Airlines that fly to Costa Rica: Complete Guide

May 6
3 min read

Updated: May 14

If you're wondering what airlines fly into Costa Rica, you’ll be happy to know that the country is extremely well-connected, with dozens of international carriers serving both Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR).

From major U.S. hubs to Europe and Latin America, Costa Rica receives hundreds of international flights every month, making it one of the easiest destinations to reach in Central America.

Full list of Airlines Flying to Costa Rica

Here’s a comprehensive overview of what airlines fly into Costa Rica in 2026:

🇺🇸 United States & North America

🇨🇦 Canada

🌎 Latin America

🇪🇺 Europe

Major U.S. Airlines (Best for Direct Flights)

American Airlines

One of the largest operators to Costa Rica, especially from Miami International Airport (MIA).

Multiple daily flights to both SJO and LIR
Strong network from Dallas, Charlotte, and New York
Flight time from Miami: ~3 hours

This is often the best option for flights from Miami to Costa Rica, especially when deals drop (like the $108–$149 fares seen in April 2026).

Delta Air Lines

Main hub: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Daily flights to both airports
Additional routes from Los Angeles

Ideal for travelers connecting through Atlanta or the West Coast.

United Airlines

Extensive routes from Houston, Newark, Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles
Multiple daily departures to Costa Rica
Strong coverage for both coasts

Great balance between availability and pricing.

Alaska Airlines

Best for West Coast travelers
Direct flights from Los Angeles to SJO and LIR

Budget Airlines (Cheapest Flights to Costa Rica)

If you’re hunting for deals, these are key:

Frontier Airlines

Cheap flights from Miami and Orlando
Limited schedules but very competitive pricing

JetBlue

Excellent value + better comfort than ultra-low-cost carriers
Routes from New York, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Los Angeles

This is why flights from New York to Costa Rica can drop to around $141 (May 2026).

Latin American Airlines (Best for Connections)

Avianca

One of the most important carriers in the region
Direct flights from Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Bogotá, and San Salvador
Known for some of the cheapest fares in 2026

Copa Airlines

Hub in Panama City
Excellent connections across Latin America

Volaris & Aeroméxico

Great options via Mexico City or Cancun

Canadian Airlines (Seasonal but Valuable)

Air Canada → Toronto & Montreal
WestJet → strong Liberia routes
Air Transat → seasonal deals

Most flights focus on Guanacaste (LIR) during the winter season.

European Airlines (Direct Long-Haul Flights)

Costa Rica is one of the few Central American countries with direct flights from Europe:

Air France → Paris
Iberia and Iberojet → Madrid (daily flights)
KLM → Amsterdam
Lufthansa → Frankfurt
Edelweiss Air → Zurich

Flight times range from 11 to 14 hours, depending on the route.

Pro Tip: Choose Your Airline Strategically

When deciding which airlines fly into Costa Rica is less important than choosing the right one for your trip.

Consider:

Budget vs comfort
Baggage fees (especially for low-cost airlines)
Departure city & direct routes
Arrival airport (SJO vs LIR)

Final Thoughts

Costa Rica is one of the best-connected destinations in the Americas, with airlines from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Latin America offering both direct and connecting flights year-round.

Whether you’re booking a cheap deal with Avianca, flying comfortably with Delta Air Lines, or grabbing a seasonal nonstop from Europe, you’ll have plenty of options to reach paradise.

Bottom line: No matter where you're coming from, finding flights to Costa Rica is easier—and more affordable—than ever in 2026.