Top 10 Airports In Costa Rica To Soar High Across The Landscape

An Avianca Costa Rica plane parked at El Salvador International Airport under a clear sky.

Costa Rica boasts a diverse range of airports that cater to domestic and international travellers.The airports in Costa Rica are known for their excellent connectivity, advanced facilities and accessibility. These airports have modern facilities and offer excellent connectivity to major cities, remote areas and popular tourist destinations. Whether you’re visiting for business, eco-tourism or a beach vacation, the airports in Costa Rica ensure a smooth and efficient journey. Explore the famous and popular airports in Costa Rica, making your arrival and departure seamless. This will help you to embark on an unforgettable adventure in this beautiful country.

Top 10 Airports In Costa Rica To Visit

Here are the top airports in Costa Rica for you to explore, serving a wide range of passenger and aviation services:

1. Juan Santamaría International Airport

The domestic terminal at San José International Airport (SJO) with vibrant Costa Rican decor.

Photo: Albus161 / Wikimedia Commons

Juan Santamaría International Airport, located near San José, is one of the famous airports in Costa Rica. It is the busiest international airport in Costa Rica, receiving flights from North America, Europe and other Latin American destinations. As a primary gateway to Costa Rica, SJO is the most popular airport in Costa Rica, known for its efficient operations, modern facilities and excellent connectivity. This international airport in Costa Rica has a wide range of services, including lounges, duty-free shopping, restaurants and car rental services.

Location: Alajuela, Costa Rica
Airlines Operating: American Airlines, United, Delta, Air Canada, Lufthansa

2. Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport

American Airlines at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, one of the famous airports in Costa Rica.

Photo:Bernal Saborio / Wikimedia Commons

Located in Liberia, Guanacaste, Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) serves the Pacific coast. It is the second busiest international airport in Costa Rica. It is especially popular among travellers heading to the beaches of Tamarindo, Playa del Coco and Nosara. LIR serves both international and domestic flights in Costa Rica. It has seen significant growth over the years, offering direct flights from the United States, Canada and Europe. Known for its convenience and accessibility, LIR offers modern facilities such as restaurants, duty-free shopping and transportation services that make arriving in Costa Rica seamless.

Location: Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Airlines Operating: Spirit Airlines, United, American Airlines, JetBlue

3. Tobías Bolaños International Airport

Tobías Bolaños Airport in Costa Rica, a well-known domestic hub surrounded by amazing views.

Photo: Aeroprints.com / Wikimedia Commons

Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ) is one of the main domestic airports in Costa Rica, located in Pavas, a suburb of San José. It primarily handles domestic flights in Costa Rica, making it a convenient option for travellers heading to destinations like Quepos, Limón and Puerto Jiménez. Despite being smaller than the major international airports, SYQ is a crucial hub for domestic tourism, offering fast and affordable connections. This famous airport in Costa Rica is well-equipped with basic amenities. It offers services like car rentals, shops and transportation to nearby attractions.

Location: Pavas, San José, Costa Rica
Airlines Operating: SANSA, Nature Air

4. Limón International Airport

 Limón International Airport (LIO) one of the domestic airports in Costa Rica.

Photo: Steve001 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Limón International Airport (LIO) serves the Caribbean region of Costa Rica. This makes it an essential entry point for those visiting the lively Caribbean beaches and the Tortuguero National Park. While smaller than other airports, it is one of the key international airports in Costa Rica for those travelling to the eastern region. LIO offers domestic flights in Costa Rica, with a few international routes mainly serving nearby regions. As one of the popular airports in Costa Rica, it connects travellers to the beautiful Caribbean coast, a hotspot for eco-tourism, wildlife, and cultural experiences.

Location: Limón, Costa Rica
Airlines Operating: SANSA, Air Panama

5. Quepos La Managua Airport

A Nature Air plane at an airstrip, showcasing one of the popular airports in Costa Rica.

Photo: LLHZ2805 / Wikimedia Commons

Quepos La Managua Airport (XQP) is a small domestic airport in Costa Rica. It serves the popular tourist destination of Manuel Antonio National Park. Although not as busy as international airports in Costa Rica, it plays an important role for those traveling to the Pacific Coast. XQP offers domestic flights in Costa Rica and makes it easier for visitors to access the world-famous beaches and national parks in the region. The airport offers basic services, including small shops, a cafe and transportation options to nearby destinations.

Location: Quepos, Costa Rica
Airlines Operating: SANSA, Nature Air

6. Santa Teresa Airport

 Santa Teresa Airport runway surrounded by greenery, a Famous airport in Costa Rica.

Photo: Dicklyon / Wikimedia Commons

Santa Teresa Airport (TTQ) is a small yet popular airport in Costa Rica, located on the Nicoya Peninsula, near the surf town of Santa Teresa. This airport primarily serves domestic flights in Costa Rica, connecting visitors to the region’s famous beaches. It’s known for their laid-back atmosphere and lively surf culture. While it doesn’t handle international flights, TTQ is an essential gateway for travellers looking to experience the pristine coastlines and natural beauty of the Nicoya Peninsula. The airport is known for its small size, offering a more relaxed and quick travel experience compared to larger airports.

Location: Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
Airlines Operating: Sansa Airlines, Green Airways

7. Nosara Airport

A Norwegian Air Shuttle Boeing 737 with winglets parked at the airport under a clear sky.

Photo: Aeroprints.com / Wikimedia Commons

Nosara Airport (NOB) is a domestic airport in Costa Rica, located in the charming town of Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula. It primarily serves travellers flying within Costa Rica, offering easy access to the region’s renowned beaches, yoga retreats and wildlife reserves. Known for its tranquil atmosphere, Nosara Airport offers a hassle-free alternative to larger airports for those seeking a more relaxed arrival experience. This airport caters mainly to small aircraft and private flights, connecting the Nicoya Peninsula to major cities like San José and Liberia.

Location: Nosara, Costa Rica
Airlines Operating: SANSA, Nature Air

8. Drake Bay Airport

A white airplane parked on the tarmac at an airport, set against a bright blue sky.

Photo: dmncwndrlch / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Drake Bay Airport (DRK) is a small airport in Costa Rica that serves the country’s own territory. It is near the clean Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula. It is famous for its diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery. Corcovado National Park is one of the biologically rich places on Earth and a famous spot for eco-tourists and people looking for adventure. The airport is the gateway to the park. It’s a great place for nature lovers to start because it’s close to beautiful beaches, rainforests and wildlife areas.

Location: Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
Airlines Operating: Sansa Airlines, Costa Rica Green Airways

9. Tambor Airport

A Piper PA-28-161 Warrior II aircraft, registration OO-TMU, parked on a grassy airfield.

Photo: Ad Meskens / Wikimedia Commons

Tambor Airport (TMU) is a domestic airport in Costa Rica, located on the Nicoya Peninsula. It is a popular destination for beach lovers, surfers and nature enthusiasts. Situated near the towns of Tambor and the famous Montezuma, the airport provides convenient access to the stunning beaches, national parks and local culture of the region. It serves as a key entry point for travellers seeking to explore the beauty of the Nicoya Peninsula, including the nearby Santa Teresa and Mal País areas. These are famous for their laid-back atmosphere and lovely surf scene.

Location: Tambor, Costa Rica
Airlines Operating: SANSA, Nature Air

10. Palmar Sur Airport

A vibrant sunset view at an airport with an airplane parked near the terminal gates.

Photo: rolandmey / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Palmar Sur Airport (PMU) is located near the Sierpe River, making it an essential airport for travellers heading to the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park. Though a domestic airport in Costa Rica, Palmar Sur is a critical access point for eco-tourism and nature enthusiasts. The airport primarily handles domestic flights from the capital, San José and is served by Sansa Airlines. Although it’s a smaller airport, Palmar Sur is equipped with the necessary facilities to ensure a comfortable journey.

Location: Palmar Sur, Costa Rica
Airlines Operating: SANSA Airlines

Airports in Costa Rica offer a variety of options for travellers, from international hubs to smaller domestic airports, providing excellent connectivity. Whether you’re arriving for a tropical getaway or a business trip, Costa Rica’s famous airports ensure a smooth travel experience. Explore these popular airports in Costa Rica for convenient access to the country’s stunning destinations. Book your next trip with TripXL for an unforgettable journey!

Cover Photo: Pizzaking13 / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, several airports in Costa Rica, including Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), offer pet-friendly services with designated areas for pets and specific guidelines for traveling with animals.
Yes, most international airports in Costa Rica, including Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), have currency exchange counters available for passengers.
Security procedures at Costa Rican airports follow international standards, including baggage scans, metal detectors, and sometimes additional checks for international flights.
Yes, several major airports like SJO and LIR have premium lounges where travellers can relax before their flight, offering comfortable seating, food, drinks and Wi-Fi access.
Yes, charter flights are available at most major and regional airports in Costa Rica. These services are ideal for reaching remote destinations like Drake Bay or Tortuguero.

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