Costa Rica International Airports: A Quick Overview

The Q & A Guide to Juan Santamaria SJO (San Jose,Alajuela) and Daniel Oduber LIR (Liberia, Guanacaste) International Airports 

How many international airports does Costa Rica have?

Costa Rica is a relatively small country; people from the U.S. usually compare it to West Virginia and in Europeans with Denmark.  The main Costa Rica International Airports are the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), about 18 km from the capital city of San Jose, and the Daniel Oduber (LIR), quite smaller yet newer (it opened in 1995), located on the North Pacific and just 50 minutes from some of the best beaches in the country.

Where is the Juan Santamaria International Airport located and when should I choose that airport?

The Juan Santamaria Internationa Airport (SJO) is Costa Rica’s main airport. Located 18km from San Jose’s city center, it is also referred to as the San Jose Airport.  It is highly recommended for those travelers that plan on visiting the most visited destination in Costa Rica Arenal, Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast such as Tortuguero, Cahuita or Puerto Viejo, and those wanting to get down the coast to Manuel Antonio.  SJO is typically used for people traveling on business or some event (i.e. conference or conventions) taking place in the metro area of San Jose. A smaller airport in San Jose, Tobias Bolaños International Airport is also the hub for domestic flights, so if you would like to pack as much activity and travel within Costa Rica, air shuttles are your best option!  You’ll reduce your travel times between locations CONSIDERABLY as most destinations from San Jose by air shuttle are just barely 1 hour away!

Where is the Daniel Oduber Airport located and when should I choose that airport?

The Daniel Oduber Airport (LIR), better known as Liberia Airport, was opened in 1995 in the province of Guanacaste, located in Costa Rica’s North Pacific.  The region is well known for its numerous and gorgeous pristine white sandy beaches.  Popular resorts such as The Four Seasons, Hilton Papagayo, and top beaches such as Playas del Coco. Flamingo, Tamarindo all the way down the Nicoya Peninsula are all easier to reach from LIR. If you’re looking for just a couple of days on the beach, this could be your best option.  From here you can even explore the volcanos and head out on a one day tour to Arenal or Rincón de la Vieja.

Could I fly into Juan Santamaria and fly out from Daniel Oduber or vice versa?

Yes you could, but most of the time your flight costs will be higher and most likely you’ll end up with more stops during your flight(s).  A handy fair finding tool to use is the ITA Matrix which enables you to map out an entire route of multiple destination fares.  Then you just take the info your travel agent or book directly with the airlines to get the best deals on flights to Costa Rica.

Are there any taxis or bus services from and to the airports?

Taxi and public buses can be easily found from and to the SJO and LIR airports, yet taxis from the airport tend to be much more expensive.  If travelling to Costa Rica for the first time, you do not want to start off your vacation juggling luggage, looking for directions (especially in San Jose’s matrix of one way streets) and bartering for an affordable taxi fare.  Consider pre-arranging your transportation from and to the airport PRIOR to your arrival to Costa Rica. Costa Rica International Airports have both shared shuttle airport transfers and private transportation from both LIR and SJO airports and you can easily book your airport transfer services in Costa Rica online.

Are there any hotels close to Costa Rica’s international airports?

Hotel availability from both locations is ample!  Most airport hotels in Costa Rica are business class and only 5 minutes away from the airport.  There are great deals on hotel and car rental packages called the Costa Rica Free Pass that offers superb prices and totally worth checking out.

How long will my Costa Rica tourist visa last?  How long can I stay in Costa Rica?

Tourists from the U.S., Canada and most European countries can stay in Costa Rica for up to 90 days without a visa; all you’ll need is a valid passport that won’t expire within 6 months of your entry date to Costa Rica.  If you’re a citizen from another country than the ones mentioned above, you can check your visa requirements online or visit our previous blog on Costa Rica Entry Requirements.  

What else do I need to enter Costa Rica?

As mentioned above, if your citizenship allows you to stay in the country without having to get a visa, all you’ll need is a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry AND, very important, an outbound/return ticket showing you’ll be leaving Costa Rica within your lawful stay.  For more information, we highly recommend you visit our previous blog on Costa Rica Entry Requirements for the full gig!

What is the Costa Rica Departure Tax?

The Costa Rica Exit Tax, or Departure Tax is a fee that MUST be paid prior to checking into your exit flight out of Costa Rica.  There is a counter at both SJO & LIR airports where you can make the payment and the cost is $31 US payable in cash or credit card.  There is rumor that the Exit Tax is going to be included in the price of your airline tickets in the future, but unless you have confirmed that with your airline, be prepared.   Nothing is more annoying than waiting in the long lines at check-in only to be told you need to go stand in another line before they can check you in.

Thank you for following your Costa Rica Activities Specialists!  This is all for YOU, our favorite traveler!  We hope this helps you plan your next vacation to Costa Rica.  Pura Vida!