Southwest Airlines will begin nonstop international service from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica, starting March 13, 2027. The airline will operate one weekly flight on Saturdays, departing Austin at 10:25 a.m. and arriving in San José at 2:05 p.m. The return flight will leave San José at 3:05 p.m., landing in Austin at 7:20 p.m. Tickets for the new route are currently available for purchase.
Airport Gateways and Route Importance
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, serving Central Texas, will connect directly to Costa Rica’s primary international gateway, Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José. This nonstop link
provides Central Texas travelers with direct access to Costa Rica’s capital and surrounding regions without requiring connecting flights.
Southwest Airlines’ Expansion from Austin
Having served Austin for nearly five decades, Southwest Airlines is expanding its international network from this airport. The new San José service complements Southwest’s recent launch of nonstop flights from Austin to Grand Cayman, indicating a growing focus on Central American and Caribbean destinations from the Texas hub.
Travel Benefits and Flight Schedule
The Saturday-only flight schedule permits travelers to plan weeklong vacations to Costa Rica by departing and returning on consecutive weekends. This timing accommodates both leisure travelers and those seeking convenient weekend travel options without
weekday commitments.
Costa Rica’s Tourism Appeal
San José acts as a central hub for many popular Costa Rican attractions. The city offers access to the Central Valley including volcanoes such as Poás, coffee plantations, and cloud forests. Additionally, travelers can reach destinations like Arenal, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and the Pacific beaches of Guanacaste from San José.
Accommodation Options in San José
Visitors to San José can consider several prominent hotels. The Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton, is a historic downtown property overlooking the Plaza de la Cultura and National Theatre. The Hotel Grano de Oro offers boutique accommodations in a converted Victorian mansion with
acclaimed dining. For those prioritizing proximity to the airport, the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belén is located about three miles from Juan Santamaría International Airport and provides a resort-style experience on a former coffee plantation.
Austin’s Emerging Role in International Travel
Austin is increasingly establishing itself as an important international gateway due to its growing population, strong business presence, and rising leisure travel demand. The launch of Southwest’s new nonstop flights to San José and Grand Cayman reflects this trend, broadening options for travelers in Central Texas to reach key destinations in Central America and the Caribbean.
