SJO Airport Live Departures
Checking in at San Jose Airport
If you’re flying from San Jose Airport, make sure to check which terminal you need to head to; Terminal 1 is for international flights, while Terminal 2 is for domestic flights. San Jose Airport Costa Rica departures are on the Upper Level at both terminals. You can use the overhead monitors at the airport or our table for San Jose Airport Departures Today to track your flight.
Check-in desks usually open 3 hours before departure for international flights and 2 hours before for domestic flights, but this may vary among different airlines. There are also 45 self-check-in stations at the International Terminal.
Special assistance services are available at both terminals, but you need to make arrangements in advance with your airline reservation.
Another important thing to keep in mind is the Costa Rica Exit Tax. The Exit Tax is $29 (€26.50) per person and applies to all international travelers leaving the country. Many airlines include the Exit Tax in their fares, so if that’s the case, you don’t need to do anything else. If it’s not included in your ticket fare, you will need to pay it separately at the airport before check-in.
When to arrive at San Jose Airport?
For international flight departures from San Jose Airport, it’s recommended to arrive at the airport around 3 hours in advance; this will allow enough time for all the necessary procedures, like security and passport control. Domestic San Jose Airport Departures are usually less busy; arriving 1.5 to 2 hours before your flight should be enough.
If you’re driving to the airport and you plan on using the San Jose Airport departures parking on the Upper Level, make sure to allow some extra time to find an available space.
What’s next?
After check-in and baggage drop-off, you can head towards the security control and move to the restricted area in San Jose Airport Departures. Security control usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes at the International Terminal and around 15 minutes at the Domestic Terminal, depending on the season and time of day.
To go through security control faster, it’s a good idea to check San Jose Airport’s policy regarding the transportation of dangerous goods and liquids in carry-ons. All liquids, gels, and sprays must be in a container size not over 100 ml and put together in a clear plastic bag. The whole amount contained must not exceed 1 liter per passenger.
What to do in Departures at San Jose Airport?
If you have some time before your flight, there’s a lot to do at San Jose Airport Departures. The Domestic Terminal is quite small, so there’s not much to do, but you can walk over to the International Terminal if you have some time to spare. At the International Terminal, there’s a wide selection of cafes and restaurants, including Starbucks, to grab a bite or something to drink. There are also several shops for some last-minute shopping, including Duty-Free. Make sure to check the tax-free regulations if you’re flying internationally.
To enjoy some peace and privacy before your flight, you can visit one of the three VIP Lounges located in the International Terminal. You can read all about San Jose Airport’s facilities in our detailed airport guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What terminal is departures at San Jose Airport?
International Departures at San Jose Airport are on the Upper Level of the International Terminal. Domestic Departures at San Jose Airport are on the Upper Level of the Domestic Terminal.
What is the departure airport for San Jose?
Can you walk between Terminal A and Terminal B at SJO?
