Nature Air Airplane being directed
Hopping on a plane and jetting to Costa Rica can actually be a breeze! More than 15 airlines offer non-stop routes from the United States and Canada, so you'll have no trouble planning a vacation to my homeland. But I know travel can get hectic, even if you have a lot of options! I should know I spend most of my time traversing the Costa Rican landscape. Costa Rica airports are convenient to fly into and they can connect you to all of the natural amenities, outdoor activities and unique culture you are looking forward to experiencing on your trip.
American Airlines & Delta Planes on Tarmac at SJO Costa Rica
What airlines should I fly?
You won't have a problem finding a flight to Costa Rica, but you may want to plan accordingly to avoid stops. Some of the smaller Latin American carriers will have multiple stops along the way, some of which are unscheduled. This can create headaches if you have a plan to pick up a rental car or connecting flight at a set time. Air Canada, American Airlines, Continental, Delta, Frontier, TACA, JetBlue, Spirit Air, United and U.S. Airways all have regular flights to Costa Rica.
Flights come into Costa Rica from major U.S. cities like Orlando, Miami, Houston, Atlanta, Newark and Charlotte. Some of the most frequent flights come through southern cities like Miami, Atlanta and Houston, so people living in the Midwest or Great Plains may have a bit of a challenge finding a direct flight. For example, flights from Chicago will commonly have a layover in Houston or Atlanta.
Daniel Oduber Intl. Airport main terminal, Liberia
7 Days / 6 Nights
Starting at $779 per person
Juan Santamaria is the largest airport in Costa Rica and is the most frequented by travelers coming in from other countries. This airport, which is located about 20 kilometers from downtown San Jose, handles most of the traffic coming from North America and Europe. Welcoming more than 4 million passengers annually, Juan Santamaria is the second busiest airport in Central America. Depending on where you are coming from, your flight will take anywhere from three to seven hours, and will go directly to the Main Terminal.
There are plenty of amenities in this large airport, including a Lavazza Coffee, Cafe Britt Coffee Shop, Smashburger, Malinche and the Centennial Bar and Cafe. Additionally, there are several shops to pick up gifts and even a spa if you are an uneasy traveler. There's no better way to relax before a flight than a scalp massage! If you have arrived early for your flight, there is also WiFi available if you need to catch up on work or keep yourself occupied.
San Jose Intl Airport runway
Liberia is located on the Northwest region of Costa Rica near some of the most pristine beaches around. It is 13 kilometers from the town of Liberia and 217 kilometers from San Jose. Liberia International Airport Daniel Oduber is the second busiest airport in Costa Rica, and it frequently serves domestic flights. Tamarindo, Punta Islita Airport and Samara are all quick domestic flights.
Even though this is a small airport, it still services many direct flights from North America. However, service here is fairly seasonal, so it might be more challenging to find a flight here in off-season. During the peak season, you shouldn't have trouble finding a flight from carriers like United Airlines, U.S. Airways, JetAirFly Airlines, Delta Airlines, Continental Airlines, American Airlines and Air Canada, all of which fly into Liberia.
No matter where you are coming from, you shouldn't have much trouble finding a flight that gets you to Costa Rica in less than seven hours. How was your travel experience flying into Costa Rica? Do you have any tips to share with everyone else?
Juan Santamaria International Airport
