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

Car Rental at San José International Airport — SJO

Car rental is available at San José International Airport (SJO) through companies including Alamo, Enterprise and National. For these brands, the process begins at the airport counter after Customs and continues by shuttle to the rental facility where the agreement is completed and the vehicle is provided.

The rental car itself is not collected from a parking space directly beside the passenger terminal.

SJO is Juan Santamaría International Airport and is physically located in Alajuela, not downtown San José.

Quick Answer

After collecting your luggage and passing Customs, go to the rental counter for your reserved brand. Alamo, Enterprise and National have counters in the Customs area.

From there, follow the rental company's instructions to the shuttle that takes you to the rental facility.

Before reserving, select the correct SJO airport location, arrival date and pickup time rather than choosing a San José city office.

For broader airport options, see the Costa Rica airport car rental guide.

How Does Car Rental Pickup Work at SJO?

For Alamo, Enterprise and National, the supplied SJO information describes the following process:

1. Collect your baggage.

2. Pass Customs.

3. Go to your rental company's counter.

4. Follow the agent's instructions to the shuttle.

5. Travel by shuttle to the rental facility.

6. Complete the rental agreement and collect the vehicle.

This distinction matters when planning your arrival. The rental counter is at the airport, but the vehicle is provided at the rental facility after the shuttle transfer.

Have your reservation information and required documents ready before approaching the counter.

Where Is San José International Airport?

San José International Airport is the commonly used travel name for Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).

Despite the San José name, the airport is located in Alajuela.

This is important when comparing airport pickup with a rental office in San José city or Alajuela. A city rental and an SJO Airport reservation can have different pickup procedures, locations and terms.

SJO should also not be confused with Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ), which is a different airport in the San José metropolitan area.

Travelers who prefer to begin the rental after an airport-area stay can also review car rental options in Alajuela.

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

The supplied August 2026 airport information lists the Alamo, Enterprise and National counters in Customs as operating 24/7/365.

However, counter hours and after-hours vehicle procedures are not the same thing.

Published procedures differ between brands for after-hours pickup and return. For example, the supplied information notes differences between Alamo, Enterprise and National regarding after-hours services.

Always follow the instructions attached to the exact reservation.

If your flight is significantly delayed and your expected pickup time changes, contact the rental company rather than assuming that the vehicle will automatically remain available indefinitely.

What Documents Do You Need to Rent a Car at SJO?

The provided SJO terms for Alamo, Enterprise and National list a minimum rental age of 21, with an additional daily charge for drivers ages 21 through 24.

Travelers should have:

• A valid physical driver's license

• Passport

• A qualifying major credit card in the renter's name

• Reservation information

If you intend to rely on outside coverage that the rental location may accept, bring the required written proof.

Requirements can vary according to the renter, vehicle category and reservation, so review the exact booking terms before traveling.

For more detail, see the Costa Rica car rental requirements and documents needed to rent a car.

How Much Is the Security Deposit at SJO?

The supplied SJO policies for Alamo, Enterprise and National publish a US$500 security deposit plus the estimated rental cost.

The authorization requires a qualifying credit card in the renter's name.

This authorization is separate from the rental charge, so account for the required available credit when preparing for pickup.

For additional information about how these holds work, review the guide to rental car security deposits and authorization holds.

How Does Rental Car Insurance Work at SJO?

The provided SJO terms distinguish Third Party Liability (TPL) from Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection (CDW-TP).

TPL addresses liability to third parties. The supplied SJO information states that it is required by the location unless the renter provides acceptable written proof of qualifying liability coverage in Costa Rica or purchases an applicable protection package that includes TPL.

CDW-TP is described separately as an optional contractual waiver.

Do not assume that a credit-card rental benefit automatically satisfies the location's liability requirements. Credit-card benefits and third-party liability are separate issues.

For a complete explanation, use the dedicated Costa Rica car rental insurance guide and the guide to Third Party Liability in Costa Rica.

Review the protection terms displayed for your exact reservation before deciding what coverage to accept or decline.

What Type of Vehicle Should You Rent at SJO?

Choose the vehicle according to the route after leaving the airport, not simply because you are collecting it at SJO.

A smaller car can suit some paved itineraries with lighter luggage requirements. An SUV can provide additional cargo space and ground clearance.

Four-wheel drive becomes relevant when a particular road or accommodation access requires additional traction.

An SUV is not automatically a 4x4. If four-wheel drive is important for your itinerary, verify the drivetrain before reserving.

Compare the available Costa Rica rental vehicle categories according to your route, passengers and luggage.

Should You Drive Immediately After Your Flight?

Driving immediately can make sense when your arrival time, remaining daylight and first route make it practical.

After a late arrival or before an unfamiliar mountain or rural drive, staying near the airport first and beginning the rental or longer drive later can also be practical.

Consider your arrival time, familiarity with the route and first destination rather than assuming that every road trip must begin immediately after landing.

For longer journeys, review the relevant Costa Rica driving routes before departure.

Can You Return an SJO Rental Car Somewhere Else?

A one-way rental may be available when you collect the vehicle at SJO but finish your trip elsewhere in Costa Rica.

The supplied SJO terms for Alamo, Enterprise and National state that one-way rentals must be booked in advance, are subject to availability and can carry an applicable charge.

Enter the intended return location when searching for the rental rather than planning to change the return office later.

A one-way arrangement is different from hotel delivery, vehicle collection or after-hours return.

What Should You Check Before Leaving the Rental Facility?

Before beginning your first drive, verify the important details of the rental agreement and vehicle.

Confirm the:

• Fuel level

• Existing vehicle condition

• Return location

• Return time

• Assistance contact information

• Protection selections

Also confirm that your luggage fits appropriately and that the selected vehicle is suitable for the planned route.

Review these details before leaving the facility so that the rental conditions and return plan are clear from the beginning.

Rental Car or Airport Transfer First?

A rental car is useful when you need independent transportation immediately and plan to continue driving during the trip.

An airport transfer can be more practical when you arrive late, do not need a car at your first destination or prefer to begin driving later.

The two options can also be combined: take transportation from SJO first and collect a rental vehicle later when the self-drive portion of the itinerary begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SJO Airport actually in San José?

No. Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is located in Alajuela, not downtown San José.

“San José International Airport” is commonly used in travel searches, but travelers should distinguish SJO Airport rental from a San José city rental location.

Are the rental cars inside the SJO terminal?

No. For Alamo, Enterprise and National, the counters are located in the airport's Customs area, but customers then use a shuttle to reach the rental facility where the agreement is completed and the vehicle is provided.

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

The supplied airport information lists their Customs-area counters as operating 24/7/365.

After-hours vehicle pickup and return procedures can differ by brand, so follow the instructions attached to the exact reservation.

What is the minimum rental age at SJO?

The provided SJO policies for Alamo, Enterprise and National list 21 as the minimum rental age.

Drivers ages 21 through 24 are subject to an additional daily charge under the supplied terms.

What security deposit should I expect at SJO?

The supplied SJO policies for Alamo, Enterprise and National publish a US$500 security deposit plus the estimated rental cost.

The authorization requires a qualifying credit card in the renter's name.

Do I need a 4x4 when renting at SJO?

Not because you are collecting the vehicle at SJO.

The correct drivetrain depends on the roads and accommodation access later in your itinerary. An SUV should not automatically be assumed to have four-wheel drive.

What should I do if my flight arrives late?

Follow the late-arrival instructions for the rental brand and contact the location if a significant delay changes your expected pickup time.

Even when the airport counter operates continuously, the vehicle pickup procedure remains reservation-specific.

Search Car Rental Options at SJO

Select San José International Airport (SJO) as the pickup location, enter your arrival date and intended pickup time, and include the correct return location when planning a one-way rental.

Before confirming, compare vehicle categories for your route and review the documents, security deposit, protection selections and pickup instructions attached to the exact reservation.

Last reviewed: August 2026.

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