How to get to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is located north of Panama in Central America, and for its location, the country has many different ways of getting here. Numerous international flights arrive to Costa Rica everyday from all over the world, and from many different airlines (America Airline, Taca, Copa, US Airways, Continental Airlines, Cubana, Delta, Iberia and Mexicana, among others). It is 2.5 hours by air from Miami, 7 hours from Los Angeles, and 11 hours from London (depending on the flight stops). Costa Rica is a welcoming country, Americans and Canadians have a free visa (with valid passport) for up to 90 days, while other countries have up to 30 days. Only Western Europeans and Nicaraguans need visa to enter the country.

International Airports

The country has two international airports fully functional. The first and most important one is the Juan Santamaria International Airport, located in the province of Alajuela, around 25 minutes from San Jose downtown. There are very hotels close by the international airport; however, the airport is not too far away from the capital. The second international airport is called Daniel Odubert International Airport, located in the city of Liberia, in the province of Guanacaste. It is a great airport to arrive to if you plans to stay in the beaches of Guanacaste. The price range varies according to the season, however, an average goes from $400 to $800 for Americans, and from $800 to $1000 for Europeans.

There is also a main national airport in the Capital city named Tobias Bolaños Airport, which connects domestic flights to most places in Costa Rica and their local airports. Among the domestic flights companies are Sansa, Nature Air, Paradise Air, and Aero Bell.

The Exit Taxes, right now is $26 per person, and it could be bought directly in the International Airport just before checking in on your airline counter.

International Cruises and Ports

Costa Rica is also a cruise port for both, Caribbean Cruises (Limon) and Pacific Ocean Cruises (Puntarenas). Many tourist visit the country through the many cruises that dock in Costa Rica, and have even time to visit the most touristic places located close by.

Roads and Highways

The size of the country allows tourist to visit other destinies by land, such as Nicaragua and Panama. The island of San Andrés (Colombia) could be visited through a short flight from the Juan Santamaria International Airport. Even though the roads are not in perfect condition, Costa Rica could be access from everywhere. Visitors could include in their vacations a quick trip to Bocas del Toro (Panama), to David and Boquete (Panama), and to Granada-Managua (Nicaragua).

There are many rent-a-car companies in the country, including Adobe Rent a Car, Dollar Rent a Car, and Avis Rent a Car, among others.