Getting to The Villa Mariana from London
If you're reading this in London, here's the news that makes this trip easy: British Airways now flies direct from London to San José, Costa Rica — and from October 2026 the route moves to Heathrow, operating five times a week through March 2027 and confirmed as year-round. Around eleven hours in the air, no connections, no layover in Miami. You board in London and wake up in the tropics.
Here's exactly how the journey works, step by step.
Step 1: The flight — London to San José (SJO)
The direct BA service runs from London to Juan Santamaría International Airport in about 11 hours on a Boeing 787. Five flights a week through the winter season means you can time your trip around a long weekend or a proper two-week escape — and with the route now year-round, you're not limited to peak season.
Book a flight that lands in the afternoon if you can. It makes step 3 much more pleasant.
Step 2: Landing at SJO
Good news for British passport holders: you don't need a visa for Costa Rica. You're admitted for up to 180 days under a tourist waiver (the exact length is at the immigration officer's discretion), and you just need a valid passport and proof of onward travel — your return flight booking covers that.
Immigration and customs at SJO are straightforward, and we've written a full walkthrough of the arrival process in our Navigating SJO Airport guide. One tip from that post: have the villa's name ready — "The Villa Mariana, Manuel Antonio" — as the officer will ask for your first destination.
Step 3: San José to Manuel Antonio
From the airport it's roughly a three-hour drive to the villa, through genuinely beautiful countryside — mountains, palm plantations, and your first glimpses of the Pacific. Our concierge arranges licensed private shuttle transfers for guests, so you'll be met at arrivals and driven door to door. No navigating unfamiliar roads after a long flight.
Good to know before you go
Time difference: Costa Rica is 6 hours behind London in winter (there's no daylight saving here), so an afternoon arrival still leaves you the evening to settle in.
Money: The local currency is the colón, but US dollars are widely accepted and cards work in most places tourists go.
When to come: December to April is the dry season — blue skies, calm seas — and it lines up perfectly with the months you'll most want to leave London.
What to pack: Lightweight clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, and decent walking sandals. That's honestly most of it — see our full packing list for the rest.
And then you're here
From the moment you arrive, the villa is fully staffed — private chef, concierge, daily housekeeping — so the holiday starts the second you walk through the door. Share your preferences with our concierge in advance and Chef Jose Mario will already know what you like.
Eleven hours from Heathrow to the jungle.
Pura vida — and we'll see you in paradise.
About the Blogger:
Rocky Moss is a passionate traveler and the owner of The Villa Mariana and Casa de la Roca in Costa Rica, which she visits frequently with her husband. As a blogger, she shares her experiences and provides valuable insights to those who are planning to travel to Costa Rica. Her articles are a must-read for anyone who wants to explore this beautiful country and make the most of their trip. Rocky's love for Costa Rica and her expertise in travel make her a trustworthy source for all your travel needs. #LondonToCostaRica #CostaRicaTravel #ManuelAntonio #VisitCostaRica #TheVillaMariana
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