One of the very first questions travelers ask when planning a trip to Costa Rica is deceptively simple: Which international airport should I fly into? The answer depends largely on where you plan to travel within the country, how much time you have, and whether you want to minimize driving after arrival. Although Costa Rica is a relatively small country, its mountainous terrain, winding roads, and occasional traffic congestion can make travel times longer than expected. Choosing the right airport can save you hours of travel and make your vacation far more enjoyable.
Costa Rica has two international airports, both modern and well-served by major airlines from North America and Europe. Understanding the differences between them—and knowing when to use each—will help you design a smoother, more efficient itinerary.
Costa Rica’s Two International Airports
Costa Rica is served by the following international airports:
- Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Located in the Central Valley, near Alajuela and San José - Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR)
Located in Liberia, in the northwestern province of Guanacaste
Each airport serves a distinct geographic region of the country and caters to different types of travelers.
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Location and Overview
Juan Santamaría International Airport, commonly referred to as SJO, is Costa Rica’s main and busiest airport. Despite its name, it is not located in downtown San José. Instead, it sits about 2 miles outside the city of Alajuela and approximately 8 miles from downtown San José, a drive that typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
SJO is centrally located, making it the best gateway for most destinations in Costa Rica. Because of its location in the Central Valley, travelers can reach many popular regions from this airport within a reasonable driving time.
When Should You Fly Into San José (SJO)?
You should plan to fly into SJO if your itinerary includes:
- The Central Valley
- Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna
- Monteverde Cloud Forest
- The Caribbean Coast (Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo, Cahuita)
- The Central Pacific Coast (Manuel Antonio, Jacó)
- The Southern Pacific Coast (Uvita, Marino Ballena National Park, Osa Peninsula)
- Corcovado National Park
- San Gerardo de Dota or the Talamanca Mountains
In short, SJO is the best choice for all destinations outside of northwestern Costa Rica.
Advantages of Flying into SJO
- Greater number of international flight options
- Often lower airfare due to competition among airlines
- Best access to most of the country
- Close to Alajuela, where many travelers stay their first or last night
- Easy connections to domestic flights within Costa Rica
Driving Considerations from SJO
While Costa Rica looks small on a map, driving times can be deceptive. Mountain roads, narrow highways, and traffic congestion—especially around San José—can slow travel. However, SJO’s central location still makes it the most practical airport for travelers visiting multiple regions.
For example:
- SJO to Arenal Volcano: approx. 3 hours
- SJO to Manuel Antonio: approx. 3 hours
- SJO to Tortuguero docks: approx. 2.5 hours (plus boat transfer)
- SJO to the northwest Pacific beaches: approx. 4 hours
This last point is important and leads us directly to the second international airport.
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR)
Location and Overview
Daniel Oduber International Airport, known by its airport code LIR, is located in Liberia, the capital city of Guanacaste province in northwestern Costa Rica. This airport is much smaller than SJO but has grown significantly in recent years due to the popularity of Costa Rica’s Pacific beach destinations.
LIR is named after a former Costa Rican president and is designed primarily to serve travelers heading to the northwest Pacific coast.
When Should You Fly Into Liberia (LIR)?
You should choose LIR if you are visiting:
- The northwest Pacific beaches
- Guanacaste Province in general
- Popular beach destinations such as Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, Playa Conchal, Playa Hermosa, and Playas del Coco
- The Papagayo Peninsula
- Rincón de la Vieja National Park
- Luxury beach resorts and all-inclusive hotels in Guanacaste
If your vacation is focused exclusively on this region, flying into Liberia can save you several hours of driving.
Why Flying into Liberia Makes Sense
The driving time from San José International Airport to the northwest Pacific beaches is approximately four hours under good conditions. This can be exhausting after a long international flight, especially if you arrive late in the day.
By flying directly into Liberia:
- You reduce travel time significantly
- You avoid San José traffic
- You arrive closer to your beach destination
- You can start relaxing sooner
For travelers heading straight to Guanacaste, Liberia is the clear winner.
Advantages of Flying into LIR
- Closest airport to Guanacaste beaches
- Less traffic and congestion
- Faster airport experience
- Ideal for beach-only vacations
- Convenient for resort travelers
Is There an International Airport in Southern Costa Rica?
This is a common question, and the answer is no.
There is no international airport in the southern part of Costa Rica. Travelers visiting areas such as:
- Marino Ballena National Park
- Uvita
- Dominical
- Osa Peninsula
- Corcovado National Park
Must fly into San José (SJO) and then continue by:
- Rental car
- Shuttle
- Domestic flight
- Bus
Flying Within Costa Rica
Once you arrive in Costa Rica, you may choose to fly domestically to save time. There are two main regional airlines that operate flights to popular tourist destinations:
1. Sansa Airlines
Website: www.flysansa.com
- Operates from a terminal adjacent to the San José International Airport
- Flies to destinations such as Quepos, Tamarindo, Nosara, Puerto Jiménez, Drake Bay, and more
- Baggage limit: 50 pounds per person
2. Nature Air
Website: www.natureair.com
- Operates from Pavas, about 10 minutes from San José International Airport
- Serves many of the same destinations as Sansa
- Baggage limit: 50 pounds per person
Domestic flights are short—often under an hour—and provide spectacular aerial views of Costa Rica’s rainforests, coastlines, and volcanoes.
Important Departure Information for SJO
If you are departing from San José International Airport, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure
- Lines can be long, especially during peak travel seasons
- You must pay a departure tax of $29 per person
- The departure tax is paid at a different counter than airline check-in
- This process can take additional time if lines are long
Some airlines now include the departure tax in the ticket price, but this is not always the case, so it is best to confirm ahead of time.
Choosing the Right Airport for Your Trip
To simplify your decision, here is a quick guideline:
- Fly into Liberia (LIR) if:
- Your entire trip is focused on Guanacaste
- You are staying at northwest Pacific beaches
- You want minimal driving after arrival
- Fly into San José (SJO) if:
- You are visiting anywhere else in Costa Rica
- You plan to explore multiple regions
- You want access to domestic flights
- You are traveling to the Caribbean or southern Pacific coast
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right international airport when traveling to Costa Rica can make a significant difference in the comfort and efficiency of your trip. While Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) remains the best all-around gateway for most travelers, Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) is an excellent option for those heading straight to the beaches of Guanacaste.
By matching your arrival airport with your destination, you reduce travel time, avoid unnecessary stress, and start your Costa Rican adventure on the right foot. With thoughtful planning, Costa Rica’s excellent air connections—both international and domestic—make it easy to explore this remarkable country and experience its incredible diversity of landscapes, wildlife, and culture.