<p>Others used “semi-direct routes,” with airlines like <strong>Condor</strong>. You used to fly between San Jose and Frankfurt, Germany with a touchdown stop in the Dominican Republic without getting out of the plane. By 2016, the rest of Europe was finally hip to Costa Rica travel, and <strong>Air France</strong>, <strong>British Airways</strong>, <strong>KLM</strong>, and others all began direct flights around that time.</p><p>Today, it’s easier and quicker than ever to travel between Costa Rica and any given European country, and in this article, we’ll explore the best ways to do just that.</p><p>For the purpose of this article, we’ll focus on flying. While it’s possible to visit Costa Rica by sea from Europe, few have the multiple weeks available to do that, unless you’re on a cruise (in which case they’ll handle everything for you). So flying it is:</p><h2><strong>Direct Flights from Europe to Costa Rica</strong></h2><p>The most convenient way to get to Costa Rica is via a non-stop flight from a major European hub. Several carriers offer daily or seasonal service directly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, the capital city. Flight times range from around 9 to 12 hours.</p><p>From Spain, <strong>Iberia</strong> and <strong>Iberojet</strong> fly directly from Madrid. From the Netherlands, <strong>KLM</strong> has year-round nonstops from Amsterdam. Out of France, <strong>Air France</strong> operates daily direct service from Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport.</p><p>For Germans and the Swiss, <strong>Lufthansa</strong> and <strong>Edelweiss</strong> (a subsidiary of <strong>Swiss Air</strong>) both have direct flights from Frankfurt and Zurich. <strong>British Airways</strong> flies direct from London’s Gatwick Airport to SJO as well.</p><p>There are also <strong>direct seasonal options</strong>. During the December to April high season, there are flights between Europe and Liberia Airport, Costa Rica’s second international airport that serves the beach communities and resorts of <a href="https://www.vacationscostarica.com/guanacaste/">Guanacaste</a>. The <strong>Edelweiss</strong> flights from Zurich to San Jose also stop in Guanacaste. <strong>Lufthansa</strong> also operates between Guanacaste and Frankfurt on the same basis, while British charter carrier <strong>TUI</strong> flies from the UK.</p><p>As with all international airfare, <strong>prices vary</strong>. You can find direct flights from Europe to Costa Rica from as little as $400 to $500, ranging into over $1,000, depending on airline, route, and time of year.</p><h2><strong>One-Stop Itineraries</strong></h2><p>If your city doesn't offer a direct flight, another convenient option is a one-stop route through a major hub airport. The most common option is to fly through one of the European cities listed above. Another way is through the U.S., connecting through a gateway like Miami, Atlanta, Houston, or Newark. This is how most people did it before direct flights from Europe started in 2004. Major U.S. carriers like <strong>American</strong>, <strong>United</strong>, and <strong>Delta</strong> operate these one-stop services in conjunction with their European partners.</p><p>These one-stop routings through the U.S. <strong>add around three or five hours</strong> of transit time each way versus a non-stop route. You'll also need to deal with the hassle of clearing U.S. immigration and customs during your layover, which can mean long lines and enhanced security screening.</p><p>The upside is often finding <strong>lower fares</strong> compared to nonstops. Typically, in the $500-$800 roundtrip range for economy class. But the tradeoff is the extra travel time and dealing with the TSA.</p><h2><strong>Alternative One-Stop Routings</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1736273322/panama_airport_aaaca7aee0.jpg" alt="Travelers entering Panama Airport" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1736273322/thumbnail_panama_airport_aaaca7aee0.jpg 245w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1736273322/small_panama_airport_aaaca7aee0.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1736273322/medium_panama_airport_aaaca7aee0.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1736273322/large_panama_airport_aaaca7aee0.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>There are also options to route through other countries in Central and South America to reach Costa Rica. <strong>Copa Airlines</strong>, based in Panama City, is a major player with connections from many European cities. The same goes for <strong>Avianca</strong> out of Bogota, Colombia.</p><p>Using these airlines, you could fly something like Paris to Panama City to San Jose. Or connect in Bogota from Madrid on to Costa Rica. Transit times are often similar to U.S. routings, but you avoid the heightened security hassles of an American layover.</p><p>The downside is Panama City and Bogota can also have long queues and inefficient airport processes. But many travelers prefer getting their first taste of Latin culture here versus a soulless American airport terminal. Fares can be competitive as well, often undercutting U.S. carrier options.</p><p>So if you don't mind the <strong>slight extra transit time</strong> of a one-stop routing, evaluate your options. Weigh the typical fares, travel times, and personal hassle factors of a U.S. layover versus transiting through Panama City or Bogota instead. Considering Costa Rica's geographic location, you have a few different paths to get here.</p><h2><strong>Entry Requirements for Europeans</strong></h2><p>Costa Rica has a straightforward <a href="https://www.vacationscostarica.com/travel/entry-requirements-faq/">entry policy</a> for most European nationals. The majority of European countries fall under Group One, meaning citizens <strong>do not need a visa</strong> beforehand. Upon arrival at immigration, they will receive an entry stamp valid for <strong>up to 180 days</strong> (around six months). European Union countries as well as the United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, and a few others like Andorra, Monaco, and the Vatican are part of this visa-exempt Group One.</p><p>Some other European nations like Russia, Turkey, and several Balkan countries fall under Group Two. Citizens of these countries also do not require a visa, but their maximum stay is limited to only <strong>30 days</strong> upon arrival. The only European countries whose nationals must apply for a visa from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before traveling are Belarus, Moldova, and Kosovo (part of Group Three).</p><p>No matter which European country you are from, your passport just needs to be<strong> valid for the duration of your stay</strong> in Costa Rica, with at least one blank page. Most visitors can enter hassle-free by showing their valid passports. So for the vast majority of Europeans, no visa is required to visit as a tourist, just a valid passport.</p><h2><strong>Best Options for Specific European Countries</strong></h2><p>When it comes to getting to Costa Rica from Europe, having direct flight access makes the journey much smoother. Here are the best routing options for European nationals, focusing on the major airports offering non-stop service to the capital of San José. We are concentrating here on <i>avoiding</i> travel through the United States. Please note, though, that going to the USA to connect with your flight to Costa Rica may, in some circumstances, work out better in terms of time and/or price.</p><h3><strong>Western Europe</strong></h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1736273322/paris_france_4f6019603a.jpg" alt="Busy street in the city of Paris, France" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1736273322/thumbnail_paris_france_4f6019603a.jpg 245w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1736273322/small_paris_france_4f6019603a.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1736273322/medium_paris_france_4f6019603a.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1736273322/large_paris_france_4f6019603a.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Belgium</strong></h4><p>Belgian travelers have easy non-stop access via Amsterdam, Paris, or London to San José. Belgians are granted a 180-day visa-free stay.</p><h4><strong>France</strong></h4><p>Air France provides the closest direct gateway through its non-stop Paris to San José service. French citizens qualify for visa-free entry allowing stays of up to 180 days.</p><h4><strong>Germany</strong></h4><p>German travelers have convenient access via Lufthansa's non-stop flights from Frankfurt. As part of the visa-exempt Group One, Germans can remain in Costa Rica for up to 180 days.</p><h4><strong>Luxembourg</strong></h4><p>The easiest routing for Luxembourgers is to travel to Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, or London to catch direct flights to Costa Rica. A 180-day visa-free stay applies.</p><h4><strong>Netherlands</strong></h4><p>Dutch tourists are served by KLM's non-stop Amsterdam to San José route. The Netherlands falls under Group One, so no visa is required for visits up to 180 days.</p><h4><strong>Switzerland</strong></h4><p>Zurich offers the closest direct air access through Edelweiss' non-stop service to San José. Swiss nationals can enter visa-free for up to 180 days.</p><h3><strong>Central Europe</strong></h3><h4><strong>Austria</strong></h4><p>Austrians are optimally served by non-stop flights from Zurich and Frankfurt. Austrians qualify for a 180-day visa-free stay.</p><h4><strong>Czech Republic</strong></h4><p>The Czech Republic's national carrier does not serve Costa Rica, so travelers have two main options. Thec can connect via Frankfurt on Lufthansa or Zurich on Edelweiss. Czechs receive a 180-day visa-free stay.</p><h4><strong>Hungary</strong></h4><p>For Hungarian nationals, the two closest non-stop gateways are Frankfurt and Zurich. Hungarians are part of the visa-exempt Group One for up to 180-day stays.</p><h4><strong>Slovenia</strong></h4><p>The Slovenian capital of Ljubljana is equidistant to major airports in Frankfurt and Zurich, both with non-stop flights to San José. Slovenians receive visa-free entry for up to 180 days as part of Group One.</p><h3><strong>Eastern Europe</strong></h3><h4><strong>Bulgaria</strong></h4><p>Those departing from Bulgaria will find their closest non-stop gateway options are in Frankfurt or Zurich. Bulgarians are visa-exempt for stays of 180 days or less.</p><h4><strong>Croatia</strong></h4><p>While Croatia doesn't have any non-stop flights, the closest direct services are available from Frankfurt or Zurich. Croatians qualify for visa-free entry permitting stays of up to 180 days.</p><h4><strong>Estonia</strong></h4><p>Estonian travelers are best positioned to transit through Frankfurt. Estonians qualify for visa-free entry permitting stays up to 180 days.</p><h4><strong>Latvia</strong></h4><p>The closest direct gateway to Latvia is Frankfurt. As a Group One nation, Latvians are granted visa-free entry for up to 180 days.</p><h4><strong>Lithuania</strong></h4><p>Lithuanians are best served by Lufthansa's Frankfurt for the closest direct flights to Costa Rica's capital. A 180-day visa-free stay is permitted.</p><h4><strong>Poland</strong></h4><p>Those based in Poland will find the closest non-stop gateways to be Frankfurt on Lufthansa/Condor or Zurich on Edelweiss/Swiss. Polish nationals fall under Group One, meaning a maximum 180-day stay.</p><h4><strong>Romania</strong></h4><p>Romanians' closest direct air option is via Zurich. As a Group One nation, Romanians can stay visa-free for up to 180 days in Costa Rica.</p><h4><strong>Serbia</strong></h4><p>Travelers to Costa Rica from Serbia will find it most convenient to fly directly to Costa Rica through Zurich or Frankfurt. Serbian citizens can stay in Costa Rica for up to 180 days.</p><h3><strong>Southern Europe</strong></h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1736273322/madrid_espana_c328ae3b9b.jpg" alt="Street with tall buildings in Madrid, Spain" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1736273322/thumbnail_madrid_espana_c328ae3b9b.jpg 245w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1736273322/small_madrid_espana_c328ae3b9b.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1736273322/medium_madrid_espana_c328ae3b9b.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1736273322/large_madrid_espana_c328ae3b9b.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Cyprus</strong></h4><p>The nearest direct service from Cyprus is via Zurich. Cypriots receive a visa-free 180-day admission.</p><h4><strong>Greece</strong></h4><p>The best way for Greeks to get to Costa Rica while avoiding transiting through the United States is through Frankfurt or Zurich. Greece is visa-exempt for up to 180 days.</p><h4><strong>Italy</strong></h4><p>For Italians, the closest European departure point with non-stop flights to Costa Rica's capital is Zurich, Switzerland. Italian passport holders receive a visa exemption for stays up to 180 days.</p><h4><strong>Malta</strong></h4><p>Maltese nationals lack non-stop access to Costa Rica, so the nearest gateways with direct flights to San José are Zurich or Madrid. Visa-free entry is granted for up to 180 days.</p><h4><strong>Portugal</strong></h4><p>Portugal does not have any non-stop service to Costa Rica, so the nearest direct flights are from Madrid. Portuguese receive 180-day visa-free admission.</p><h4><strong>Spain</strong></h4><p>Those based in Spain are perfectly positioned with Iberia's daily non-stop Madrid to San José flight. Spanish passport holders can take advantage of the maximum 180-day stay permitted.</p><h3><strong>Scandinavia</strong></h3><h4><strong>Denmark</strong></h4><p>The closest non-stops for Danes are in Amsterdam on KLM or Frankfurt on Lufthansa. As part of Group One, Danes receive 180-day visa-free entry.</p><h4><strong>Finland</strong></h4><p>The nearest direct flights for Finns depart from Amsterdam and Frankfurt. Finland falls under Group One for 180-day visa-free entry.</p><h4><strong>Iceland</strong></h4><p>If you're traveling to Costa Rica from Iceland, this is where it probably does make sense to transit through the United States. Newark or New York are the best bets. Icelanders who want to avoid the States will find London or Madrid their best bets. Citizens of Iceland get up to 180 days in Costa Rica.</p><h4><strong>Norway</strong></h4><p>Norwegians do not have non-stop service from Oslo to Costa Rica's. The closest direct flights operate from Amsterdam, London, and Frankfurt. Norwegians can stay visa-free for up to 180 days.</p><h4><strong>Sweden</strong></h4><p>Swedes are positioned best to transit through Amsterdam or Frankfurt. As a Group One country, Swedes receive up to 180 days visa-free.</p><h3><strong>UK and Ireland</strong></h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1736273322/london_uk_a470184514.jpg" alt="London Bridge and city in the UK" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1736273322/thumbnail_london_uk_a470184514.jpg 245w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1736273322/small_london_uk_a470184514.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1736273322/medium_london_uk_a470184514.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1736273322/large_london_uk_a470184514.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Ireland</strong></h4><p>While there are no direct flights from Ireland itself, Dublin is just a short hop to London where British Airways services San José non-stop. The Irish qualify for visa-free 180-day entry.</p><h4><strong>United Kingdom</strong></h4><p>British Airways operates a non-stop flight from London's Gatwick Airport to Juan Santamaría International in San José. UK citizens are granted a visa-free 180-day stay in Costa Rica.</p><h2><strong>Ready to Start Planning?</strong></h2><p>All this information provides a better idea of which are the closest European cities offering direct flights. Keep in mind it might be less expensive or more convenient to travel other routes, either through the United States, South America, or other European cities. For example, in some circumstances it might work out better to add more stops. For example, if you travel from Athens to Madrid to Costa Rica rather than Athens to Zurich to Costa Rica.</p><p>However, if you’re looking for a more direct flight, this is what you can expect. Luckily, Costa Rica is more accessible than ever from Europe. No matter where you're departing from, beaches, rainforests, and <i>pura vida</i> await! If you have more questions, <a href="https://www.vacationscostarica.com/contact-us/">reach out to us</a>. We’ll be happy to help.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><hr><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>You Might Also Like…</strong></h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.vacationscostarica.com/travel/embassies-consulates-in-costa-rica/">Foreign Embassies and Consulates in Costa Rica</a></li><li><a href="https://www.vacationscostarica.com/flights-to-costa-rica/">Flights to Costa Rica: The Ultimate Guide</a></li><li><a href="https://www.vacationscostarica.com/itinerary/">The Ideal Costa Rica Itinerary</a></li><li><a href="https://www.vacationscostarica.com/best-time-to-visit-weather/">Costa Rica Weather: When is the Best Time to Visit?</a></li></ul>

Getting to Costa Rica from Europe

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