Costa Rica International Airports
SJO Int Airport
Where It’s Located:
Located 30 minutes from the heart of San Jose, the nation’s capital, Juan Santamaria International is the main hub of air transportation to and from Costa Rica. Although it is titled the San Jose airport, it actually lies just across the city limits in the neighboring city of Alajuela, thought the two form the country’s largest metropolitan area.
As you are leaving the airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you are headed into downtown San Jose around commuting hours (7-10am and 4-6pm) you can find yourself stuck in very heavy traffic. If you are headed out into the country, things should be less congested, but it is the most crowed area in the country.
What to Do:
Near the airport in the surrounding city of Alajuela, there are many hotels, hostels, and restaurants, and we are happy to help make recommendations if your arrival or departure time necessitates.
If you like the city, San Jose and Alajuela form a large metropolitan area with lots to offer in terms of Arts, Museums, culture, and sports. Hot spots to see and take photos of include the national theatre, the many museums in San Jose, the National Stadium, and a quick drive to the north to See Poas Volcano and it’s stunning crater national park.
Also, as you are reading up on travel guides, you might find mention of a $29 departure tax to be paid in the airport before you leave the country. Starting in 2015, many of the larger airlines started including this in the price of the ticket, so check your reservation for the $29 Costa Rican tax, and if you are unsure contact your airline.
Liberia Int Airport
Where It’s Located:
Located 20 minutes outside of downtown Liberia in the northwest province of Guanacaste, Liberia is the smaller and quieter of Costa Rica’s two international Airports. The airport is located between large fields without much in the immediate vicinity. A short 20 minute drive into town will find you in one of Costa Rica’s larger urban centers, the city of Liberia.
What to Do:
Liberia itself is a very hot and dry city (Not to say it never rains, this is Costa Rica after all). While there is a good selection of hotels, restaurants, and other amenities of the city, most of the worthwhile travel destinations are a drive away. You can either head towards the west, and out to the many Pacific beaches of Guanacaste, East towards Lake Arenal, or South-East towards Monte Verde, or South to the Nicoya peninsula.
Also, as you are reading up on travel guides, you might find mention of a $29 departure tax to be paid in the airport before you leave the country. Starting in 2015, many of the larger airlines started including this in the price of the ticket, so check your reservation for the $29 Costa Rican tax, and if you are unsure contact your airline.