Airports In Costa Rica: A Comprehensive Guide

Costa Rica is home to two international airports: San Jose International Airport (SJO), also known as Juan Santamaria International Airport, and Liberia International Airport (LIR), also known as Daniel Oduber International Airport. Both airports accept flights from the United States and Canada daily and are constantly undergoing renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing number of tourists visiting Costa Rica each year.

Airports in Costa Rica

International airports in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has two international airports: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR). Both airports receive international flights from Sansa Airlines, as well as local flights.

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)

Also known as San Jose International Airport, this airport is located in the Alajuela province, about a 30-minute drive from downtown San Jose. It is the biggest and busiest airport in Costa Rica, with the most gates and international flights. The airport code is SJO.

The airport is named after the Costa Rican national hero, Juan Santamaria, who defended the country's independence. It is the primary gateway to Costa Rica and serves as a hub for several regional airlines like Avianca Costa Rica and Volaris Costa Rica.

SJO offers diverse destinations and a range of airlines, from major international carriers to budget-friendly options. It also provides various transportation options, including official airport taxis, standard Costa Rican taxis, and ride-hailing services like Uber. The airport has parking available, as well as VIP lounges for eligible passengers.

Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR)

Also known as Guanacaste Airport or Liberia International Airport, this airport is located in the city of Liberia, about a 15-minute drive from the capital city of Guanacaste. It is the second busiest airport in the country and the ninth busiest in Central America. The airport code is LIR.

The airport is named after former Costa Rican president Daniel Oduber Quirós. It serves as the primary gateway to the Guanacaste province and the stunning beaches and attractions of the Northern Pacific region. LIR has modern facilities and a range of transportation options, including private transfers, shuttles, car rentals, and public buses.

Domestic Flights

In addition to the two international airports, there are several domestic airports and airstrips in Costa Rica. Local airlines offer internal low-cost flights to popular vacation destinations, such as La Fortuna, Quepos, Tamarindo, and Tortuguero. These flights can significantly reduce travel time, allowing visitors to spend more time enjoying their vacation.

Domestic airports in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has 14 domestic airports/airstrips. The San Jose Domestic Airport, also known as the San Jose Domestic Terminal, is dedicated solely to domestic flights and is located right next to the San Jose International Airport. It is a hub for two prominent domestic airlines, Green and Sansa Air, which offer flights to various destinations within Costa Rica, including La Fortuna, Quepos, Drake Bay, Golfito, Tamarindo, and Puerto Jimenez.

The San Jose Domestic Airport provides a convenient option for travellers to connect to their final destination within the country after arriving at the San Jose International Airport. However, it is important to ensure sufficient time for layovers to complete the necessary immigration and customs procedures at the international airport before proceeding to the domestic terminal. For domestic flights, passengers are advised to arrive at the terminal at least one hour in advance.

Domestic flights in Costa Rica significantly reduce travel time to popular tourist destinations, allowing visitors to maximise their vacation time. For example, while driving from San Jose to Quepos to visit the Manuel Antonio National Park takes approximately three hours, flying between these locations only takes 25 minutes. Similarly, travelling by road from San Jose to Fortuna can take around four hours, whereas a domestic flight reduces the travel time to just 30 minutes.

In addition to the San Jose Domestic Airport, there are other domestic airstrips located throughout Costa Rica, such as the ones in Quepos, Tamarindo, Drake Bay, Arenal, Puerto Jiménez, Golfito, Punta Islita, Nosara, Palmar Sur, Tortuguero, and Tambor. These airstrips offer basic services like bathrooms, and some of them have offices for local airlines with air-conditioned waiting areas and mini shops. A few of these airstrips may charge a small fee of up to $7 per person upon arrival or departure.

Airlines that fly to San Jose International Airport

San Jose International Airport (SJO), also known as Juan Santamaria International Airport, is located in Alajuela, 17 km northwest of San Jose. It is the biggest and busiest airport in Costa Rica, with the most gates and international flights. The airport is not in the capital city of San Jose itself but is around a 30-minute drive away.

Many major airlines offer direct flights to San Jose International Airport, including:

• American Airlines
• Alaska Airlines
• Delta
• United Airlines
• Jet Blue
• Frontier Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Aeromexico
• Volaris
• Arajet
• Air France
• Air Canada
• Avianca
• British Airways
• Condor
• Copa Airlines
• Edelweiss
• Iberojet
• Iberia
• Latam
• KLM
• Southwest Airlines
• Lufthansa
• Wingo

You can find direct flights from North America, Latin America (Central and South America), and Europe, from countries such as the United States, Canada, Mexico, France, Spain, England, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Peru, Colombia, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, and Guatemala.

If you are flying into San Jose International Airport, it is recommended that you arrive 3 hours early for departures. The airport has a VIP lounge for Star Alliance VIP Passengers and a VIP Lounge for BAC Credomatic American Express, Mastercard, or visa cardholders.

Airlines that fly to Liberia International Airport

Liberia International Airport, also known as Daniel Oduber International Airport, is located 10 km southwest of the city of Liberia. The airport code for Liberia International Airport is LIR.

• United Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta
• Alaska Airlines
• JetBlue
• Air Canada
• Southwest Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• Sunwing
• Edelweiss
• Air Transat
• Copa Airlines
• Avianca
• KLM
• Iberia
• British Airways
• Air France
• Aeromexico
• Volaris
• Lufthansa
• Wingo
• Condor
• Iberojet
• Arajet
• Frontier Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Alaska Airlines
• Emirates

Transport options from San Jose International Airport

San Jose International Airport (SJO), also known as Juan Santamaria International Airport, is located in Alajuela, 17 km northwest of San Jose. There are several transport options available to get to and from the airport.

Taxi

Taxis are available 24/7 at San Jose Airport. The official airport taxis are easy to recognise as they are red with a yellow triangle on both sides of the doors. The taxi fare from the airport to downtown San Jose is around €28 (CRC 16,522) during the day and €32 (CRC 18,882) at night, depending on traffic conditions. It is important to note that taxi drivers in San Jose may pressure you to change your accommodation arrangements, but you should be firm but polite and insist that they take you to your chosen hotel.

Private Transfer

A private transfer from the airport to the city of San Jose offers a more seamless experience than a taxi. By booking with a company like Welcome Pickups, you can expect benefits such as professionally trained English-speaking drivers, guaranteed on-time pickups with flight monitoring, fixed fares with no hidden fees, and 24/7 customer support. A private transfer from the airport to the city for up to four passengers in a comfortable sedan costs €29.

Bus

Taking a bus from the airport to the city is a good option if you don't have much luggage and have some extra time. The Tuasa bus is the main bus that operates this route and costs €1.25 (CRC 735) per person. The journey takes roughly 35 minutes and the bus stop is located opposite the main terminal exit.

Shuttle Bus

If you want a door-to-door service but can't afford a taxi, a shuttle bus is a perfect option. Shuttle buses are easy to book online and can be booked before your arrival. The trip takes around 30 minutes to reach San Jose's city centre and costs around €17 (CRC 10,043) one-way.

Train

There is no direct train connection from the airport to San Jose. First, you need to take a train or bus to Alajuela, which is located 2.5 km away, and then take a train from Alajuela station to Atlantic Railroad station in San Jose. Trains from Alajuela to San Jose leave between 05:45 and 18:30, Monday to Friday, and between 06:30 and 13:30 on Saturdays. The train ride takes 50 minutes to reach the city centre.

Frequently asked questions