The approximately four-hour flights to Juan Santamaría International Airport will operate Saturdays only beginning March 13, 2027. Tickets are already on sale.
“This new route strengthens Austin’s growing global connectivity while making it easier than ever for travelers to experience Costa Rica’s breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant culture, and renowned hospitality,” airport CEO Ghizlane Badawi said in a statement. “It further strengthens the ties between Central Texas and Costa Rica while supporting Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s continued growth as an international gateway.”
San José is known for its vibrant culture, museums, plazas and urban markets, and the country’s lush ecology with beaches, rainforests and the Poás Volcano nearby.
Dallas-based Southwest — the busiest carrier at Austin-Bergstrom with a more than 40% market share — has been doubling down in Central Texas. In December, it announced a new crew base at the airport, which is expected to bring 2,000 high-paying jobs to Austin over the next five years. In the past year, it’s also announced new seasonal and year-round nonstop service to several U.S. cities and returned regular service to Seattle.
“We have been the hometown carrier in the Texas state capital for nearly 50 years,” said Daniel Jones, Southwest’s vice president for network planning. “Connecting Austin with San José, Costa Rica — one of the true gems of the Southwest international franchise — gives our loyal customers in Austin even more reason to choose Southwest.”
Southwest also flies nonstop from Austin to San José, Calif. and San José del Cabo, Mexico.