Flights to Costa Rica

There are no direct flights to Costa Rica from the UK; you'll need to take a connecting flight, probably via Europe or North America...

The most direct route to Costa Rica from the UK is to fly from London Heathrow or Manchester via Madrid with Iberia. The total flight time is around 14 hours.

An alternative to this European route is to fly with various American and Canadian carriers and make a connection in a North American city. American Airlines flies to Costa Rica via New York, Delta via Atlanta, United via New York or Chicago and Air Canada via Toronto. 

Several of these carriers depart the UK from Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh, as well as London Heathrow. 
Most UK travellers on Costa Rica flights will touch down at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), which serves the capital city of San José. 

Find out about the options for travelling between San José's airports and holiday destinations throughout Costa Rica...

Buses run every five minutes from stops a short distance from the arrivals hall at Juan Santamaria to San José and other destinations. 

Orange coloured Taxis Unidos, the airport's official cab company, are also available around the clock. If you are booking car hire in San José, you can collect your vehicle at the airport.

From San José you can also connect to regional flights - a convenient way to get around the country.

In general, taxis and mini-buses are in plentiful supply in Costa Rica, especially in the cities. In a taxi, agree a price or make sure that the meter is switched on before you travel.

Public transport is cheap and efficient, and all main towns and holiday destinations are served by bus routes. If you are being careful with your budget, taking the bus (though the journey is sometimes slow) is the best option.

If driving, be aware that Costa Rica has a high rate of traffic accidents. Be sure to have comprehensive travel insurance and check for any damage to a vehicle when you first hire it. 

From a beach-side room to an eco-lodge in the trees, Costa Rica dishes up a tempting menu of accommodation choices...

The tourism boom of recent years has led to the development of a swathe of thoughtful and chic accommodation around Costa Rica. You can unpack your tropical wardrobe in a luxurious lodge in the rainforest or get out your best beach togs by the sea. 

Stay in the capital, San José, for a taste of Costa Rica's buzzing urban life. Here museums and cafés welcome tourists and there's a great selection of hotels. You needn't sacrifice nature jaunts in the city, either - day tours depart regularly for the nearby waterfalls, volcanoes, coffee plantations and rainforests. 

Montezuma, famed for its incredible surfing, is one of the most popular seaside spots in Costa Rica. Hotels in this well-established tourist area range from the old, well-worn and cheap, to sumptuous, modern resort-style places. The west-coast resorts of Tamarindo, Jaco, Playa Hermosa, and Quepos are also popular. 

On the less developed east coast, you'll discover small beach towns such as Puerto Viejo, the best surf spot on the country's Caribbean coast. 

Once you've booked your flights to Costa Rica, compare hotel deals by using the search tool on TravelSupermarket.