Southwest Airlines is launching a nonstop flight service from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica, beginning March 13, 2027. The new route will operate once weekly on Saturdays.
Flight Schedule and Route Details
The outbound flight departs Austin at 10:25 a.m. and arrives in San José at 2:05 p.m. The return flight leaves San José at 3:05 p.m. and arrives in Austin at 7:20 p.m. This nonstop service connects Central Texas directly with Costa Rica’s principal international gateway.
Southwest Airlines’ Austin Expansion
Southwest Airlines has served Austin for nearly 50 years and is expanding its operations with more domestic and
international flights. This new Costa Rica route follows the recent launch of nonstop service from Austin to Grand Cayman, operated by Cayman Airways, reinforcing Southwest’s strategy to grow its Caribbean and Central American markets.
San José Airport and Nearby Attractions
Juan Santamaría International Airport serves as Costa Rica’s primary air hub. The airport provides access to popular destinations such as Poás Volcano, the Central Valley’s coffee plantations and cloud forests, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and the beaches of Guanacaste. Nearby hotels include the Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton, a historic downtown hotel overlooking Plaza de la Cultura and the National Theatre; Hotel
Grano de Oro, located just off Paseo Colón; and Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belén, a resort-style former coffee plantation about three miles from the airport.
Traveler Benefits and Weekend Scheduling
The Saturday-only flight schedule allows travelers to plan weeklong Costa Rica vacations with departures and returns on weekends. This convenient timing benefits leisure travelers seeking nature, adventure, wellness, and beach experiences in the region.
Austin’s Role as an International Gateway
Austin’s expanding population and corporate base are increasing its importance as an international gateway. Alongside Southwest Airlines and Cayman Airways’ nonstop service to Grand Cayman, the new Southwest route to San José further establishes Austin as a key hub connecting
Central America and the Caribbean.
