Ruth Haines
Costa Rica has two international airports: San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) and Liberia's Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR). Juan Santamaria International Airport is the country's largest and busiest airport, with the most international arrivals and departures. It is located in the suburb of Alajuela, about a 20-30 minute drive from downtown San Jose. Liberia's airport, on the other hand, is the second busiest international airport in Costa Rica and is a good option for those looking to vacation on the beaches of Guanacaste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Juan Santamaría International Airport |
| Location | Alajuela Province |
| Distance from downtown San Jose | 17-20 km |
| Airlines | Avianca Costa Rica, Costa Rica Green Airways, Sansa Airlines, Volaris Costa Rica, Iberia, Jet Blue, United Airlines, Air France, Aeroméxico, Air Canada, Air Panamá, American Airlines |
| Taxi services | Licensed orange airport taxis, red taxis, Uber |
| Bus services | TUASA Bus Route |
| Annual passengers | 4.4 million |
| Facilities | Restaurants, ATMs, shops, duty-free shop, VIP lounge |
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What You'll Learn
Costa Rica's main airports
Costa Rica has two major international airports: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), also known as Liberia International Airport. Juan Santamaría International Airport is the country's primary airport, located in Alajuela, about 17-20km from downtown San José, the capital of Costa Rica. It is the largest and busiest airport in Costa Rica, serving more than 5 million passengers per year before the COVID pandemic. The airport is named after Costa Rica's national hero, Juan Santamaría, a drummer boy who died defending his country in 1856. It is a hub for several airlines, including Avianca Costa Rica, Costa Rica Green Airways, Sansa Airlines, and Volaris Costa Rica.
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) is located in the city of Liberia, about 10km southwest of the city centre. It is the second busiest airport in the country and the ninth busiest in Central America, with close to 330,000 international arrivals annually. This airport mainly caters to tourists visiting nearby destinations such as Guanacaste, Monteverde, and La Fortuna, and it provides easy access to the beaches on the Northern Pacific coast.
In addition to these two international airports, Costa Rica also has 14 domestic airports or airstrips, including a domestic terminal next to Juan Santamaría International Airport, serving local airlines such as Green, Carmonair Charter, and Sansa Air. These domestic airlines offer convenient connections to popular tourist destinations within the country, such as La Fortuna, Quepos, Tamarindo, and Puerto Jimenez.
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Juan Santamaria International Airport
The airport is located about 10 to 20 kilometres (6.2 to 12 miles) northwest of downtown San José, the capital of Costa Rica. It is the primary airport serving the city and was the country's only international gateway for many years before the opening of the international airport in Liberia, Guanacaste. Juan Santamaria International Airport is much bigger than its fellow international airport in Guanacaste and offers the most international flights.
Various transport options are available to get to the airport from San José, including frequent buses, licensed taxis (both red and orange), and easy access from Route 1 for drivers. While there is a rail line linking downtown Alajuela with San José's Atlantic Station that passes close to the airport, it does not serve the airport, and there is no rail service to the airport.
As Costa Rica's primary gateway, Juan Santamaria International Airport handles a significant volume of passenger traffic and serves as a hub for several regional airlines, including Avianca Costa Rica, Costa Rica Green Airways, Sansa Airlines, and Volaris Costa Rica. The airport also serves as a focus city for Avianca El Salvador and Copa Airlines. Internationally, the largest operator at the airport is Avianca, followed by Copa Airlines, which uses the Main Terminal (M). Domestically, the largest airline is Sansa Airlines, operating out of the Domestic Terminal (D).
The airport offers free wireless internet throughout, as well as the comfort and service of three VIP lounges and duty-free shopping. Passengers can also contribute to supporting children in vulnerable communities through a dedicated space at the airport.
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Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport
Liberia, Guanacaste Airport (LIR), officially known as Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, is one of four international airports in Costa Rica. It is located 10-11 kilometres southwest of the city of Liberia in Guanacaste Province. The airport is named after Daniel Oduber Quirós, who served as the President of Costa Rica from 1974 to 1978, during whose tenure the idea for an airport in Guanacaste Province was conceived.
The airport covers 243 hectares of land and has a single 2,750-metre runway that can handle wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 747. It is a popular gateway for tourists visiting the Pacific coast and western Costa Rica, providing easy access to the region's beaches, resorts, and natural attractions. Destinations such as Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, Las Catalinas, and La Fortuna are all within close proximity to the airport.
Despite these challenges, the airport remains a convenient gateway to Costa Rica's stunning northwest region. It is well-connected, with nonstop, direct, and global connections, making it a suitable starting point for exploring the country's natural wonders and cultural offerings.
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Domestic airports and airlines
Costa Rica has two international airports: San Jose and Liberia. San Jose International Airport, also known as Juan Santamaria International Airport, is the country's biggest and busiest airport and is located in Alajuela, 17 kilometres northwest of San Jose. Liberia International Airport, also known as Daniel Oduber International Airport, is located 10 kilometres southwest of the city of Liberia.
In addition to these two international airports, Costa Rica has 14 domestic airports or airstrips. The domestic airline Sansa Airlines operates out of Juan Santamaria International Airport's Domestic Terminal.
Sansa Airlines offers scheduled and charter flights to all destinations in Costa Rica. However, it is important to note that there may be limitations or issues with booking unaccompanied minors. Additionally, customers have reported issues with finalising check-ins and receiving boarding passes, which may require contacting the airline for further assistance.
As of May 2025, the following information regarding airlines operating at Juan Santamaria International Airport is available:
- Avianca Costa Rica: offers direct flights to Buenos Aires–Ezeiza via Quito or Guayaquil, New York-JFK via Guatemala City or San Pedro Sula, and New York–JFK via San Salvador.
- Volaris Costa Rica: provides non-stop flights to Mexico City and also offers flights via Guatemala City.
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Airport facilities and amenities
Juan Santamaría International Airport (IATA: SJO, ICAO: MROC) is the primary airport serving San José, the capital of Costa Rica. It is the largest and busiest airport in the country, located in the Alajuela province, about 18-20 kilometres from downtown San José. The airport is named after Costa Rica's national hero, Juan Santamaría, a drummer boy who bravely defended the country's independence.
Juan Santamaría International Airport offers a range of facilities and amenities to cater to the needs of its passengers. The airport provides essential services such as restaurants, ATMs, and shops, including those selling Costa Rica's famous coffee and crafts. There is also a duty-free shop for travellers to purchase goods without local taxes. Additionally, the airport has a VIP lounge offering wireless internet and other business facilities for those seeking a more exclusive experience.
The airport has a parking area with a surcharge and a bus stop with frequent services to San Jose downtown. Licensed taxis, including standard red taxis and orange airport taxis, are readily available at the airport. These taxis generally accept both colónes and U.S. dollars but not other currencies. For those seeking a more affordable option, the TUASA bus route connects the airport to downtown San José.
Ride-hailing services like Uber are also available at the airport, providing a convenient alternative to traditional taxis. Several major rental car companies have offices at the airport, offering pre-booking and pick-up options. It is recommended to familiarise yourself with Costa Rican driving laws and road conditions before opting for a rental car. Additionally, passengers can use private or shared shuttle services for transportation to and from the airport.
Juan Santamaría International Airport serves as a hub for several airlines, including Avianca Costa Rica, Costa Rica Green Airways, Sansa Airlines, and Volaris Costa Rica. It handles a significant volume of passenger traffic, with an average of 4.4 million to over 5 million annual passengers in the years before the COVID-19 pandemic. The airport experienced a constant increase in traffic, boosted by the growing flow of tourists to Costa Rica.
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Frequently asked questions
Costa Rica's main airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), located in the city of Alajuela, a suburb of San Jose. It is the biggest and busiest airport in the country, with the most gates and international arrivals and departures.
The second busiest international airport in Costa Rica is Liberia's Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR). This airport is more commonly used by travellers visiting the Guanacaste region, Monteverde, or Arenal/La Fortuna.
Some domestic airports in Costa Rica include Nosara Airport, Bahía Drake Airport, Quepos La Managua Airport, Tambor Airport, and Palmar Sur Airport. These airports primarily cater to small, single-engine aircraft and domestic flights.
