Southwest Airlines is launching nonstop service from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica, starting March 13, 2027. The service operates once weekly on Saturdays, providing a direct connection between Central Texas and Costa Rica’s primary international gateway.
The outbound flight departs Austin at 10:25 a.m. and arrives in San José at 2:05 p.m., while the return flight leaves San José at 3:05 p.m. and arrives in Austin at 7:20 p.m. Tickets for this route are on sale through Southwest Airlines, which has served Austin for nearly 50 years and continues expanding
its international operations from the city.
Significance of San José and Costa Rica Destinations
Juan Santamaría International Airport is Costa Rica’s main international gateway and hub for accessing the Central Valley’s volcanoes, coffee estates, cloud forests, and mountain retreats. Key attractions reachable from San José include Poás Volcano, Arenal rainforests, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and the beaches of Guanacaste and the Pacific coast.
Traveler Benefits From the New Route
This Saturday-only nonstop service enables travelers to plan weeklong vacations, departing and returning on consecutive weekends. The flight reduces total travel time by removing the need for connections, offering convenient access to Costa Rica’s top tourist regions.
Austin’s Growing Role as an International Gateway
Austin is evolving into a significant international
travel hub, especially for the Caribbean and Central America. This route follows Southwest’s recent launch of nonstop service from Austin to Grand Cayman, reflecting rising travel demand from Austin’s growing population and business sectors.
Hotel Options Near San José Airport and Downtown
In San José, the Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton offers historic accommodations downtown near Plaza de la Cultura and the National Theatre. Hotel Grano de Oro, a converted Tropical Victorian mansion with a top restaurant, is located just off Paseo Colón. The Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belén provides a resort-style stay approximately three miles from Juan Santamaría International Airport.
Broader Tourism and Airline Context
Southwest Airlines is
enhancing Austin’s status as an international gateway by adding Central American and Caribbean routes to its portfolio. San José remains Costa Rica’s principal international gateway, serving as a hub for nature and adventure tourism, while Southwest’s expanding Austin operations support this connectivity.
