Cheap Flights to Costa Rica

Flights to Costa Rica at a glance

Traveling to Costa Rica is easy; you can choose between full-service and budget airlines. Compare flight durations and select the option that best fits your budget, schedule, and plans to discover the city’s renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airport near Costa Rica: Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE)
• Flights per week: 600+ flights arriving at Costa Rica airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Costa Rica: around 10+ carriers

Popular airport near Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a vibrant destination known for its stunning beaches, bustling cities, outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, and rich culture. This charming village is conveniently served by a major airport, making it accessible for travelers.

• Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE): Situated in Guayaquil, Guayas, approximately 86 miles from Costa Rica, this airport facilitates both domestic and international flights, offering connections to about 4 domestic cities and over 70 international destinations. Travelers have the option to enhance their journey by upgrading to business class or premium economy seating for additional comfort, depending on the airline and route. Notable airlines operating at this location include Avianca, JetBlue Airways, and Copa.

Top routes to Costa Rica

• New York (JFK/LGA) to Costa Rica (GYE), with one-way tickets available from around $170
• Miami (MIA) to Costa Rica (GYE), with one-way tickets available from around $140
• Newark (EWR) to Costa Rica (GYE), with one-way airfare from around $160
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Costa Rica (GYE), with one-way flight options from around $95
• Quito (UIO) to Costa Rica (GYE), with one-way tickets available from around $70

Cheapest routes to Costa Rica

• Cuenca (CUE) to Costa Rica (GYE), with affordable one-way prices from around $60
• Quito (UIO) to Costa Rica (GYE), with budget one-way fares from around $70
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Costa Rica (GYE), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $95
• Austin (AUS) to Costa Rica (GYE), with affordable one-way prices from around $120
• Tampa (TPA) to Costa Rica (GYE), with cheap one-way fares from around $120

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Costa Rica

• Copa: This airline operates flights to Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE), representing about 27% of Costa Rica's arrivals. The typical one-way fare is around $340, with premium options that may feature business class depending on the specific route.
• Avianca: Providing service to Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE), Avianca accounts for nearly 24% of arrivals to Costa Rica. Travelers can expect average one-way fares of around $300, and premium services may include business class based on the route.
• LATAM Airlines Group: Offering flights to Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE), LATAM Airlines Group is responsible for roughly 13% of arrivals to Costa Rica. One-way fares average about $290, with premium options that may consist of premium economy class, depending on the route.
• United: Serving Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE), United facilitates around 11% of Costa Rica's arrivals. Average one-way fares are approximately $310, and travelers may find premium cabin options that include business class based on the route.
• JetBlue Airways: Flying into Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE), JetBlue Airways contributes about 10% of arrivals to Costa Rica. The average one-way fare sits at around $300, with premium service options that may feature premium economy class depending on the route.

Best time to fly to Costa Rica

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Costa Rica are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Costa Rica can reach up to 78.3°F in February. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 73.4°F. For better deals, March usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $288, roughly 11% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? September, October, and April offer average one-way fares of around $299, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Costa Rica

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Costa Rica is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia.*
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Costa Rica flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Costa Rica

Costa Rica welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Costa Rica efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport, travelers can easily access several transport options. The Guayaquil Bus Terminal, located about 0.7 miles away on foot, offers convenient bus services, while the Santa Rosa Seaport, approximately 0.9 miles from the airport by car, provides maritime access. For rail connections, Duran Train Station is situated about 4 miles away by car.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Costa Rica, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Costa Rica is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Costa Rica on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Costa Rica

• Huaquillas: Located 10 miles away from Costa Rica, Huaquillas offers a delightful blend of city life and outdoor experiences. Travelers can enjoy leisurely walks through urban parks or indulge in shopping at local venues. Key points of interest include the vibrant Juan Montalvo Park, perfect for relaxation, the culturally rich Machala Cathedral, and the historic Arenillas Central Church, all providing insights into the local heritage.
• Arenillas: Situated 19 miles away from Costa Rica, Arenillas is a haven for beach lovers and adventure seekers. The area's natural beauty is complemented by nearby national parks and state parks, ideal for outdoor activities. Don't miss visiting Juan Montalvo Park, the impressive Machala Cathedral, and the charming Arenillas Central Church, each showcasing the city's cultural and historical significance.
• Chacras: Located 15 miles away from Costa Rica, Chacras invites travelers to explore its inviting atmosphere and local charm. With attractions like Juan Montalvo Park, Machala Cathedral, and Arenillas Central Church, visitors can immerse themselves in the area's cultural heritage. Chacras serves as a great base for those looking to experience the beauty of the surrounding region while enjoying a taste of local life.

Tips for short-haul flights to Costa Rica

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often the more economical choice. Maximize space by opting for mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and planning your outfits wisely. This method also helps you avoid the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself amused, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Costa Rica

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines may allow seat selection for free once online check-in begins, typically 24–48 hours prior to your flight. Some airlines may offer earlier seat selection.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to be at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration processes.
• Relax at the airport—if you have extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at your gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your internal clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Costa Rica

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Costa Rica on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

is the cheapest month to fly to Costa Rica. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Costa Rica. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Costa Rica, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Costa Rica

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Costa Rica in 2026 starts from , while one-way tickets start from . Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Costa Rica. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Costa Rica

are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Costa Rica. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Costa Rica and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Costa Rica, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Costa Rica. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Costa Rica plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Costa Rica

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Costa Rica.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Costa Rica are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Costa Rica. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Costa Rica for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Costa Rica. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Costa Rica flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.