extra bags. Definitely would recommend and would book again.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Dear Karona,
Thank you for your feedback.
We’re pleased to hear that everything went smoothly upon your arrival and that the vehicle met your expectations in terms of comfort and space. Providing a reliable and well-organized transfer experience is always a priority for our team.
We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to assisting you again in the future.
Best regards,
Lisa_M, Apr 2026
Amazing service! They were on time and drove safely to our destination. I highly recommend. We also asked for a custom sign and they helped with that.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your kind review.
We’re glad to hear you were satisfied with the punctuality and safety of the service, as well as the flexibility to accommodate your custom request. Providing a smooth and reliable airport transfer is always a top priority for our team.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to assist you again in the future.
LJ_J, Mar 2026
Seamless pickup and they were super accommodating for the delays at customs which we were very grateful for.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear LJ,
Thank you very much for your kind review.
We’re glad to hear that your airport pickup experience was smooth and seamless. We understand how unpredictable arrival times can be due to customs and immigration, so we always do our best to remain flexible and ensure a stress-free experience from the moment you arrive.
It’s great to know that our team was able to accommodate the delay and meet your expectations.
We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to assist you again on your next visit to Costa Rica.
Best regards,
Martin_R, Feb 2026
Our driver arrived dead on time. He was super considerate of his passengers. He tried to import information about the environment to the best of his ability in English.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you, Martin, for your excellent feedback regarding our SJO Airport Private Shuttle to San Jose service.
We are pleased to know that Diego arrived precisely on time and provided a considerate and attentive experience. Punctuality and passenger comfort are essential standards for our airport transfers.
It is also great to hear that he made the effort to share information about the local environment in English. We value guides and drivers who go beyond transportation and help create a welcoming introduction to Costa Rica.
We appreciate your recommendation and your trust in our service.
DANETTE_H, Feb 2026
Very easy to meet at airport with directions.
He was a good driver, interactive and conversive
Would recommend
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you, Danette, for sharing your feedback about our SJO Airport Private Shuttle to San Jose service.
We are pleased to know the meeting process at the airport was clear and easy to follow. Ensuring smooth coordination upon arrival is a priority, especially after a long flight.
It is also great to hear that your driver provided a safe, engaging, and professional experience. We will be sure to share your comments with our team.
Thank you for your recommendation. We appreciate your trust in our service.
Tanisha_W, Feb 2026
Ride never showed up. I was left at the airport for hours. When I called the driver he hung up on me and did not answer subsequent phone calls from both me and Viator. I was forced to find alternate transportation.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Dear Tanisha,
We are sorry to read your review, as it does not reflect what actually occurred according to our operational report.
Our driver was present at the airport at the scheduled arrival time and remained waiting for approximately two hours after your flight landed. This was during late night hours, and our office is closed at that time. However, the driver was at the designated meeting point as instructed.
After the waiting period had passed and there was no contact from you, the service was marked as a no show in accordance with the scheduled pickup time.
For reservations made through Viator, they are the booking platform responsible for managing the reservation and any related claims. In cases like this, all formal requests must be handled directly through Viator, as they oversee the booking process and communication channel.
We regret that you experienced inconvenience, but our records clearly indicate that the service was available and the driver complied with the scheduled pickup.
Best regards,
Bw_C, Jan 2026
We informed to walk to a certain restaurant to meet our driver. When we figured out where the restaurant was, the was no driver. It turns out that the driver was in her car and expected us to know where she was parked.
There should have been better communication.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your feedback. We would like to clarify our standard arrival procedure. Normally, a staff member is waiting in front of the designated restaurant to meet guests and then dispatch them directly to the vehicle.
On this particular day, your arrival time was different than expected, which took us by surprise and caused the driver to remain in the vehicle instead of the usual face-to-face dispatch.
We appreciate your comment and will continue reinforcing clear communication to ensure a smooth pickup experience at all times.
Kind regards,
Rodney_M, Jan 2026
They made sure they found me and the driver was very pleasant. I was very relaxed and the driver made sure I was satisfied with the radio music playing.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you very much for sharing your feedback with us. We are happy to hear that our team made sure to find you promptly and that the transfer was smooth and stress free.
It is great to know that the driver made you feel relaxed and comfortable during the ride, even taking care of details like the music to ensure a pleasant experience. Your satisfaction is very important to us.
Thank you for choosing our private shuttle service. We truly appreciate your trust and hope to assist you again in the future.
Best regards,
Gizelle_Y, Jan 2026
The company sent me clear and easy instructions about the meeting place. It's easy to follow. Mary (the driver) is super friendly and nice. She also sent me Whatsapp messages prior to my arrival and once I arrived. The car is very comfortable and clean.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are glad to hear that the instructions were clear and easy to follow, and that everything went smoothly with your arrival.
We truly appreciate your kind words about Mary. She will be very happy to know that her friendliness, communication, and service made a positive impression on your trip. We also take great pride in providing comfortable and clean vehicles, so it is great to know that this met your expectations.
Thank you for choosing our private shuttle service. We hope to have the pleasure of assisting you again during your time in Costa Rica.
Best regards,
Donna_B, Jan 2026
After exiting the airport, I was met by my driver holding a soon with my name. We walked to her car and away we went!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you, Donna, for your positive review.
We are very happy to hear that your airport transfer was smooth and easy, and that our driver was waiting for you upon arrival as planned. Providing punctual, clear, and hassle free airport pickups is one of our priorities.
Thank you for choosing our service. We would be happy to assist you again during your time in Costa Rica.
Michelle_V, Jan 2026
This trip was cancelled- I did not cancel it and all of a sudden got a cancellation notice with a refund. As it happened the day I was to land I was left scrambling for transportation as it was all booked - I ended up with a taxi.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Dear guest,
In cases like this, cancellations are most commonly triggered by a payment rejection or verification issue processed by Viator. When this happens, the booking is automatically canceled on Viator’s side and reflected the same way in our system, without direct intervention from us.
For this reason, the service was canceled for us as well. Whenever this occurs, we strongly recommend contacting us immediately or rebooking the service directly so we can assist promptly and provide a seamless experience.
We regret the inconvenience this situation may have caused and appreciate your understanding.
Kirenia_M, Dec 2025
It was no show , they never picked us up! We end up going with another person, it was not a company it was a friend of the person from the 3rd party company , also we waited like 1/2 hr at the airport while they were looking for someone else to pick us up!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are very sorry to hear about your experience and we truly regret any inconvenience you may have felt.
We would like to clarify that we provide very precise instructions prior to arrival, including the exact meeting point at the airport and whom to look for. We also clearly inform our guests that airport taxi drivers and individuals offering transportation services will actively try to sell their services, which can unfortunately cause confusion if the meeting instructions are not followed closely.
In this particular case, we did have a driver waiting for you at the agreed time and meeting point. However, the reservation did not include a flight number, and our team was present according to the arrival time indicated in the booking. Unfortunately, we were unable to locate you at the meeting point.
We genuinely regret that this situation resulted in a negative experience for you. Our intention is always to provide a smooth and reliable service, and we remain available to clarify any details or improve communication for future travelers.
Kind regards,
tiffany_k, Nov 2025
Fernando was on time and extremely polite and friendly with great recommendations for my week in Costa Rica.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear guest,
Thank you very much for your kind words. We are pleased to hear that Fernando provided a punctual, friendly, and helpful service during your time in San José. Your recognition means a lot to our team.
We hope to welcome you again on your next visit to Costa Rica.
Best regards,
Dan_S, Aug 2025
3rd time I’ve booked through this channel. 1st time was good. 2nd time 1/2 hour late. This time 1 hour late and asking for a tip.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hello Dan
Thank you for your feedback. In this case, the driver was at the airport as our shuttle service is always available there, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully and locate the meeting point before taking a taxi. We value your past bookings with us and hope to provide you with a smoother experience in the future.
Kind regards
Jean Morales
Freya_W, Jul 2025
Our driver was amazing she was very friendly, had loads of great tips for us and made sure we got in our accommodation safely.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Freya,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We're so happy to hear that your driver made you feel welcome and safe, and that you enjoyed the helpful tips along the way. At Summer Travel Costa Rica, we love making our guests feel right at home from the moment they arrive.
We hope to see you again soon for more unforgettable moments in Costa Rica!
Best regards,
Adam_B, Jul 2025
Very easy and reliable. Great communication. Safe driving. My phone was not working right and the driver was patient and punctual.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Dear Adam,
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're very happy to hear that everything went smoothly despite the phone issues. Our drivers are trained to be patient and attentive, and your feedback means a lot to us. We truly appreciate you choosing our service over taxis — safe and reliable transportation is exactly what we aim for.
We hope to welcome you again soon in Costa Rica!
Best regards,
Nicole_C, Jul 2025
Transportation never showed up. Very disappointing. My family and I took ivermectin 2 hours to find transportation from the airport. Thank god someone from the airport helped us and found us a ride to our destination. We had to pay $160 after we paid $200 for a service we never used.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for your feedback. We're genuinely sorry to hear about your experience.
However, we would like to clarify that we never received your arrival information, including your flight number or expected landing time, which are essential to coordinate any airport pickup service. Without this information, our operations team had no way to know when or where to meet you.
We made several attempts to contact you prior to your arrival, via phone and email, but unfortunately we never received a response. Our team also tried calling you again on the day of your arrival without success.
Please note that we do not have a physical office inside the airport, and as clearly stated in our terms, our drivers wait outside with a sign only once arrival information is confirmed.
We understand the frustration caused, but in this case, the service could not be delivered simply because the necessary details were never provided. We remain at your disposal to review the case further or provide any documentation of our communication attempts.
Best regards,
Tabitha_M, Jun 2025
Excellent! Stayed in communication through What App and was there waiting even though our flight was delayed 2 hours. Super friendly and safe when driving in some crazy traffic.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Dear Tabitha,
Thank you very much for your kind feedback. We are glad to know that you felt supported throughout your journey, especially after the flight delay. Our team takes pride in staying connected and providing a safe and friendly service, even in challenging traffic conditions. It was a pleasure to assist you, and we hope to see you again soon.
Best regards,
Jean
Anthony_L, Jun 2025
Reliable and courteous . Prompt and friendly service. I would highly recommend them for transportation. A ++++ service
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Dear Anthony,
Thank you sincerely for your thoughtful review. We are delighted to hear that you found our service reliable, prompt, and courteous. Your recommendation and kind words mean a great deal to us. It was a pleasure to assist you, and we look forward to serving you again in the future.
Best regards,
Jean
ERIC_M, Jun 2025
Smooth pickup from airport. The driver kept in contact from start to finish. The directions were very clear.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you for your review.
We are pleased to know that your private shuttle experience from SJO Airport was smooth and well-coordinated. Clear communication and punctual service are fundamental to our operation, and we're glad our driver ensured a seamless transfer from start to finish.
We appreciate your feedback and look forward to serving you again in the future.
JAMES_V, May 2025
Traffic is really bad in San José. Otherwise I felt completely safe and enjoyed our driver, Lenny, a lot.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you for your kind review! We're glad to hear you felt safe and enjoyed your ride with Lenny—she's a valued member of our team. While traffic in San José can be unpredictable, we're happy the service met your expectations. We hope to welcome you again soon!
Sheldon_P, Apr 2025
Driver never showed up or answered had to take a taxi at 11pm to my destination after waiting and calling for 45 minutes outside
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Dear Guest,
Please accept our sincere apologies for any confusion and inconvenience you experienced with our SJO Airport Private Shuttle to San José. According to our operation reports and the evidence we provided directly to you, our driver was waiting at the agreed meeting point at the scheduled time.
To ensure a swift and seamless pickup in the future, please follow the detailed instructions we send 24 hours before your arrival. These include the exact meeting point, driver contact information, and vehicle description, details that are essential for an efficient transfer without delays.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Best Regards,
Marcia_G, Apr 2025
Our driver ( Lyn) was punctual, knowledgeable and informative. She was a good welcome after a long flight.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're very happy to hear that Lyn made your arrival experience a pleasant one after a long flight. Punctuality and a warm welcome are very important to us, and we're glad she delivered just that. We hope to have the pleasure of serving you again soon!
DONNA_C, Apr 2025
It was well coordinated and driver was pleasant and courteous. Found my destination with no difficulty
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your feedback! We're glad to hear everything went smoothly and that your driver was pleasant and professional. It’s great to know you arrived at your destination without any issues. We appreciate you choosing our service and hope to assist you again in the future.
Laura_D, Mar 2025
Check for signs with your name as soon as you exit the airport. The driver did not stand in front of the assigned spot.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for your feedback. Our drivers always try to be as visible as possible, but we’ll make sure to remind them to stand in the assigned spot for easier identification.
Jaime_R, Mar 2025
It wasn't exactly what we expected. We were contacted after arrival and told exactly where to meet. When we arrived at the location no one was there to meet us and did not answer the phone when we tried to call him. Eventually we found a person with our name on a sign outside of the designated pick up area. We were then told to wait 15-20 min for a driver. We were then picked up by a small, personal car with a driver who could not speak English. He did deliver us to the correct hotel and was a good driver. I had expected a more comfortable transfer from the airport to our hotel.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We are sorry that the service was not exactly what you expected. We strive to provide efficient and comfortable transfers, and we take your feedback seriously to continuously improve.
Our drivers are certified and should have a good level of English, so we will review this particular case. Regarding the type of vehicle, we use different sizes depending on the number of passengers, which is clearly detailed in the transfer description.
We appreciate your feedback and will work on improving communication and pickup punctuality to ensure a smoother experience in the future. We hope to have the opportunity to serve you again.
Best regards,
Karen_K, Mar 2025
Driver was pleasant, on time, easy to locate at San Jose CR airport. Online communication worked well. No one answered phone from airport.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for your feedback! We're glad to hear that your driver was pleasant, punctual, and easy to locate at San José Airport. We appreciate your comments about our online communication and will look into improving phone support to ensure even better service. Safe travels, and we hope to assist you again in the future!
Katy_S, Mar 2025
This service was exceptional ! The greeter snd driver were friendly and helpful. This was a fantastic way to start our visit- with a low stress pick up.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that you had a stress-free and enjoyable start to your trip.
Our team takes pride in providing exceptional service, and we appreciate you choosing us.
Safe travels!
MrD, Feb 2025
Easy to locate at SJO. Great connection to driver and great communications from provider. Great value too.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that you had a smooth experience at SJO, with easy pickup, great communication, and a seamless connection to your driver. Providing excellent service and value is our priority, and we truly appreciate your feedback.
We hope to welcome you again on your next trip!
Best regards,
Patti_I, Feb 2025
Driver did not show up. Received a call that he was in the parking lot and would meet us at the designated area in 2 minutes. 15 minutes later he still had not arrived. We took a cab.
I can not find a way to contact Viator to get a refund. Very poor service.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
We are sorry to hear about your experience; however, we want to clarify that our driver was at the designated meeting point and waited for two hours, as per the instructions provided. Unfortunately, it appears that you did not locate the driver or follow the meeting instructions.
We always provide clear guidelines to ensure a smooth pickup, and our team is available to assist via WhatsApp or phone. We regret that this miscommunication led you to take an alternative transportation option.
For any refund requests, you will need to contact Viator's customer support directly, as bookings and payments are managed through their platform.
If you need further assistance, please feel free to reach out to us.
Best regards,
From $49.00
per group (up to 3)up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Private shuttle from SJO Airport to San Jose City
126
35 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$49.00
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- Sporting Events
- Archaeology Tours
- Extreme Sports
- Nature and Wildlife Tours
- Full-day Tours
- 4WD Tours
- Bus Tours
- Tickets & Passes
- Cultural Tours
- Day Trips
- Outdoor Activities
- Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
- Private and Luxury
- San Jose
- Sporting Events - San Antonio De Belen
- Extreme Sports - San Antonio De Belen
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - San Antonio De Belen
- Full-day Tours - San Antonio De Belen
- 4WD Tours - San Antonio De Belen
- Bus Tours - San Antonio De Belen
- Sporting Events - Alajuela
- Extreme Sports - Alajuela
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Alajuela
- Full-day Tours - Alajuela
- 4WD Tours - Alajuela
- Bus Tours - Alajuela
- Sporting Events - Quepos
- Extreme Sports - Quepos
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Quepos
- Full-day Tours - Quepos
- 4WD Tours - Quepos
- Bus Tours - Quepos
Attractions in San Jose, Costa Rica
- La Paz Waterfall Gardens Tours & Tickets
- Plaza de la Cultura Tours & Tickets
- Arenal Volcano National Park Tours & Tickets
- Orosi River Valley (El Valle del Rio Orosi) Tours & Tickets
- La Sabana Park Tours & Tickets
- Morazan Park Tours & Tickets
- National Theater (Teatro Nacional) Tours & Tickets
- National Museum (Museo Nacional) Tours & Tickets
- Jade Museum (Museo del Jade) Tours & Tickets
- Doka Estate Tours & Tickets
- Sarchi Tours & Tickets
- Braulio Carrillo National Park Tours & Tickets
- Costa Rican Art Museum (Museo de Arte Costarricense) Tours & Tickets
- Sarapiqui Canopy Tours & Tickets
- Poas Volcano National Park Tours & Tickets
- Lankester Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanico Lankester) Tours & Tickets
More attractions near San Jose, Costa Rica
- Arenal Volcano National Park Tours & Tickets
- Poas Volcano National Park Tours & Tickets
- La Paz Waterfall Gardens Tours & Tickets
- San Jose Central Market (Mercado Central) Tours & Tickets
- National Theater (Teatro Nacional) Tours & Tickets
- Braulio Carrillo National Park Tours & Tickets
- Sarapiqui Canopy Tours & Tickets