Flights to Costa Rica

A flight from London Heathrow, London Gatwick or London City airports to Juan Santamaria International Airport takes around 11 hours.

The most popular time to visit is during the country’s summer months, December to April, when you can get stuck into outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking and wildlife watching. You can often find cheaper flights during rainy season, when the weather, while still humid, is less predictable. 

Costa Rica can be affordable in lots of ways. There are accommodation options at a range of prices, including hostels and budget hotels. Choose public bus routes instead of cars to travel around for less and take advantage of free or low-cost activities like wildlife watching, hiking or surfing. Enjoy budget-friendly eats from local markets, like gallo pinto – a bean and rice mix, usually served with eggs, cheese or sour cream – or buy snacks from the street markets, including mango and other fresh fruits. 

Once you touch down at Juan Santamaria International Airport, you’re only a 30-minute taxi ride from the capital, San José. It’s a popular base to settle in before figuring out your next move. The cheapest way to travel there is by bus, but shuttle, train or taxi are other options. 

You can hire a car with British Airways if you want to get out the city and see more of what Costa Rica has to offer. You’ll receive great benefits, with all mandatory charges included and 24-hour customer support, plus you’ll collect Avios points every rental. 

‘Pura vida’ is central to Costa Rica’s essence, from its natural beauty to its distinct seasonal cycle sustaining wildlife and encouraging regrowth. Spend your days visiting national parks – there are 28 here in total – or following hiking trails, before stopping for lunch along the beachfront. Keep the natural theme going with an evening trip to Nicoya or Osa Peninsula and experience bioluminescent kayaking. For a few hours of escapism, visit a hot spring or mud pot – La Fortuna is known for its beautiful candlelit views and warmer temperatures.

You can book a hand baggage-only ticket or make the most of our generous baggage allowance. If you choose economy standard or one of our British Airways Holidays’ packages, each passenger can check in a bag weighing up to 23kg – in addition to a handbag, laptop case or other small bag. Families travelling in any cabin with younger children can also check in one car seat and one fully collapsible pushchair. Read more about baggage allowances for children.

If you’re flying in our business cabin, you can check in two bags weighing up to 32kg each. Read our baggage guide for full details.

Citizens of the UK and Ireland and EU passport holders do not need a visa to visit Costa Rica. If you hold a passport from a country or territory outside of these areas, you may need to apply for a visa before travel. You can find out more about visa requirements for all the countries we fly to at the IATA Travel Centre.

Discover outstanding service from the moment you book. Fly with just hand baggage and you can carry two bags free of charge. Choose our checked baggage option and you can travel with hand baggage and a 23kg bag checked into the hold, plus enjoy free seat selection 24 hours before you fly. On board you’ll find HEPA-filtered air, quality on-board catering and a warm, uniquely British welcome. 

Simply relax and let us take care of you, every step of the way.