If you’re planning a trip to the lush tropics of Costa Rica, maybe even scouting for your dream home in Costa Rica you’ll want to know the best way to get here. As local real estate experts at Ballena Properties, we get these travel questions all the time from our clients. So here’s a helpful breakdown of Costa Rica’s airports and how to choose the best one for your journey.
What is the Main Airport in Costa Rica?
The main airport in Costa Rica is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), located in San José, the capital city. This is the country’s busiest and most well-connected international hub, handling millions of passengers each year. If you’re heading to the southern Pacific coast, including hot real estate markets like Dominical, Uvita, Ojochal or Osa Peninsula, flying into SJO usually makes the most logistical sense.
Does Costa Rica Have Two Airports?
Yes, Costa Rica has two major international airports:
- SJO (San José – Juan Santamaría International)
- LIR (Liberia – Daniel Oduber Quirós International)
SJO is better suited for travelers going to southern and central Costa Rica, while Liberia (LIR) is a top choice for those headed to the Guanacaste region and northern Pacific beaches.
Should You Fly Into San José or Liberia?
It depends on your final destination:
- Fly into San José (SJO) if you plan to explore the lush coastlines of Uvita, Dominical, Golfito, or Puerto Jiménez.
- Fly into Liberia (LIR) if your vacation or property hunt is based around Tamarindo, Papagayo, or Playa Hermosa in the northwest.
For our real estate clients heading to the Costa Ballena region, SJO is your go-to airport. It’s about a 3.5-hour scenic drive from the terminal to paradise.
Which Airlines Fly Directly to Costa Rica?
Several major airlines offer non-stop flights to Costa Rica from North America, Europe, and beyond:
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- JetBlue
- Southwest Airlines
- Alaska Airlines
- Air Canada
- British Airways
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Flights arrive daily into both San José and Liberia, especially during the high travel season from November through April.
Bonus Tip for Home Buyers and Investors
If you’re coming to Costa Rica not just for the adventure, but also to buy property or relocate, your best bet is to fly into San José. The proximity to Costa Ballena’s booming real estate zones makes it a no-brainer.
Looking for homes, land, or investment properties in Uvita, Ojochal, Dominical, or anywhere on the Southern Pacific Coast? Visit Ballena Properties for expert help in navigating the Costa Rica real estate market.
We speak your language, understand your dreams, and are ready to make your move to paradise easy and exciting!
Recommended Reads
For more insights before you buy, explore these useful guides:
- Buying a home in Costa Rica: A complete guide for expats
- Buying a Costa Rica Beach House: What You Should Know
- 5 Mistakes Foreign Buyers Make When Buying Costa Rica Real Estate
- How to Generate Rental Income from Your Costa Rica Vacation Home
- Beachfront or Jungle Home in Costa Rica: Which is the Best Investment?
- 5 Reasons to Invest in Real Estate in Costa Rica’s Southern Zone
- Costa Rica vs California Real Estate
- Is it Cheaper to Live in Costa Rica or the USA?
