Juan Santamaría International Airport is set to undergo major upgrades in 2026, marking a pivotal moment for Costa Rica’s travel infrastructure. As the busiest international gateway in the country, the airport serves millions of passengers each year, and the planned improvements will significantly enhance the experience for those looking to access vehicles quickly and efficiently. For travellers renting a car, the upgrades will streamline pick-up and drop-off zones, expand parking capacity, and improve direct access to the main road network, allowing visitors to begin their Costa Rican journey with convenience and independence from the moment they land.
The airport’s modernisation focuses not just on passenger comfort but also on a smooth experience for car rental users. With shorter wait times, clearer signage, and a more organised vehicle collection process, travellers using car rental San Jose airport deals can start their Costa Rican journey quickly and confidently.
Renting a car in Costa Rica offers unmatched flexibility, and the 2026 upgrades at Juan Santamaría Airport are designed to make the process even easier. Previously, travellers often faced long queues, crowded pick-up areas, and unclear directions to rental offices. With the improvements, larger, clearly marked pick-up zones, extra lanes, and well-organised counters will allow passengers to collect their vehicles quickly and efficiently.
For those using car rental San Jose airport deals, this is a significant benefit. Faster vehicle collection, improved signage, and direct access to roads and highways mean travellers can leave the airport promptly, avoid congestion, and begin their journey across Costa Rica with confidence, whether heading to San José, coastal towns, or national parks.
Juan Santamaría International Airport is Costa Rica’s primary international hub, located approximately 20 kilometres from the capital, San José. It serves more than five million passengers annually, with numbers steadily increasing due to the country’s growing popularity as a travel destination. The airport supports tourism, business travel, and cargo, connecting Costa Rica to destinations across North America, Europe, and Latin America through more than thirty international airlines.
Tourism is a key part of Costa Rica’s economy, and Juan Santamaría Airport supports this growth. With rising visitor numbers, existing facilities, especially around car rental areas, can become crowded. The upgrades aim to improve the passenger experience and allow travellers using car rental San Jose airport deals to collect vehicles quickly, safely, and without delays.
One of the main goals of the upgrades is to make vehicle collection more efficient. Currently, passengers navigate crowded terminals, long walks, and disorganised parking, causing delays. The new layout will feature larger pick-up areas, clear signage, and modern service counters, allowing travellers using car rental San Jose airport deals to collect vehicles quickly and leave the airport without delay.
Rental counters will handle higher passenger volumes for a smooth experience, even at peak times. Designated drop-off lanes will simplify returns, reduce congestion, and help drivers transition efficiently from the airport back to their rental provider.
Choosing the right vehicle is key to a smooth and enjoyable trip in Costa Rica. Travellers using car rental San Jose airport deals can choose from a wide range of options, ensuring their vehicle suits both city driving and adventurous excursions while providing comfort and efficiency throughout their journey.
Final Rentals offers a variety of cars, ensuring that travellers using car rental San Jose airport deals can find the right model, from efficient city cars to rugged vehicles for adventure.
The airport upgrades will not only improve passenger flow but also specifically enhance the car rental experience. Modernised counters, reorganised parking, and intuitive layouts will make collecting and returning vehicles faster and less stressful. Travellers using a rental car will benefit from clearly defined pick-up zones and service counters, ensuring that they can locate their rental vehicle without unnecessary delays.
Furthermore, the upgrades include better signage and lighting throughout the car rental areas. This will help drivers unfamiliar with the airport navigate quickly, particularly during nighttime arrivals or peak travel periods. Clear indications of where rental vehicles are parked, where to return them, and how to access main roads will make the process much more efficient.
One of the most important aspects of the airport upgrades is the improvement of access roads and connections to the main highway network. For travellers renting a car, this means that leaving the airport is straightforward and fast. Congested or confusing routes will be minimised, and drivers will benefit from safer, well-signposted exits and entry points to major highways.
These changes ensure that travellers can avoid unnecessary delays when heading to San José, coastal towns, or inland destinations. The smoother flow of traffic within and around the airport also reduces stress for drivers, particularly those collecting rental vehicles for the first time in Costa Rica.
The upgrades will improve vehicle access and airport comfort. Expanded seating areas, modern lighting, climate control, and additional amenities such as cafes and shops will allow passengers to relax while waiting for their vehicle. Travellers renting a car will find that combining a short coffee or snack break with vehicle collection is simpler, thanks to improved layouts and closer proximity of rental areas to passenger lounges.
This combination of convenience and comfort ensures that the journey from plane to road begins on a positive note. By streamlining the rental process and improving the surrounding facilities, the airport creates an environment that is welcoming, efficient, and stress-free.
Planning can make renting a car at Juan Santamaria Airport much easier and more efficient. By preparing in advance, travellers using car rental San Jose airport deals can save time, reduce stress, and ensure a smoother start to their Costa Rican journey.
The airport upgrades prioritise a secure and stress-free experience for travellers. Well-lit parking areas, clearly organised lanes, and an active security presence improve safety and make navigating rental zones straightforward. For those renting a car, this provides reassurance and confidence when collecting vehicles, even during busy hours or late arrivals.
Access to emergency services has also been improved across the terminal and car rental areas. With clear signage and logical layouts, these upgrades help travellers move efficiently from their flight to their rental car while enjoying peace of mind.
Having a rental car opens up numerous opportunities for exploration. With a rental car, travellers can depart immediately after landing and explore Costa Rica at their own pace. Popular destinations such as Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal Volcano, and the Nicoya Peninsula become accessible without relying on public transport or taxis.
This flexibility is particularly beneficial for visitors planning to explore less-frequented areas. A rental vehicle allows them to visit remote beaches, rainforest trails, or mountain villages at their own pace. Travellers can stop at viewpoints, take detours, and adjust plans as they go, making their Costa Rican adventure fully personalised.
The airport upgrades also bring economic benefits for both travellers and local businesses. A modern, efficient airport attracts more visitors, increasing spending on accommodation, dining, and excursions. Car rental companies benefit from higher demand, allowing them to improve services, maintain fleets, and offer competitive prices.
Travellers using a rental car can access more vehicle options, faster service, and better overall value. The combination of improved airport infrastructure and well-maintained rental fleets ensures a convenient, affordable, and high-quality experience for all passengers.
Final Rentals has established itself as a trusted provider for airport car rentals, offering a wide selection of vehicles suitable for every traveller’s needs. Pre-booking ensures that vehicles are ready upon arrival, minimising waiting times. The mobile app provides the flexibility to manage bookings, access support, and confirm vehicle details, allowing travellers to start their journey efficiently.
Whether a visitor requires a compact car, a spacious sedan, or an SUV for more challenging terrain, Final Rentals ensures reliability, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service. Paired with the airport upgrades, these services make car rental San Jose airport deals seamless, flexible, and stress-free.
Expanded zones, modern counters, and clearer signage allow travellers to collect vehicles quickly with minimal confusion.
Improved road access and smoother traffic flow let travellers using car rental San Jose airport deals exit efficiently.
Dedicated pick-up zones and organised counters allow pre-booked cars to be collected promptly, reducing wait times.
The app lets users manage bookings, confirm pick-up details, and access support in real time, streamlining the process.
Reliable vehicles, competitive pricing, and efficient service ensure a smooth, stress-free start to any trip.
Juan Santamaría International Airport’s upgrades transform the car rental experience, making it faster, safer, and more convenient than ever. Travellers using car rental San Jose airport deals will enjoy clearly organised pick-up and drop-off zones, expanded parking, and smoother access to the main road network.
Combined with Final Rentals’ reliable fleet and intuitive mobile app, visitors can start their journey in Costa Rica with flexibility, comfort, and complete peace of mind. From the moment you land to the moment you hit the road, getting your rental car has never been this effortless. Reserve your vehicle with Final Rentals today and begin exploring Costa Rica without delay!
