Find cheap flights to San José from £161
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Find deals from Columbus to San José
Find one-way and return tickets at the lowest prices, whether last-minute or planned in advance.
Find deals from Columbus to San José
Find one-way and return tickets at the lowest prices, whether last-minute or planned in advance.
Cheapest time to fly from Columbus to San José
Flexible with dates? We find the best prices for the week around your selected date. Prices may vary after you search.
One-way
| Wed, Apr 1 - Tue, Apr 7 | £917 |
| Wed, Apr 8 - Wed, Apr 15 | £633 |
| Thu, Apr 16 - Thu, Apr 23 | £458 |
| Fri, Apr 24 - Thu, Apr 30 | £485 |
| Fri, May 1 - Thu, May 7 | £362 |
| Fri, May 8 - Fri, May 15 | £445 |
| Sat, May 16 - Sat, May 23 | £571 |
| Sun, May 24 - Sun, May 31 | £498 |
| Mon, Jun 1 - Sun, Jun 7 | £431 |
| Mon, Jun 8 - Mon, Jun 15 | £603 |
| Tue, Jun 16 - Tue, Jun 23 | £664 |
| Wed, Jun 24 - Tue, Jun 30 | £615 |
Round-trip
| Wed, Apr 1 - Tue, Apr 7 | £1,168 |
| Wed, Apr 8 - Wed, Apr 15 | £790 |
| Thu, Apr 16 - Thu, Apr 23 | £781 |
| Fri, Apr 24 - Thu, Apr 30 | £792 |
| Fri, May 1 - Thu, May 7 | £772 |
| Fri, May 8 - Fri, May 15 | £774 |
| Sat, May 16 - Sat, May 23 | £747 |
| Sun, May 24 - Sun, May 31 | £712 |
| Mon, Jun 1 - Sun, Jun 7 | £708 |
| Mon, Jun 8 - Mon, Jun 15 | £768 |
| Tue, Jun 16 - Tue, Jun 23 | £868 |
| Wed, Jun 24 - Tue, Jun 30 | £824 |
Getting from San José's airport to the city center
The fastest option is taxi or ride-hailing, while budget travelers often choose public buses.
Transport Option | Typical Time | Typical Cost | Frequency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
20-45 min | ₡15,000-₡25,000 (CRC 15,000–25,000 (~$28–47 USD); fixed zone rates) | on-demand 24/7 (traffic dependent) | door-to-door convenience | |
20-45 min | ₡8,000-₡18,000 (CRC 8,000–18,000 (~$15–34 USD); surge pricing applies) | on-demand 24/7 (traffic dependent) | app-based booking | |
30-60 min | ₡700-₡900 (CRC 700–900 (~$1.30–1.70 USD)) | every 10–15 min (traffic dependent) | budget travelers | |
30-60 min | ₡10,000-₡15,000 (CRC 10,000–15,000 (~$19–28 USD); per person) | scheduled departures (traffic dependent) | solo travelers on budget | |
20-45 min | ₡25,000-₡45,000 (CRC 25,000–45,000 (~$47–85 USD); pre-booked) | pre-booked (traffic dependent) | groups and families | |
20-45 min | ₡20,000-₡50,000 (CRC 20,000–50,000 (~$38–95 USD); per day) | on-demand (traffic dependent) | flexibility and onward travel |
Notes:
- Prices in CRC (Costa Rican Colón); table created in 2025 and subject to change.
- Official orange airport taxis operate with fixed zone-based rates and are the only taxis authorized to pick up at the terminal.
- Ride-hailing apps like Uber and DiDi operate in Costa Rica; pickup is from designated areas outside the terminal.
- Public buses (TUASA) depart from outside the terminal and stop at Alajuela and San José city center.
- Traffic on the General Cañas Highway can significantly increase travel times during rush hours (7–9 AM and 5–7 PM).
- We recommend checking official transport websites for your travel planning.
Updated: December 2025
When is the best time to visit San José
San José's best time depends on your priorities: dry-season sunshine and festivals come with peak prices, while rainy months slash costs by 30–50%. Shoulder periods balance savings and weather, making timing your flight key to maximizing value.
- Prices: Peak rates for flights and hotels; book 8-10 weeks ahead for better deals, especially avoiding Christmas and Easter weeks.
- Weather: Dry season with pleasant 14–26 °C and minimal rain (1–3 rainy days per month), ideal for exploring Central Valley and nearby national parks.
- Events: Festival de la Luz parade (December), Fiestas de Zapote carnival (late December-January), and Envision Festival (February-March) draw crowds.
- Prices: Cheapest flights and accommodation—save 30-50% versus dry season; September-October offer the deepest discounts with fewer tourists.
- Weather: Rainy season with warm 17–27 °C and 15–22 rainy days per month; mornings often clear, afternoon showers typical, lush landscapes peak.
- Events: Día de la Independencia celebrations (September 15), Carnival de Limón (October), and Día de los Muertos observances (November 2) showcase local culture.
- Prices: Moderate rates with flights 20-35% cheaper than peak; book early November or May for best value before holiday surges.
- Weather: Transitional climate at 15–26 °C with 5–10 rainy days monthly; May sees rainy season start, while November-early December offer drying conditions and greener landscapes.
- Events: Día de los Muertos (November 2) and early Festival de la Luz preparations (late November-December) provide cultural immersion without peak crowds.
San José travel tips
Discover the Charms of San José: A Tropical Haven Awaits
San José is more than just a city; it's a gateway to lush rainforests, coffee plantations, and a vibrant culture that has travelers flocking from around the world. Picture yourself sipping Costa Rican coffee in a bustling plaza, surrounded by the picturesque mountains that form the city’s backdrop. But what truly sets San José apart is its warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for the curious traveler eager to delve into the heart of Central America.
With Kiwi.com, finding cheap flights to San José has never been easier, allowing you to immerse yourself in this enchanting destination without stretching your budget.
From the Runway to Riches: Explore San José’s Unique Experiences
Arriving in San José, you’re just a short ride away from a medley of must-see sights. The city’s downtown area is a blend of history and modernity, with the National Theatre offering stunning architecture and live performances. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Central Market for authentic goods and artisanal crafts.
For those willing to stray off the beaten path, the Barrio Amón district offers a charming mix of colonial and Victorian architecture perfect for a leisurely walk. Use Kiwi.com’s flexible search to find flights landing at the ideal time to kickstart your San José adventure bright and early.
Plan Your Escape: When to Fly to San José for the Best Experience
Timing is everything when seeking the best flights to San José. To catch the most affordable deals, consider traveling during the shoulder season months of May and November, when the city’s weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds thin out. Book your flights approximately 4-6 weeks in advance to snag the best prices.
Kiwi.com’s price alerts come in handy here, notifying you of fare drops so you can book with confidence. With flights from major European hubs averaging around 11-13 hours, planning ahead ensures a smooth trip from daydream to touchdown.
Navigate Like a Pro: San José Airports and Airlines
When flying into San José, your primary destination is the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), conveniently located about 20 kilometers from the city center. This airport hosts a variety of airlines, ranging from budget-friendly carriers to full-service options that cater to all travel preferences. Arrivals are straightforward, with ample public transport options including buses and taxis to ferry you into the city.
Using Kiwi.com’s Travel Hacks, you can ensure your journey from airport to city is seamless, providing tips on navigating your options with ease.
Smart San José Travel Tips
- Unlock Multi-City Journeys: Utilize Kiwi.com’s Nomad Search Tool to explore multiple destinations within Costa Rica affordably.
- Stay Weather-Savvy: Tropical weather can be unpredictable; pack layers and a raincoat to stay comfortable.
- Airport Art: Don’t miss the eclectic ceramic mural at SJO, showcasing Costa Rican culture.
- Local Dining: Head to Fuente de la Hispanidad neighborhood for diverse dining options away from tourist crowds.
- Peace of Mind: Rely on the Kiwi Guarantee for rebooking support in case of any disruptions.
- Public Transport Benefits: Consider purchasing a local bus card for ease of getting around San José’s numerous attractions.
Weather in San José
Average Weather
| Month | Average monthly max temperature | Average monthly min temperature |
| January | 24°C | 14°C |
| February | 26°C | 14°C |
| March | 27°C | 15°C |
| April | 26°C | 16°C |
| May | 25°C | 16°C |
| June | 23°C | 16°C |
| July | 24°C | 16°C |
| August | 24°C | 15°C |
| September | 24°C | 15°C |
| October | 23°C | 15°C |
| November | 23°C | 15°C |
| December | 23°C | 14°C |
14 day forecast
Flight connections and travel options
Browse routes from top origins with quick connections
Non-stop flights to San José
Explore all available direct routes to San José from airports around the world.
- Mexico City to San José from £132
- Toronto to San José from £143
- Denver to San José from £143
- Guayaquil to San José from £147
- Tambor to San José from £150
- San Salvador to San José from £151
- Managua to San José from £152
- Quito to San José from £158
- Montreal to San José from £163
- Cancún to San José from £166
- Los Angeles to San José from £177
- Medellín to San José from £191
- Bocas Town, Bocas del Toro to San José from £193
- Cartagena to San José from £194
- Bogotá to San José from £195
- Lima to San José from £201
Top airlines flying to San José
Compare leading airlines serving San José.
Airports in and near San José
San José’s main airport is the primary hub, with nearby airports offering additional options.
- Juan Santamaría International airport (SJO)
- Bocas del Toro Isla Colón International airport (BOC)
- Daniel Oduber Quirós International airport (LIR)
- Nosara airport (NOB)
- Quepos La Managua airport (XQP)
- Enrique Malek International airport (DAV)
- Limón International airport (LIO)
- Puerto Jiménez airport (PJM)
- Tamarindo airport (TNO)
- Drake Bay airport (DRK)
- Golfito airport (GLF)
- Fortuna Arenal airport (FON)
- Tortuguero airport (TTQ)
- Changuinola Capitán Manuel Niño International airport (CHX)
Popular flights from San José
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