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Search Flights from San Jose to Tampa

Popular Airport

Tampa Intl. Airport

Popular Airlines

Approximate Flight Duration

2 hour 30 min

Approximate Travel Distance

2028 Km

Transportation to Airport from San Jose City Center

Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport

Juan Santamaria International Airport is located 11 miles of San Jose, which is the capital and one of the most developed cities of Costa Rica. The transportation alternatives that you can use to get to the airport from the city center are bus, taxi, car rental and shuttles of the tour operators. Taxis are among the best options that you can prefer since they offer transportation service without any destination or time limitation. Passengers who want to travel for more affordable fares can benefit from the buses that carry passengers to Juan Santamaria International Airport from morning hours to evening hours. You can also benefit from the car rental alternative for travelling from the city center to the airport. You can also use the car you have rented for travelling in and around the city. It is possible to find many car rental offices in the center and at the airport. However, if you need to travel during the crowded seasons, you can make a reservation before your travel by getting in contact with one of the car rental companies in order not to have trouble in finding a car.

Bus

The buses operating between San Jose city center and Juan Santamaria International Airport are the most economical vehicles you can use for your transportation to the airport. The buses depart near the Nuestra Señora de La Merced Catholic Church in the center. Buses start operating at early hours and after midnight you cannot be able to find a bus. For this reason, if you need to travel to the airport from the city center at a late hour, you can prefer getting on a taxi or renting a car in advance. If the place you are staying in is close to the bus stop in the city center and you need to travel in the daytime, you can choose the bus option which is nearly as fast as taxis and have a chance to travel for a much more affordable cost. You can buy your bus ticket when you come to the stop and continue your travel directly to the airport. If you need to get to the airport from one of the beaches located in the regions like Puntarenas and Guanacaste, you can get on one of the buses carrying passengers on these routes. Traveling to the airport from San Jose city center lasts about 35-40 minutes. The travel from the other points near the center varies between 20-40 minutes depending on their proximity to the airport.

Taxi

Taxis, which you can easily find at many points of San Jose city center, are among the fastest alternatives that you can benefit from when travelling to the airport. The distance between the city center and airport is about 11 miles and at the end of this distance the taxi fares don’t increase much. If your hotel is located in the center, you can ask your hotel to call a taxi for you or you can get on one of the passing taxis. One of the biggest advantages of taxis is that you have a chance to find a taxi anywhere and anytime you want without any limitation. If you need to travel to Juan Santamaria Airport from a location that is far from the center and airport, you can still use the taxi option but you should keep in mind that the fare you will pay will be higher depending on the distance. In this case, you can evaluate other transportation alternatives such as the shuttles of tour operators or you can bargain with the driver on the fare before getting on the taxi and travel to the airport comfortably without paying too much.

Car Rental

In the center, many international car rental companies such as Alamo, Hertz, Budget and Enterprise or alternative companies such as Solid, Apex, Nu and Payless offer car rental service for the passengers who want to travel to the airport in a comfortable way. After renting your car in the city center, you can reach the airport terminal in about 20-30 minutes by following the airport direction signs. You can deliver your car at the airport by preferring a car rental company which has also an office at the airport. In addition, you can get in contact with one of the companies in advance and learn whether you can deliver the car at the airport or not. If you want to rent a car in the city, you will need certain documents such as a driver’s license valid in the country and passport. While renting a car, you should bring these documents with you. After renting your car, you can take a city map with you in order to find your way more easily.

Tour Operator Shuttle

In the city, the companies such as Interbus and Gray Line Airport Express offer a different transportation alternative for the transportation to the airport from the city center. Travelling with the shuttles of tour operators is ideal and affordable for crowded groups and those travelling for business purpose. The fares of these shuttles can vary depending on the distance and the number of passengers. If you want to take advantage of these shuttles, you should get in contact with one of the companies in advance and make a reservation. As you can use these shuttles for travelling to the airport from the city center, you can also use them for travelling to different regions of Costa Rica or other countries.

Airport Information

Juan Santamaria Airport which connects San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, with many different parts of the country and world, offers a great and comfortable atmosphere for its guests with shopping, eating and drinking opportunities as well as recreational areas. You can buy souvenirs by visiting Vida Pura located within the airport terminal or spend time by taking a glance at gift alternatives. Colibrí Craft Store, Green Trails, Casa Tica and Morpho Store Britt Shop Costa Rica are other options you can evaluate at the airport. Duty Free shops located in different parts of the airport are waiting for passengers who want to buy perfume, souvenir, alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink or chocolate for budget-friendly prices. If you want to have a snack before leaving the airport, you can visit Q Corner by Quiznos, Teriyaki Experience, Smashburger, Cinnabon or Quiznos to Go. If you have enough time and enjoy eating or drinking in a good place, you can prefer Bar 45° GastroPub, Malinche Restaurant or Café Lavazza. You can benefit from the free internet connection in many parts of the airport while waiting for your flight. If you need to make money transfer or perform any other banking transactions, you can find BAC San Jose, Bancredito, Global Exchange, Scotiabank, Citibank and ATH branches or ATMs at the airport terminal. The recreational areas and passenger lounges are among the areas where you can spend time on comfortable seats while waiting for your flight. If you need to park your car at Juan Santamaria Airport, you can use the parking area of the airport which has a capacity of 400 vehicles. The fees of this parking area which you can benefit from daily, weekly or monthly can vary depending on these periods.

Transportation to Tampa City Center from Airport

MacDill Airport

If you want to travel by public transportation in Tampa, you can prefer bus. One-way bus ride costs 2 dollars. If you want, you can also buy daily or weekly tickets according to the duration of your stay to make your transportation more economical. Daily ticket price is 16 dollars. Renting a car is a frequently preferred option to discover the city. You can easily find the offices of many car rental companies in the city center. By renting an affordable car, you can see the surrounding cities as well as you can go to the beaches comfortably.

The traffic is very safe and steady all across Tampa and you will not have any difficulty. However, you should keep in mind that you need to have an international driver's license to rent a car. The taxi service is also widely used in urban transportation. You can easily get a taxi. All taxis have a taximeter and taxi fares are fixed.

Clearwater International Airport is located only 15 kilometers away. Lakeland Airport, which serves only for domestic flights, is 51 kilometers away and Sarasota Airport is 64 kilometers away. Orlando International Airport is 129 km away for the transfers in exceptional situations. There are 5 different transportation options to reach the city center from Tampa International Airport.

If you prefer public transportation, you can take the municipal buses. Airport shuttle services are a bit more costly but a more comfortable alternative. Taxi service is available for those who want a more private and comfortable transportation option. If you want to maximize your comfort, you can rent a car from car rental companies. The last alternative is the airport shuttle services provided by the hotels.

Bus

You can find the bus stops at the west point of the red luggage delivery area of the airport. You can get to the city center by the bus number 15. Bus ticket price is 2 dollars.

Taxi

You can easily see the taxi ranks right at the exit of the luggage delivery area. Two different taxi companies - Yellow Cab and United Cab – provide taxi service at the airport. Both companies apply the same price tariff. Taxi initial fare is 2.5 dollars and you need to pay 2.4 dollars per mile.

The minimum amount you will pay for transportation from the airport to anywhere is 15 dollars regardless of distance.  Taxi transportation from Tampa International Airport to the city center or the marina costs about 25 dollars.

Rent a car

You can see the offices of 8 different car rental companies on the opposite road of Tampa International Airport. These companies also have their service points at the end of the luggage delivery area. You can also rent a car online before your flight if you want. In this case, your car will be ready for your arrival time and you won't waste your time.

Airport Shuttle Services

Airport shuttle regularly run at certain times and follows a standard route. There are specially prepared air-conditioned waiting areas for passengers so that you can comfortably wait for the departure time of the shuttles. Shuttle service charge includes up to 3 pieces of luggage. You may be charged extra for more luggages.

The route of shuttle service mostly passes through the hotels and the service charge is based on the distance covered. Prices range from 25$ to 90$, but transportation to the city center costs about 25 or 35 dollars.

Hotel Shuttle Services

Many hotels in Tampa have their own shuttle services. Before making your reservation, you should contact your hotel in advance to make sure that this service is available or not.

The difference of this service, which is a little more costly compared to taxi, is that the shuttle is ready for you when you take your luggage and it takes you directly to your hotel. You should contact your hotel and make a reservation in advance in order to benefit from this service. You should remember that you will be asked some information such as how many passengers will benefit from this service and your flight's arrival time.


Tampa Intl. Airport

You can easily reach Tampa International Airport from the city centre by taxi or by bus. There are airport shuttle buses available and some hotels can arrange it for you in advance. If you rented a car during your trip, it is also possible to reach the airport with this vehicle.

Bus

Bus route 15 transports passengers from the city centre to the airport in a short time. A one-way ticket costs 2 dollars.

Taxi

Taxis are quite easy to come by in Tampa. You can comfortably find one in the city centre, and reach the airport for an average cost of 25 dollars. Be confident about the amount you will pay as all taxis are equipped with taximeters. You can speak to hotel staff to pre-arrange a taxi for you.

Car Rental

There are a lot of car rental agencies in Tampa city centre and for a more comfortable trip, including your journeys to and from the airport, you can hire a vehicle that is suitable to your budget. You can rent a car online, or you can ask for assistance from your hotel. International travellers must have a valid foreign driver’s license and an international driving permit. You must always carry these documents if you wish to drive a car or ride a motorbike in Tampa.

Airport Shuttle Service

Airport shuttle services are modern and comfortable buses with air-conditioning systems, which operate on a specific route and have certain departure times. It is recommended that you check the closest shuttle station near you, and the shuttle departure times in advance. You may also ask for assistance from your hotel representative. You will have to pay an additional fee per baggage beyond the limit of 3 baggages per passenger. The prices for the shuttle bus services are based on distance travelled. Airport shuttle services from the city centre to the airport is approximately 25 to 35 dollars.

Hotel Shuttle Service

Many hotels in Tampa provide airport shuttle services. Contact your hotel beforehand to confirm whether they provide this service, and book in advance if they do so.

Airport Information

Tampa International Airport was called the Drew Field Military Airport prior to the 1960s and used for military flights only. It underwent major changes since and began commercial flights. During the Second World War, the airport had undertaken important duties. Nowadays, Tampa International Airport is a modern, large airport located about 6 miles west from Downtown Tampa. Serious air traffic is encountered during the tourism season as it is often used as a transit hub. More than 100 flights a day take off from the airport.  There are many bars, restaurants and cafes located at different points of the airport that appeal to different tastes. You can also find many souvenir shops, accessory shops, clothing stores, cosmetics shops and duty-free shops inside the airport. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the airport building.

Weather in Tampa

DayMin - Max
TuesdayMin 5ºC - Max 13ºC
WednesdayMin 4ºC - Max 14ºC
ThursdayMin 2ºC - Max 14ºC
FridayMin 7ºC - Max 20ºC
SaturdayMin 10ºC - Max 20ºC

Frequently Asked Questions

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