Cheap flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor International to Juan Santamaría
Updated 2026-07-13
2394 miles great-circle distance, typically flown in 5h 13m with 8 airlines operating direct service from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Juan Santamaría (SJO). Fares on this corridor stay relatively stable across the year — booking 4–8 weeks ahead and choosing a midweek departure typically secures the best price.
Flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International
Phoenix Sky Harbor International is a major American Airlines hub and Southwest focus city, only about 3 miles east of downtown Phoenix — one of the shortest airport-to-city hops in the country. American and Southwest carry most passengers, with British Airways and Condor flying nonstop to London and Frankfurt and seasonal American service to Hawaii. The free PHX Sky Train links every terminal to Valley Metro Rail at 44th Street, reaching downtown and Tempe for $2; a taxi is about $20. Fares are lowest in the hot June-August low season and highest during the spring-training and winter-escape months.
Arriving in San José
Juan Santamaría International serves San José, Costa Rica's capital, 17 km west of the centre. Tuasa bus runs to downtown San José for 690 CRC; taxis cost $25–$30. Fares from US Pacific and Texas hubs peak December–April (US winter demand) with cheaper rates in the May–November green season. SJO is the gateway for Manuel Antonio, Arenal and the Pacific coast resorts; LIR (Liberia) is closer to Guanacaste's Pacific beaches.
Who flies PHX to SJO?
| Airline | IATA | Flight time | Cabin |
| American Airlines | AA | 5h 13m | Economy |
| Southwest Airlines | WN | 5h 13m | Economy |
| Delta Air Lines | DL | 5h 13m | Economy |
| United Airlines | UA | 5h 13m | Economy |
| Spirit Airlines | NK | 5h 13m | Economy |
| Frontier Airlines | F9 | 5h 13m | Economy |
| Alaska Airlines | AS | 5h 13m | Economy |
| Hawaiian Airlines | HA | 5h 13m | Economy |
8 carriers fly direct on this corridor. Frequencies vary by season — summer and winter holiday peaks see additional flights.
Phoenix to San José FAQs
Direct flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Juan Santamaría (SJO) take approximately 5h 13m for the 2394-mile journey, plus 30–60 minutes of taxi, climb and descent. Total airport-to-airport time depends on cruise winds and air-traffic queueing on approach.
8 carriers operate direct service from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Juan Santamaría (SJO): American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Spirit Airlines and 3 more. Frequencies vary by season and carrier — American Airlines typically operates the highest weekly count on this corridor.
Visa-free for US passport holders up to 90 days. Always check travel.state.gov for the latest entry requirements before booking.
Juan Santamaría (SJO) is the primary international airport for San José. Allow 30–60 minutes for the ground transfer by train, express bus, taxi or rideshare depending on traffic and time of day. See the airport's official website for current train and shuttle timetables.