Planning a family vacation to Costa Rica starts with one big decision: Should you fly into Liberia (LIR) or San José (SJO)? It turns out, choosing the right airport can completely shape your experience — whether that’s stepping off a plane and dipping your toes in warm ocean water an hour later, or being closer to rainforest trails, cloud forests, national parks, and wildlife-rich regions.
For families, especially tired ones arriving after long travel days, this choice matters more than you think. This guide breaks it all down in a way that feels personal, clear, and helpful — so you can pick the airport that makes your family’s vacation smoother, calmer, and more magical from the first moment you land.
Here’s the short version:
👉 Important note: If your family plans include La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano region, choosing the right airport can shape the entire rhythm of your trip. From rainforest hanging bridges and wildlife encounters to hot springs, waterfalls, and jungle hikes, Northern Costa Rica offers some of the most rewarding family experiences in the country. We give an overview of everything the region has to offer in our guide to Northern Costa Rica with kids, and dive deeper into specific experiences in our detailed post on La Fortuna with kids.
Choosing between LIR and SJO becomes much easier when you look at how each airport connects to the places families most often visit. Below, destinations are grouped by region, with approximate driving times from each airport.
Best choice: Either airport works — choose based on what you pair La Fortuna with.
Landing in Liberia feels like exhaling. The airport is small, warm, and calm—perfect after a long flight with kids. Families love LIR because:
Many families who fly into LIR spend at least part of their trip in Guanacaste, where calm beaches and easy-going resort life make it simple to slow down. If you’re planning time in this region, here’s our 7d-ay itinerary to Nothern Costa Rica and guide to the best Guanacaste adventures for families.
Arriving in San José feels different. The air is cooler, the landscape more mountainous, and the sense of being in the heart of the country is immediate. SJO is a great choice if your family wants:
Families heading south often plan their route around Costa Rica’s most iconic protected areas. Before you go, it’s always worth checking the official sites for Manuel Antonio National Park and Marino Ballena National Park for current conditions and access updates.
This is one of the most common questions—and the answer is refreshingly simple:
👉 Both airports work well.
The difference is the drive.
If La Fortuna is paired with Guanacaste beaches, LIR often makes more sense.
If it’s paired with Manuel Antonio or the South, SJO is usually the better option.
Whatever you choose, make sure to plan enough time to relax in La Fortuna: for many families, La Fortuna isn’t complete without soaking in naturally heated thermal pools. To help you choose, we’ve rounded up the best hot springs in La Fortuna, including quiet and kid-friendly options.
This one is easy: LIR.
Flying into San José would add four to five hours of driving—something most families regret after a long travel day. With LIR, you can be checked into your hotel and swimming before sunset.
Staying near the airport can be a lifesaver for late arrivals or early departures. Make no mistake, the last three on the list are far more than just a stop by the airport. Plan some time to truly enjoy those wonderful hotels.
HIDDEN GEM: if you are just in need of a good coffee or a fresh smoothie, there is a lovely little coffee shop just across from the airport: Monk & Capra Coffee Brewers. Check their hours before you head over!
There are more options around SJO as it is the main airport of the country. None are as picturesque as the ones close to LIR, but here are few to recommend:
If you’re still deciding, seeing the route laid out day by day can help. This 7-day Costa Rica itinerary shows how flying into LIR shapes a relaxed Northern Costa Rica family trip.
Choosing between LIR and SJO isn’t about picking the “better” airport—it’s about choosing the experience that fits your family best. If you want easy logistics, beautiful beaches, and luxury resorts close to the airport, LIR is hard to beat. If you want variety, culture, and access to southern Costa Rica, SJO opens more doors.
Either way, Costa Rica delivers unforgettable family memories. Choosing the right airport just helps those moments begin sooner.
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