Southwest Airlines will inaugurate nonstop service between Austin, Texas, and San José, Costa Rica beginning March 13, 2027. The new route will operate once weekly on Saturdays, creating a direct link from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Juan Santamaría International Airport.
Flight Schedule and Availability
Outbound flights depart Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at 10:25 a.m. and land at Juan Santamaría International Airport at 2:05 p.m. Return flights leave San José at 3:05 p.m. and arrive back in Austin at 7:20 p.m. Tickets for this route are currently available for purchase through Southwest Airlines.
San José as a Gateway
Juan Santamaría International Airport serves as Costa Rica’s principal international gateway. It provides
access to key destinations such as the Central Valley’s volcanoes and coffee estates, the Arenal rainforest region, and the Pacific Coast’s beaches. Popular visitor sites reachable from San José include La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and Guanacaste, which attract travelers seeking nature and adventure tourism.
Southwest Airlines’ Expansion in Austin
Southwest Airlines has maintained operations out of Austin for nearly five decades. The airline is currently expanding its presence by adding new domestic and international flights. This new San José service follows the introduction of nonstop flights from Austin to Grand Cayman, enhancing Southwest’s offerings to Central America and the Caribbean.
Accommodation Options in San José
Travelers arriving in San
José can stay at several notable hotels. Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton, is a historic downtown property overlooking Plaza de la Cultura and the National Theatre. Hotel Grano de Oro, a converted Tropical Victorian mansion located near Paseo Colón, features a renowned restaurant. For those prioritizing proximity to the airport, Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belén lies about three miles from Juan Santamaría International Airport with a resort-style setting on a former coffee plantation.
Austin’s Growing Role as a Regional Gateway
Austin’s rising population, strong corporate base, and increasing leisure travel demand have supported the expansion of international flight options. The addition of nonstop
service to Costa Rica positions Austin as a growing gateway to both Central America and the Caribbean. Southwest Airlines and other carriers such as Cayman Airways have recently increased nonstop connections from Austin to regional destinations.
