San José has two airports, and knowing which one your flight uses saves real confusion on travel day. Here is the difference between them and where private charters actually depart from.
SJO — Juan Santamaría, the usual departure
Flights usually depart from San José’s main airport, Juan Santamaría International (SJO) in Alajuela — the same airport most travellers arrive at from abroad, which makes connecting onward simple. It is about 30–45 minutes from central San José depending on traffic.
Tobías Bolaños (SYQ) — our operational base
Tobías Bolaños (SYQ), a small, fast airport in the Pavas district on the west side of San José, is AeroRide’s operational base. Some flights also use it, and it offers a relaxed private-terminal feel with minimal queues — we confirm the exact departure point when you book.
We can also pick you up almost anywhere
You are not tied to San José at all. We can arrange pickup from airstrips across Costa Rica and Central America, so your flight can start close to where you already are.
Why flying private is so easy here
- Quick, relaxed check-in — arrive minutes before departure.
- A private-terminal experience, not a crowded concourse.
- Fly on your own schedule, not a fixed timetable.
- Direct apron access to your aircraft.
Connecting from an international arrival
Flying in from abroad and straight out to the coast? Because flights usually leave from Juan Santamaría (SJO), your onward charter can depart from the same airport you land at, with enough buffer for immigration and bags. International charters across Central America are easy to arrange too.
Plan your departure
When you book, we confirm your exact departure point and timing. See the wider domestic flights guide for routes and tips. Request a flight or ask us on WhatsApp.
The Charter Advantage for Your Costa Rica Journey
Private charter flights deliver logistics that scheduled airlines cannot match. Departing from SJO or SYQ, charter flights reach any Costa Rican destination in under 2 hours with flexible scheduling. This flexibility is especially valuable when combining activities across regions or managing group travel.