Find Major Airports in Costa Rica
Familiarizing yourself with Costa Rica’s major airports before flying is important so you can choose the most suitable airport for your travel needs. Here are the key airports offering convenient access to various destinations.
San José Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
San José Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) serves as the primary airport for San José, the capital of Costa Rica. It accommodates a variety of airlines, including major international carriers and regional airlines. Some prominent airlines operating at SJO include Avianca, Copa Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa, British Airways, Iberia, and KLM. With direct flights to 50+ destinations across North America, South America, Europe, and the Caribbean, Juan Santamaría International Airport is a vital hub for travelers in the region.
Quepos La Managua Airport (XQP)
Quepos La Managua Airport (XQP) is a public airport about 3 kilometers east of Quepos, Costa Rica. It serves the city of Quepos and the nearby Manuel Antonio National Park, a popular tourist spot. The airport connects Quepos with San José, making it an essential hub for tourists and locals. Nearby attractions include Marina Pez Vela, a modern marina with water activities and dining options, and the Villa Vanilla Spice Tour & Shop, where visitors can learn about sustainable spice farming.
Flights to Costa Rica Snapshot
Economy Class
TOTAL NUMBER OF ECONOMY CLASS DEALS TO Costa Rica IN THE LAST MONTH
59
AVERAGE ONEAIR INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY ROUNDTRIP DEAL TO Costa Rica
$374
Business Class
TOTAL NUMBER OF BUSINESS CLASS DEALS TO Costa Rica IN THE LAST MONTH
49
AVERAGE ONEAIR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CLASS ROUNDTRIP DEAL TO Costa Rica
$1058
The Best Time to Fly to Costa Rica
The best time to visit Costa Rica is from December to April, which is the dry season. The weather is sunny and dry during this time, perfect for beach vacations and outdoor activities like hiking and surfing. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.
December, January, and March are the most expensive months to visit due to the holiday season and spring break, which attract many tourists. Prices for accommodations, flights, and tours are at their highest during these months.
The cheapest months to visit are May, September, and October, which fall within the rainy season. Despite the rainfall, mornings are often sunny, and the landscapes are lush and green. Additionally, significant discounts on hotels, car rentals, and tours make it an excellent time for budget travelers.
Cheapest months to fly
May, September, and October
Most Expensive Months to Fly
December, January, and March
Compare Prices
Here’s a price breakdown of airline tickets to Costa Rica when flying to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) Airport from Los Angeles Airport (LAX).
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to find cheap flights to Costa Rica?
To find cheap tickets to Costa Rica, use OneAir. Sign up on OneAir to access exclusive flight deals and discounts unavailable to regular users.
Which airlines offer cheap airfares to Costa Rica from the U.S. cities?
Avianca offers cheap flights from Los Angeles to Costa Rica, while Spirit Airlines offers cheap flights from Chicago to Costa Rica.
Are there direct flights to Costa Rica from the USA?
American Airlines offers direct flights to Costa Rica from Miami (MIA), while JetBlue offers direct flights from New York (JFK).
Are there direct flights to Costa Rica internationally?
Edelweiss and SWISS offer direct flights to Costa Rica from Zurich (ZRH), while Air Canada offers direct flights from Toronto (YYZ).
What are the nearby airports in Costa Rica?
There are several nearby airports that provide convenient access to various tourist destinations across the country. Some of these include Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ) in San José, Quepos La Managua Airport (XQP) near Manuel Antonio National Park, and Tamarindo Airport (TNO) near the Nicoya Peninsula.
How long is the flight to Costa Rica - SJO Airport from the USA?
Flights from Seattle (SEA) to Costa Rica take around 9 to 10 hours, while nonstop flights from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) take around 3 hours.
What are the most popular destinations in Costa Rica?
Among the most popular destinations is Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its beautiful beaches, rich wildlife, and lush rainforests. Arenal Volcano and the surrounding area, including La Fortuna, offer adventure activities like hiking, zip-lining, and hot springs. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is famous for its biodiversity and eco-tourism opportunities, including birdwatching and canopy tours. Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula is a haven for trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts, boasting one of Earth’s most biologically intense places. Other notable destinations include the vibrant beach town of Tamarindo, the serene Tortuguero National Park known for sea turtle nesting, and the picturesque Poás Volcano.
What are the transportation options in Costa Rica?
Public buses are the most common and affordable way to travel in Costa Rica, although they can be slow and crowded. For more comfort and convenience, tourist shuttles provide door-to-door service and are faster but more expensive. Renting a car offers the most flexibility to allows travelers to explore remote areas. Taxis like Uber are available, especially in urban areas, but Uber’s coverage is limited. Domestic flights are a quick way to travel between distant locations, while ferries and boats are essential for reaching certain coastal and remote destinations.
Do I need a visa to fly to Costa Rica?
Nationals from many countries, including the United States, Canada, the European Union, and others, do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica for tourism purposes. They can stay in the country for up to 90 days.
What is the time difference between Costa Rica and the USA?
Depending on the state, Costa Rica is 1 to 2 hours ahead of the USA.
Discover Costa Rica
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- Set your departure airports on OneAir. Choose your preferred departure airports, and we’ll search for the cheapest flights from those cities to Costa Rica. OneAir offers deals from over 50 major US airports, so you can find the most convenient and affordable options.
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Book a complete travel package. Once you’ve found your perfect flight to Costa Rica, why not add a hotel room or rental car? OneAir also offers exclusive hotel, car, and activity deals, so you can save even more on your entire trip.
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