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SYQ · MRPV · Costa Rica

Tobías Bolaños International Airport

San José (Pavas) — Central Valley. 15 min from San José city center.

Runway
1600m
Surface
Asphalt
Elevation
949m
Hours
6am-6pm
Airport profile

San José (Pavas) — Costa Rica

Tobías Bolaños International Airport (IATA: SYQ, ICAO: MRPV) is AeroRide's home base and Costa Rica's primary general aviation hub, located in the Pavas district of San José — 15 minutes from the affluent suburbs of Escazú and Santa Ana, 20 minutes from the capital's downtown core, and a fraction of the distance to navigate compared to the international airport.

While Juan Santamaría (SJO) handles commercial airline traffic, Tobías Bolaños is the operational heart of Costa Rica's private aviation network. All domestic charter flights, air ambulance services, aerial photography missions, and private jet movements within Costa Rica are coordinated through SYQ. The airport has a 1,830-meter runway capable of handling mid-size business jets, King Air turboprops, and all light aircraft categories.

For the luxury traveler staying in Escazú, Santa Ana, or the western suburbs of San José, SYQ represents a dramatically more convenient departure point than SJO. No commercial terminal crowds, no mandatory arrival windows, no security lines. You arrive at the FBO, your aircraft is ready, and you are airborne in minutes. This is private aviation at its most efficient.

The surrounding Pavas-Escazú area concentrates the most sophisticated dining, shopping, and business infrastructure in Costa Rica — making SYQ the natural choice for private charters connecting business travelers to destinations across the country and region.

Nearby

Things to do near San José (Pavas)

Escazú Zona Rosa

San José's premier dining and nightlife district, 15 minutes from SYQ. The highest concentration of international restaurants, wine bars, rooftop t…

Multiplaza Escazú

The finest shopping center in Central America — adjacent to the InterContinental Hotel, 15 minutes from SYQ. International brands, gourmet supermar…

Parque La Sabana

San José's largest urban park — a 72-hectare green space with the Costa Rica Museum of Art (MADC), sports facilities, jogging paths, and weekend cu…

City Mall Santa Ana

Costa Rica's newest large-format shopping and entertainment complex in Santa Ana, 15 minutes from SYQ. Includes a wide range of dining, entertainme…

Rafting on the Río Reventazón (Day Trip)

Class III–IV white water rafting on one of Central America's premier rafting rivers — accessible as a full-day trip from SYQ with private transport…

From $720

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FAQ

Tobías Bolaños International Airport — Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ)?

Tobías Bolaños International Airport (IATA: SYQ, ICAO: MRPV) is Costa Rica's primary general aviation and private charter hub, located in the Pavas district of San José. It is AeroRide's home base and the central point of Costa Rica's domestic private aviation network. Runway: 1,830m asphalt. Elevation: 989m. Operations: 24/7.

How is SYQ different from SJO?

While SJO handles commercial international flights, SYQ is dedicated to private aviation, general aviation, and domestic charters. SYQ has no commercial airlines, no security queues, and no crowded terminals. For private charter travelers, SYQ offers a significantly faster and more comfortable departure experience — you arrive and board within minutes.

What destinations can I fly to from SYQ?

AeroRide operates private charters from SYQ to all domestic destinations in Costa Rica — Drake Bay, Tortuguero, Quepos, Nosara, Tamarindo, La Fortuna, Puerto Jiménez, Limón, Tambor, Cobano, Punta Islita, and more. International charters to Panama, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, and Nicaragua are also available.

How far is SYQ from Escazú and Santa Ana?

Tobías Bolaños Airport (SYQ) is approximately 15 minutes from Escazú (Zona Rosa), 15 minutes from Santa Ana, and 20 minutes from San José downtown. It is significantly closer than SJO for travelers staying in the western suburbs of the city.

Can private jets use SYQ?

Yes — Tobías Bolaños Airport handles mid-size business jets, turboprops, and all light aircraft. The 1,830m runway at 989m elevation accommodates aircraft up to the category of King Air 350, Pilatus PC-12, Cessna Citation CJ2, and similar aircraft. Larger jets use SJO.

What is the runway length at SYQ?

SYQ has a 1,830-meter (6,004 ft) asphalt runway. Elevation: 989 meters (3,245 ft) above sea level. ICAO: MRPV. Operations: 24/7.

How much does a private charter from SYQ cost?

Private charters from SYQ start from $750/hour. A typical flight from SYQ to Drake Bay costs approximately SYQ FAQ Tobías Bolaños International Airport — Frequently Asked Questions ,000– SYQ FAQ Tobías Bolaños International Airport — Frequently Asked Questions ,500 per aircraft (not per person). With 4–6 passengers, the per-person cost competes with or beats commercial alternatives. Contact AeroRide via WhatsApp for an immediate quote.

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