Jazmin Li
Costa Rica has two international airports: San Jose (Juan Santamaria International Airport) and Liberia (Daniel Oduber International Airport). San Jose International Airport's code is SJO, and Liberia International Airport's code is LIR. San Jose airport is the largest and busiest airport in Costa Rica, located in the city of Alajuela, 17-20 kilometres northwest of downtown San Jose. Liberia airport is smaller and more modern, with fewer surrounding accommodation options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international airports | 2 |
| Name of the airports | Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose), Daniel Oduber International Airport (Liberia) |
| Airport Codes | SJO (San Jose), LIR (Liberia) |
| Location | Alajuela Province (San Jose), Guanacaste (Liberia) |
| Distance from the city | 20 km (San Jose), 10-11 km (Liberia) |
| Number of terminals | 2 (San Jose), NA (Liberia) |
| Taxi services | Licensed orange airport taxis, red taxis (colones and US dollars) |
| Bus services | TUASA Bus Route (most affordable option) |
| Other transport options | Rental cars |
| Amenities | Souvenir shops, bars, cafes, duty-free shops |
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What You'll Learn
San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
San José's Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is the primary airport serving San José, the capital of Costa Rica. It is located in the city of Alajuela, in Alajuela Province, 20 kilometres (12 miles) northwest of downtown San José. It is accessible via Route 1, and there is a 24-hour bus service to and from San Jose downtown, with approximately one bus every 10 minutes during working hours. Licensed taxis are available at the airport, and there is a special airport taxi service that employs orange taxis. However, it should be noted that Uber and other ride-share apps are not allowed to operate at the airport.
Juan Santamaria International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Costa Rica, transiting more than 5 million passengers per year before the COVID-19 pandemic. It is named after Costa Rica's national hero, Juan Santamaría, a drummer boy who died in 1856 defending his country against forces led by William Walker, an American filibuster. The airport was built to replace the previous airport in downtown San Jose, where Parque La Sabana is located today. It was officially inaugurated on May 2, 1958, and was initially called "Aeropuerto Internacional el Coco".
The airport has a modern and comfortable facility, with several large souvenir shops, bars, cafes, smaller specialty shops, and a small duty-free shop. It offers free wireless internet throughout the airport and has three VIP lounges. Global Exchange, the second-largest currency exchange company in the world, has counters at the international arrivals area and near the baggage claim. There is also an ATM near the baggage claim.
The airport is a hub for several airlines, including Avianca Costa Rica, Costa Rica Green Airways, Sansa Airlines, and Volaris Costa Rica. It is also a focus city for Avianca El Salvador and Copa Airlines. Internationally, the largest operator in the airport is Avianca, followed by Copa Airlines, which uses the Main Terminal (M). Domestically, the largest airline is Sansa Airlines, and their flights depart from the Domestic Terminal (D). The airport's sole runway allows operations of wide-body aircraft, and it has seen a constant increase in traffic since its opening, boosted by the growing flow of tourists.
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Liberia's Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR)
Liberia's Daniel Oduber International Airport, also known as Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, is located in the Guanacaste Province, about 11 kilometres west of Liberia City. The airport is named after Daniel Oduber Quirós, a former president of Costa Rica. The airport code for Daniel Oduber International Airport is LIR.
Daniel Oduber International Airport is a smaller, modern airport with shops, cafes, and a small duty-free shop. It is known for its proximity to pristine beaches, national parks, and luxury resorts. The airport is a popular gateway to Costa Rica's Pacific coast and a hub for exploring the country's natural wonders. It is also an essential hub for domestic travel within Costa Rica, with local carriers operating flights to the country's 13 operational airstrips.
The airport offers a range of facilities and services to ensure a seamless travel experience, including reliable transportation options and dining experiences. It is home to several reputable car rental companies, with parking lots dedicated to rental car tenants, transport companies, and handicap-accessible vehicles. The airport also has a dedicated area for hotel shuttles, minibuses, rental car shuttles, and buses.
Travellers with small children can use the pilot's line to go through customs, and the airport provides a priority lounge for those who prefer a more comfortable waiting experience. Reviews suggest that the airport can be loud, and the waiting areas can be overcrowded and overpriced.
Daniel Oduber International Airport is served by major airlines connecting Liberia with North America, Europe, and beyond. Some of the airlines operating at the airport include JetBlue Airways, United Airlines, American Airlines, and British Airways.
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Getting to and from the airport
Costa Rica has two international airports: San Jose (Juan Santamaria International Airport – SJO) and Liberia (Daniel Oduber International Airport – LIR).
Juan Santamaria International Airport
Located in the city of Alajuela, Juan Santamaria International Airport is about a 20-minute drive from downtown San Jose. The airport is served by a 24-hour bus service to San Jose, with buses running approximately every 10 minutes during working hours. Licensed taxis are also available at the airport, and they generally accept both colónes and U.S. dollars. Although there is a nearby rail line, it does not serve the airport.
Daniel Oduber International Airport
The Liberia airport is smaller than the San Jose airport but still offers essential services and amenities. Many travellers flying into Liberia are visiting nearby tourist destinations such as Guanacaste, Monteverde, and Arenal/La Fortuna, which are about an hour's drive or less from the airport.
You can book private transfers from Liberia Airport to your hotel or other destinations in Costa Rica. These transfers can include tours and excursions, such as the Arenal Hanging Bridges & Hot Springs Tour or a boat tour in Palo Verde National Park.
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Airport facilities and amenities
Costa Rica has two international airports: San Jose (Juan Santamaria International Airport – SJO) and Liberia (Daniel Oduber International Airport – LIR).
Juan Santamaria International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Costa Rica, located in the city of Alajuela, a 20-minute drive from downtown San Jose. The airport has a range of facilities and amenities, including shops, bars, cafes, and a small duty-free shop. There is also a parking area with a surcharge and a bus stop with frequent services to San Jose downtown. Licensed taxis are available at the airport, and there is a special airport taxi service that operates orange taxis. The airport has two terminals: the main terminal handles international flights, while the domestic terminal caters to all domestic arrivals and departures. Juan Santamaria International Airport is a hub for several airlines, including Avianca Costa Rica, Costa Rica Green Airways, Sansa Airlines, and Volaris Costa Rica.
Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia is smaller than San Jose but still offers modern facilities and a comfortable travel experience. The airport has small shops, cafes, and a duty-free shop. The Guanacaste region, where Liberia is located, is well-known for its well-developed tourism infrastructure. The airport has a VIP lounge that offers a relaxing space for passengers to wait for their flights.
Both airports offer free WiFi, but the connection can be unstable. It is recommended to connect to WiFi before your trip to ensure a smooth experience.
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Immigration and customs
Costa Rica has two international airports: San Jose (Juan Santamaria International Airport – SJO) and Liberia (Daniel Oduber International Airport – LIR). Juan Santamaria International Airport is the country's largest and busiest airport, located in the city of Alajuela, a 20-minute drive from downtown San Jose. It is the primary airport serving San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. The airport has the most international arrivals and departures in the country and offers various amenities for travellers, including shops, bars, cafes, and a duty-free store.
Before landing in Costa Rica, flight attendants will distribute immigration and customs forms to be completed on the plane. After disembarking, passengers will follow signs for immigration and queue at the immigration booth. At the immigration booth, travellers will answer questions about their stay and present their passport and immigration form to the agent. It is advisable to have printed documents outlining your itinerary, such as travel packets or confirmation of bookings.
US passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates and be in good condition, as Costa Rican immigration may deny entry if the passport is damaged. Minors under 18 travelling with only one parent or guardian may need additional documentation. It is recommended to carry a photocopy of your passport and leave the original in a safe place while exploring Costa Rica.
Upon clearing immigration, passengers proceed to baggage claim and then customs. At customs, travellers hand their customs form to an agent and put their luggage through an X-ray scanner. Once through customs, passengers can proceed to their pre-arranged transportation.
It is important to note that authorities may permit visitors to stay in Costa Rica for up to 180 days without a visa. However, this is not guaranteed, and overstaying may result in fines, deportation, and future entry denial. All tourists must comply with the immigration processes established in the General Immigration and Aliens Act.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport code for San Jose airport, also known as Juan Santamaria International Airport, is SJO.
The airport code for Liberia airport, also known as Daniel Oduber International Airport, is LIR.
Juan Santamaria International Airport is the busiest airport in Costa Rica, serving more than 5 million passengers per year.
San Jose airport is located 17-20km northwest of downtown San Jose, which is approximately a 20-45 minute drive.
