San José Airport Car Rental (SJO) | Pickup & Rental Guide

Car Rental at San José International Airport — SJO

Car rental at San José International Airport (SJO) is available through companies including Alamo, Enterprise and National. Juan Santamaría International Airport is in Alajuela, not downtown San José. For these three brands, arriving renters pass customs, visit the rental counter in the airport’s car-rental area, then take a shuttle to the rental facility where the agreement and vehicle are provided. (SJO Airport)

How Does Car Rental Pickup Work at SJO?

The pickup process starts after baggage claim and customs. The official SJO airport site currently lists Alamo, Enterprise and National counters in the Customs area. (SJO Airport)

For these three brands:

• Collect baggage and pass customs.

• Go to your brand’s car-rental counter.

• Follow the agent’s instructions to the rental shuttle.

• Ride to the rental facility.

• Complete the agreement and collect the vehicle.

The car itself is not collected from a parking stall beside the terminal. Alamo, Enterprise and National each publish a counter-to-shuttle process for SJO arrivals. (Alamo)

Search vehicles for your arrival date, pickup time, passengers, luggage and planned route.

Where Is San José International Airport?

SJO is Juan Santamaría International Airport, Costa Rica’s principal international gateway. Despite the “San José” name commonly used in travel searches, the airport is located in Alajuela. (SJO Airport)

This matters when choosing a first-night hotel, estimating the first drive or comparing airport pickup with renting later. Do not confuse SJO with Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ), a different airport in the San José metropolitan area. (Alamo)

Are Alamo, Enterprise and National Open 24 Hours at SJO?

The official airport transportation page currently lists the Alamo, Enterprise and National counters in Customs as operating 24/7/365. (SJO Airport)

After-hours pickup and return rules are not necessarily identical. Alamo publishes after-hours pickup and return information, Enterprise currently states that after-hours returns are unavailable on its SJO location page, and National says after-hours service must be arranged in advance where available. Confirm the procedure for the exact reservation. (Alamo)

If a flight delay will substantially change your pickup time, contact the rental company rather than assuming the vehicle will be held indefinitely.

What Documents Do You Need at SJO?

Current SJO policies for Alamo, Enterprise and National list a minimum rental age of 21 and an additional daily charge for drivers ages 21 through 24. (Alamo)

Bring your valid physical driver’s license, passport, a qualifying major credit card in the renter’s name and reservation information. Alamo and Enterprise Costa Rica also identify passport, current physical license and credit card among their rental requirements. (Alamo Rent A Car)

If you plan to rely on outside coverage accepted by the rental location, bring the required written proof. Requirements can vary by renter, vehicle category and brand, so review the terms attached to the exact booking.

How Much Is the Security Deposit at SJO?

The current SJO pages for Alamo, Enterprise and National each publish a US$500 security deposit plus the estimated rental cost. (Alamo)

Current location policies require a qualifying credit card in the renter’s name for the authorization. Check available credit before travel because this authorization is separate from the rental charge. (Alamo)

How Does Insurance Work at SJO?

Current SJO pages distinguish Third Party Liability (TPL) from Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection (CDW-TP).

TPL is required by the location unless the renter provides acceptable written proof of qualifying liability coverage in Costa Rica or purchases the applicable protection package that includes TPL. The SJO pages describe CDW-TP separately as an optional contractual waiver. (Alamo)

Do not assume a credit-card benefit satisfies liability requirements. The SJO terms specifically distinguish liability coverage from credit-card rental-car benefits. Confirm coverage directly with the card issuer or insurer and review the rental location’s acceptance rules. (Enterprise)

For deductibles, exclusions and protection packages, use the dedicated Costa Rica car rental insurance guide rather than relying on a short airport summary.

What Vehicle Should You Rent at SJO?

Choose the vehicle for the route after leaving the airport.

A small car can suit paved itineraries with light luggage. An SUV can provide more cargo space and ground clearance. If four-wheel drive matters for a specific road or accommodation, verify that the selected category is actually 4x4; an SUV label alone does not guarantee it.

Costa Rica’s Tourism Board specifically recommends verifying whether the vehicle is appropriate for the destination and road conditions, including the 2WD-versus-4WD decision.

Should You Drive Immediately After Your Flight?

Drive immediately when the arrival time, remaining daylight and first route make it practical.

Costa Rica’s Tourism Board recommends limiting driving and travel to daylight hours when possible. After a late arrival, especially before an unfamiliar mountain or rural route, an airport-area overnight stay or an airport transfer followed by a later rental can be more practical.

Can You Return the Car Somewhere Else?

One-way rentals can support an itinerary that finishes in another part of Costa Rica. Current SJO policies for Alamo, Enterprise and National state that one-way rentals must be booked in advance, are subject to availability and can carry a charge. (Alamo)

Enter the intended return location when searching rather than assuming it can be changed later.

What Should You Check Before Leaving the Rental Facility?

Confirm the fuel level, vehicle condition, return location, return time and assistance contacts before starting the first drive.

Review the rental agreement and protection selections. Make sure the luggage fits without obstructing visibility and that the vehicle suits the route. Costa Rica’s Tourism Board also advises renters to inspect the vehicle and required safety equipment and to keep valuables out of sight.

Rental Car or Airport Transfer First?

A rental car is useful when you need independent transportation from the beginning. A private or shared transfer can be more practical when you arrive late, do not need a car at the first destination or prefer to start driving later.

The two can be combined: transfer from SJO first, then collect a rental vehicle when independent driving becomes useful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SJO airport actually in San José?

No. Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is in Alajuela. “San José International Airport” is widely used in travel and rental searches, but the terminal is outside downtown San José. (SJO Airport)

Are the rental cars inside the SJO terminal?

The counters are in the airport’s Customs area, but Alamo, Enterprise and National direct customers to a shuttle after the counter. The agreement and vehicle are then provided at the rental facility. (SJO Airport)

Are Alamo, Enterprise and National open 24/7 at SJO?

The official airport currently lists their Customs-area counters as open 24/7/365. After-hours pickup and return procedures can differ, so verify the instructions attached to the reservation. (SJO Airport)

What is the minimum rental age at SJO?

Current SJO policies for Alamo, Enterprise and National list 21 as the minimum age. Drivers ages 21 through 24 incur an additional daily fee. Verify the exact booking because policies can change. (Alamo)

What security deposit should I expect?

The current SJO pages for Alamo, Enterprise and National publish a US$500 security deposit plus the estimated rental cost, authorized on a qualifying credit card in the renter’s name. (Alamo)

Do I need a 4x4 when renting at SJO?

Not because you are picking up at SJO. The correct drivetrain depends on the roads later in the itinerary. Check accommodation access and distinguish an SUV from a true 4x4. Costa Rica’s Tourism Board recommends matching 2WD or 4WD capability to road conditions.

What should I do if my flight arrives late?

Check the brand’s late-arrival instructions and contact the location if a delay materially changes your pickup time. Although the airport lists these terminal counters as 24/7, vehicle pickup and after-hours procedures remain reservation-specific. (SJO Airport)

Last reviewed: August 2026.

Airport counter hours, rental policies, deposits, protection terms, availability and after-hours procedures can change. The terms shown for the exact reservation and final rental agreement govern the transaction.