Lois Larson
Costa Rica is a popular destination for tourists, with millions visiting every year. The country has two major international airports: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. San José is the largest and busiest airport in Costa Rica, with modern facilities, shops, restaurants, and other amenities. Liberia is the second busiest airport in the country, and a popular entry point for tourists looking to visit the beaches of Guanacaste. In addition to these two international airports, Costa Rica also has several domestic airports, which play a crucial role in connecting the country's remote areas with its major cities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of International Airports | 2 |
| Names of International Airports | Juan Santamaria International Airport, Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (also known as Guanacaste Airport) |
| Locations of International Airports | Alajuela, San Jose (SJO); Liberia, Guanacaste (LIR) |
| GPS Coordinates of Juan Santamaria International Airport | 9.998469, -84.204403 |
| GPS Coordinates of Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport | 10.599824, -85.537941 |
| Number of Domestic Airports | 14 |
| Names of Domestic Airports | Tobías Bolaños International Airport, Arenal Airport, Cobano Airport, Drake Bay Airport, Nosara Airport, Quepos Airport, Palmar Sur Airport, Puerto Jiménez Airport, Tamarindo Airport, Tambor Airport, Tortuguero Airport, Barra del Corcovado Airport, Punta Islita Airport |
| Locations of Domestic Airports | San Jose (SYQ); near Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano, Alajuela (FON); Montezuma (PLD); Drake Bay (DRK); Nosara; Quepos; Sierpe, Drake Bay (PMZ); Osa Peninsula (PJM); Tamarindo, Guanacaste (TNO); Nicoya Peninsula (TMU); Tortuguero (TTQ); Limon (BCL); Northern part of Nicoya Peninsula (PBP) |
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What You'll Learn
San Jose (SJO)
San Jose International Airport, also known as Juan Santamaria International Airport, is located in the city of Alajuela in Costa Rica's Central Valley region. It is the oldest and largest airport in the country, serving as the primary gateway for international travellers. The airport is named after Costa Rica's national hero, Juan Santamaria, a drummer boy who bravely defended the nation's independence in 1856 against forces led by American filibuster William Walker.
The airport is situated about 17 kilometres northwest of downtown San Jose, approximately 30-45 minutes away from the city's main hotels. It is easily accessible via Route 1 and offers various transportation options, including buses, licensed taxis (both red and orange), and rental cars. The TUASA bus route provides the most affordable connection to downtown San Jose, while apps like Uber also operate from the airport.
As the busiest airport in Costa Rica, San Jose International Airport (SJO) handles a significant volume of passenger traffic, transiting more than 5 million passengers annually before the COVID-19 pandemic. It serves as a hub for several regional airlines, including Avianca Costa Rica, Costa Rica Green Airways, Sansa Airlines, Volaris Costa Rica, and Iberia. The airport features 20 gates servicing 24 airlines from North America, Latin America, and Europe.
San Jose International Airport has a domestic terminal located next to the international terminal. This terminal caters to domestic flights within Costa Rica, operated by airlines such as Green Airways, Carmonair Charter, and Sansa Air. The airport has undergone constant renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing number of tourists visiting Costa Rica each year.
When flying into San Jose International Airport, passengers should be aware of the potential for intense turbulence during landing due to the surrounding mountains. Additionally, the airport provides a dedicated space for passengers to make voluntary contributions to support vulnerable children in local communities.
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Liberia (LIR)
The airport offers nonstop service from major cities in the United States, Canada, and Europe, providing convenient access to nearby destinations such as Tamarindo, Playa Conchal, Papagayo, Nosara, and La Fortuna. Liberia (LIR) is also known as Guanacaste Airport, reflecting its location in the Guanacaste Province. This airport is an excellent choice for travellers as it offers easy arrivals, fast customs, and professional transportation services.
When travelling to and from the airport, passengers can choose from various options. Licensed orange airport taxis operate 24/7 and accept both colónes and U.S. dollars. Red taxis, the standard Costa Rican taxis, are also readily available and can be identified by yellow triangles on their doors. Ride-hailing apps like Uber are available in Costa Rica and operate from Liberia Airport, often offering more affordable options compared to traditional taxis.
For those who prefer to drive themselves, several major rental car companies have offices at the airport, providing convenient pre-booking and pick-up options. Shuttle services are also available, offering comfortable and stress-free transportation to your destination. It is recommended to book accommodation and shuttles in advance if travelling during peak seasons, such as Christmas, New Year, and Holy Week.
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Juan Santamaría International Airport
The airport is conveniently accessible by various transport options. There are frequent buses to San José, licensed taxis (both red and orange), and easy access from Route 1 for drivers. For those who prefer ride-hailing services, apps like Uber are also available in Costa Rica and operate from SJO. In addition, several major rental car companies have offices at the airport, providing convenient pre-booking and pick-up options.
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Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport
The airport acts as a gateway to the Pacific coast and western Costa Rica, serving as a tourism hub for those visiting the region. It covers 243 hectares of land and has a 2,750-metre runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 747. The airport was inaugurated in 1995 and is named after Daniel Oduber Quirós, who served as the country's president from 1974 to 1978. During his administration, the idea for an airport in Guanacaste Province was conceived.
The airport has received mixed reviews from travellers. Some praise the ease of clearing customs and the overall positive airport experience, while others mention long lines, limited space in the arrival and customs areas, and overcrowding. Travellers have also noted the high prices of food and goods within the airport. Despite these challenges, Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport remains an important gateway to the natural wonders and attractions of Costa Rica.
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Tobías Bolaños International Airport
Costa Rica has 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. In addition, there are 14 domestic airports or airstrips across the country.
For visitors to Costa Rica, it is worth noting that the two international airports are constantly being renovated and expanded to accommodate the growing number of tourists each year. In 2023, Costa Rica experienced a record-breaking year for tourism, with air arrivals surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
The best airport to fly into depends on your itinerary and final destination. Juan Santamaria International Airport is the biggest and busiest airport in Costa Rica, with the most gates and international flights. However, it is not located in the capital city of San Jose but rather in the province of Alajuela, about a 30-45 minute drive to downtown San Jose. Liberia's airport, Daniel Oduber International Airport, offers an alternative, with direct connections to South American and Caribbean destinations.
If you are heading to the Gulf of Papagayo, Conchal, Tamarindo, Langosta, Flamingo, Brasilito, Las Catalinas, Avellenas, Grande, Negra, Playas del Coco, or any of the other destinations listed in the linked article, you should fly into Guanacaste Airport, the second of the two international airports.
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Frequently asked questions
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is the largest and busiest airport in Costa Rica. It is located in the city of San José, 18km from the city downtown.
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), formerly known as The Guanacaste Airport, is the second-largest international airport in Costa Rica. It is located in Liberia, in the Guanacaste province, about 215km northwest of San Jose.
Costa Rica has several domestic airports that connect remote areas with major cities. These include La Fortuna Airport (FON), Quepos Airport (XQP), Tamarindo Airport (TNO), Tambor Airport (TMU), and more.
All passengers, regardless of age or nationality, are charged a departure tax of $29.00. This may be included in your flight ticket, but if not, it must be paid at the airport lobby.
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