$138 Cheap Flights to Occidental

Flights to Occidental at a glance

Traveling to Occidental is easy—select from full-service or budget airlines, evaluate travel times, and choose the best flight that aligns with your budget, itinerary, and plans for visiting the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Occidental: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Quepos Airport (XQP)
• Closest (typical) airport to Occidental: Juan Santamaría International Airport, SJO (around 21 miles)
• Flights per week: 2,100+ flights arriving across Occidental airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Occidental: around 25+ carriers

Popular airports near Occidental

Occidental is a vibrant city perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Travelers flock to Occidental for its family-friendly activities, stunning scenery, and eco-friendly options. The city is conveniently accessible via two major airports, making it easy to plan your visit.

• Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO): Situated in Cantón Alajuela, Alajuela Province, approximately 21 miles from Occidental, this airport caters to both domestic and international travelers. It connects to around 8 domestic cities and over 230 international destinations. Passengers can opt for business class, premium economy, or first class seating for enhanced comfort, depending on the airline and route. Airlines like United, American Airlines, and JetBlue Airways frequently operate here.
• Quepos Airport (XQP): Found in Cantón Quepos, Puntarenas Province, about 33 miles from Occidental, this airport primarily supports domestic flights. It is served by carriers such as FlexFlight and Servicios Aereos Nacionales S.A., making it a convenient option for local travel within Costa Rica.

Top routes to Occidental

• Los Angeles (LAX) to Occidental (SJO), with one-way airfare from around $150
• Newark (EWR) to Occidental (SJO), with one-way tickets available from around $120
• New York (JFK/LGA) to Occidental (SJO), with one-way tickets available from around $110
• Miami (MIA) to Occidental (SJO), with one-way tickets available from around $95
• Orlando (MCO) to Occidental (SJO), with one-way tickets available from around $55

Cheapest routes to Occidental

• Orlando (MCO) to Occidental (SJO), with cheap one-way fares from around $55
• San Juan (SJU) to Occidental (SJO), with low one-way fares from around $90
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Occidental (SJO), with cheap one-way fares from around $90
• San Salvador (SAL) to Occidental (SJO), with budget one-way fares from around $90
• Guatemala City (GUA) to Occidental (SJO), with affordable one-way prices from around $95

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Occidental

• American Airlines: This airline operates flights to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), representing about 26% of arrivals to Occidental. The typical one-way ticket costs around $320, and premium cabin service may feature business class based on the specific route.
• United: Offering service to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), United accounts for about 20% of arrivals to Occidental. Passengers can expect an average one-way fare of approximately $330, with potential business class options available depending on the route.
• Avianca: Serving Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Avianca makes up roughly 11% of arrivals to Occidental. Average one-way fares hover around $330, and premium cabin choices may include business class depending on the specific route taken.
• Copa: Operating flights to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Copa comprises around 11% of arrivals to Occidental. The average fare for a one-way ticket is about $310, with business class service potentially available based on the route.
• JetBlue Airways: Providing service to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), JetBlue accounts for approximately 7% of arrivals to Occidental. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of around $260, with premium economy class options available depending on the route.

Best time to fly to Occidental

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Occidental are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Occidental can reach up to 66°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 66.6°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $220), roughly 20% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? October and August offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $224 to $237, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Occidental

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Occidental is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia.*
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Occidental flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Occidental

Occidental welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Occidental efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Juan Santamaría International Airport, Bahia Drake Seaport, a seaport, is located about 1.5 miles away by car, while San Antonio de Belen Station, a train station, is situated approximately 2.8 miles away by car, providing convenient options for onward travel.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Occidental, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Occidental is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay in and around Occidental

• San Ramón: Located 8 miles drive away from Occidental, San Ramón is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in local history at the National Museum of Costa Rica or enjoy leisurely strolls in Sabana Park, perfect for family outings. For those interested in education and innovation, the University of Costa Rica offers a modern campus atmosphere. With its charming church and various attractions, San Ramón provides a delightful blend of culture and community for travelers seeking a unique experience.
• Guadalupe: Guadalupe is located 10 miles away from Occidental and is a charming destination for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Here, visitors can explore local parks and the nearby national state park, perfect for family adventures. The area boasts a bustling shopping mall center, allowing for a mix of leisure and retail therapy. Key highlights include Sabana Park for outdoor fun and the University of Costa Rica, which adds an academic flair to this lively city. Enjoy the balance of nature and family-friendly activities while discovering Guadalupe.
• Cartago: Cartago is located in the area of Occidental and is a picturesque village ideal for those seeking outdoor adventures and stunning scenery. The majestic Parque Nacional Volcan Irazu offers breathtaking views and hiking opportunities, while the historic Our Lady of the Angels Basilica invites visitors to appreciate its architectural beauty. Don't miss the intriguing Las Ruinas de la Parroquia, which provides a glimpse into the area's past. Cartago is a perfect stop for travelers looking to connect with nature and explore the rich history of Costa Rica.

Tips for short-haul flights to Occidental

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more affordable. Maximize space by using mini toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and coordinating your outfits effectively. This strategy also helps you avoid the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—short-haul flights frequently lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself engaged. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to your departure, taking into account potential traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack your own snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Occidental

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often provide free seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines allow for seat selection even earlier than this.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to browse the shops, find a coffee shop, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to either sleep or stay awake on the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Occidental

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Occidental on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

December is the cheapest month to fly to Occidental. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Occidental. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Occidental, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Occidental

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Occidental in 2026 starts from $329, while one-way tickets start from from $138. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Occidental. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Occidental

Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United, Delta, American Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Occidental. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Occidental and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Occidental, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Occidental. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Occidental plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Occidental

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Occidental.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Occidental are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Occidental. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Occidental for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Occidental. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Occidental flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Occidental. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.