Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $174 for one-way flights and $391 for roundtrip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Find the cheapest month to fly from Columbus (CMH) to San José (SJO)
November is typically the cheapest month to flyNovember is typically the cheapest month to fly
From $375 - $818 per traveler.
Book with confidence
Flights to Nuevo Arenal at a glance
Traveling to Nuevo Arenal is easy—simply select from a variety of full-service or budget airlines, compare travel times, and choose the option that best fits your budget and itinerary for exploring the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.
Major airport near Nuevo Arenal: Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR)
Flights per week: 1,150+ flights arriving at Nuevo Arenal airport
Number of airlines that fly to Nuevo Arenal: around 10+ carriers
Popular airport near Nuevo Arenal
Nuevo Arenal is a charming village perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, offering stunning scenery and romantic beach getaways. This destination is conveniently served by a major airport, making it easily accessible for travelers looking to explore its natural beauty.
Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR): Situated in Cantón Liberia, Guanacaste, approximately 44 miles from Nuevo Arenal, this airport caters to both domestic and international flights. It connects to about 2 domestic locations and over 140 international destinations. Travelers have the option to enhance their journey with upgrades to business class, premium economy, or first class seating, depending on the airlines and route. Major carriers operating here include American Airlines, United, and JetBlue Airways.
Top routes to Nuevo Arenal
Los Angeles (LAX) to Nuevo Arenal (LIR), with one-way airfare from around $160
New York (JFK/LGA) to Nuevo Arenal (LIR), with one-way tickets available from around $130
Newark (EWR) to Nuevo Arenal (LIR), with one-way flight options from around $130
Boston (BOS) to Nuevo Arenal (LIR), with one-way flights starting at around $150
Chicago (ORD/MDW) to Nuevo Arenal (LIR), with one-way flights starting at around $160
Cheapest routes to Nuevo Arenal
Washington (IAD/DCA) to Nuevo Arenal (LIR), with low one-way fares from around $120
Baltimore (BWI) to Nuevo Arenal (LIR), with low one-way fares from around $120
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Nuevo Arenal (LIR), with budget one-way fares from around $120
New York (JFK/LGA) to Nuevo Arenal (LIR), with budget one-way fares from around $130
Nosara (NOB) to Nuevo Arenal (LIR), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $130
*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes
Top airlines with flights to Nuevo Arenal
American Airlines: Operating flights to Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), this airline represents about 38% of arrivals to Nuevo Arenal. Expect the average one-way fare to be around $320, with options for premium cabins that may include business class, depending on the route.
United: This airline also flies to Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) and accounts for roughly 26% of arrivals in Nuevo Arenal. Average one-way tickets are approximately $330, and premium cabin services may feature business class depending on the specific route taken.
Delta: With routes to Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), Delta captures around 14% of arrivals to Nuevo Arenal. The average one-way fare is about $310, and travelers may find business class available as a premium service option, depending on the route.
Alaska Airlines: Serving Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), this airline makes up about 8% of arrivals to Nuevo Arenal. Average one-way fares hover around $340, with premium cabin choices that might include both business class and first class, depending on the route.
JetBlue Airways: Flying into Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), JetBlue accounts for roughly 7% of arrivals to Nuevo Arenal. The average one-way fare is approximately $260, featuring premium cabin options that may include premium economy and business class based on the route.
Best time to fly to Nuevo Arenal
The most popular months for travelers to fly to Nuevo Arenal are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Nuevo Arenal can reach up to 75.2°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 77.7°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $255), roughly 19% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? August offers an average one-way fare of around $273, making it a good option for flexible travelers.
Month
Temperature
Precipitation
Cloudiness
Demand
Average one-way Fare
January
72.9°F (22.7°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Cloudy
High
$298
February
73.9°F (23.3°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Cloudy
High
$341
March
75.2°F (24.0°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Cloudy
High
$367
April
77.5°F (25.3°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Sunny
Average
$330
May
78.3°F (25.7°C)
Moderate Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Average
$293
June
77.4°F (25.2°C)
Frequent Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Average
$310
July
76.5°F (24.7°C)
Frequent Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Average
$286
August
77.4°F (25.2°C)
Frequent Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Average
$273
September
77.7°F (25.4°C)
Frequent Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Low
$255
October
76.1°F (24.5°C)
Frequent Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Low
$285
November
74.1°F (23.4°C)
Frequent Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Low
$322
December
72.9°F (22.7°C)
Moderate Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Average
$420
*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 Nuevo Arenal
Getting some of the best deals on flights to Nuevo Arenal is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
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.
Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
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.
Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Nuevo Arenal flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.
*For members. Select hotels.
Arriving in Nuevo Arenal
Nuevo Arenal welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Nuevo Arenal efficiently:
Public transportation: From Daniel Oduber International Airport, Playa Panama Seaport, a seaport, is located about 7.6 miles from the airport.
Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Nuevo Arenal, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
Car rental: Renting a car in Nuevo Arenal is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Nuevo Arenal 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 in and around Nuevo Arenal
Aguacate: Nestled 4 miles drive away from Nuevo Arenal, Aguacate is a charming village that beckons adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The stunning scenery includes breathtaking views of the nearby volcano, mountains, and Lake Arenal, making it an ideal spot for outdoor activities. Visitors can experience thrilling ziplining courses and explore the natural wonders of the Tenorio Volcano National Park. For those seeking relaxation, the Tabacon Hot Springs provide a perfect retreat amidst lush surroundings. Aguacate is a must-visit for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Costa Rica's vibrant landscapes and adventures.
Arenal: Nuevo Arenal is situated in Arenal, a vibrant city where outdoor adventures and scenic beauty converge. Arenal is renowned for its luxurious resorts and rejuvenating spas, perfect for travelers seeking relaxation after a day of exploration. Key attractions include Lake Arenal, ideal for romantic outings and outdoor activities, and the serene Tabacon Hot Springs for wellness seekers. Don't miss the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, where you can stroll amidst lush canopies and experience the rich biodiversity of the area. Arenal is a paradise for those eager to embrace the natural wonders of Costa Rica.
Venado: Located 10 miles drive away from Nuevo Arenal, Venado is an enticing destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to delve into Costa Rica’s natural beauty. This city offers a range of activities, from relaxing at upscale resorts and spas to enjoying a round of golf. Explore the stunning Arenal Volcano National Park, which is perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers. The Tabacon Hot Springs provide a serene escape, while the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park allows visitors to connect with the lush environment. Venado is a fantastic choice for travelers eager to experience both tranquility and adventure.
Tips for short-haul flights to Nuevo Arenal
For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:
Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, it’s often more economical to travel with just a carry-on. Maximize space by using travel-sized toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and coordinating your outfits. This strategy also lets you skip the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights do not provide in-flight entertainment. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself engaged. 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 prior to departure, accounting for traffic and security lines.
Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.
Tips for long-haul flights to Nuevo Arenal
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 typically allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, which is generally 24–48 hours prior to your flight. Some airlines may offer seat selection even earlier.
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, enjoy a coffee at a café, or unwind at the gate or a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is usually complimentary and readily available.
Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by setting your watch and modifying 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 of your arrival to help minimize jet lag.
Tips to find the cheapest flights to Nuevo Arenal
The cheapest day to fly
Get started finding a cheap flight to Nuevo Arenal 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
February is the cheapest month to fly to Nuevo Arenal. 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 Nuevo Arenal. 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 Nuevo Arenal, 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 Nuevo Arenal
The lowest price for round-trip flights to Nuevo Arenal in 2026 starts from $391, while one-way tickets start from from $174. 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 Nuevo Arenal. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.
The cheapest airlines flying to Nuevo Arenal
American Airlines, United, Southwest Airlines, Delta, JetBlue Airways are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Nuevo Arenal. 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 Nuevo Arenal and countless more destinations worldwide.
The most affordable airports to fly into
To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Nuevo Arenal, 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 Nuevo Arenal. 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 Nuevo Arenal 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 Nuevo Arenal
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 Nuevo Arenal.
Stopover savings
The cheapest tickets to Nuevo Arenal are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Nuevo Arenal. 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 Nuevo Arenal 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 Nuevo Arenal. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Nuevo Arenal 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 Nuevo Arenal. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What month is the cheapest to fly to Nuevo Arenal?
The cheapest month to fly to Nuevo Arenal is February when there's less demand. Off-peak months are usually when you'll find cheap fares. To save money, steer clear of flying during major holidays and school breaks.
Which US cities fly direct to Nuevo Arenal?
There are 13 US destinations where you can fly to Nuevo Arenal directly from. Compare the options by selecting the "Direct flights only" box on Expedia and pick the ideal starting point for your trip. Here are some of the leading cities to leave from:
Houston
Orlando
Fort Lauderdale
Miami
Atlanta
How to find a cheap flight to Nuevo Arenal?
To secure cheap flights to Nuevo Arenal, book in advance and visit during the off-peak months of September and October. Want another helpful tip? Take off on a Thursday and save around 16% on average compared to traveling on a Sunday.* Opt to receive price alerts on the Expedia app and we'll get in touch as soon as your fares go down.
*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
How to get a cheap last-minute flight to Nuevo Arenal?
You can find good deals on last-minute departures to Nuevo Arenal, especially if your travel arrangements aren't set in stone. Consider departing from a different hub, tweaking your trip dates or picking another carrier to get a cheap flight to Nuevo Arenal.
How far in advance should I book a flight to Nuevo Arenal?
Secure your flight to Nuevo Arenal two to four months ahead if you're coming in from an international destination. For domestic travel, the usual timeframe is 28 days in advance. Lower fares and a wider variety of travel dates, times and seating options are just some of the advantages of booking early.*
*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
Which day of the week is the cheapest day to buy a plane ticket to Nuevo Arenal?
Sundays are usually the best day to book a cheap flight to Nuevo Arenal, with savings of about 8% on average compared to a Friday. If you decide to buy tickets on a Friday, expect to pay a higher price as this is typically the most expensive day.*
*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
Which airlines fly to Nuevo Arenal?
A total of 24 airlines connect 40 airports around the world to Nuevo Arenal. Here are some of the key airlines to Nuevo Arenal, where Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) is the chief entry point:
Copa Airlines
SANSA Regional
GetJet Airlines
AVIANCA
Where do you fly into Nuevo Arenal?
When flying to Nuevo Arenal, the main airport to touch down at is Daniel Oduber Intl. Airport (LIR). You can also head for nearby hubs like Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO), Canas (CSC) or La Fortuna (FON-Arenal). Another great option to consider when you fly to Nuevo Arenal is Puntarenas (JAP-Chacarita).
How far is the airport from central Nuevo Arenal?
Flying into Daniel Oduber Intl. Airport (LIR) puts you around 45 mi west of the center of Nuevo Arenal.
Can I save money by booking a Nuevo Arenal trip package?
Book a Nuevo Arenal flight and hotel package deal on Expedia, and you can benefit from significant savings. It's a breeze to bundle your accommodations and flights, and you can also add activities and car rentals to create your own customized Nuevo Arenal break. Plus, there's nothing like the convenience of booking everything in the same place.
Can I change or cancel my flight to Nuevo Arenal?
It's usually possible to cancel or change your flight to Nuevo Arenal. Many airlines allow you to cancel your ticket for free within 24 hours of booking. However, some flights are non-refundable, and airlines may offer you a credit toward a future flight rather than a direct refund. To reserve cheap flights to Nuevo Arenal with flexible change policies, pick the "Changes included" or "No cancel fee" filters when you search. Need more information? Head to our Customer Service Portal.
Travel information
Destination city name
San José
Destination airport
Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport
Destination airport IATA code
SJO
Airlines serving
Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, Avianca, United, JetBlue Airways, Copa, Aeromexico, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, KLM, Air France, Iberia, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air Europa, Frontier Airlines, Volaris Costa Rica, Swiss International Air Lines, Air Transat, LATAM Airlines Group, PD, Volaris, Turkish Airlines, Breeze Airways, Sterling Blue, Qatar Airways, RZ, Evelop Airlines, Viva Aerobus, Air China, Hahn Air Technologies
Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $174 for one-way flights and $391 for roundtrip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change.