Costa Rica Is Now Easier to Reach from London Heathrow
British Airways flies nonstop from London Heathrow to San José five times a week, October 2026 to March 2027. Calala Lodge and the Nicoya Peninsula have never been easier to reach.
Getting from the UK to Costa Rica is about to get a lot simpler. Starting in October 2026, British Airways will operate a seasonal nonstop route between London Heathrow (LHR) and San José, Costa Rica (SJO), running five flights a week through March 2027.
The service used to fly out of London Gatwick, and only three times a week. Moving it to Heathrow and adding two more weekly departures gives UK travellers more choice and better onward connections, with one less country to route through on the way down.
A More Convenient Gateway to Costa Rica
Heathrow is one of the best-connected airports in the world, which matters if you’re flying in from elsewhere in the UK or connecting through from somewhere else in Europe. Flying direct to San José also means skipping the extra layover in the United States, Mexico, or mainland Europe that the old Gatwick route often meant.
Step off an overnight flight and you’re already close to warm Pacific water and tropical forest, with a pace of life that has nothing to do with London. That’s the trade the Nicoya Peninsula offers.
From San José to Cabuya and Calala Lodge
Calala Lodge sits right on the ocean in Cabuya, a quiet village near Montezuma and the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. Once you land at Juan Santamaría International Airport, there are a few ways to finish the journey.
The fastest is a short domestic flight to Cóbano, followed by a quick transfer to Cabuya, and the flight itself gives you a good look at the country from above. If you’d rather not deal with any of the logistics, a private or shared shuttle will take you straight from the airport to Cabuya while someone else does the driving. Renting a car is the slower option, but it turns the trip itself into part of the adventure, with room to stop at beaches and villages along the way. A 4×4 is worth it if you’re planning to explore the more remote parts of the peninsula.
However you get there, build in some time between your international arrival and the onward leg. Our team can walk you through the routes and help you pick whichever fits your plans best.
Why Visit During the European Winter?
The Heathrow-San José route runs October through March, which lines up nicely with the months you’d probably rather not spend in Europe.
October and November bring lush, green landscapes and a quieter Nicoya Peninsula. From December on, the dry season usually means sunnier days, warmer temperatures, and better odds of a good swim or surf session.
Cabuya moves at its own pace. Mornings start with breakfast by the ocean. From there, you can walk out to Cabuya Island at low tide, hike into Cabo Blanco, track down a waterfall, wander over to Montezuma, or just stay by the pool. Nobody’s rushing you.
Stay on the Beach at Calala Lodge
Calala Lodge is a small, laid-back beach lodge tucked into tropical nature, with comfortable rooms, an oceanfront restaurant, and a pool, all in one of the more genuinely local coastal communities on the Nicoya Peninsula.
The new Heathrow connection makes it easier to trade London for somewhere monkeys move through the trees overhead and the ocean is a few steps from your door. There’s no need to rush anything here.
British Airways flights are seasonal, and schedules can shift, so check current dates and availability directly with the airline before you book.
Planning a Costa Rican winter escape? Contact us or book your stay at Calala Lodge, and make Cabuya your home on the Nicoya Peninsula.
Calala Lodge invites you to embrace the spirit of adventure and experience Costa Rica’s extreme sports in a way that only our lodge can offer. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a memorable escape into nature, our activities promise an unforgettable journey in the heart of this tropical paradise.
Come join us at Calala Lodge and make your Costa Rican vacation an extraordinary adventure filled with excitement and thrills!
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