Air express shipping from and to Costa Rica provides one of the fastest and most secure methods for transporting parcels, documents, and ecommerce goods across the world. With direct international routes through San José's Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Liberia's Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), shipments can reach North and South America within 2-4 business days and Europe in 4-6 business days.
Air express delivery in Costa Rica is ideal for individuals, exporters, and ecommerce retailers. Whether you're sending business samples, urgent documents, or online orders, these services provide door-to-door convenience, real-time tracking, and streamlined customs processing.
Air Express Services
Air express shipping connects senders with global courier networks. Parcels are picked up from your location, processed through export customs, flown to destination hubs, and delivered directly to the recipient - typically within days.
While air freight is ideal for large cargo, air express provides priority handling, door-to-door delivery, and real-time tracking. It's the preferred method for smaller, high-value, or time-sensitive shipments that require faster customs clearance.
Air express rates depend on volumetric (dimensional) weight. Compact, well-protected packaging helps reduce costs and processing times.
Rates may increase during Christmas, Semana Santa, and major ecommerce campaigns (Black Friday, Hot Sale Costa Rica) due to higher shipping volumes.
Customs operations are managed by the Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA) under the Ministerio de Hacienda.
Express couriers are authorized to process low-value imports under the simplified system for faster release.
Use rigid, water-resistant boxes and sufficient cushioning. Label packages with clear addresses and bilingual (Spanish-English) invoices to avoid customs delays.
Costa Rica prohibits shipping narcotics, cash, flammable materials, weapons, live animals, perishables, and counterfeit goods. Always verify the DGA's restricted item list before shipping.
Costa Rica's ecommerce market, led by Mercado Libre Costa Rica, Siman, and Pymexpress, is rapidly expanding. iContainers helps online sellers manage cross-border orders efficiently through integrated customs and express delivery systems.
Our express shipping platform offers full tracking, automated customs filing with DGA, and real-time updates from pickup to delivery, ensuring smooth export and import flows.
Usually 2-5 business days, depending on the destination and customs processing.
Most couriers accept up to 70 kg per piece or 120 cm in length.
Juan Santamaría (SJO) and Daniel Oduber Quirós (LIR) handle most express shipments.
Air Waybill, Commercial Invoice, and Packing List are standard. Customs declarations apply to higher-value shipments.
Narcotics, flammable materials, weapons, perishables, and counterfeit goods.
Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA) - Ministerio de Hacienda de Costa Rica
https://www.hacienda.go.cr/aduanas
Costa Rica - Import Tariffs (U.S. International Trade Administration)
https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/costa-rica-import-tariffs
Costa Rica - Import Requirements and Documentation (Trade.gov)
https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/costa-rica-import-requirements-and-documentation
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) - Aeris Holdings
https://sjoairport.com/en/
PwC Costa Rica - VAT (IVA) Overview
https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/costa-rica
Procomer - Costa Rica Export Promotion Agency
https://www.procomer.com/en
Statista - Ecommerce Market in Costa Rica
https://www.statista.com/topics/12957/e-commerce-in-costa-rica/
Correos de Costa Rica - Express & Logistics Services
https://correos.go.cr/