A mountainous landscape with dense green forests and a city in the distance.

$175 Cheap Flights from Buffalo (BUF) to San José (SJO)

Popular airlines from Buffalo Niagara Intl. Airport (BUF) to Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO)

Cheap Flights from Buffalo to San José (BUF-SJO)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $175 for one-way flights and $392 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Delta
United
United
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
American Airlines
United
American Airlines
JetBlue Airways
Southwest Airlines

Alternative airports near San José

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

What you need to know for your flight from Buffalo Niagara Intl. to Juan Santamaría Intl.

Buffalo (BUF) to San Jose (SJO) at a glance

Embark on an international journey from Buffalo (BUF) to San Jose (SJO) with a range of airlines offering diverse options. Whether you prefer full-service carriers or budget-friendly choices, you can easily compare flights to find the perfect itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule. As you prepare to explore the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of San Jose, gather all the essential flight details from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 6h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 30m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 2,300 miles (3,700 km)
  • Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $130–$535, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)

Based on recent bookings by travelers, the top airlines flying from Buffalo to San Jose often feature one-stop and multi-stop options. Popular layover points include Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) with a layover of about 1 hour, Orlando International Airport (MCO) at around 2 hours and 15 minutes, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with a 1 hour and 45-minute layover. These choices allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class while crafting the perfect itinerary.

  • JetBlue Airways: This budget-friendly airline provides one-stop service, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $150 and $530. It accounts for around 31% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 15 minutes, and a total travel time of approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes (including layover).
  • American Airlines: A comprehensive service airline, American offers both one-stop and multi-stop options. The one-way fares typically range from $130 to $535. It represents about 29% of flights on this route, with an in-flight time of 6 hours and 15 minutes and a total journey time of roughly 8 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Delta: As a full-service airline, Delta provides one-stop service with one-way fares that usually range from $140 to $540. It makes up approximately 17% of departures on this route, with the in-flight time being 6 hours and 15 minutes, and an overall travel time of around 8 hours and 30 minutes (including layover).
  • Southwest Airlines: Known as a low-cost carrier, Southwest offers one-stop services with typical one-way fares ranging from $130 to $350. This airline accounts for about 16% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 15 minutes and a total travel time of roughly 8 hours and 30 minutes (including layover).
  • United: A full-service airline, United provides one-stop service with one-way fares generally between $165 and $720. It constitutes around 6% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 6 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total journey time of approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes (including layover).

Alternative route from Buffalo (BUF) to San Jose (SJO)

  • Rochester to San Jose (ROC-SJO): Located roughly 56 miles from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) offers a variety of travel options. One-way economy fares for this journey generally fall between $135 and $555, influenced by seasonal demand and how far in advance you book. Travelers can expect both one-stop and multi-stop flights, with common layover locations including John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Major airlines on this route comprise American Airlines and United.

How to find the best prices for flights from Buffalo (BUF) to San Jose (SJO)

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

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are often found when booking within two weeks, although most travelers tend to book at least two months in advance. Afternoon departures (12 p.m. to 6 p.m.) usually offer lower prices, while morning flights (5 a.m. to 12 p.m.) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Monday generally provides cheaper options, but Thursday remains the most commonly chosen travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. 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.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. 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 allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Juan Santamaría International Airport from Buffalo Niagara International Airport

San Jose welcomes travelers from Buffalo with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. San Jose city center is approximately a 20-minute drive (covering about 13 miles) from Juan Santamaría International Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach San Jose efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in San Jose, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Juan Santamaría International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Juan Santamaría International Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
  • 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 about 2.8 miles away by car, providing convenient access for travelers.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $175 and cheap return flights from $392 Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $136 and $1006, and roundtrip flights usually range from $344 to $1791. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from BUF to SJO is November when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
Enter BUF to SJO and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Buffalo Niagara Intl. (BUF) to Juan Santamaria Intl. (SJO), with round-trip tickets starting from around $378. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best time to fly from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
What is the earliest flight from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Buffalo, NY (BUF) to San José (SJO) usually departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in December, giving you an early start to enjoy the beautiful sights of Costa Rica. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
For flights from Buffalo Niagara Intl. (BUF) to Juan Santamaria Intl. (SJO) in San José, the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 56% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, JetBlue and Delta, operate flights during this period. This timing is ideal for travelers wanting to make the most of their time in Costa Rica.
How long does it take to fly from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
A flight from BUF to SJO with a layover takes around 8 hours, with the route covering approximately 2,300 miles. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
Business class seats are offered on the BUF to SJO route with United Airlines.
How do I earn miles on a Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for San Jose from Buffalo Niagara Intl. (BUF)?
From Buffalo Niagara Intl. (BUF), you can fly into Juan Santamaria Intl. (SJO) and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. (SJC) in San Jose. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Charlotte-Douglas Intl. (CLT) before reaching San Jose. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) San José Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
If you booked your Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Buffalo Niagara Intl.
Destination airport
Juan Santamaría Intl.
Airlines serving
Aeromexico, Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United, avianca
Roundtrip price
$392
Distance
2299 mi

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*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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