Live
EN
LHR → London CityNRT → TokyoCDG → ParisJFK → ManhattanICN → SeoulSIN → SingaporeDXB → DubaiHKG → Hong Kong
LHR → London CityNRT → TokyoCDG → ParisJFK → ManhattanICN → SeoulSIN → SingaporeDXB → DubaiHKG → Hong Kong
SJOCosta RicaTPL: fare-hacker-playbook

Juan Santamaria International Airport

San Jose, Costa Rica

Drop-off

Downtown San José (Parque La Merced area)

Pin before customs

Fastest

Grupo TUASA airport–San José bus

bus · 6-12m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service
Grupo TUASA airport–San José bus
bus
Headway
6-12
Backup
Station Wagon airport–San José bus · 10-20m

Note

Red-and-white TUASA buses run between Juan Santamaría International Airport and San José, stopping near Parque La Merced in the city center; typical travel time is about 30–40 minutes and services operate roughly 04:00–22:00 with frequent departures. Note that some TUASA routes or times may not enter the airport directly, so check the destination sign and confirm with the driver that the bus serves San José centro from the airport stop.

Budget focus

San Jose: Fare Hacker Playbook

Ways to shave costs without blowing your schedule. Targets queries likesan jose airport busandsjo to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Cheapest viable route

Brief

Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.

Service
Station Wagon airport–San José bus
Mode
bus
Freq
10-20m
Note
Yellow/orange Station Wagon buses operate regular public services between the airport and central San José, passing along Paseo Colón and finishing close to Parque La Merced, with a journey time of roughly 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. Frequency is generally every few minutes during the day; confirm at the airport stop that the bus is heading to San José centro before boarding.

Passes and bundles

Brief

Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.

When to splurge

Brief

Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.

Service
Grupo TUASA airport–San José bus
Mode
bus
Freq
6-12m
Note
Red-and-white TUASA buses run between Juan Santamaría International Airport and San José, stopping near Parque La Merced in the city center; typical travel time is about 30–40 minutes and services operate roughly 04:00–22:00 with frequent departures. Note that some TUASA routes or times may not enter the airport directly, so check the destination sign and confirm with the driver that the bus serves San José centro from the airport stop.
eSIMComing Soon

Stay connected from landing

Skip the airport SIM queue. We're partnering with eSIM providers to get you online before you even leave the gate.

Instant activationLocal ratesNo SIM swap

FAQs

KB
01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?
A
Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?
A
Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.