$256 Cheap Flights from Lima (LIM) to San José (SJO)
Popular airlines from Jorge Chávez Intl. Airport (LIM) to Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO)
AviancaAvianca
LATAM Airlines GroupLATAM Airlines Group
CopaCopa
DeltaDelta
AeromexicoAeromexico
Air FranceAir France
KLMKLM
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Cheap Flights from Lima to San José (LIM-SJO)
Alternative airports near San José
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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Lima (LIM) to San Jose (SJO) at a glance
Experience the journey from Lima (LIM) to San Jose (SJO) with a selection of airlines catering to your travel needs on this international long-haul route. Whether you prefer full-service airlines or budget-friendly options, you can compare various itineraries to find the best fit for your schedule and budget. Discover essential flight information for departures from Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) as you plan your exploration of San Jose's iconic attractions and neighborhoods.
- Fastest flight duration: around 4 hours non-stop
- Route distance: roughly 1,600 miles (2,570 km)
- Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $170–$595, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Lima to San Jose, highlighting options for both non-stop and one-stop journeys. Popular layover choices include Tocumen International Airport (PTY) with about a 1.5-hour stop, El Dorado International Airport (BOG) featuring a 2-hour layover, and El Salvador International Airport (SAL) with a 3.75-hour stop. These selections allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class for the ideal itinerary.
- LATAM Airlines Group: This full-service airline operates non-stop flights, handling around 50% of departures on this route. One-way ticket prices generally fall between $170 and $420, and the total travel duration is approximately 4 hours.
- Copa: Offering one-stop service, Copa makes up about 36% of flights on this route. One-way fares usually range from $170 to $580, with an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total travel time of around 7 hours, including layover.
- Avianca: As a full-service carrier, Avianca provides one-stop flights, representing roughly 14% of departures. Their one-way fares typically vary from $220 to $895, with an in-flight time of 5 hours and 15 minutes, resulting in a total journey time of about 7 hours, factoring in the layover.
Travelers have the option to upgrade their flight from Lima to San Jose, with Copa Airlines offering Business Class and LATAM Airlines Group providing a Premium Economy experience for added comfort.
Best time to fly from Lima (LIM) to San Jose (SJO)
The most popular months for travelers flying from Lima to San Jose are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in San Jose reach up to 69.1°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 65.5°F. For better deals, June usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $214. Flight availability peaks in January and April, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. October has the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.
- Cheapest time to fly: June usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $214, roughly 24% cheaper than the yearly average.
- Another budget-friendly time to fly: November typically offers an average one-way fare of around $227.
- Most flight options: January and April have the highest number of flights from Lima to San Jose, with approximately 10 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
| Month | Temperature | Demand | Weekly Flights | Average one-way Fare |
| January | 65.5°F (18.6°C) | High | 10 | $477 |
| February | 66.7°F (19.3°C) | Average | 8 | $276 |
| March | 67.8°F (19.9°C) | High | 8 | $251 |
| April | 69.1°F (20.6°C) | High | 10 | $280 |
| May | 68.7°F (20.4°C) | Average | 8 | $255 |
| June | 68.0°F (20.0°C) | Average | 8 | $214 |
| July | 67.3°F (19.6°C) | Average | 8 | $377 |
| August | 67.1°F (19.5°C) | Average | 8 | $238 |
| September | 66.9°F (19.4°C) | Low | 8 | $253 |
| October | 66.4°F (19.1°C) | Low | 7 | $261 |
| November | 65.5°F (18.6°C) | Low | 8 | $227 |
| December | 65.1°F (18.4°C) | Average | 8 | $316 |
*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 Lima (LIM) to San Jose (SJO)
How to find the best prices for flights from Lima (LIM) to San Jose (SJO)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Lima to San Jose is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking 2 to 8 weeks in advance, although most travelers tend to book within 2 weeks. Afternoon departures, from 12 PM to 6 PM, often offer lower prices and are the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Tuesday generally provides cheaper prices, while Friday remains the most popular travel day.
- Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
- Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
- 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.
- Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
- 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 Jorge Chávez International Airport
San Jose welcomes travelers from Lima with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Jorge Chávez International Airport is roughly a less than 5 minutes' drive (covering about 0.9 mile) from central Lima. 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 away by car, providing convenient access to both maritime and rail transport options.
Lima to San José Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Lima 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 Lima to San José are during the month of December. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Lima to San José with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Lima to San José
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Lima 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 Lima 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 Lima to San José in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $256 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 Lima 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 Lima 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from Lima (LIM-Jorge Chávez Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $256 and cheap return flights $500 Lima (LIM-Jorge Chávez Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $206 and $1194, and roundtrip flights usually range from $427 to $1234. 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 Lima (LIM-Jorge Chávez 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 Lima (LIM-Jorge Chávez Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
April is the cheapest month to fly from Lima (LIM) to San José (SJO), with average return fares around $408. This price is about 16% lower than the average, as April is often a less busy travel month. Other budget-friendly months include March and September.
*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Lima (LIM-Jorge Chávez Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
Choose from 1 airlines operating direct flights from LIM to SJO:
- LATAM Airlines Group operates around 7 direct flights from LIM to SJO every week
- LAN Airlines operates around 7 direct flights from LIM to SJO every week
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Lima (LIM-Jorge Chávez Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
LAN Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Jorge Chávez Intl. (LIM) to Juan Santamaría Intl. (SJO), with round-trip tickets starting from around $442. 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 Lima (LIM-Jorge Chávez Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Lima (LIM-Jorge Chávez 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 airline to fly with from Lima (LIM-Jorge Chávez Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Lima (LIM) to San José (SJO) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, LAN Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, LAN Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. Copa offers the most daily flights from LIM to SJO, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Lima (LIM-Jorge Chávez Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
The best times to fly from Lima (LIM) to San José (SJO) are in April and September. April is the cheapest month with return flights averaging around $408, while September is also popular for travel. These months provide a nice balance of affordability and good flight schedules, making your trip planning easier.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Lima (LIM-Jorge Chávez Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
On average, there are around 1 nonstop flights per day from Jorge Chavez Intl. (LIM) to Juan Santamaria Intl. (SJO). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Lima (LIM-Jorge Chávez Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) usually departs at midnight. This service operates seasonally in June, and an early flight allows you to maximize your day upon arrival in San José. 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 Lima (LIM-Jorge Chávez Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Lima (LIM) to San José (SJO) are in the early morning, from 9am to noon. About 28% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Copa Airlines, Avianca and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in San José with plenty of time to enjoy the day ahead.
How long does it take to fly from Lima (LIM-Jorge Chávez Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
Direct flights from LIM to SJO usually take about 3 hours 50 minutes, traveling roughly 1,598 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 3 hours to your journey. 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 Lima (LIM-Jorge Chávez Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
Business class is available on flights from LIM to SJO. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:
- Copa
- Avianca
- Aeromexico
- United Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
How do I earn miles on a Lima (LIM-Jorge Chávez Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Lima (LIM-Jorge Chávez 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 Jorge Chavez Intl. (LIM)?
When traveling from Jorge Chavez Intl. (LIM) to San Jose, you can fly into Juan Santamaria Intl. (SJO) and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. (SJC). Some flights may connect through major hubs like El Salvador Intl. (SAL), Tocumen Intl. (PTY) 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 Lima (LIM-Jorge Chávez Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Lima (LIM-Jorge Chávez 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 Lima (LIM-Jorge Chávez Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Lima (LIM-Jorge Chávez 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 Lima (LIM-Jorge Chávez Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
If you booked your Lima (LIM-Jorge Chávez 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 | Jorge Chávez Intl. Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport |
Distance | 1,597 miles away |
Airlines serving | Avianca, LATAM Airlines Group, Copa, Delta, Aeromexico, Air France, KLM |
Popular airline | Avianca |
Roundtrip price | $500 |
Average flight time | 3 hours 55 mins |