Complete Guide to Airports in Costa Rica

From green rainforests to stunning beaches and lively cities, Costa Rica is the dream destination. Indeed, whether you’re flying in from another country or hopping between breathtaking regions, Costa Rica’s airports make air travel easy and smooth.

This guide covers your best options, from major international centers to small regional landing areas, for your trip.

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Air Travel in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s air travel network connects even its most remote areas. A mix of international airports and domestic landing strips makes this possible. Major international arrivals are handled at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR). In many cases, domestic flights aren’t necessary to reach popular eco-tourism destinations, except for some beach towns and remote jungle lodges.

Several regional airports make it easy to reach destinations without long drives. Domestic airlines operate small, low-flying planes, offering stunning views of the country’s diverse landscapes. Flying within Costa Rica is not only faster but also a chance to experience the nation’s incredible biodiversity from above.

 

Major International Airports in Costa Rica

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela, near San José

Juan Santamaría International Airport, or SJO, is Costa Rica’s largest airport. It is in Alajuela, near the capital, San José. Travelers from North America, Europe, and Latin America consider this the best entry point into and around the country.

• Location: Alajuela, 20 minutes from downtown San José
• Airlines: American Airlines, United, Delta, Copa, Iberia, and Air Canada, among others.
• Facilities: Duty-free shops, restaurants, car rental services, lounges, currency exchange
• Transportation: Taxis, Ubers, shared shuttles, public buses, car rentals available

For those flying in and planning to travel around central Costa Rica, SJO is the best choice. It is near all the main attractions, including Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Tortuguero National Park. Since this is the major airport and the biggest within the country, the flow of international flights is the best. It will give you probably all the varieties that fit most of your needs in Costa Rica.

 

Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Guanacaste

Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport is Costa Rica’s second-largest airport, located in northwestern Liberia. This airport mainly serves the tourists who visit the Pacific coast, including many resorts and beautiful beaches of Guanacaste.

• Location: from the center of Liberia City, close to beaches like Tamarindo Beach, Playa Flamingo, and Conchal Beach, 15 minutes by car from the center.
• Airlines: Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, KLM, and British Airways, among others
• Facilities: Restaurants, shops, VIP lounges, ATMs, duty-free stores, car rental services
• Transportation: Taxis, car rentals, hotel shuttles, and private transfers

LIR is best suited for those going to Guanacaste: the land of golden beaches, surf towns, and luxury resorts. It is also a good gateway for travel to area national parks: Rincón de la Vieja and Santa Rosa.

 

Top Domestic Airports in Costa Rica

Most of these domestic airports in Costa Rica make distant destinations less of a headache to reach. These small airports serve light aircraft, mostly local airlines like Sansa and Green Airways.

Image by Johannes Kirchherr from Pixabay

 

Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ) in San José

This is a secondary airport in San José, mainly serving domestic flights and private charters. It’s a base for small airlines serving the most remote locations and is an alternative for those who want to avoid the busier SJO airport.

 

Quepos La Managua Airport (XQP) in Quepos, near Manuel Antonio

This airport is a gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park. Therefore, it is perfect for travelers who want to see Costa Rica’s wildlife and stunning beaches. The short flight from San José saves hours of driving.

 

Tambor Airport (TMU) in the Nicoya Peninsula

This small airport is perfect for those visiting Santa Teresa, Montezuma, and the Nicoya Peninsula. It offers quick connections from San José. As such, these areas have become a favorite for surfers, yogis, and eco-tourists alike.

 

Puerto Jiménez Airport (PJM) in Osa Peninsula

A major entry point for travelers heading to Corcovado National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and eco-lodges. Moreover, this is one of the best areas for wildlife enthusiasts.

 

Nosara Airport (NOB) in the Nicoya Peninsula

A small, important airport serves surfers and yoga lovers headed to Nosara. It’s one of Costa Rica’s top three wellness spots and has many expats.

 

Drake Bay Airport (DRK) in Osa Peninsula

This landing area gives easy access to Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park, avoiding long travel times by land. The region is so remote that flying in is often the best option.

 

Tamarindo Airport (TNO) in Guanacaste

Tamarindo Airport is convenient for travelers to this surf town. It mainly supports private charters and domestic flights.

 

Golfito Airport (GLF) in Southern Zone

Serving the Southern Pacific region, Golfito is an important airport for those visiting Pavones and nearby remote beaches. Indeed, surfers and sportfishers know the area for its world-class surfing and sportfishing.

 

How to Choose the Right Airport for Your Trip

Which airport to choose in Costa Rica depends on many factors:

• Proximity: Just look for a close airport, or as close as possible to your destination. This will save you a lot of time on the road. If you’re going to the beaches of the Pacific, it may be worth considering LIR over SJO.
• Accessibility: Some of these domestic airports serve small aircraft, and thus do not handle all travelers.
• Convenience: Larger airports like SJO and LIR offer more flights. Additionally, they also provide options to rent cars or access other transport.

If you’re going to remote areas, like the Osa Peninsula, a flight from San José can save you hours of travel.

 

Airlines Operating in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is well-connected by both international and domestic airlines. Major international carriers such as American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Air Canada, KLM, British Airways, Iberia, Avianca, and Copa Airlines provide service to the country.

For domestic travel, Sansa Airlines and Green Airways operate small planes that reach remote areas quickly. These flights are ideal for travelers looking to avoid long car rides on sometimes rough roads, saving hours of travel time and making remote destinations more accessible.

 

Essential Traveler Tips for Flying in Costa Rica

Tips for Arrival and Departure in Costa Rica

When arriving in Costa Rica, you’ll go through customs and immigration quickly if you have your passport and forms ready. To avoid stress, arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before your flight, especially for international departures. Remember, liquids over 100 ml aren’t allowed in carry-ons, and having your boarding pass handy will make security checks smoother.

 

What to Know About Costa Rica’s Departure Tax

An international flight departure tax is $29, although most airlines nowadays include it in the price of a ticket. It always pays to check before flying so you won’t be in for any surprise charges.

Image by Jose Conejo Saenz from Pixabay

 

Must-See Destinations Near Costa Rica’s Major Airports

You can find many of Costa Rica’s key attractions within a rather short drive or flight from the key airports.

Image by Kristen from Pixabay

 

From SJO:

• Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna 3 hrs by car, site of several hot springs and adventure activities.
• Monteverde Cloud Forest: 3.5 hours of driving, famous for its hanging bridges and biodiversity.
• Tortuguero National Park: The only canal-based national park in the country, more famous for the nesting of turtles.

 
From LIR:

• Tamarindo Beach – Over an hour’s drive, great for surfing and nightlife.
• Papagayo Gulf – Home to luxury resorts and stunning beaches.
• Rincón de la Vieja National Park houses a volcanic zone with waterfalls and hot springs.

 

From Domestic Airports:

• Osa Peninsula: It’s one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. It’s perfect for eco-tourism, especially from the airports in Puerto Jiménez or Drake Bay.
• Nicoya Peninsula: From Tambor or Nosara Airports, this is a hot spot for surfers, wellness retreats, and laid-back beach towns.
• Manuel Antonio (from Quepos Airport): Home of some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches and wildlife.

No matter where you’re going in Costa Rica, the airports will make your trip efficient and memorable.

 

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FAQs About Airports in Costa Rica

Do I need a visa to enter Costa Rica?

Yes, you may need a visa to enter Costa Rica, depending on your nationality. Most visitors from North America, Europe, and other eligible countries do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. You will need a valid passport and evidence of return travel regardless of your visa requirement.

 

How long does it take to get from SJO to downtown San José?

By taxi or shuttle, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the flow of traffic. Public buses are also available; they just take a little longer.

 

Are there direct flights from the U.S. to Costa Rica?

Yes, various major U.S. airlines do fly directly into both SJO and LIR from cities such as Miami, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York.

 

What is the best domestic airline in Costa Rica?

The most popular domestic airline is Sansa Airlines. It flies to places like Quepos, Tambor, and Puerto Jiménez. Green Airways is also depended on by some regions.