Cheap flights to Costa Rica

With its pristine rainforests, laid back Latin culture, an abundance of wildlife and some impressive beaches that are a surfer’s dream, Costa Rica certainly knows how to pack it all in. And we can help you find the best flight deals to this heavenly slice of the Americas.

When to book cheap flights to Costa Rica

The dry season here runs from late November to May. During this time, you’ll find perfect weather for exploring the forests or lazing on the beach. Inevitably flights are more expensive during this popular time to visit, but book early enough and there are always some deals to be had.

The Costa Rican winter runs from May to November. It’s not particularly cold but it is very rainy, particularly in September and October. There are many cheap flights available in the winter, so if you avoid the worst of the weather in September and October, you’ll have a lot of the country’s natural attractions to yourself.

How to find the best flight deals to Costa Rica

It’s always the early bird that catches the best deals – so try and book as far in advance as you can. Whenever you are booking, however, there are ways you can use Expedia to find the best price on your flights.

Try looking to see if an alternative airport can offer you a cheaper fare – either for your departure or for your arrival in Costa Rica. If you can be flexible on your dates you can select ‘Show flexible dates’ when your flight results are returned. This allows you to look at nearby dates – and often a day or two’s difference can make a very big difference to the cost of your flight.

Often connecting flights, although longer in duration, can be significantly cheaper – so, if you are not in a mad rush or fancy enjoying a leisurely stopover, these can be considered.

UK departures to Costa Rica

There are direct flights from London to Costa Rica that land in the capital of San Jose, but you open out your options a fair deal if you are happy with a connecting flight.

• London to San Jose – 11 hours 35 minutes (direct)/from 14 hours 15 minutes (connecting flight)
• London to Jaco – Jaco is just 39 miles from San Jose – flights to here take 11 hours 35 minutes (direct)
• London to Quepos – from 14 hours 55 minutes (connecting flight)
• London to Liberia – from 15 hours and 45 minutes (connecting flight)

Main airports in Costa Rica

San Jose’s airport is located around 12 miles from the capital city. Regular buses or taxis can take you into the heart of the action.

Daniel Oduber Quirós, or Liberia International Airport as it is often called, offers more relaxing pursuits on your doorstep as you land. It’s situated just a few miles away from the closest beach – and airport shuttles are on hand to whisk you straight there. But do make sure you book your seat in advance as, due to legislation, airport shuttle’s must be pre-booked.

Quepos La Managua Airport is ideal for nature lovers as it borders the Manuel Antonio National Park in the central part of Puntarenas Province.

Which airlines fly to Costa Rica?

• British Airways
• Air Canada
• Aeromexico
• Delta Air Lines

How to get around in Costa Rica

Car hire is available at all the main airports – and in such a small country with such varied landscapes it offers a very attractive option. Costa Rica has invested much of the money it has received from tourism into its transport infrastructure – and its education system – so you can travel in comfort wherever you are headed.

Within the cities and resorts taxis are widely available and the bus network is also reliable for longer journeys.

What are the must-sees in Costa Rica?

In this land of cloud forests, smouldering volcanoes and rugged beaches it can be hard to know where to begin. In the dense forests red eyed tree frogs await and three-toed sloths loll among the foliage while over at the coast turtles come to nest.

Tortuguero National Park is a network of marshy islands and among the wetland here there are howler monkeys, Amazon kingfishers, blue herons, toucans, otters and caiman. Keep your feet inside the boat as you explore the swamps!

Between July and October the park's shoreline welcomes green, giant leatherback, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles, which drag themselves up the beach to lay their eggs.

Head over to Arenal National Park to admire the most active volcano in Central America. Add to the thrill by viewing it as you zipline above the canopy of the surrounding forest.

Tips for travelling to Costa Rica

British nationals don't need a visa to enter Costa Rica and you can stay as a visitor for up to 90 days under a tourist visa waiver. So, you’ve plenty of time to explore!