Southwest Airlines will introduce a new nonstop international route between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, Costa Rica starting March 13, 2027. This service will operate once weekly on Saturdays.
Flight Schedule and Operations
The outbound flight will depart from Austin at 10:25 a.m., arriving in San José at 2:05 p.m. local time. The return flight will take off from San José at 3:05 p.m., arriving back in Austin at 7:20 p.m. The tickets for this new route are already available for purchase through Southwest Airlines.
Flight Frequency and Ticket Availability
The newly announced route is set to operate weekly on Saturdays,
providing travelers with a direct connection without the need for layovers. This schedule facilitates weeklong vacation plans for passengers who want to depart and return on consecutive weekends.
Traveler Benefits and Access to Costa Rica
This nonstop service opens direct access to Costa Rica’s key travel destinations, including San José’s museums, restaurants, and markets. The city serves as the central hub for exploring attractions in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, such as Poás Volcano, coffee plantations, cloud forests, and mountain retreats. From San José, travelers can easily reach well-known locations including La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and the beaches of Guanacaste.
Airline History and Austin’s Airport Expansion
Southwest Airlines has served the Austin market
for nearly 50 years and is expanding its mix of domestic and international routes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The new Costa Rica service follows Southwest’s recent launch of nonstop flights between Austin and Grand Cayman, reflecting Austin’s increasing role as a gateway to the Caribbean and Central America.
Accommodations Near San José and the Airport
Recommended lodging options in San José include the Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton, a historic hotel located downtown overlooking Plaza de la Cultura and the National Theatre. Hotel Grano de Oro offers an intimate experience in a converted tropical Victorian mansion near Paseo Colón, featuring a top-rated restaurant. Travelers
prioritizing airport proximity may opt for the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belén, a resort-style property about three miles from Juan Santamaría International Airport that occupies a former coffee plantation.
Tourism Context and Route Strategy
Costa Rica continues to be a popular destination for nature, adventure, wellness, and beach tourism. San José functions as the country’s principal international gateway and a hub for regional exploration. Southwest’s addition of this nonstop flight aligns with the airline’s strategy to connect Central Texas more directly with key destinations in the Caribbean and Central America, supporting Austin’s growth as an international travel center.
