Airports and airlines in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a privileged country due to is geographic location in Central America and the world. It has thus become a top tourist site receiving millions of tourists every year through its major airports. Tourists include both those looking for natural wonders and unbelievable adventures and those visiting strictly for business. The main airports in the country are Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR).

In addition to the two international airports, there are runways available as well. There local airlines operate internal low-cost flights to popular vacation destinations, such as La Fortuna, Quepos, Tamarindo and Tortuguero. Taking one of these flights reduces travel time so that visitors spend more time actually vacationing than seating in an airplane.

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The following is useful information on Costa Rica’s main international airports that you should know before your “pura vida” vacation.

Costa Rica International Airport

Costa Rica International Airport

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)

Costa Rica’s main airport is Juan Santamaría International Airport. It is located in the city of San José, 18 km from the city downtown. An average of 4.4 million annual passengers use its modern facilities. It is considered the third best airport in the Latin America and the Caribbean region.

It provides essential amenities such as restaurants, ATMs, and shops where you’ll find Costa Rica’s famous coffee and crafts. There is duty-free shop and a VIP lounge offering wireless internet and other business facilities. Among the airlines operating flights in this airport are: Avianca, Aeroméxico, Air Canada, Air Panamá, American Airlines, Iberia, Jet Blue, and Air France.

It is worth noting that Juan Santamaría International Airport conforms to international guidelines established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The airport has adopted safety measures that restrict carrying liquids and other non-authorized substances in your carry-on baggage, so be sure to review these measures before you pack.

All passengers, regardless of their nationality or age, are charged departure taxes. It is currently $29.00. It is important to know whether your flight ticket includes this tax. Otherwise, you will be required to pay the tax at the Bancrédito booth at the airport lobby, open 24/7.

SJO International Airport

SJO International Airport

Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR)

It is also known as Liberia International Airport. It is located in the northeastern part of the country, in sunny Guanacaste, 15 km from breathtaking beaches. It serves as a tourist magnet, with close to 330,000 international arrivals per year. Consequently, it is the second busiest airport in the country (after SJO) and the ninth busiest in Central America.

It has a runway of 2,750 meters in length. Its facilities include 14 double counters, four bridges, and three remote boarding stands with sterile areas–allowing exclusive access to passengers either boarding or leaving the aircraft. Additionally, Daniel Oduber International Airport is equipped with gas stations, paramedical service, technicians, a firefighter squad, and baggage handling. There is also a bank branch office, snack bar, and immediate medical assistance.

Operating lines include: Copa Airlines, Nature Air, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, LACSA, Southwest Airlines, among others. Both airports are smoke-free areas. In other words, no smoking rooms are available, and smoking in public areas is prohibited.

Both airports provide top-level conditions to make arrivals and departures memorable experiences. Don’t forget to check the requirements and considerations before flying. This will prevent any last-minute inconveniences.

Liberia International Airport Costa Rica

Liberia International Airport Costa Rica