A tropical paradise in Central America, Costa Rica is a famous destination for tourists seeking adventure, natural beauty, and relaxation. With its cheerful weather, turquoise blue waters, and stunning landscapes, it offers a perfect getaway for all types of travellers.
Airports play a vital role in the economic development of any country. Familiarising yourself with domestic and international airports in Costa Rica is essential to plan an efficient itinerary. This guide provides a detailed overview of the airports in Costa Rica to help you make informed travel decisions. Read on to explore more.
International airports in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has several international airports that act as gateways to this beautiful destination. Let’s look at some international airports in Costa Rica:
- Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), Liberia
Also known as the Guanacaste Airport, Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport is located 11 km from Liberia. As one of the major international airports in Costa Rica, it offers excellent connectivity to the Americas, Canada, England, and Germany. Situated in a prominent tourism hub, the airport has gained significant attention from the government and aviation authorities to make it the best for travellers.
- Location: Guanacaste, Liberia, Costa Rica
- ICAO Code: MRLB
- IATA Code: LIR
- Category: International airport
- Terminals: The airport comprises one terminal with eight gates that operate the many airlines.
- Services Available:
- Souvenir shops
- Jewellery store
- Bakery
- Bar
- Duty-Free Store
- Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Alajuela
Inaugurated in 1958, this airport is located 20 km from San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica. It is the busiest international airport in Costa Rica and serves as a hub for numerous airlines. The airport connects Costa Rica to several Western countries, such as Spain, Germany, Mexico, Argentina, France, Canada, and the US.
- Address: XQXW+43V, Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica
- ICAO Code: MROC
- IATA Code: SJO
- Category: International airport.
- Terminals: The airport has two terminals.
- The main terminal oversees all international flights.
- The domestic terminal manages domestic arrivals and departures.
- Amenities Available:
- Lost and found items
- Wheelchair rental service
- Duty-free stores
- Medical services
- Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ), San José
Launched in 1975, it is situated 7.4 km from downtown San Jose. As a secondary international airport in Costa Rica after Tobias Bolanos International Airport, it handles several domestic flights to different cities in Costa Rica. Besides being a passenger airport, it also functions as a civil aviation airport, the base for many aviation schools.
- Location: Aeropuerto, San José Province, San José, Costa Rica
- ICAO Code: MRPV
- IATA Code: SYQ
- Category: International airport
- Operator: Dirección General de Aviación Civil
- Terminals: The airport has one passenger terminal.
- Services Available:
- Duty-free stores
- Medical units
- Money exchange counters
- ATMs
- Retail stores
- Eateries
- Lounges
Domestic airports in Costa Rica
Airports in Costa Rica offer easy access to many regions, allowing travellers to choose the most convenient points of arrival and departure. Here are some prominent domestic airports in Costa Rica:
- Limón Airport (LIO), Limon
Initially operating as an international airport, Limon Airport is now one of the top domestic airports in Costa Rica. It is 7.5 km from Limon City Centre and provides services to the country’s eastern side, near the Caribbean Sea. The runway is 1800 metres long, and Sansa Airlines is the major airline operating at this airport.
- Location: XX7F+6VX, Limón Province, Limon, Costa Rica
- ICAO Code: MRLM
- IATA Code: LIO
- Category: Domestic airport
- Operator: Dirección General de Aviación Civil
- Terminals: The airport has one passenger terminal.
- Services Available:
- Public lounge
- Medical centres
- Retail stores
- Food Outlets
- Barra del Colorado Airport (BCL), Pococí
Located near the Colorado River, the airport is the linking point to the country’s urban areas. It is one of the domestic airports where passengers travel from Barra del Colorado to other cities in Costa Rica. In addition to serving passengers, the airport also operates charter flights for Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge to travel to mainland Costa Rica.
- Location: QC97+6R7, Barra del Colorado Sur, Pococí, Costa Rica
- ICAO Code: MRBC
- IATA Code: BCL
- Category: Domestic airport
- Operator: Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil
- Terminals: The airport has only one passenger terminal.
- Services Available:
- Passenger lounge
- Bars
- Duty-free store
- Playa Sámara - Carrillo Airport (PLD), Sámara
Situated on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, this airport lies 5 km from the city. It serves the Puerto Carrillo village in the Guanacaste province. This domestic airport in Costa Rica has a grass runway where gears are gauged before loading. It does not operate scheduled commercial flights but charter flights are available on request.
- Location: VCXX+VV7, Nicoya Peninsula, Sámara, Costa Rica
- ICAO Code: MRCR
- IATA Code: PLD
- Category: Domestic airport
- Operator: Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil
- Terminals: The airport has only one passenger terminal
- Services Available:
- Customs
- Slots
- Air ambulance flights
- Coto 47 Airport (OTR), Corredores
Close to the Panama border, Coto 47 Airport is 16 km from the Corcovado National Park. This domestic airport in Costa Rica provides quick access to the nearby beaches. Drake Bay is close to this airport, where tourists can indulge in water sports and have fun.
- Location: Puntarenas Province, Corredores, Costa Rica
- ICAO Code: MRCC
- IATA Code: OTR
- Category: Domestic airport
- Terminals: One terminal
- Services Available:
- Baggage lost and found
- Medical counters
- Shops
Conclusion
Costa Rica serves as a key tourism and travel hub in Central America. With well-maintained international and domestic airports, the country ensures seamless passenger commutation from one place to another. The country’s aviation authority has maintained proper air transportation. Its achievements in recent years have taken airports in Costa Rica to a whole new level. Remember, while travelling can bring great joy and fulfilment, it is equally important to purchase international travel insurance to financially safeguard yourself against unforeseen situations.
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