International Airports
| Airport Name | City/Location | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juan Santamaría International Airport | San José (Alajuela) | SJO | MROC |
| Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport | Liberia | LIR | MRLB |
| Tobías Bolaños International Airport | San José (Pavas) | SYQ | MRPV |
| Limón International Airport | Limón | LIO | MRLM |
Domestic Airports
| Airport Name | City/Location | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tamarindo Airport | Tamarindo | TNO | MRTM |
| Quepos La Managua Airport | Quepos | XQP | MRQP |
| Puerto Jiménez Airport | Puerto Jiménez | PJM | MRPJ |
| Nosara Airport | Nosara | NOB | MRNS |
| Drake Bay Airport | Drake Bay | DRK | MRDK |
| Barra del Colorado Airport | Barra del Colorado | BCL | MRBC |
| Carrillo Airport | Carrillo | RIK | MRCR |
| Coto 47 Airport | Coto 47 | OTJ | MRCC |
| Golfito Airport | Golfito | GLF | MRGF |
| Palmar Sur Airport | Palmar Sur | PMZ | MRPM |
Notes:
- Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is the primary international gateway for Costa Rica, located near the capital city, San José.
- Domestic airports provide connectivity to remote areas, popular tourist destinations, and smaller communities across the country.
- Some smaller international airports, such as Tobías Bolaños and Limón, also handle charter and domestic flights.
Costa Rica Airports: Your Gateway to Tropical Paradise
Costa Rica, a popular ecotourism destination, offers travellers two main international airports to begin their tropical adventures. These airports serve as gateways to the country’s lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife.
Costa Rica has two international airports: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) near San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Guanacaste. SJO is the busier of the two, handling most international flights and serving as a hub for domestic travel. LIR, located in the northwest, provides convenient access to popular beach resorts and national parks in the Guanacaste region.
In addition to these major hubs, Costa Rica boasts a network of 14 domestic airports and airstrips scattered across the country. These smaller facilities enable quick and easy travel between different regions, allowing visitors to maximise their time exploring Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems.
Main Airports Serving Costa Rica
Costa Rica has two primary international airports that serve as the main gateways for travellers. These airports offer direct flights from many countries and connect visitors to popular destinations within Costa Rica.
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Juan Santamaría International Airport is Costa Rica’s busiest airport. Located in Alajuela, it’s just 20 kilometres from San José, the capital city. SJO handles most international flights to Costa Rica.
The airport offers modern facilities, including:
- Duty-free shops
- Restaurants
- Currency exchange
- Car hire services
Many airlines operate direct flights to SJO from North America, Europe, and other parts of Latin America. This makes it a convenient entry point for tourists visiting central Costa Rica.
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR)
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, also known as Liberia International Airport, serves the Guanacaste region. It’s located in Liberia, about 215 kilometres northwest of San José.
LIR has grown significantly in recent years, offering:
- Direct flights from major US and Canadian cities
- Easy access to popular beach resorts
- A modern terminal with essential amenities
This airport is ideal for travellers heading to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast beaches and national parks in the northwest.
Secondary International Gateways
Costa Rica has two smaller airports that handle some international flights:
- Tobías Bolaños International Airport: Located in San José, it mainly serves domestic flights but also handles some international traffic from nearby countries.
- Limón International Airport: Situated on the Caribbean coast, it occasionally receives international charter flights.
These secondary airports provide additional options for reaching specific regions of Costa Rica, though they offer fewer facilities and international connections compared to SJO and LIR.
Domestic Air Travel
Costa Rica offers a network of regional airports and domestic airlines for convenient travel within the country. These options allow tourists and locals to quickly reach popular destinations and remote areas.
Regional Airports and Airstrips
Costa Rica has numerous regional airports and airstrips scattered across the country. The Pacific Coast boasts several key airports, including Tamarindo Airport in Guanacaste and Quepos La Managua Airport near Manuel Antonio National Park. On the Caribbean side, Tortuguero Airport serves as a vital link to the remote rainforest region.
The Osa Peninsula, known for its biodiversity, is accessible via Puerto Jiménez and Drake Bay airports. In the Central Valley, Tobías Bolaños International Airport in San José handles many domestic flights.
Most regional airports have paved runways to accommodate small aircraft. Travellers should note that some remote airstrips may have limited facilities and weather-dependent operations.
Domestic Airlines and Services
Two main domestic airlines serve Costa Rica: SANSA Airlines and Green Airways. These carriers offer scheduled flights to popular tourist destinations and remote areas.
SANSA Airlines operates from San José, flying to destinations like Tamarindo, Quepos, and Golfito. They provide a convenient route map and online booking services.
Green Airways, a newer carrier, offers flights to various locations including Tortuguero and the Osa Peninsula. Both airlines typically use small aircraft suitable for short runways.
Flights generally last between 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the route. Passengers should be aware of luggage restrictions, as smaller planes have limited cargo capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Costa Rica has several airports that serve both international and domestic travellers. These airports offer various facilities and connections to different parts of the country.
What are the main international airports in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has two main international airports: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) near San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. SJO is the larger of the two and serves Central and Southern Costa Rica. LIR is ideal for those visiting the Guanacaste region.
How do I travel between San José and other Costa Rican cities by air?
Domestic airports in Costa Rica make it easy to travel between cities. From San José, you can fly to popular destinations like Quepos, Drake Bay, and Puerto Jiménez. These flights are typically short, lasting about 30-45 minutes.
Are there direct flights from Europe to Costa Rica?
Yes, there are direct flights from some European cities to Costa Rica. Airlines like Iberia, Lufthansa, and British Airways offer non-stop flights to San José from cities such as Madrid, Frankfurt, and London.
What facilities can I expect at Costa Rican airports?
Costa Rican airports offer standard facilities such as restaurants, shops, and currency exchange. Larger airports like SJO and LIR have more extensive services, including duty-free shops, car hire desks, and tourist information centres.
How early should I arrive at the airport before an international flight in Costa Rica?
It’s recommended to arrive at least 3 hours before your international flight in Costa Rica. This allows time for check-in, security procedures, and any unexpected delays.
Which Costa Rican airport is most convenient for visiting the Pacific Coast?
For visiting the Pacific Coast, Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia is often the most convenient. It provides easy access to popular beach destinations in Guanacaste like Tamarindo, Nosara, and Playa Flamingo.
