Southwest Airlines will launch a new nonstop international flight from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, Costa Rica, beginning March 13, 2027. The service will operate once weekly on Saturdays.
The outbound flight will depart Austin at 10:25 a.m. and arrive in San José at 2:05 p.m., while the return flight leaves San José at 3:05 p.m., arriving in Austin at 7:20 p.m. Tickets for the new route are now available for purchase through Southwest Airlines.
Route and Regional Context
The new route provides a direct connection from Central Texas to Costa Rica’s main international gateway, San José, which
serves as a hub to key tourist destinations including Poás Volcano, coffee estates, cloud forests and the beaches along the Pacific coast. Destinations accessible from San José include La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and Guanacaste, offering options for nature, adventure, and wellness travel.
Southwest Airlines’ Growing Austin Presence
Southwest Airlines has served Austin for nearly 50 years and has been expanding its international flight offerings from the city. This new nonstop flight strengthens Austin’s role as an international gateway, following the airline’s recent launch of nonstop service between Austin and Grand Cayman.
Traveler Benefits and Flight Schedule
The Saturday-only flight schedule facilitates convenient weeklong trips to Costa Rica, allowing travelers
to depart and return on consecutive weekends. This schedule benefits leisure travelers seeking to explore the country’s cultural and natural attractions with minimal weekday disruptions.
Accommodation and Attractions Near San José
In San José, travelers can choose from historic and boutique hotels including Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton, which is located downtown overlooking Plaza de la Cultura and the National Theatre, and Hotel Grano de Oro, a Victorian mansion with a top-rated restaurant near Paseo Colón. For travelers prioritizing airport proximity, the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belén, a converted coffee plantation resort about three miles from Juan Santamaría International Airport, offers a
convenient option.
Austin’s Expanding International Connectivity
Austin’s growing population and strong business sector have driven rising demand for international leisure travel from the region. Southwest Airlines’ new Costa Rica service complements the city’s evolving status as a gateway to the Caribbean and Central America, expanding the network of direct international flights from Austin-Bergstrom Airport.
