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$182 Cheap Flights from New York (LGA) to San José (SJO)

View $182 flight on Fri, Sep 25, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO)

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Cheap Flights from New York to San José (LGA-SJO)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $182 for one-way flights and $393 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
Mon, Aug 31 - Sat, Sep 5
LGA
New York
SJO
San José
$393 Roundtrip, found 15 hours ago
$393
Roundtrip
found 15 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Mon, Aug 31 from New York to San José, returning Sat, Sep 5, priced at $393 found 15 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Sep 1 - Mon, Sep 14
LGA
New York
SJO
San José
$397 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$397
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Sep 1 from New York to San José, returning Mon, Sep 14, priced at $397 found 14 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Mon, Aug 31 - Fri, Sep 11
LGA
New York
SJO
San José
$399 Roundtrip, found 15 hours ago
$399
Roundtrip
found 15 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Mon, Aug 31 from New York to San José, returning Fri, Sep 11, priced at $399 found 15 hours ago
Delta
Thu, Sep 10 - Mon, Sep 14
LGA
New York
SJO
San José
$406 Roundtrip, just found
$406
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Thu, Sep 10 from New York to San José, returning Mon, Sep 14, priced at $406 just found
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Sep 23 - Tue, Sep 29
LGA
New York
SJO
San José
$409 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$409
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Sep 23 from New York to San José, returning Tue, Sep 29, priced at $409 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Aug 27 - Fri, Sep 11
LGA
New York
SJO
San José
$411 Roundtrip, found 15 hours ago
$411
Roundtrip
found 15 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Aug 27 from New York to San José, returning Fri, Sep 11, priced at $411 found 15 hours ago
American Airlines
Fri, Sep 18 - Thu, Sep 24
LGA
New York
SJO
San José
$414 Roundtrip, found 13 hours ago
$414
Roundtrip
found 13 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 18 from New York to San José, returning Thu, Sep 24, priced at $414 found 13 hours ago
United
Fri, Oct 30 - Sun, Nov 1
LGA
New York
SJO
San José
$416 Roundtrip, just found
$416
Roundtrip
just found
Select United flight, departing Fri, Oct 30 from New York to San José, returning Sun, Nov 1, priced at $416 just found
American Airlines
Sat, Aug 22 - Sat, Sep 5
LGA
New York
SJO
San José
$416 Roundtrip, just found
$416
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Aug 22 from New York to San José, returning Sat, Sep 5, priced at $416 just found
JetBlue Airways
Sat, Sep 12 - Fri, Sep 18
LGA
New York
SJO
San José
$488 Roundtrip, found 21 hours ago
$488
Roundtrip
found 21 hours ago
Select JetBlue Airways flight, departing Sat, Sep 12 from New York to San José, returning Fri, Sep 18, priced at $488 found 21 hours ago

Alternative airports near San José

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

Select flight to Juan Santamaria Intl. SJO. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 20 minutes. Flights from $637
SJO
Juan Santamaria Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center20 min
Flights from $637

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

New York (LGA) to San Jose (SJO) at a glance

Travelers can choose from a range of airlines operating routes from New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to San Jose's Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) on this international long-haul journey. Compare various options, including both full-service and budget carriers, to discover the itinerary that best aligns with your travel plans, budget, and schedule while you explore the iconic sights and neighborhoods of San Jose.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 6h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 2,200 miles (3,540 km)
  • Flights per week: around 12 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $105–$440, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for journeys from New York to San Jose, primarily offering one-stop flights with popular layovers at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT, approximately 1-hour layover), Miami International Airport (MIA, about 1 hour and 30 minutes), and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL, roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes). These options allow you to mix and match price, total travel time, and cabin class to craft the perfect itinerary.

  • American Airlines: This major airline provides a full-service experience with one-stop flights, where one-way ticket prices generally fall between $105 and $410. It represents about 53% of all departures on this route, with a flight duration of 6 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel time of approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes, including layover time.
  • United: Another prominent full-service carrier, United offers one-stop itineraries with one-way fares typically ranging from $105 to $345. It accounts for roughly 14% of departures for this route, featuring an in-flight time of 6 hours and 30 minutes, and a complete journey lasting around 8 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
  • Delta: As a full-service airline, Delta provides one-stop service with one-way fares generally priced between $105 and $560. It makes up about 13% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel time of around 8 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in layover durations.
  • JetBlue Airways: This low-cost airline features one-stop options with one-way fares usually ranging from $115 to $495. JetBlue accounts for approximately 11% of the departures along this route, with flight times clocking in at 6 hours and 30 minutes and total journey times around 8 hours and 15 minutes, including layover time.
  • Southwest Airlines: Known for its budget-friendly fares, Southwest is a low-cost carrier offering one-stop flights with one-way prices typically between $105 and $510. It represents about 6% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 6 hours and 30 minutes and an overall travel duration of roughly 8 hours and 15 minutes, including layover periods.

Best time to fly from New York (LGA) to San Jose (SJO)

The most popular months for travelers flying from New York to San Jose are January, February, and April, when peak temperatures in San Jose reach up to 69.1°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 66.9°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $145). Flight availability peaks in August, with approximately 18 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. June has the fewest flights, with approximately 8 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $145, roughly 31% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: October typically offers an average one-way fare of around $153.
  • Most flight options: August has the highest number of flights from New York to San Jose, with approximately 18 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January65.5°F (18.6°C)High13$204
February66.7°F (19.3°C)High15$229
March67.8°F (19.9°C)Average10$218
April69.1°F (20.6°C)High12$274
May68.7°F (20.4°C)Average10$220
June68.0°F (20.0°C)Low8$222
July67.3°F (19.6°C)Average12$230
August67.1°F (19.5°C)Average18$181
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Low10$145
October66.4°F (19.1°C)Low11$153
November65.5°F (18.6°C)Average13$178
December65.1°F (18.4°C)Average9$306

*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.

Alternative routes from New York (LGA) to San Jose (SJO)

  • New York to San Jose (JFK-SJO): John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is located roughly 10 miles from LaGuardia Airport (LGA). On this route, one-way economy prices generally range from $115 to $475, influenced by the time of year and how early you make your reservation. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flight options. Major airlines servicing this route include JetBlue Airways, a budget airline, and Avianca. Business class is also offered on this journey.
  • Newark to San Jose (EWR-SJO): Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) lies about 17 miles from LaGuardia Airport (LGA). For one-way economy tickets on this route, prices typically vary from $120 to $545, depending on the season and the timing of your booking. Similar to the previous route, both non-stop and one-stop flights are available. Key airlines operating in this sector include United and American Airlines. Additionally, business class service is provided.

How to find the best prices for flights from New York (LGA) to San Jose (SJO)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from New York 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 typically found when booking within two weeks, although most travelers book at least two months in advance. Evening departures from 6 PM to 12 AM tend to be less expensive, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Fridays usually offers lower prices, though Wednesdays are the most sought-after travel days.
  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 LaGuardia Airport

San Jose welcomes travelers from New York with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, LaGuardia Airport is roughly a 15-minute drive (covering about 10 miles) from central New York. 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 approximately 2.8 miles from the airport, also most conveniently accessed by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from New York, NY (LGA-LaGuardia) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $182 and cheap return flights from $393 New York, NY (LGA-LaGuardia) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $123 and $781, and return flights often range between $343 and $1394. 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 New York, NY (LGA-LaGuardia) 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 New York, NY (LGA-LaGuardia) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
November is the cheapest month to fly from New York to San José, with average return fares around $292. This is about 31% lower than the average price throughout the year, as travel demand tends to drop after the summer and before the holiday season. Other affordable months to consider are September and October.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from New York, NY (LGA-LaGuardia) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
Enter LGA to SJO and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from New York, NY (LGA-LaGuardia) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from New York (LGA) to San José (SJO) starting from around $533. 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 New York, NY (LGA-LaGuardia) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from New York, NY (LGA-LaGuardia) 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 New York, NY (LGA-LaGuardia) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
When flying from New York (LGA) to San José (SJO), November and September are your best options. Average return flight prices are around $292, providing excellent value. November is a great time to enjoy the fall season, while September offers a quieter travel experience, making both months appealing for your journey.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from New York, NY (LGA-LaGuardia) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
The earliest flight from New York, NY (LaGuardia) to San José (Juan Santamaria Intl.) typically departs at around 1:15 AM, operated by Copa Airlines. This is a seasonal service active in January, November, and December, allowing you to start your journey early and maximize your time in 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 New York, NY (LGA-LaGuardia) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from New York, NY (LGA) to San José (SJO) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 51% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Spirit Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it lets you maximize your time in Costa Rica upon arrival.
How long does it take to fly from New York, NY (LGA-LaGuardia) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
Flights from LGA to SJO with one stop typically take around 9 hours 20 minutes, covering approximately 2,218 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 New York, NY (LGA-LaGuardia) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
Business class seats are offered on the LGA to SJO route. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • Air Canada
  • United Airlines
  • Copa

First class is available with Spirit Airlines.
How do I earn miles on a New York, NY (LGA-LaGuardia) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a New York, NY (LGA-LaGuardia) 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 LaGuardia (LGA)?
When traveling from LaGuardia (LGA) to San Jose, you can fly into Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. (SJC) and Juan Santamaria Intl. (SJO). Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Denver Intl. (DEN), Midway Intl. (MDW) 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 New York, NY (LGA-LaGuardia) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from New York, NY (LGA-LaGuardia) 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 New York, NY (LGA-LaGuardia) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a New York, NY (LGA-LaGuardia) 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 New York, NY (LGA-LaGuardia) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
If you booked your New York, NY (LGA-LaGuardia) 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
LaGuardia
Destination airport
Juan Santamaría Intl.
Airlines serving
Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United, avianca
Roundtrip price
$392
Distance
2218 mi

Book with confidence

New York to San José Flights

The cheapest times to fly from New York to San José

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from New York to San José are during the month of August. You can find some of the cheapest flights from New York to San José with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from New York to San José

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from New York to San José: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from New York to San José

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from New York to San José in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $182 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap New York to San José flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your New York to San José airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

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

 

New York to San José Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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