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For most travelers, Costa Rica’s two main commercial international gateways are Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), near the capital region, and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), which serves the northwestern Pacific coast and Guanacaste beach areas.
Towns Closest to San José Airport (SJO)
These destinations are typically associated with SJO, especially for travel to the Central Valley, Arenal area, Monteverde, and much of the Central and southern Pacific coast.
Central Valley
San José — the capital city
Alajuela — the city closest to the airport
Heredia
Cartago
Popular tourism areas
La Fortuna — the gateway to Arenal Volcano
Monteverde — famous for its cloud forest
Jacó — a popular beach and surf town
Manuel Antonio — known for its national park and beaches
Dominical — a laid-back surf destination
Uvita — famous for whale watching and Marino Ballena National Park
Best airport for:
The Central Valley, Arenal, Monteverde, and the Central and southern Pacific coast.
Towns Closest to Liberia Airport (LIR)
These destinations are most often associated with LIR, especially for travel to Guanacaste and the northern Pacific beaches.
Major beach towns
Playas del Coco
Playa Hermosa
Tamarindo
Playa Flamingo
Playa Conchal
Nosara
Sámara
Inland cities
Liberia — the largest city in Guanacaste
Nicoya
Best airport for:
Northern Pacific beaches, coastal resorts, and many Guanacaste vacations.
Quick Rule Travelers Use
Fly into SJO for Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, and much of central or southern Costa Rica.
Fly into LIR for Guanacaste beaches such as Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Tamarindo, and Playa Flamingo.
