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All Costa Rica Airports (2024)

All Costa Rica Airports (2024)

Costa Rica, spanning over 19,000 square miles, has three international and 14 domestic airports. Despite its relatively small size, travel times can vary significantly based on the season and terrain. For instance, a journey from the capital, San Jose, to the eco-lodges in the Osa Peninsula, located in the country’s southern region, can take up to six to seven hours. Even more if you are coming from Nicoya Peninsula or other northern areas.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of all airports, airlines, and routes to, from, and within Costa Rica. However, travelers are advised to verify the latest information before their journey, as details may change.

International Airports in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is served by three international airports that form the primary gateways to this Central American nation. These airports connect Costa Rica with the world, facilitating the influx of tourists and business travelers alike.

  1. Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) – Located in Alajuela, close to the capital city of San José, it’s the primary and busiest airport for international travelers. Here is the list of airlines flying from-to this airport.
  2. Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) – Situated in Liberia, Guanacaste, this airport is a gateway to the Pacific Coast and is popular among tourists visiting the beaches and resorts. Here is the list of airlines flying from-to this airport.
  3. Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ) – Located in San José, this airport mainly serves as a hub for private flights and charters.
map of costa rica with pins showing the international airports
Visuals: Emese Maczko, Eco Lodges Anywhere.

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Domestic Airports in Costa Rica

Costa Rica domestic airports are smaller yet vital, since they play a crucial role in linking the country’s remote and scenic areas with major cities. They offer travelers a quicker alternative to travelling by car or bus, making the exploration of Costa Rica’s natural wonders more accessible. Most domestic airports don’t have a website, but I added the link to where I could find one.

  1. Arenal Airport (FON) – Located near Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano serving La Fortuna and Alajuela.
  2. Cobano Airport (PLD) – It is also a small airport with only a 7 minutes drive from Montezuma.
  3. Drake Bay Airport (DRK) – A small airport serving Drake Bay, often used by tourists visiting Corcovado National Park.
  4. Golfito Airport (GLF) – Serves the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica, including the Osa Peninsula.
  5. Limon International Airport (LIO) – Despite its name, it’s mainly used for domestic flights, serving the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.
  6. Nosara Airport (NOB) – Serves the Nosara area, popular for its beaches and yoga retreats in Costa Rica.
  7. Quepos Airport (XQP) – Serves the Quepos area and is a popular entry point for visitors to Manuel Antonio National Park.
  8. Palmar Sur Airport (PMZ) – Provides access to the southern Pacific coast, particularly for destinations like Sierpe and Drake Bay.
  9. Puerto Jiménez Airport (PJM) – Located on the Osa Peninsula, it’s a key access point for Corcovado National Park.
  10. Tamarindo Airport (TNO) – Located in Guanacaste, it’s a convenient airport for tourists heading to the Tamarindo beach area.
  11. Tambor Airport (TMU) – Located at the very tip of the Nicoya Peninsula.
  12. Tortuguero Airport (TTQ) – Essential for accessing Tortuguero National Park, known for its turtle nesting beaches.
  13. Barra del Corcovado Airport (BCL) – It is a small airport in Limon waiting for visitors to explore Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.
  14. Punta Islita Airport (PBP) – It is a small airport in the Northern part of Nicoya Peninsula.
map of costa rica with pins showing the domestic airports
Visuals: Emese Maczko, Eco Lodges Anywhere.

Costa Rica Domestic Airlines

Costa Rica’s domestic airlines play a pivotal role in connecting the country’s diverse and often remote landscapes, deep in the jungle where many Costa Rican eco-lodges are also located. These airlines are serving not just for tourists seeking adventure but also for locals traversing the country for business or family visits.

  1. Sansa Airlines is a well-known domestic airline in Costa Rica established in 1978. It offering flights from/to most domestic airports as well as Nicaragua. It is about to launch a new route to Panama.
  2. Green Airways is a newer addition to the domestic flight options in Costa Rica, offering services only on two routes from San Jose to Tambor Airport (TMU) and Quepos Managua Airport (XQP).
  3. Macaw Airlines (former known as AeroBell Airlines) is a Costa Rican charter airline operating from Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ) serving not only domestic but international routes as well.
  4. CarmonAir is a small 100% Costa Rican charter airlines flying on local and international routes upon booking. It is operating from Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ).
  5. Adventure Air is a charter broker and air operator serving not only Costa Rica but Panama as well.
  6. AeroCaribe is a small charter airlines established in 2013 offering services within Costa Rica besides routes in other Central and South American destinations.
  7. PrestigeWings is another charter airlines flying between Costa Rica’s domestic airports.

Nature Air was suspended in 2018. Skyway Costa Rica started its operation in 2018, but no information is posted about them since 2020.

Domestic route map of scheduled flights

Since Sansa Airlines is the largest and most well-known domestic airlines, they offer the most number of scheduled flights. Green Airways is offering services only on two routes from San Jose to Tambor Airport (TMU) and Quepos Managua Airport (XQP). All other domestic airlines mentioned in this article are charter airlines without a published schedule. Please check with the airline directly before booking.

From Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to Cobano, Drake Bay, Fortuna, Golfito, Liberia, Limon, Nosara, Palmar Sur, Puerto Jimenez, Quepos, Tamarindo, and Tortuguero.

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A woman sitting on a mountain. Behind her is a lake.
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Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.