When planning a trip to another country, knowing the major airports in Costa Rica can help make travel easier and more enjoyable. While Costa Rica has many small domestic airstrips, most international travellers arrive through one of two main airports: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) near San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. These two airports are well-placed to give visitors convenient access to different parts of the country.
Major Airports in Costa Rica Map
The Costa Rica airports map highlights the country’s key aviation hubs that support both international and domestic travel. All the important regional airports are also pinpointed on the map.
Major International Airports in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is served by two main international airports.
Juan Santamaría International Airport
| IATA-ICAO Code | SJO / MROC |
| Location | Alajuela Province, ~20 km northwest of downtown San José |
| City | Río Segundo |
| 2024 Traffic | approx. 6.5 million passengers |
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport
| IATA-ICAO Code | LIR / MRLB |
| Location | S/N, Blvd. Aeropuerto, Provincia de Guanacaste, Liberia, 50101, Costa Rica |
| City | Liberia |
| 2024 Traffic | approx. 1.39 million passengers |
Domestic Airports in Costa Rica
Here is the list of major airports in Costa Rica:
| Airport | IATA Code |
|---|---|
| Limon Airport | LIA |
| Arenal Airport | FON |
| Bahía Drake Airport | DRK |
| Barra del Colorado Airport | BCL |
| Tortuguero Airport | TTQ |
| Tamarindo Airport | TNO |
| Carrillo Airport | PLD |
| Coto 47 Airport | OTR |
| Golfito Airport | GLF |
| Guápiles Airport | GPL |
| Islita Airport | PBP |
| Los Chiles Airport | LSL |
| Nosara Airport | NOB |
| Palmar Sur Airport | PMZ |
| Quepos La Managua Airport | XQP |
| San Isidro de El General Airport | IPZ |
| Nicoya Airport | NCT |
| Tambor Airport | TMU |
Tips for Choosing the Best Airport in Costa Rica
Things to consider while choosing the major airport in Costa Rica:
- Location: Pick the airport closer to the final destination so that passengers can avoid the long car rides.
- Accessibility: Some smaller domestic airports can only serve small aircraft and limited flights-that may make it unfit for all travellers.
- Conveniences: Being big airports, SJO and LIR do have many more flight options and added services such as car rentals and ground transportation, thus making travelling easier.
Helpful Travel Tips for Flying in Costa Rica
Here are a few things that every traveller should keep in mind while flying in
Costa Rica:
- Arrival and Departure: In Costa Rica, travellers move through customs and immigration quickly if they keep their passports and other documentation ready. It is advised to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before an international flight so that one doesn’t miss any rush towards the last moment.
- Departure Tax: Costa Rica charges a $29 departure tax for international flights. However, most airlines now include this fee in the ticket price. Therefore, travellers need to check with their airline before flying to avoid any unexpected charges at the airport.
- Attractions Near Airports: Many of Costa Rica’s top attractions are just a short drive or quick flight away from the main airports. Passengers should check these destinations before visiting Costa Rica make the most of during layover.
- Stay Connected: A Yoho Mobile eSIM is a handy option for travellers in Costa Rica to access mobile data without needing a physical SIM card. With instant activation, affordable plans, and wide coverage, even in remote areas where physical SIM cards are hard to find, it helps passengers stay connected throughout their trip.
End Note!
Two major airports in Costa Rica, Juan Santamaría in San José and Daniel Oduber in Liberia, provide international access and make it easily reachable from North America, Europe, and other locations. However, a larger number of smaller domestic airports also provide easy regional access to less-populated or coastal destinations.
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FAQs on Costa Rica Major Airports
The main international airport is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), located near San José, the capital city.
Costa Rica has over 25 airports, including 2 major international airports and numerous domestic and regional airports.
Yes, both SJO and LIR have direct flights from major cities in the U.S. and Canada.
Yes, Puerto Jiménez Airport (PJM) and Drake Bay Airport (DRK) serve the Osa Peninsula and provide access to Corcovado.
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is about 20 km (12 miles) or 30 minutes from central San José.
Visa requirements for entering Costa Rica vary based on the traveller’s nationality. All passengers must carry a valid passport and show proof of return or onward travel.