$154 Cheap Flights from Phoenix (PHX) to San José (SJO)

Phoenix (PHX) to San Jose (SJO) at a glance

Embark on your journey from Phoenix (PHX) to San Jose (SJO) with a selection of airlines that cater to this international long-haul route. Whether you prefer full-service or budget-friendly carriers, you can compare different options to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel plans while you explore the renowned attractions and neighborhoods of San Jose. Get all the essential details for flights departing from Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).

• Fastest flight duration: around 8h 15m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 2,400 miles (3,860 km)
• Flights per week: around 15+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $150–$510, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines commonly selected for one-stop and multi-stop flights from Phoenix to San Jose. Popular layover locations include George Bush Intercontinental Airport, IAH (with a layover of about 1 hour and 45 minutes), Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, DFW (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes), and William P. Hobby Airport, HOU (around 2 hours and 15 minutes). These options allow you to mix and match price, total travel time, and cabin class to find the ideal itinerary.

• United: This full-service airline offers both non-stop and one-stop flights, capturing about 40% of departures on this route. One-way fares generally range from $170 to $460, with an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total travel time of approximately 9 hours.
• American Airlines: Another full-service option, American Airlines provides one-stop and multi-stop services, making up around 34% of flights on this route. Their one-way fares typically fall between $150 and $555, with a similar in-flight time of 6 hours and 30 minutes, resulting in a total journey time of about 9 hours.
• Southwest Airlines: As a low-cost carrier, Southwest Airlines offers one-stop services and accounts for roughly 17% of departures on this route. Their one-way ticket prices usually range from $150 to $485, featuring an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 30 minutes, with a total travel time of about 9 hours, including layovers.
• Delta: Delta is a full-service airline that provides one-stop flights, covering around 5% of departures on this route. Their one-way fares typically range from $165 to $465, with an in-flight time of 6 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total travel duration of approximately 9 hours, including layovers.
• JetBlue Airways: This low-cost carrier offers one-stop service and represents about 3% of departures on this route. One-way fares generally range from $160 to $580, with an expected in-flight duration of 6 hours and 30 minutes and a total journey time of roughly 9 hours, including layovers.

Best time to fly from Phoenix (PHX) to San Jose (SJO)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Phoenix to San Jose are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in San Jose reach up to 67.8°F in March. 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 $207). Flight availability peaks in March, with approximately 20 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. October has the fewest flights, with approximately 11 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $207, roughly 24% cheaper than the yearly average.
• Another budget-friendly time to fly: August typically offers an average one-way fare of around $224.
• Most flight options: March has the highest number of flights from Phoenix to San Jose, with approximately 20 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*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 Phoenix (PHX) to San Jose (SJO)

• Phoenix to San José (PHX-SYQ): Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ) is located approximately 5 miles from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
• Phoenix to Quepos (PHX-XQP): Quepos Airport (XQP) is situated about 39 miles from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
• Phoenix to La Fortuna (PHX-FON): Arenal Airport (FON) can be found roughly 44 miles away from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).

How to find the best prices for flights from Phoenix (PHX) to San Jose (SJO)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Phoenix 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, which is when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures (5 a.m. to 12 p.m.) tend to offer lower prices and are also the most popular. Additionally, flying on Monday usually provides cheaper options, while Friday 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 Sky Harbor International Airport

San Jose welcomes travelers from Phoenix 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 situated approximately 2.8 miles away by car, providing convenient access to both sea and rail transport options.

Phoenix to San José Flights

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

The best time to book a flight from Phoenix to San José

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix to San José in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $154 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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.