Flights to Costa Rica at a glance

Traveling to Costa Rica is a breeze; you can easily find a variety of flights to Costa Rica that fit your budget and schedule. Whether you prefer cheap flights to Costa Rica or more full-service options, comparing airfare to Costa Rica helps you choose the best route for your adventure. Popular attractions in the area include stunning beaches, national parks, and wildlife reserves. Don't miss highlights like Playa Tortuga for sunbathing, Cascada El Salto for a romantic backdrop, and Arenal Volcano National Park for breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures.

• Major airports in Costa Rica: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) serving San José; Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) serving Liberia; Tamarindo Airport (TNO) serving Tamarindo
• Flights per week: 3,250+ flights arriving across Costa Rica airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Costa Rica: around 30+ carriers

Popular airports in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a vibrant destination perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, offering stunning scenery and beach experiences for families. Travelers can access this beautiful country through three major airports, making it convenient to start their unforgettable journey.

• Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO): Situated in Cantón Alajuela, Alajuela Province, this airport facilitates both domestic and international travel, linking approximately 8 domestic cities to over 230 international destinations. Passengers can opt for upgrades to business class, premium economy class, or first class for enhanced comfort, depending on the airline and route. Major airlines operating here include United, American Airlines, and JetBlue Airways.
• Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR): Found in Cantón Liberia, Guanacaste, this airport serves a range of domestic and international flights, connecting around 2 domestic cities to more than 140 international destinations. Travelers can upgrade to business class, premium economy class, or first class for a more comfortable journey, based on the airline and route. Key airlines at this location include American Airlines, United, and JetBlue Airways.
• Tamarindo Airport (TNO): Nestled in Cantón Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, this airport operates domestic flights. Notable airlines that service this airport include FlexFlight and Servicios Aereos Nacionales S.A..

Top routes to Costa Rica

• Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJO), with one-way airfare from around $150
• Newark (EWR) to San Jose (SJO), with one-way flight options from around $120
• New York (JFK/LGA) to San Jose (SJO), with one-way flight options from around $110
• Miami (MIA) to San Jose (SJO), with one-way fares starting at around $95
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Liberia (LIR), with one-way flight options from around $160

Cheapest routes to Costa Rica

• Orlando (MCO) to San Jose (SJO), with affordable one-way prices from around $55
• San Juan (SJU) to San Jose (SJO), with budget one-way fares from around $90
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to San Jose (SJO), with low one-way fares from around $90
• San Salvador (SAL) to San Jose (SJO), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $90
• Guatemala City (GUA) to San Jose (SJO), with cheap one-way fares from around $95

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

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 71.6°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 66.9°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $228), roughly 20% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? October and August offer average one-way fares of around $243, making them good options for flexible travelers.

Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Average one-way Fare
January	69.3°F (20.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	$296
February	66.7°F (19.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	$309
March	71.6°F (22.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	$325
April	69.1°F (20.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	$307
May	68.7°F (20.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	$262
June	68.0°F (20.0°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	$289
July	67.3°F (19.6°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	$288
August	67.1°F (19.5°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	$248
September	66.9°F (19.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	$228
October	66.4°F (19.1°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	$238
November	65.5°F (18.6°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	$270
December	65.1°F (18.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	$390

*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—stay up to date on fare changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Costa Rica hotel and flight deals.
4. Travel during shoulder season-peak travel periods tend to push the flight fares a little higher than usual. Traveling outside of these busy periods can help you find more competitive prices while still being able to enjoy good weather and lesser crowds.
5. Be flexible with your travel dates-if your schedule allows it, try and search for a few different departure and return dates as this may help you find lower fares.
6. Consider economy fares-if you're traveling light and don't need extras like seat selection or additional baggage, opting for a basic economy fare can be a simple way to keep costs down. Just make sure to check what's included in the flight ticket before confirming your booking.
7. Think about luggage—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.
8. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book with Expedia. Make sure to select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking to get more value from your trip.

*For members. Select hotels.

Where to stay in Costa Rica

• Tamarindo: Located in the area of Costa Rica, Tamarindo is a vibrant city known for its blend of romance and family-friendly experiences. Travelers can indulge in various activities such as golfing and relaxing at luxurious resorts. The stunning Tamarindo Beach is perfect for sunbathing and surfing, while the nearby Tamarindo Church offers a glimpse into local culture. For those interested in learning Spanish, the WAYRA Institute of Spanish provides excellent classes. With its beautiful beaches and proximity to national parks and volcanoes, Tamarindo is an ideal destination for a diverse vacation.
• Manuel Antonio: Manuel Antonio is located around the area of Costa Rica and is a popular neighborhood for adventure seekers and nature lovers. With its breathtaking scenery, this area is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking in the national park or relaxing on picturesque beaches like Manuel Antonio Beach and Playa Espadilla. The stunning Cascada El Salto waterfall is a must-see for those seeking a romantic or adventurous outing. Manuel Antonio offers a unique combination of recreational areas and luxurious spas, making it a perfect getaway for both relaxation and exploration.
• La Fortuna: La Fortuna is located in the area of Costa Rica and is renowned for its outdoor adventures and stunning scenery. This charming city serves as a gateway to the impressive Arenal Volcano, which beckons hikers and nature enthusiasts alike. Visitors can unwind at the Tabacon Hot Springs, known for their rejuvenating properties, or take in the breathtaking views at La Fortuna Waterfall. With a wide array of resorts and spas, La Fortuna provides both adventure and relaxation, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in Costa Rica's natural beauty.

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 more cost-effective. Maximize space by using travel-sized toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and coordinating your outfits ahead of time. This also helps you bypass waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Early check in—nearly all airlines allow you to check in online at least 24 to 48 hours before your flight. This can save you time at the airport, and you may even secure a preferred seat at no additional cost.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights do not provide in-flight entertainment. To keep yourself occupied, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts in advance, and consider bringing a book. Don't forget to charge your devices fully before boarding.
• Arrive early—Even for short flights, it’s advisable to arrive at least 1.5–2 hours before departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money 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 crucial for comfort. Full-service airlines often provide complimentary seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24 to 48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may allow seat selection even earlier, though this may incur an additional fee.
• Arrive early—plan to reach the airport at least 3 hours before your departure for international flights to give yourself ample time for check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you find yourself with extra time, take the opportunity to browse the shops, visit a coffee shop, or unwind at the gate or a departure lounge if you have access.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Aim to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival location to help minimize jet lag.
• Dress comfortable—the journey will be long, so opt for loose, comfortable clothing and layers, as cabin temperatures can fluctuate.
• Stay hydrated—bring a refillable water bottle and ensure you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, so you feel your best upon arrival.