Where Are Costa Rica's Airports?
There are two international airports in Costa Rica, the Juan Santa María International Airport (SJO), which is in Alajuela, and the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), which is located in Liberia. Passing through customs at either of the international airports is relatively stress-free. After collecting your luggage, you continue through a checkpoint where officials pass baggage through an X-ray machine. After this, you'll be able to leave the terminal and travel to your final destination. Usually travelers can expect it to take 45 minutes to exit the airport after they land.
Costa Rica Airports
There are currently two international airports in Costa Rica. The largest, Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO) in Alajuela, is located within the Central Valley region north of San José. The other airport, Daniel Oduber Airport (LIR) in Liberia, facilitates access to destinations in the northwestern Guanacaste region. Additionally, many destinations in Costa Rica can be reached by short domestic flights. Familiarizing yourself with the regional geography of Costa Rica's airports can help you take the stress out of planning your late night arrival or early morning departure. By following the destination links below, you can find lodging, activities, and transportation in the areas surrounding these Costa Rican airports.
Liberia
Due to excellent facilities and its close proximity to scores of attractions, Liberia is an ideal stopover for many visitors. With the recent opening of the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport, the once sleepy cowboy town of Liberia is undergoing comprehensive metamorphosis as it transitions from old colonial town to modern-day tourism hub.
Alajuela & SJO Airport
Alajuela, nicknamed City of the Mangoes, is one of the most important cities in Costa Rica. It is the capital city of the providence bearing its name and is located just 11 miles northwest (17 km) of San Jose. Just outside of town is where you'll find the Juan Santamaria International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaria), Costa Rica's principal airport.
