โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข 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 the farthest gates takes only about seven minutes, which is one of SJO's quiet strengths for self-managing a connection. The airport also offers free luggage wrapping services and a fast-track security option on the second floor, so experienced travelers can often save time by heading upstairs instead of joining the first screening line they see at ground level.
Under construction: $62.2M west terminal expansion with self-service facilities (2025). 2.6 million tourists (2024). Orange taxis with yellow medallions use meters.
๐ Connection Tips
Immigration and customs processing at SJO can take over an hour during peak tourist seasons (December-April). For ground transportation, use only official orange taxis with yellow medallions, which are metered and available 24/7 Operationally, a pre-arranged pickup or host contact is the useful backup, because the airport is really the handoff into San Josรฉ rather than a place to wait around. The meaningful alternates are Panama City, Barra del Colorado Airport, Tobรญas Bolaรฑos International Airport, which is why the backup plan matters more than the terminal amenities. Scheduled service is carried by Avianca Costa Rica, Copa Airlines, American Airlines, so the first bank of the day is the one to watch. In practice, that means the airport works as San Josรฉ's time-saving link to the rest of Costa Rica.
If connecting between the main terminal (Terminal M) and the domestic Sansa terminal (Terminal D), allow at least 15 minutes for the walk and re-clearing security When delays ripple through the schedule, a pre-arranged pickup or host contact is the useful backup, because the airport is really the handoff into San Josรฉ rather than a place to wait around. The meaningful alternates are Panama City, Barra del Colorado Airport, Tobรญas Bolaรฑos International Airport, which is why the backup plan matters more than the terminal amenities. Scheduled service is carried by Avianca Costa Rica, Copa Airlines, American Airlines, so the first bank of the day is the one to watch. In practice, that means the airport works as San Josรฉ's time-saving link to the rest of Costa Rica.
Uber is available but drivers may ask to meet at the departures level or the bus stop to avoid taxi conflicts At street level, a pre-arranged pickup or host contact is the useful backup, because the airport is really the handoff into San Josรฉ rather than a place to wait around. The meaningful alternates are Panama City, Barra del Colorado Airport, Tobรญas Bolaรฑos International Airport, which is why the backup plan matters more than the terminal amenities. Scheduled service is carried by Avianca Costa Rica, Copa Airlines, American Airlines, so the first bank of the day is the one to watch. In practice, that means the airport works as San Josรฉ's time-saving link to the rest of Costa Rica.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Flamingo Airport (FMG), also identified by its ICAO code MRFL, is a small regional aviation facility serving the prestigious beach resort community of Playa Flamingo and the nearby town of Brasilito in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica. Positioned along the country's popular Gold Coast, the airport provides a specialized point of access for private aircraft and seasonal charter operations catering to the region's high-end tourism and luxury residential developments. The airfield consists of a single unpaved runway, characteristic of the many scenic airstrips that dot the Costa Rican coastline.
The facilities at Flamingo Airport are minimalist and reflect its role as a functional regional airstrip. There is no formal commercial terminal building; instead, the airport operates with basic structures designed to handle essential arrivals and departures. Travelers should not expect any on-site services such as shops, restaurants, or currency exchange. Anyone utilizing this facility is advised to be self-sufficient and to coordinate all logistics, including ground transportation and provisions, well in advance of their arrival at this quiet coastal outpost.
Currently, FMG does not host regularly scheduled commercial airline services. Historically, domestic carriers such as Sansa Airlines have served the area, but most scheduled commercial traffic for the region has consolidated at the nearby Tamarindo Airport (TNO) or the major international hub at Liberia (LIR). Today, Flamingo Airport primarily handles general aviation, private charters, and emergency flights, offering a more direct and secluded entry point for visitors heading to the exclusive hotels and villas of the Flamingo Marina area.
Ground transportation from Flamingo Airport is typically managed via pre-arranged private shuttles, taxis, or local rental car deliveries. The journey to the center of Playa Flamingo or Brasilito is very short, providing almost immediate access to some of Costa Rica's most beautiful white-sand beaches and world-class sportfishing facilities. Visitors are encouraged to check the current status of the airstrip and weather conditions before travel, as the unpaved runway can be affected by the seasonal tropical climate. Despite its modest infrastructure, Flamingo Airport remains a valuable asset for the connectivity and exclusivity of the Guanacaste coast.
๐ Connection Tips
Flamingo Airport (FMG), situated near the upscale coastal community of Brasilito in Costa Ricaโs Guanacaste province, offers a rustic and adventurous entry point to the countryโs famous "Gold Coast. " The airport is characterized by its unpaved runway, which immediately sets a tone of tropical exploration for arriving passengers. It primarily serves general aviation and private charters, catering to those who prefer a direct arrival near the luxury villas and pristine sands of Playa Flamingo. Because FMG does not host large commercial jet service, many travelers use Daniel Oduber Quirรณs International Airport (LIR) in Liberia or Tamarindo Airport (TNO) as alternatives.
However, for those staying in Brasilito or Flamingo, a charter flight into FMG saves a significant amount of driving time on local roads. Upon landing, you will find very minimal infrastructure; there is no formal terminal building in the traditional sense, so be prepared for an outdoor arrival experience. It is essential to coordinate your ground transportation in advance, as taxis do not typically "wait" at the airfield unless summoned. The proximity to the Pacific Ocean means that the approach offers spectacular views of the coastline and the various bays that dot the Guanacaste shoreline.
Travelers should pack light and use soft-sided luggage, as the smaller aircraft serving this strip often have strict weight and space limitations. While the airport is basic, the convenience of being minutes away from world-class sportfishing, diving, and sunbathing is unmatched. Keep in mind that during the rainy season, the condition of the unpaved runway can change, so always check with your charter operator for the latest operational status before departure.
โ Back to Juan Santamarรญa International Airport