Costa Rica Airports: San José vs Liberia – Which Is Best for Your Trip?

If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, you’ll need to choose between the country’s two international airports: San José (SJO) in the Central Valley and Liberia (LIR) in Guanacaste.

Both airports receive daily flights from the U.S., Canada, and Europe, but which one is best for you depends on where you’re headed, how much time you have, and even your budget.

As someone who lives in Costa Rica and flies back to the U.S. and Europe several times a year, I’ve spent a lot of time in both airports. Below, I’ll break down the pros, cons, airlines, and transport options at each — plus insider tips on car rentals, hotels, and how to avoid the biggest hassles.

💡 Pro tip: Many travelers fly into San José and out of Liberia (or vice versa) to cut down on backtracking. We use Skyscanner’s multi-city search to find the best deals. Check flights here →.

Map of Costa Rica International Airports

San Jose International Airport Details

San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is the country’s largest and busiest airport. It sits just outside the capital but is actually located in the neighboring city of Alajuela.

Because of its central location, SJO is a great jumping-off point if you’re visiting the Central Pacific coast, South Pacific coast, the Caribbean side, or northern destinations like La Fortuna and Monteverde.

Airlines that Fly into San Jose Costa Rica

SJO is a hub for both regional and long-haul airlines, including:
American Airlines, Air Canada, Air France, Alaska, Avianca, British Airways, Copa Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Lufthansa, Southwest, Spirit, United, Volaris, WestJet, and more.

Ground Transportation

There are a few different options for ground transportation from the San Jose airport.

Hotel Shuttle

If you are staying at a hotel nearby you should check if they offer a free shuttle service to and from the airport. 

Rental Car

If you want maximum flexibility, renting a car is the best option. A representative from your rental car company will meet you outside arrivals and shuttle you to their office (about 5 minutes away).

Shared Shuttle

If you would like to take a shared shuttle to your destination, that is always an option as well. We suggest this for a couple or solo traveler that doesn’t need an entire shuttle for themselves.

We like the website Bookaway for finding the most complete selection of Costa Rica shuttles.

Public Bus

There are public buses that go from the airport to the city of San Jose. To get to the public bus stop you just need to walk out to the main road. You will see a bus stop.

Just ask before getting on a bus. The buses can be completely confusing here.

Taxi

If you need a taxi, just make sure you take an official taxi. We have a complete guide to taxis to help you out.

Pros of SJO

• Centrally located and good for exploring most of the country
• Larger airport which means more flight options and usually cheaper fares

Cons of SJO

• Longer drive if your focus is Guanacaste beaches
• Traffic around the airport can be brutal (especially during rush hour)
• Bigger airport and tends to be more hectic than Liberia

Nearby Hotels

If you have an early morning flight or want to avoid San José traffic, stay closer to downtown Alajuela. Some good options:

• High End Hotel: AC Hotel by Marriott Heredia Belen
• Mid-Range Hotel: Casa Garitas
• Budget-Friendly Hotel: Alexander B&B

Or browse our full San José Airport Hotels Guide.

Things to Note

• If you are switching to any domestic flights from the San Jose airport you will need to go to the domestic terminal after going through border control and getting your luggage. The domestic terminal is located to the left of the main terminal when you exit the airport. You will have to walk down the road for about 5 minutes, but there are sidewalks.
• When you look for a flight make sure you look at San Jose, Costa Rica. The Costa Rica airport code is SJO and the official name is Juan Santamaria International Airport. I’m not kidding but we have heard so many stories about people accidentally booking flights to San Jose California instead of Costa Rica haha!

For more tips on the San Jose Airport please check out our complete San Jose International Airport Guide

Liberia Airport

Liberia’s Guanacaste Airport (LIR) is the second-largest airport in Costa Rica and the gateway to the country’s famous northwest beaches. It sits just outside the city of Liberia and is far less hectic than San José, making it a favorite for travelers headed straight to the coast.

Because of its location, LIR is ideal if you plan to visit Papagayo, Playa Hermosa, Playas del Coco, Tamarindo, Las Catalinas, Samara, Nosara, or even La Fortuna and Monteverde. The airport is also about 1 hour from the Nicaraguan border.

Note: the airport was previously called Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (named after a former Costa Rican president). So, if you see that name somewhere, it means Guanacaste Airport in Liberia.

Airlines that Fly into Liberia Costa Rica

Liberia may be smaller than San José, but it still hosts plenty of international routes:
American Airlines, Air Canada, Copa, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, KLM, United, WestJet, and others.

Travel Tip: Flight options are more limited for travelers from Europe. KLM runs a route from Amsterdam that stops in both San José and Liberia.

Ground Transportation

Car Rental

Most rental companies have desks at Liberia Airport, with shuttles to nearby offices.

👉 We recommend Adobe Rent-a-Car, our trusted local partner, because:

• ✅ 10% discount for CRV readers
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• 🛡️ 0% deductible insurance
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💡 How it works: When you land, an Adobe representative will be waiting just outside arrivals. They’ll take you by shuttle (about 5 minutes) to their nearby office where your car will be ready. It’s smooth, quick, and much easier than dealing with long lines at the airport counters.

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Hotel Shuttle

Some hotels nearby will offer a free shuttle service. Check in with your hotel to see if they offer this service.

Shared Shuttle

If you would like to take a shared shuttle to your destination, that is always an option as well. We suggest this for a couple or solo traveler who doesn’t need an entire shuttle for themselves.

We like the website Bookaway for finding the most complete selection of Costa Rica shuttles.

Taxi or Private Driver

Registered taxis are available right outside arrivals. If you prefer a private driver (great for families or groups), you can arrange one in advance here →.

Nearby Airport Hotels

Our top choice for a nearby airport hotel is the Hilton Garden Inn.

If you have an early morning flight or get in late in the evening we suggest staying at this hotel, located directly across the street from the airport. There is a free shuttle that runs between the hotel and the airport. 

Book Your Stay at Hilton Garden Inn

For something more relaxed, consider staying in Playa Hermosa (20 minutes away) for a beach start or finish to your trip. See our Liberia Airport Hotels Guide for more picks.

Pros of LIR

• Closest airport to Guanacaste’s beaches (Papagayo, Tamarindo, Nosara, Samara)
• Smaller crowds → shorter customs and baggage lines
• Convenient for trips to Nicaragua, La Fortuna, or Monteverde

Cons of LIR

• Airfare can be more expensive compared to San José
• Longer drives to the Southern Pacific (Osa, Dominical, Uvita) and Caribbean coast
• Limited flight options for European travelers

Check out our complete guide to Liberia Airport for more details

Our Experience at the Costa Rica Airports

We live in San Jose so it typically doesn’t sense for us to fly in or out of Liberia Airport. I actually really like flying from San Jose (possibly because I am there at least once every few months).

It is small but it has everything you could need (including free coffee and chocolate samples at the big gift shop). The downfall is definitely the traffic in that area.

For someone who has actually experienced both airports, multiple times I turned to my mom (she likes to come visit us in Costa Rica).

Her response was that she would choose Liberia over San Jose every time. She said the experience is always much smoother and the lack of traffic nearby made it a completely different and actually pleasant experience.

Our Insider Tips for Costa Rica Airports

Mix and Match Airports
Consider flying into San José and out of Liberia (or vice versa). This way you can plan a loop itinerary and avoid a long drive back at the end of your trip. We usually find the best deals for multi-city flights on Skyscanner →.

One-Way Car Rentals are Easy
Don’t worry if you’re not returning to the same airport. Adobe Rent-a-Car has offices across Costa Rica, so you can pick up at one airport and drop off at the other — all with our 10% reader discount. Reserve your car with discount →

Don’t Skip Travel Insurance
Air travel isn’t always smooth. Delays, cancellations, and lost baggage are more common than people think — and they can seriously derail your Costa Rica plans. That’s why we always recommend Heymondo travel insurance →.

Here’s what it covers that matters most for airport travelers:

• ✅ Flight delays or cancellations → reimbursements so you’re not paying out of pocket.
• 🧳 Lost or delayed luggage → compensation if your bags don’t make it.
• 🛫 Trip interruptions → if you miss part of your vacation due to airline issues.
• 🌍 24/7 support → easy to file claims or get help while abroad.

We’ve had readers thank us after being reimbursed for overnight stays when their flight home was canceled last-minute. It’s the kind of backup that turns a nightmare travel day into just an inconvenience.

Domestic Flights are an Option
If you’re short on time, Costa Rica has domestic airports near popular destinations like La Fortuna, Nosara, and Drake Bay. Check out our domestic airports guide → for details.

Conclusion: Which Airport is Best?

You really can’t go wrong with either airport. The decision ultimately comes down to where you’re headed.

• Pick San José (SJO) if you want to explore the Central Valley, Central Pacific, Caribbean, or plan to travel widely across the country.
• Pick Liberia (LIR) if you’re headed for Guanacaste’s beaches, Monteverde, or northern Costa Rica.

Our Best Advice: Choose the airport that minimizes your transfer time and maximizes your vacation.

If you’d like more help planning, grab our free Costa Rica Trip Kit. It includes our insider packing list, safety tips, and itinerary templates to make trip planning effortless.

And if you’ve flown through either airport, share your experience in the comments below. We’d love to hear which one you preferred.

You Might Also Like:

• Cheap Flights to Costa Rica: Get the Best Deals
• Renting a Car from Liberia Airport: What You Can Expect
• Costa Rica Transportation Guide – How to get around the country with ease