Modern terminal and aircraft apron at Tobías Bolaños International Airport in Pavas, San José, Costa Rica at golden hour

Airport

Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ)

Tobías Bolaños International Airport is the secondary gateway to San José, located in the Pavas district about 8 km northwest of the city centre. Compare transfer options to central San José, Escazú, Santa Ana and other Central Valley destinations, and plan your onward journey with ease.

Passengers

Luggage

About Tobías Bolaños International Airport

Tobías Bolaños International Airport is the secondary airport serving San José, Costa Rica, and the country's main base for general aviation. Located in the Pavas district, around 8 km northwest of the city centre, it complements Juan Santamaría International Airport and is one of Costa Rica's four international airports.

Construction began in 1954–1955 to replace the former La Sabana airport, and the terminal building and control tower were inaugurated in 1973. The airport was named in 1975 in honour of Tobías Bolaños Palma, a pioneer of Costa Rican civil aviation.

Today the airport handles private flights, charter services, tourism flights and flying schools, alongside regional international connections such as services to Bocas del Toro. Its compact terminal supports a small volume of scheduled passengers and a much larger share of general aviation activity.

The airport is reached from central San José in around 15–20 minutes by road, with taxis, private transfers and rental cars available for onward travel across the city and the Central Valley.

Tobías Bolaños International Airport terminal in Pavas, San José, with travellers and a small aircraft on the apron

Terminal Overview

Travelers walking beneath terminal signs inside an airport

Terminals

Tobías Bolaños International Airport operates with one compact passenger terminal. The terminal handles regional international flights and charter operations, while most of the airfield supports general aviation, private aircraft and flying schools.

Ground Transportation Services to and from Tobías Bolaños International Airport

Transfers

Book private transfers from Tobías Bolaños International Airport to hotels, business districts and destinations across San José and the surrounding Central Valley.

Hourly Chauffeur

Arrange a professional chauffeur by the hour for flexible travel from the airport, business meetings, city tours or journeys around San José.

Car Rental

Rent a car from Tobías Bolaños International Airport for independent travel around San José and onward journeys to destinations across Costa Rica.

Bus & Group Transfers

Organize minibuses or charter buses for groups travelling between Tobías Bolaños International Airport, hotels, event venues and other destinations.