⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic → International
75
minutes
International → Domestic
75
minutes
International → International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Two terminals: Terminal M (main/international, 3 levels) and Terminal D (domestic, Sansa flights only). Three VIP lounges: Avianca Club, Copa Club, VIP Lounge BAC Credomatic (Gate 19-20, 4:30 AM-4:30 PM), Star Alliance VIP Lounge (Gate 5, 4:30 AM-8 PM). Free WiFi for 3 hours. Starbucks 24/7, other dining near Gates 5-8. Walking between farthest gates: 7 minutes. Free luggage packing services. Fast-track security on 2nd floor. Under construction: $62.2M west terminal expansion with self-service facilities (2025). 2.6 million tourists (2024). Orange taxis with yellow medallions use meters.
🔄 Connection Tips
Immigration processing can take 1+ hour during peak periods (Dec-Apr, weekends). Arrive 3 hours early for international flights. Transfers remain airside unless changing domestic/international zones. Separate security for domestic gates upstairs. Security recheck required when changing between Terminal M and Terminal D. Longer lines than other Costa Rica airports (LIR, Limón). Main security checkpoint on 2nd floor near departure gates. Fast-track security lane available on 2nd floor. All gates accessible after one escalator ride from security.
⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic → International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Bahía Drake Airport (MRDK) serves as the primary aviation gateway to Drake Bay on Costa Rica's spectacular Osa Peninsula, recognized by National Geographic as one of Earth's most biologically diverse places. Located on the northwestern side of the peninsula in Puntarenas Province, the airport operates with a small but essential terminal building and basic runway designed to accommodate Sansa Airlines' Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft carrying up to 14 passengers on the scenic 45-minute flight from San José.
The modest terminal facility provides fundamental passenger services including check-in counters, baggage handling, and waiting areas optimized for the steady flow of ecotourists visiting Corcovado National Park, Caño Island Biological Reserve, and the Térraba-Sierpe National Wetlands. Morning flight arrivals typically occur between 9-11 AM, coordinating with hotel transfers and tour operators who provide complimentary ground transportation to various ecolodges and resorts scattered throughout the pristine Drake Bay region.
As the essential transportation link for one of Costa Rica's premier ecotourism destinations, Drake Bay Airport enables access to world-class biodiversity experiences including daily excursions to Corcovado's Sirena and San Pedrillo stations, diving and snorkeling at Caño Island, and wildlife observation in pristine rainforest environments. The airport's strategic location supports the sustainable tourism economy that has transformed Drake Bay from a quiet fishing village into a renowned destination for nature lovers seeking authentic wilderness experiences in Central America's most biodiverse region.
🔄 Connection Tips
Plan transfers carefully at Drake Bay Airport.
← Back to Juan Santamaría International Airport