Airports of Costa Rica, which is good for me? There are substancial differences and it truly depends on you which to choose. Find here all the details.

SJO Airport

When thinking about coming to Costa Rica, the question comes up, undoubtedly: Which airport? Liberia (LIR) or San Jose (SJO).

They seem so close in the map!

However… hmmm no. They are not that close. Behind that little straight line on the map, there are winding roads, driving hours and many places where you will want to stop, either to try an exotic fruit you never saw before, or to contemplate in awe a sloth passing from one branch to another.

So, first of all, we have to realize that the differences between one airport to the next are mainly the activities you want to do.

If you are into all-inclusive -or not all inclusive-, beach resorts, big franchised hotels and just lying on the beach while simply relaxing Liberia is for you.

If you are into nature, adventures, the luscious green rainforests, wildlife sightings, beaches and Costa Rican culture, Sjo is for you.

And we are not implying here that if you go to Liberia, you won’t have rainforests or wildlife, or adventures… Oh yes! But the type of activities is different, and the North Pacific is a tropical dry forest environment where the focus, mainly has been put on the beach.

Therefore, the first stage to take the decision is to know what do you want to do, see and experience while you are in Costa Rica.

You may also be interested in : New flights to Costa Rica, from three airlines

LOCATION of the Airports of Costa Rica

Let’s start by saying where are the International Airports of Costa Rica:

As you can see on the map (Below) the San José International Airport known as SJO and officially known as Juan Santamaría International Airport is in the center of the country, in the Central Valley, surrounded by mountains and very close to the capital city.

In the case of Liberia Airport known as LIR and officially known as Daniel Oduber International Airport, you will find that it is up on the North Pacific area and close to the most beautiful beaches of the country and its famous resorts.

SJO is an approximate 20-25 minute drive from downtown San Jose (Central Valley)

LIR is an approximate 10-minute drive from downtown Liberia (Northern Pacific Coast) and a half hour from the Papagayo Gulf.

SIZE:

SJO is Costa Rica’s main international airport providing services to a high number of travelers

LIR is Costa Rica’s smallest international airport checking significantly fewer passengers than SJO

DESIGN:

SJO is a two-storey building – departures are managed on the second floor, and arrivals are met on the first floor

LIR is a single story building – departures are operated on the right-hand side of the first floor, and arrivals are met on the left-hand side of the first floor

CONVENIENCE

SJO is very convenient if you are into Arenal, Sarapiqui, Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio or the South Caribbean or Pacific. It is even convenient if you want to go into the North Pacific with a combination of these destinations and the Nicoya Peninsula Beaches.

The LIR airport is best if you plan to visit the North Pacific beach resorts, go for water sports and activities and enjoy occasional tours to the tropical dry forest and the surreal Rincon de la Vieja volcano, for instance.

SECURITY

SJO and LIR

Arrival Time

It is recommended that you arrive 2 ½ hours prior for international flights and 90 minutes before scheduled departure for check-in and security processing for domestic flights and 2 hours before international flights.

Terminal Access

Only ticketed passengers allowed past security checkpoints. Photo I.D. and airline boarding pass are required. Carry-on luggage will pass through detector equipment.

You may also be interested in: New flights from Switzerland to Costa Rica by Edelweiss!

DEPARTURE TAX:

SJO – As soon as you get in, to the right-hand side, you will find a line of booths where you can pay it

LIR –  As you get in, to the left of the entrance – there is a small both with 1-2 employees waiting to take your payment

(Payments can be made in USD, Costa Rican Colones, or with VISA/Mastercard)

Almost all airlines have it included now. Please check with yours.

AS YOU COME OUT OF THE AIRPORT:

SJO Airport exit

In both airports, you will be received by Camino Travel staff with your name or group name and will be taken to where the transportation is. The walk is very short.

WI-FI ACCESS:

SJO:  Free WiFi is available at San Jose Airport. Connect to the “CR_Airport_Free” Network.

LIR: WiFi is available at Liberia Airport for a fee. Free WiFi in the Airside Café with purchase.

ATM:

SJO: ATMs are located in the main lobby, in baggage claim and beside gates 2 and 6. In the hallway, there is also a BAC branch where withdrawals can be made in colones, US Dollars, and Euros.

LIR:  Scotiabank – Location: Landside, near Main Entrance

DINING:

SJO provides a variety of dining options once inside the airport (after passing through the security checkpoint):

Dining options at SJO:

Brioche Doree Café (Gate 23) European style pastries, coffee, tea, sandwiches and salads

The Brit (Gate 20) San Jose’s premier British pub and restaurant with traditional and modern dishes

Flames Eatery & Bar (Gate 27)Casual dining serving food and drink

Jamba Juice (Gate 23)Fresh juices and smoothies

Le Boulanger (Gate 20)Fresh bread baked on site, sandwiches, salads, soups and pastries

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt (Gate 19)

Peet’s Coffee & Tea (Gate 25) Specialty coffee, tea, sandwiches, and pastries

Pizza My Heart – (Gate 19)

San Jose Joe’s (Gate 23) Authentic Italian cuisine based on the local icon Original Joe’s

Santa Cruz Wine Bar (Gate 23) Wine bar and casual dining, specializing in wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains

Sharks Cage (Gate 19) San Jose Sharks sports-themed bar and grill serving pub favorites

Smashburger (Gate 22)

Starbucks (Gate 22 and Baggage Claim)

Sushi Boat (Gate 23)

Fresh sushi and Japanese cuisine with vegetarian dishes and specialty teas

The Soup and Salad Station (Gate 23)

Una Mas (Gate 22) Innovative, heart healthy, quick Mexican food

Liberia Airport

-LIR offers one restaurant for dining at once inside the airport (after passing through the security checkpoint):

Player’s Café

Below you will find a list of the flights that come to both airports right now. There will be other flights next year, like Edelweiss that will start in May 2017.

Flights from these airports right now are:

Europe

Latin América

Canada

United States

Additional information regarding either airport can be found at

-SJO – www.aeris.cr (official)

-LIR – www.liberiacostaricaairport.net (unofficial)

Written by Olga Sáenz for Camino Travel. If you need any further information you can write to blogwriter@caminotravel.com