Cheap flights from San Francisco International to Juan Santamaría from $276
Updated 2026-10-23
3041 miles great-circle distance, typically flown in 6h 31m with 10 airlines operating direct service from San Francisco International (SFO) 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 San Francisco International
San Francisco International is United's main Pacific hub and Alaska Airlines' largest non-Seattle base. Four terminals form a single ring connected by the AirTrain shuttle, with BART running from the dedicated airport station directly to Powell Street downtown in around 30 minutes for $10. Heavy fog from May through August causes chronic morning delays — book mid-day departures during summer where possible. International long-haul to Asia and Europe is the deepest on the West Coast.
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 SFO to SJO?
| Airline | IATA | Flight time | Cabin |
| United Airlines | UA | 6h 31m | Economy |
| Singapore Airlines | SQ | 6h 31m | Economy |
| Cathay Pacific | CX | 6h 31m | Economy |
| ANA | NH | 6h 31m | Economy |
| Japan Airlines | JL | 6h 31m | Economy |
| Air France | AF | 6h 31m | Economy |
| Lufthansa | LH | 6h 31m | Economy |
| British Airways | BA | 6h 31m | Economy |
| Qantas | QF | 6h 31m | Economy |
| Emirates | EK | 6h 31m | Economy |
10 carriers fly direct on this corridor. Frequencies vary by season — summer and winter holiday peaks see additional flights.
San Francisco to San José FAQs
Direct flights from San Francisco International (SFO) to Juan Santamaría (SJO) take approximately 6h 31m for the 3041-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.
10 carriers operate direct service from San Francisco International (SFO) to Juan Santamaría (SJO): United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, ANA, Japan Airlines and 5 more. Frequencies vary by season and carrier — United 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.