The Liberia to San José (Alajuela) route connects Guanacaste Airport (LIR) in CR with Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in CR. This short-haul flight covers approximately 100 miles (161 km) with a typical flight time of 6m. This route is served by 2 airlines: SANSA Airlines, American Airlines. AirportRoutes has tracked 8 daily flights on this route.
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The Guanacaste (LIR) to San José (SJO) route is a popular domestic connection in Costa Rica, serving both tourists seeking efficient transfers and business travelers. The flight bridges the gap between the popular beach and resort areas of Guanacaste and the capital city. Typical flight duration is just under one hour. Travelers choose this connection to avoid a lengthy 3-5 hour drive. While not historically significant, the route offers stunning aerial views of Costa Rica's diverse landscapes, from the Pacific coastline to the mountainous Central Valley. The route's importance has grown with Guanacaste's increasing popularity as a tourist destination.
To secure good prices, it's advisable to book your flight 7 months in advance, with June often being the cheapest month to fly. At Guanacaste Airport (LIR), be aware that it is a smaller airport. At Juan Santamaría (SJO), follow signs for immigration and customs upon arrival. Connecting flights have a different process. Consider the potential for delays, especially during peak season. A useful travel hack is to pack light to avoid baggage claim delays.
San José, Costa Rica's capital, offers a blend of culture and urban experiences. Top attractions include the National Theater (Teatro Nacional), a stunning architectural gem, the Jade Museum (Museo del Jade), housing the world's largest collection of American jade, and the Central Market (Mercado Central), a bustling hub of local life and cuisine. What makes San José unique is its role as the cultural center of Costa Rica, with numerous museums, art galleries, and parks. Visit neighborhoods like Barrio Escalante for eclectic dining and nightlife or Barrio Amón for architecture and atmosphere. Indulge in local cuisine like gallo pinto (rice and beans) and casado (a traditional plate with rice, beans, meat, plantains, and salad).
The dry season (December to April) generally offers the best weather in San José, with sunny skies and warm temperatures. However, this is also the peak travel season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. For good weather and lower prices, consider visiting during the shoulder season (May to July) or late November. Be aware that October is the rainiest month and can bring heavy downpours and floods. Holy Week (Semana Santa) in late March or early April sees many locals heading to the beach, so some businesses may be closed.
MRLBLIRJuan Santamaría International Airport
MROCSJO2
Operators8
Daily Flights100
Miles6m
Flight Duration
| Airline | ICAO | IATA |
|---|---|---|
| SANSA Airlines |
LRS
|
RZ
|
| American Airlines |
AAL
|
AA
|
| Day | Flights Observed | Frequency | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 46 | 13% |
|
| Tuesday | 41 | 11% |
|
| Wednesday | 52 | 14% |
|
| Thursday | 44 | 12% |
|
| Friday | 60 | 17% |
|
| Saturday | 55 | 15% |
|
| Sunday | 62 | 17% |
|
| Airline | Flight Numbers | Aircraft Type | Typical Time | Days Active | Last Seen | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
American Airlines
AAL
/ AA
|
- | B738 | - |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Sep 5, 2025 | Active |
|
SANSA Airlines
LRS
/ RZ
|
LRS201 LRS1102 LRS1151 LRS1045 LRS45 | C208 | 11:40 11:40 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Jan 30, 2026 | Active |
| Departure Time | Operator | ICAO | IATA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11:40 11:40 AM | SANSA Airlines |
LRS
|
RZ
|
Time Information
Times are shown in the departure airport's local timezone (MRLB - America/Costa_Rica).