Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), San Jose

SJO is the IATA airport code for Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose, Costa Rica). Its ICAO code is MROC.

Airport

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Juan Santamaria International Airport is a large airport in San Jose, Costa Rica with scheduled passenger flights. Its longest runway is 3,012 m long (asphalt), at an elevation of 921 m (3,021 ft).

Juan Santamaria International Airport (IATA: SJO, ICAO: MROC) is located in San Jose, Costa Rica. It serves as the primary international gateway to the country and is classified as an international airport. Major airlines operating at this airport include Avianca, American Airlines, and United Airlines, connecting travelers to various destinations across North America, South America, and beyond.

The airport features one main terminal that accommodates domestic and international flights. It has the capacity to handle millions of passengers annually, providing essential services and facilities, including dining options, duty-free shopping, and car rental services.

Founded in 1958, Juan Santamaria International Airport plays a crucial role in the Costa Rican economy and tourism infrastructure. Its strategic location in the capital city allows for convenient access to the nation's attractions, including national parks and coastal regions, making it a vital hub for both tourism and trade.

Basic Information

Full Name
Juan Santamaria International Airport
IATA Code
SJO
ICAO Code
MROC
Location
San Jose, Costa Rica
Continent
North America
Time Zone
Central Standard Time (UTC−6)

How early to be at SJO

International flights
3 to 3.5 hours before departure
Domestic flights
2 to 2.5 hours before departure

Our estimate for a normal day; the airport publishes no figure of its own.

Check-in usually closes 40 to 60 minutes before departure. Your airline's own time is on its website and your booking, and it always wins.

All details for SJO →

An estimate, never a promise. Check your airline before you go. How we work this out

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Key facts

Scheduled passenger flights
Yes
Size
Large Airport
Elevation
921 m (3,021 ft)
Longest runway
3,012 m (9,882 ft), asphalt

Airport facts from OurAirports (public domain), checked 16 Oct 2026.

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Lounge access

No business class ticket or lounge membership? Many lounges at Juan Santamaria International Airport sell day passes, usually for a few hours with food, drinks, Wi-Fi and sometimes showers. Book ahead: walk-in prices are often higher and lounges can turn people away when full.

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SJO: questions and answers

What is the airport code of Juan Santamaria International Airport?

The airport code of Juan Santamaria International Airport is SJO (IATA) and MROC (ICAO).

Which city is SJO airport in?

Juan Santamaria International Airport is in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Which airports serve San Jose?

Airports with scheduled passenger flights in San Jose: Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Tobias Bolanos International Airport (SYQ).

Tobias Bolanos International Airport (SYQ)

Does Juan Santamaria International Airport have scheduled passenger flights?

Yes. SJO has scheduled passenger flights; see the airlines that fly here on this page.

Contact

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