Southwest Airlines announced it will begin nonstop service between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) starting March 13, 2027. The weekly route will operate on Saturdays, creating a direct connection from Central Texas to Costa Rica.
Flight Schedule and Frequency
The outbound flight will depart Austin at 10:25 a.m. and arrive in San José at 2:05 p.m. The return flight is set to leave San José at 3:05 p.m., arriving in Austin at 7:20 p.m. Tickets for the new service are currently available for purchase through Southwest Airlines.
Southwest’s Austin Operations and Growth
Southwest Airlines has maintained service at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport for
nearly five decades. The launch of this nonstop route is part of the carrier’s strategy to expand both domestic and international offerings originating from Austin, reflecting the city’s growing demand for leisure and business travel options.
Importance of San José as a Travel Hub
Juan Santamaría International Airport is Costa Rica’s main aviation gateway. The city of San José serves as a hub for visitors accessing prominent destinations including the Central Valley’s volcanoes and coffee plantations, the rainforests near Arenal, and Pacific Coast beaches. The scheduling of flights on Saturdays facilitates one-week vacation trips departing and returning on weekends.
Additional Southwest Routes and Traveler Benefits
Southwest’s new Costa Rica service complements its recently started
nonstop flights between Austin and Grand Cayman. This addition further positions Austin as a growing international gateway to the Caribbean and Central America. Travelers now benefit from avoiding layovers with the nonstop options, allowing streamlined travel planning.
Visitors arriving in San José have several hotel choices including the historic Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton, located downtown overlooking Plaza de la Cultura and the National Theatre. Also nearby are Hotel Grano de Oro, a converted Victorian mansion known for its restaurant, and the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belén, a resort about three miles from the airport.
