$138 Cheap Flights to San Mateo

Flights to San Mateo at a glance

Traveling to San Mateo is easy; you can choose from a variety of airlines, whether you're looking for cheap flights to Alajuela or the cheapest flight to San Mateo. Compare travel times and select the option that best fits your budget and plans to explore the city’s iconic landmarks and neighborhoods.

• Major airport near San Mateo: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
• Flights per week: 2,050+ flights arriving at San Mateo airport
• Number of airlines that fly to San Mateo: around 25+ carriers

Popular airport near San Mateo

San Mateo is a vibrant city ideal for those seeking outdoor adventures and picturesque scenery. Visitors flock to this destination for its beautiful beaches and family-friendly activities. The city is conveniently accessible via a major airport, making it easy to plan your trip to this Costa Rican gem.

• Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO): Situated in Cantón Alajuela, Alajuela Province, approximately 22 miles from San Mateo, this airport caters to both domestic and international flights. It connects travelers to about 8 domestic cities and over 230 international destinations. Passengers have the option to enhance their travel experience with business class, premium economy, and first class seating, depending on the specific airline and route. Noteworthy carriers include United, American Airlines, and JetBlue Airways.

Top routes to San Mateo

• Los Angeles (LAX) to San Mateo (SJO), with one-way flights starting at around $150
• Newark (EWR) to San Mateo (SJO), with one-way flight options from around $120
• New York (JFK/LGA) to San Mateo (SJO), with one-way tickets available from around $110
• Miami (MIA) to San Mateo (SJO), with one-way flight options from around $95
• Orlando (MCO) to San Mateo (SJO), with one-way fares starting at around $55

Cheapest routes to San Mateo

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

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

Top airlines with flights to San Mateo

• American Airlines: Operating flights to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), this airline represents about 26% of arrivals to San Mateo. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of around $320, with business class available as a premium cabin option depending on the route.
• United: This airline also operates to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), making up approximately 20% of arrivals in San Mateo. The average one-way fare stands at about $330, and a premium cabin option may include business class based on the route.
• Avianca: Providing service to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Avianca accounts for roughly 11% of arrivals to San Mateo. The average fare for a one-way ticket is around $330, and travelers may find business class as a premium cabin option depending on the route.
• Copa: This airline serves Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and contributes about 11% of arrivals to San Mateo. Average one-way fares are around $310, with business class potentially available as a premium service depending on the route selected.
• JetBlue Airways: Flying to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), JetBlue accounts for approximately 7% of arrivals in San Mateo. The typical one-way fare is around $260, with premium economy class offered as a cabin option subject to the route.

Best time to fly to San Mateo

The most popular months for travelers to fly to San Mateo are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in San Mateo can reach up to 71.6°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 71.1°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $221), roughly 19% 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 San Mateo

Getting some of the best deals on flights to San Mateo 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 San Mateo flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in San Mateo

San Mateo welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach San Mateo 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 approximately 2.8 miles away by car, making both destinations easily accessible for travelers.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in San Mateo, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in San Mateo is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in San Mateo on Expedia.
• 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 around San Mateo

• Atenas: Located 10 miles drive away from San Mateo, Atenas is a charming city perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures and stunning scenery. Visitors can enjoy thrilling activities at the local shopping centers and resorts. The area is rich in natural beauty, with landmarks such as nearby beaches, a majestic volcano, and a national park. Key highlights include Parque Viva, an entertainment arena ideal for families, Palmares Church, which offers a glimpse into local culture, and the Botanical Orchid Garden La Garita, perfect for a romantic stroll or family outing.
• La Granja: La Granja is located 9 miles away from San Mateo and is a scenic city that draws travelers looking for outdoor exploits and breathtaking vistas. Surrounded by volcanic landscapes and mountains, this area is a haven for nature lovers. Key points of interest include the San Ramon Nonato Church, showcasing the region's cultural heritage, Parque Central, an urban park great for family activities, and Parque Viva, a family-friendly entertainment arena where fun awaits.
• Tivives: Tivives is located 19 miles drive away from San Mateo and offers a tranquil village atmosphere perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers. Known for its beautiful coastlines and adventure opportunities, Tivives features attractions like Puntarenas Beach, ideal for sunbathing and water sports. Nature enthusiasts can explore Carara National Park, a stunning reserve teeming with wildlife, while the nearby town of Mata de Limón invites visitors to experience the local culture and community life.

Tips for short-haul flights to San Mateo

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

• Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more cost-effective. Maximize space by packing travel-sized toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and coordinating your outfits thoughtfully. This also allows you to bypass the baggage claim hassle upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may not provide in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts beforehand, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself occupied. Remember to fully charge your devices prior to boarding.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your departure, taking into account potential traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to San Mateo

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 allow seat selection for free once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may offer seat selection even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before 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, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin synchronizing your body clock by changing your watch and sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to rest or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to San Mateo

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to San Mateo 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 San Mateo. 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 San Mateo. 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 San Mateo, 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 San Mateo

The lowest price for round-trip flights to San Mateo in 2026 starts from $331, 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 San Mateo. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to San Mateo

Frontier Airlines, Sterling Blue, Southwest Airlines, United, Delta, American Airlines, Copa are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to San Mateo. 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 San Mateo and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for San Mateo, 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 San Mateo. 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 San Mateo 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 San Mateo

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 San Mateo.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to San Mateo are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to San Mateo. 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 San Mateo 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 San Mateo. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate San Mateo 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 San Mateo. 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.