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$87 Cheap Flights to Santa Marta

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Popular airlines

How much is the cheapest flight to Santa Marta?

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $87 for one-way flights and $212 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Volaris Costa Rica
Frontier Airlines
Arajet
Southwest Airlines
Copa

Find the cheapest month to fly from Columbus (CMH) to San José (SJO)

From $303 - $585 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight to Santa Marta

Flights to Santa Marta at a glance

Traveling to Santa Marta is a breeze. Choose between full-service and budget airlines, compare travel times, and select the flight that best fits your budget and schedule as you plan to explore the city's renowned attractions and vibrant neighborhoods.

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

Popular airport near Santa Marta

Santa Marta is a charming village perfect for breathtaking scenery, adventure, and outdoor vacations. Travelers flock here for its stunning beaches and eco-friendly activities. This village is conveniently served by a major airport, making access easy for visitors.

  • Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO): Situated in Cantón Alajuela, Alajuela Province, approximately 79 miles from Santa Marta, this airport operates both domestic and international flights. It connects travelers to around 8 domestic cities and over 230 international destinations. For those seeking enhanced comfort, options to upgrade to business class, premium economy class, and first-class seating are available, depending on the airline and route. Notable airlines serving this airport include United, American Airlines, and JetBlue Airways.

Top routes to Santa Marta

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

Cheapest routes to Santa Marta

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

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

Top airlines with flights to Santa Marta

  • American Airlines: This airline operates flights to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), contributing roughly 26% of all arrivals to Santa Marta. The typical one-way fare is around $320, with business class available as a premium cabin option based on the route.
  • United: Offering service to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), United represents about 20% of arrivals to Santa Marta. Passengers can expect an average one-way fare of approximately $330, and business class may be an option for premium service depending on the route.
  • Avianca: With flights to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Avianca accounts for nearly 11% of arrivals to Santa Marta. The average one-way fare hovers around $330, and travelers may find business class as a premium cabin selection depending on their route.
  • Copa: This airline flies to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and makes up about 11% of arrivals into Santa Marta. Average one-way fares are around $310, and premium cabin options may include business class based on the specific route taken.
  • JetBlue Airways: JetBlue serves Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), responsible for roughly 7% of Santa Marta arrivals. The average one-way fare is approximately $260, and travelers may enjoy premium economy as an available cabin option, depending on the route chosen.

Best time to fly to Santa Marta

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Santa Marta are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Santa Marta can reach up to 69.4°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 68.2°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.

calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinesscrowd level iconDemandprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHigh$295
February68.9°F (20.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHigh$293
March69.4°F (20.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHigh$304
April69.8°F (21.0°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverage$295
May68.7°F (20.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyLow$250
June68.4°F (20.2°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverage$278
July68.0°F (20.0°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverage$289
August68.2°F (20.1°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverage$237
September68.2°F (20.1°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyLow$221
October67.6°F (19.8°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyLow$224
November67.5°F (19.7°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverage$251
December67.5°F (19.7°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverage$378

*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 Santa Marta

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Santa Marta 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*, or explore our Santa Marta hotel and flight deals.
  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 Santa Marta flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Santa Marta

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

  • Public transportation: From Juan Santamaría International Airport, travelers can easily access key transport links, with Bahia Drake Seaport, a seaport, 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.
  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Santa Marta, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car in Santa Marta is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Santa Marta 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 in and around Santa Marta

  • Pilas: Pilas is located 5 miles away from Santa Marta and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The city boasts stunning natural landscapes, including a beautiful beach, majestic volcanoes, and scenic mountains. Key attractions such as Playa Tortuga offer a perfect spot for a beach vacation, while Palmar Norte Park and Palmar Sur Park provide fantastic options for family-friendly outdoor activities amid lush greenery.
  • La Amistad: La Amistad is located 8 miles away from Santa Marta and is known for its inviting beaches. Visitors can unwind at Playa Tortuga, a picturesque beach ideal for sunbathing and relaxation. The area also features Topolandia, a family-oriented tourist precinct, and El Pavón Waterfall, which provides a romantic setting perfect for outdoor adventures. La Amistad offers a laid-back atmosphere that is perfect for beach lovers.
  • Brunka: Santa Marta is situated in Brunka, a city renowned for its breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. Brunka is home to Chirripo National Park, where nature enthusiasts can explore diverse ecosystems and enjoy hiking trails. For the adventurous, Cerro Chirripó offers a challenging climb with rewarding views. Families can also visit Topolandia, a vibrant tourist precinct designed for outdoor enjoyment. Brunka is a must-visit for travelers seeking a blend of natural beauty and adventure.

Tips for short-haul flights to Santa Marta

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

  • Pack light and skip checked bags—for budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Maximize your packing efficiency by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and coordinating your outfits. This approach also helps you avoid waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
  • Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself entertained, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book. Be sure to fully charge your devices before you board.
  • 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 while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Santa Marta

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 provide the option to select seats even earlier.
  • Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights. This will give you ample time for check-in, security screening, and immigration procedures.
  • Relax at the airport—if you find yourself with extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, 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 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.

Frequently asked questions

What month is the cheapest to fly to Santa Marta?
May is the cheapest month to fly to Santa Marta. There's less demand then, so fares are usually more affordable. Booking your trip outside of school and public holidays could also help you save.
Which US cities fly direct to Santa Marta?
There are 13 US destinations where you can fly to Santa Marta directly from. Explore your options by using the "Direct flights only" box on Expedia and choose the best departure point for your trip. Here are a handful of the major cities to head out from:
  • Houston
  • Orlando
  • Fort Lauderdale
  • Miami
  • Atlanta
How to find a cheap flight to Santa Marta?
Traveling in the low season and booking in advance are two of the best ways to secure cheap flights to Santa Marta. Or, consider departing on a Thursday, which, on average, is 16% cheaper than leaving on a Sunday.* Want to be the first to know when fares fall? Just set up price tracking on the Expedia app to get real-time updates.*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
How to get a cheap last-minute flight to Santa Marta?
It's possible to get awesome deals on last-minute departures to Santa Marta, especially if your plans are flexible. Think about flying from a different hub, changing your trip dates or selecting another airline to get a cheap flight to Santa Marta.
How far in advance should I book a flight to Santa Marta?
Secure your flight to Santa Marta two to four months ahead if you're visiting from an international destination. For domestic travel, the usual timeframe is 28 days in advance. Lower prices and a greater choice of departure dates, times and seating options are just a few of the benefits of booking early.**Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
Which day of the week is the cheapest day to buy a plane ticket to Santa Marta?
Sundays are generally the best day to book a cheap flight to Santa Marta, where you can save 8% on average compared to a Friday. If you purchase tickets on a Friday, expect to pay a higher price as this is typically the most expensive day.**Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
Which airlines fly to Santa Marta?
Two of the most popular airlines to Santa Marta are SANSA Regional and GetJet Airlines. A total of 2 airlines connect Santa Marta to 1 airports across the globe. Quepos (XQP) is the major arrival point in this exciting destination.
Where do you fly into Santa Marta?
The main hub when you fly to Santa Marta is Buenos Aires (BAI), but there are some good nearby alternatives like Palmar (PMZ-Palmar Sur) and Drake Bay Airport (DRK). You can also land at Golfito Airport (GLF) and Puerto Jimenez Airport (PJM) when flying to Santa Marta.
How far is the airport from central Santa Marta?
If you're jetting into Buenos Aires (BAI), you'll be approximately 5 mi east of central Santa Marta.
Can I save money by booking a Santa Marta trip package?
Book a Santa Marta flight and hotel package deal on Expedia, and you could enjoy significant savings. It's simple to bundle your flights and accommodations, and you can also add activities and car rentals to create your own customized Santa Marta getaway. Plus, there's nothing like the convenience of booking everything in one place.
Can I change or cancel my flight to Santa Marta?
You can often change or cancel your flight to Santa Marta within 24 hours of booking. However, keep in mind that some flights are non-refundable. In those cases, you may receive a credit toward future travel instead of a direct refund. Be sure to check the airline's terms and conditions in your itinerary for specific details. Use Expedia's "Changes included" or "No cancel fee" filters during your search to secure cheap flights to Santa Marta with flexible change policies. For additional information, visit our Customer Service Portal.

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

Book with confidence

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Santa Marta

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Santa Marta 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

May is the cheapest month to fly to Santa Marta. 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 Santa Marta. 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 Santa Marta, 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 Santa Marta

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Santa Marta in 2026 starts from from $212, while one-way tickets start from from $87. 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 Santa Marta. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Santa Marta

Volaris Costa Rica, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Arajet, Copa are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Santa Marta. 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 Santa Marta and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Santa Marta, 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 Santa Marta. 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 Santa Marta 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 Santa Marta

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 Santa Marta.

Stopover savings

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

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Santa Marta

Travel information

Destination airport
Juan Santamaría Intl.
Destination airport IATA code
SJO
Destination city name
San José
Roundtrip price
$211

Trending flights to Santa Marta

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $87 for one-way flights and $212 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

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