Costa Rica is a top destination for travelers seeking natural beauty, adventure, and vibrant culture. When planning your trip, it’s essential to know which of the two international airports to fly in and out of to maximize your travel experience.
Here’s a detailed look at Costa Rica’s main international airports, along with guidance on which to choose for your Costa Rica trip.
How to Get To Costa Rica
San Jose International Airport (SJO)
The main international gateway to Costa Rica is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), located in Alajuela, just outside of the capital city, San Jose. As the busiest airport in the country, it serves as a hub for both international and domestic flights.
Fly into San Jose International Airport if your itinerary includes the following regions:
Central Valley: Popular destinations here include San Jose itself for a taste of city life, but also smaller towns like Grecia, Sarchí (famous for handicrafts), and Cartago, home to the Irazú Volcano National Park.
Arenal Region: Located in the Northern Highlands, this is a must-visit area for travelers looking for adventure and nature. La Fortuna is the main town here and serves as the gateway to Arenal Volcano, hot springs, and wildlife tours.
North Zone: Explore more remote destinations like the Tenorio Volcano National Park, Rio Celeste, and Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, ideal for nature lovers and bird watchers.
South Zone: The southern Pacific coast, including the breathtaking Osa Peninsula. This region is home to Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. It is likely that you will want
Caribbean Coast: If your plans include the laid-back vibe of the Caribbean coast, such as the beautiful beaches of Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, and the Tortuguero National Park (known for its turtle nesting sites), SJO is the best airport to fly into.
Central and Southern Pacific Coast: This includes beach towns like Jaco, known for its surfing scene, and the more tranquil Manuel Antonio National Park, famous for its beaches and wildlife. Farther south, towns like Dominical and Uvita are great for whale watching.
If your Costa Rica itinerary involves a destination served better by a regional airport, you should also choose SJO as your international arrival airport and take a connecting domestic flight to your final destination. For example, the Osa Peninsula in the South Zone is roughly a 6-hour drive from SJO. Booking a domestic flight to Puerto Jiménez would save on travel time. Just be aware that you will need enough time to go through customs and immigration at SJO before catching your domestic flight.
The centralized location of the San Jose International Airport makes it a good choice for many Costa Rica itineraries; however, keep reading for when to choose the Guanacaste International Airport instead.
Guanacaste Airport (LIR, Liberia International Airport)
The second busiest airport is located in Liberia, in the northwestern Guanacaste province, known for its pristine beaches and luxury resorts. Guanacaste Airport is the best choice if your Costa Rica vacation is focused on sun, sand, and sea.
Fly into Guanacaste Airport if your itinerary includes:
Conchal, Tamarindo, Flamingo, and Brasilito: These popular beach towns are renowned for their long stretches of sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife. Tamarindo is also a surfing hotspot.
Papagayo Peninsula: This area includes Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, and Playa Ocotal, known for stunning beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and excellent diving and snorkeling.
Nicoya Peninsula: Explore more off-the-beaten-path destinations like Santa Teresa, Montezuma, and Nosara, ideal for yoga retreats, surfing, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Rincon de la Vieja: For those seeking adventure, visit Rincon de la Vieja National Park, which offers hiking, hot springs, and the chance to explore volcanic landscapes.
How to Choose Which Costa Rica Airport
Choosing the right airport depends on your itinerary and the destinations you wish to explore. Below are some factors to consider outside of the specific regions each airport serves.
Things to Know About the San Jose International Airport
- Airfare to/from SJO is typically cheaper than Guanacaste, although this varies. Be sure to check both options.
- There can be turbulence when landing at SJO due to the surrounding mountains.
- Going through customs and immigration at the San Jose International Airport will take much longer than the Guanacaste Airport. Because many flights arrive at the same time, it can cause a bottleneck, especially on weekends.
- For your return flight, plan to arrive 3 hours before your departure time.
Things to Know About the Guanacaste Airport (Liberia International Airport)
- Renting a car and driving from Guanacaste is very easy and stress-free.
- There are no rental car counters inside the airport. You will have to take the rental car agency’s shuttle to pick up the rental car at their office nearby.
- Customs and immigration are quicker, thanks to the smaller size of the airport.
- For your return flight, arriving 2 to 2.5 hours before departure is sufficient.
When to Choose Both Airports for Your Costa Rica International Flights
For a more efficient trip, consider flying into one airport and departing from the other if your itinerary covers multiple regions. This is particularly useful for travelers planning to explore both Guanacaste and other areas in Costa Rica that are better served by SJO.
For example, you could fly into San Jose International Airport (SJO) to begin your adventure in the Arenal region and later fly out of Guanacaste Airport (LIR) after a relaxing beach stay on the Papagayo Peninsula. Doing so saves time and eliminates the need for long, cross-country drives.
Multi-leg vacations can be tricky to plan, so it’s important to have a clear vacation blueprint before booking your flights. If you need help designing a custom route and timeline for your Costa Rica vacation, check out my Vacation Blueprint Design service.
