Airlines that travel inside Costa Rica provide a quick, easy and convenient way to get from one destination to the next. Air travel can significantly reduce the time you spend traveling rather than enjoying all that Costa Rica has to offer. Although it is a relatively small nation, taking a flight between destinations may be well worth your time.
Costa Rica has a relatively well-developed domestic air industry, with a number of providers offering service to just about anywhere in Costa Rica. Unless your travel plans include road trips through the Costa Rican countryside, you should consider taking a direct flight to your destination.
Popular Airlines That Travel Inside Costa Rica
Avianca Costa Rica
Avianca Costa Rica is Costa Rica's national flag airline, and a leading domestic flight provider. It has been in operation since 1945 and is based at San Jose's major airport. In addition to domestic flights, Lasca Airlines has scheduled flights to 36 destinations all over the world.
Sansa Airlines
With more than 25 years experience in Costa Rica discount air travel, Sansa Air is a regional subsidiary of Lacsa, Costa Rica's flag carrier. Headquartered in the capital city of San José, it has its hub at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (MROC), which is a 30-minute drive from downtown.
Sansa Costa Rica provides inexpensive flights to more than 15 cities across the nation. This carrier operates a fleet of six Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft. A free transfer by minibus is provided to Juan Santamaria Airport.
Nature Air
Previously known as Travelair, Nature Air was established in 1991. It provides domestic service from its hub at the Tobias Bolanos International Airport, just four miles west of San José. It has 74 flights leaving daily to more than 15 domestic destinations. Most flights take an average of 40 minutes, for trips that would otherwise take almost a day by car. There are daily international flights leave everyday to Bocas del Toro in Panama.Many prestigious hotels, lodges and resorts use Nature Air as their first choice. The airline also offers Air Cargo services, as well as door-to-door deliveries in San Jose, Quepos and Tamarindo.
Aeropostal Alas de Centroamerica
This is a low-cost, budget airline based at the Juan Santamaría International Airport, in San Jose. This private, Costa Rican is that is a relatively new provider in the industry. Founded in 2003, Aeropostal Alas de Centroamerica begun operations two years later.
Private Charter Flights
Air Charter Service
Founded in 1970, the Air Charter Service provides exclusive, private charter flights to both domestic and international destinations. This domestic carrier provides two private passenger terminals, which saves you the time and hassle of the long lines and lost luggage that are typical of busy terminals.In addition to giving you the choice of a number of different types of aircraft, Air Charter Service makes use of several public and privately-owned airstrips to fly their clients to almost any destination in Costa Rica. The airline's fleet is certified by OACI (Organización de Aviación Civil Internacional).
In Country Air Travel
Most of Costa Rica's in country flights will get you to your destination in less than an hour. In contrast, it may take you almost a day to drive to the same place. The best way to reserve a flight on an airline that travels inside Costa Rica is through a local travel agency, not only because they are familiar with local flight schedules, but also because it is easier for them to resolve any problems.
