Southwest Airlines Is Launching a New Nonstop Flight From Austin to San Jose, Costa Rica

Southwest Airlines is adding a new international route from Austin, with plans to launch nonstop service to San José, Costa Rica in March.

The carrier will operate the new flight once weekly on Saturdays, beginning March 13, 2027, creating a new nonstop link between Central Texas and Costa Rica’s principal international gateway.

The outbound flight will depart Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at 10:25 a.m., arriving at Juan Santamaría International Airport at 2:05 p.m.

The return flight will leave San José at 3:05 p.m. and arrive in Austin at 7:20 p.m. The route is already on sale through Southwest.

A New Costa Rica Gateway for Central Texas

The service gives Austin-area travelers a new way to reach Costa Rica, one of the region’s most popular destinations for nature, adventure, wellness, and beach vacations.

San José is the country’s primary air hub and a jumping-off point for several of Costa Rica’s best-known destinations, from the volcanoes and coffee country of the Central Valley to the rainforests around Arenal and the beaches of the Pacific coast.

The Saturday schedule also opens the door for weeklong Costa Rica vacations, with travelers able to depart and return on consecutive weekends.

Southwest’s Growing Austin Network

The new route is another addition to Southwest’s expanding operation in Austin, where the airline has been building a broader mix of domestic and international flights.

Southwest has served the Texas capital for nearly 50 years, and airline officials said the Costa Rica service will strengthen Austin’s role as an international gateway.

The flight also follows the launch of nonstop service between Austin and Grand Cayman, giving Central Texas travelers another direct connection to the wider Caribbean region.

Exploring Costa Rica From San José

Travelers arriving in San José can spend time in the capital’s museums, restaurants, and markets or continue into the surrounding highlands.

Nearby attractions include Poás Volcano, coffee estates, cloud forests, and mountain retreats. Farther afield, San José provides connections to destinations including La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and the beaches of Guanacaste.

Southwest’s new Austin flight begins during the second week of March, placing its debut near the start of the spring travel period.

The carrier will operate the route every Saturday, with flight schedules subject to change.

Where to Stay in San José

Among the best places to stay in San José is the Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton, a historic downtown property overlooking the Plaza de la Cultura and the National Theatre. 

Hotel Grano de Oro offers a more intimate option in a converted Tropical Victorian mansion, with one of the city’s top restaurants and a location just off Paseo Colón. Travelers prioritizing proximity to the airport can choose the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belén, a resort-style former coffee plantation about three miles from Juan Santamaría International Airport.

Austin’s Growing Role in Regional Travel

The new route also underscores Austin’s growing importance as a gateway to the Caribbean and Central America. Long known primarily as a domestic technology and business hub, the Texas capital is steadily adding more international connections, including Cayman Airways’ service to Grand Cayman, among others. 

With a fast-growing population, a strong corporate base, and rising demand for leisure travel, Austin is becoming an increasingly important source market for destinations across the region