Money hackWithdraw bigger amounts, less often
Most ATMs charge a flat fee, so taking out cash for several days at once is cheaper than many small withdrawals.
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✈️ Cheap flights to Costa Rica
Compare fares to Costa Rica from hundreds of airlines and travel sites – fly into Juan Santamaría Intl (SJO). Find the best time to fly, flight times from major cities and every airport.
🛬 Airports in Costa Rica
| Code | Airport | City | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| SJO | Juan Santamaría Intl | San José | Main |
| LIR | Daniel Oduber Quirós Intl | Liberia | Main |
| FON | La Fortuna Arenal | La Fortuna | Regional |
| SYQ | Tobías Bolaños Intl | San Jose | Regional |
| NOB | Nosara | Nicoya | Regional |
| XQP | Quepos Managua | Quepos | Regional |
| LIO | Limón Intl | Limón | Regional |
| GLF | Golfito | Golfito | Regional |
| PJM | Puerto Jimenez | Puerto Jimenez | Regional |
Juan Santamaría International Airport near San José and Guanacaste Airport in Liberia handle most international flights. Land borders connect to Nicaragua at Peñas Blancas and to Panama at Paso Canoas and Sixaola.
📅 Best time to fly to Costa Rica
Best: December to April – the dry season brings sunny days on the Pacific side and in the Central Valley, ideal for beaches and hiking.
Cheaper shoulder season: May to August – the 'green season' with morning sun and afternoon showers, lush scenery and lower prices; the Caribbean coast is often sunny in September and October.
Avoid: September to October on the Pacific coast – the wettest months, when some roads and lodges close.
Weather by month in San José
- 24°Jan☀️
- 25°Feb☀️
- 26°Mar☀️
- 26°Apr⛅
- 26°May🌧
- 25°Jun🌧
- 24°Jul🌧
- 25°Aug🌧
- 25°Sep🌧
- 24°Oct🌧
- 24°Nov🌧
- 24°Dec⛅
Average daytime highs (°C) and how rainy each month is.
⏱️ Flight times to Costa Rica
| Route | Distance | Flight time (nonstop) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| London → San José | 8,709 km | 11 h 10 min | |
| New York → San José | 3,559 km | 4 h 55 min | |
| Los Angeles → San José | 4,382 km | 5 h 55 min | |
| Chicago → San José | 3,575 km | 5 h 00 min | |
| Miami → San José | 1,804 km | 2 h 50 min | |
| San Francisco → San José | 4,894 km | 6 h 35 min | |
| Toronto → San José | 3,772 km | 5 h 15 min | |
| Paris → San José | 8,935 km | 11 h 25 min | |
| Frankfurt → San José | 9,354 km | 11 h 55 min | |
| Dubai → San José | 14,139 km | 17 h 40 min* | |
| Delhi → San José | 15,281 km | 19 h 05 min* | |
| Mumbai → San José | 15,920 km | 19 h 50 min* | |
| Singapore → San José | 18,460 km | 22 h 55 min* | |
| Sydney → San José | 13,801 km | 17 h 20 min* |
Flight times are estimates for a nonstop flight; with a connection allow 2–5 hours more. * Very long routes usually need a stop.
📍 Where to go in Costa Rica
- Arenal – A dramatic volcano, a lake, waterfalls and thermal pools, plus plenty of adventure activities.
- Monteverde – Cool, misty reserves full of orchids, birds and hanging bridges.
- Manuel Antonio – Gorgeous beaches framed by rainforest and easy wildlife viewing.
- Tortuguero – A roadless village reached by boat, famous for turtle nesting and jungle waterways.
- Corcovado National Park – Wild, remote rainforest considered a crown jewel of biodiversity.
- Puerto Viejo – Laid-back Afro-Caribbean culture, reggae, cycling and lovely beaches.
💡 Flight hacks
Money hackKeep two cards in two places
Carry one card in your wallet and hide a backup in your bag, so one lost wallet never ends the trip.
Flights hackBring an empty bottle
Pass security with an empty water bottle and fill it at the airport fountains instead of buying overpriced water.
Flights to Costa Rica: questions
What is the main airport in Costa Rica?
The main international airport is Juan Santamaría Intl (SJO) in San José. Other airports with scheduled flights include Liberia (LIR), La Fortuna (FON), San Jose (SYQ).
How long is the flight from London to Costa Rica?
A nonstop flight from London to San José covers about 8,709 km and takes around 11 h 10 min. With a connection, plan for a few extra hours.
When is the best time to fly to Costa Rica?
December to April – the dry season brings sunny days on the Pacific side and in the Central Valley, ideal for beaches and hiking.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Costa Rica?
Fares are usually lowest outside the peak season. Good-value months: May to August – the 'green season' with morning sun and afternoon showers, lush scenery and lower prices; the Caribbean coast is often sunny in September and October.
Do I need a visa to fly to Costa Rica?
It depends on your passport. See our Costa Rica visa & entry guide for the rules, then check with the official embassy before you book.
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