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$139 Cheap Flights from Mexico City (MEX) to San José (SJO)

View $139 flight on Mon, Sep 7, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) to Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO)

Cheap Flights from Mexico City to San José (MEX-SJO)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $139 for one-way flights and $282 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Volaris Costa Rica
Sat, Oct 10 - Fri, Oct 16
MEX
Mexico City
SJO
San José
$282 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$282
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Volaris Costa Rica flight, departing Sat, Oct 10 from Mexico City to San José, returning Fri, Oct 16, priced at $282 found 3 days ago
Volaris Costa Rica
Thu, Oct 8 - Tue, Oct 13
MEX
Mexico City
SJO
San José
$287 Roundtrip, just found
$287
Roundtrip
just found
Select Volaris Costa Rica flight, departing Thu, Oct 8 from Mexico City to San José, returning Tue, Oct 13, priced at $287 just found
Viva
Sun, Oct 11 - Sun, Oct 18
MEX
Mexico City
SJO
San José
$306 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$306
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select Viva flight, departing Sun, Oct 11 from Mexico City to San José, returning Sun, Oct 18, priced at $306 found 9 hours ago
Viva
Sun, Oct 11 - Sun, Oct 18
MEX
Mexico City
SJO
San José
$309 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$309
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select Viva flight, departing Sun, Oct 11 from Mexico City to San José, returning Sun, Oct 18, priced at $309 found 9 hours ago
Viva
Wed, Sep 23 - Sat, Sep 26
MEX
Mexico City
SJO
San José
$315 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$315
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Viva flight, departing Wed, Sep 23 from Mexico City to San José, returning Sat, Sep 26, priced at $315 found 3 days ago
Aeromexico
Thu, Aug 27 - Sat, Sep 5
MEX
Mexico City
SJO
San José
$316 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$316
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Aeromexico flight, departing Thu, Aug 27 from Mexico City to San José, returning Sat, Sep 5, priced at $316 found 3 hours ago
Viva
Wed, Sep 2 - Tue, Sep 8
MEX
Mexico City
SJO
San José
$321 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$321
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Viva flight, departing Wed, Sep 2 from Mexico City to San José, returning Tue, Sep 8, priced at $321 found 3 days ago
Volaris Costa Rica
Sat, Aug 29 - Wed, Sep 2
MEX
Mexico City
SJO
San José
$325 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$325
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Volaris Costa Rica flight, departing Sat, Aug 29 from Mexico City to San José, returning Wed, Sep 2, priced at $325 found 2 days ago
Aeromexico
Thu, Nov 19 - Mon, Nov 30
MEX
Mexico City
SJO
San José
$344 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$344
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Aeromexico flight, departing Thu, Nov 19 from Mexico City to San José, returning Mon, Nov 30, priced at $344 found 2 hours ago
avianca
Thu, Oct 8 - Tue, Oct 13
MEX
Mexico City
SJO
San José
$368 Roundtrip, just found
$368
Roundtrip
just found
Select avianca flight, departing Thu, Oct 8 from Mexico City to San José, returning Tue, Oct 13, priced at $368 just found
Copa
Wed, Dec 9 - Wed, Dec 16
MEX
Mexico City
SJO
San José
$474 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$474
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select Copa flight, departing Wed, Dec 9 from Mexico City to San José, returning Wed, Dec 16, priced at $474 found 5 days ago
United
Thu, Nov 5 - Mon, Nov 16
MEX
Mexico City
SJO
San José
$884 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$884
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Nov 5 from Mexico City to San José, returning Mon, Nov 16, priced at $884 found 9 hours ago
American Airlines
Wed, Nov 18 - Wed, Dec 2
MEX
Mexico City
SJO
San José
$1,023 Roundtrip, found 21 hours ago
$1,023
Roundtrip
found 21 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 18 from Mexico City to San José, returning Wed, Dec 2, priced at $1,023 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 $418
SJO
Juan Santamaria Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center20 min
Flights from $418

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

Mexico City (MEX) to San Jose (SJO) at a glance

Travel to San Jose (SJO) from Mexico City (MEX) with a range of airlines on this international short-haul route. You can choose between full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the best flight options that align with your budget, schedule, and travel preferences as you prepare to experience the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of San Jose. Check out the essential flight information for departures from Mexico City International Airport (MEX) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3 hours non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,200 miles (1,930 km)
  • Flights per week: around 12 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $150–$390, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Mexico City International Airport (MEX) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)

According to recent booking trends, here are the top airlines favored by travelers flying from Mexico City to San Jose, offering both non-stop and one-stop flight options. Common layover points include Tocumen International Airport (PTY) with a layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, El Salvador International Airport (SAL) at approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, and El Dorado International Airport (BOG) with a 2-hour and 45-minute layover. This allows you to tailor your journey by considering price, total travel time, and cabin class for the ideal itinerary.

  • Aeromexico: This full-service airline provides non-stop flights, covering around 46% of departures on this route. One-way fares generally fall between $150 and $460, with an overall travel time of approximately 3 hours.
  • Avianca: As a full-service carrier, Avianca offers both non-stop and one-stop options, representing about 39% of flights on this route. Expect one-way fares typically ranging from $160 to $390 and a non-stop journey time of around 3 hours.
  • Volaris: A budget-friendly option, Volaris provides both non-stop and one-stop services, accounting for roughly 11% of departures. One-way ticket prices usually vary from $150 to $325, with a non-stop flight duration of 3 hours.
  • Copa: This full-service airline specializes in one-stop flights, covering about 3% of departures on this route. One-way fares typically range from $170 to $795, with a flight time of 5 hours and 15 minutes, totaling around 6 hours and 45 minutes including layovers.

Travelers flying from Mexico City to San Jose can enhance their journey with upgraded options. Aeromexico provides both Business Class and Premium Economy, while Avianca exclusively offers Business Class for a more comfortable experience.

Best time to fly from Mexico City (MEX) to San Jose (SJO)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Mexico City 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 May, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 68.7°F. For better deals, February usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $243. Flight availability peaks in December, with approximately 15 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: February usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $243, roughly 9% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: April, March, and May typically offer average one-way fares of around $250.
  • Most flight options: December has the highest number of flights from Mexico City to San Jose, with approximately 15 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)Moderately High12$268
February66.7°F (19.3°C)Average12$243
March67.8°F (19.9°C)Moderately High11$250
April69.1°F (20.6°C)Moderately High12$249
May68.7°F (20.4°C)Moderately Low11$251
June68.0°F (20.0°C)Average11$259
July67.3°F (19.6°C)Moderately Low11$302
August67.1°F (19.5°C)Average12$267
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Average13$263
October66.4°F (19.1°C)Moderately Low12$266
November65.5°F (18.6°C)Average14$303
December65.1°F (18.4°C)Average15$296

*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 Mexico City (MEX) to San Jose (SJO)

  • Toluca to San José (TLC-SJO): Located approximately 32 miles from Mexico City International Airport (MEX), Toluca International Airport (TLC) offers convenient access.
  • Mexico City to Quepos (MEX-XQP): Roughly 39 miles from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Quepos Airport (XQP) serves as a gateway to the region.
  • Mexico City to La Fortuna (MEX-FON): About 44 miles away from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Arenal Airport (FON) provides vital links to La Fortuna.

How to find the best prices for flights from Mexico City (MEX) to San Jose (SJO)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Mexico City 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 at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book within two weeks. Morning departures from 5 AM to 12 PM often offer lower prices, while afternoon flights from 12 PM to 6 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday usually provides cheaper prices, whereas Sunday remains the most popular 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 Mexico City International Airport

San Jose welcomes travelers from Mexico City 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 options for travelers heading to both sea and rail destinations.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Mexico City (MEX-Mexico City Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $139 and cheap return flights from $282 Mexico City (MEX-Mexico City Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $180 and $1312, and return flights often range between $387 and $2041. 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 Mexico City (MEX-Mexico City 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 Mexico City (MEX-Mexico City Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
May is the cheapest month to fly from Mexico City (MEX-Mexico City Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.), with average round-trip fares around $360. This price is about 14% lower than the average throughout the year, as demand tends to drop after the busy spring break season. Other budget-friendly months include June and August.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Mexico City (MEX-Mexico City Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
There are 2 airlines offering direct flights from MEX to SJO:

  • Aeromexico operates around 14 direct flights from MEX to SJO every week
  • Avianca operates around 7 direct flights from MEX to SJO every week

How do I find cheap flights from Mexico City (MEX-Mexico City Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Mexico City (MEX-Mexico City 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 Mexico City (MEX-Mexico City Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Mexico City (MEX) to San José (SJO) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Aeromexico offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Volaris typically offers the lowest fares. Avianca offers the most daily flights from MEX 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 Mexico City (MEX-Mexico City Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
The ideal months to fly from Mexico City (MEX) to San José (SJO) are May and August. In May, you can find flights for about $360, while August also offers competitive pricing. These months are great for travelers looking for a balance between cost and availability, as they typically see lower demand compared to peak travel seasons.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Mexico City (MEX-Mexico City Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
On average, there are around 4 nonstop flights per day from Mexico City Intl. (MEX) to Juan Santamaria Intl. (SJO). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Mexico City (MEX-Mexico City Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Mexico City International Airport (MEX) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) usually leaves at around 12:05 AM, operated by Aeromexico. This early departure can help you maximize your time in San José. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
How long does it take to fly from Mexico City (MEX-Mexico City Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from MEX to SJO typically takes around 3 hours, covering approximately 1,188 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 5 hours 20 minutes to your travel time. 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 Mexico City (MEX-Mexico City Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
You can fly business class between MEX and SJO. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • Avianca
  • Copa
  • Aeromexico
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • Air Canada
  • Lufthansa
  • Air France
  • KLM

How much is a business class flight from Mexico City (MEX-Mexico City Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Mexico City (MEX) to San José (SJO) typically costs between $872 - $1,741. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $357 - $512. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Mexico City (MEX-Mexico City Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a Mexico City (MEX-Mexico City Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Mexico City (MEX-Mexico City 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 Mexico City Intl. (MEX)?
When traveling from Mexico City Intl. (MEX) 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 George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Intl. (GDL), General Mariano Escobedo Intl. (MTY) 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 Mexico City (MEX-Mexico City Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Mexico City (MEX-Mexico City 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 Mexico City (MEX-Mexico City Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Mexico City (MEX-Mexico City 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 Mexico City (MEX-Mexico City Intl.) to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)?
If you booked your Mexico City (MEX-Mexico City 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
Mexico City Intl.
Destination airport
Juan Santamaría Intl.
Airlines serving
Aeromexico, American Airlines, Copa, United, Viva, Volaris, Volaris Costa Rica, avianca
Roundtrip price
$281
Distance
1187 mi
Average flight time
3 hours 11 mins

Book with confidence

Mexico City to San José Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Mexico City 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 Mexico City to San José are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Mexico City to San José with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Mexico City to San José

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Mexico City 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 Mexico City 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 Mexico City to San José in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $139 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 Mexico City 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 Mexico City 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.

 

Mexico City to San José Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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