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$234 Cheap Flights from San José (SJO) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Popular airlines from Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to Los Angeles Intl. (LAX)

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Cheap Flights from San José to Los Angeles (SJO-LAX)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $234 for one-way flights and $418 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
JetBlue Airways
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
JetBlue Airways
Viva
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Copa
United

Alternative airports near Los Angeles

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

Find the cheapest month to fly from San José (SJO) to Los Angeles (LAX)

September is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $420 - $515 per traveler.

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

San Jose (SJO) to Los Angeles (LAX) at a glance

Travel between San Jose (SJO) and Los Angeles (LAX) is made easy with a variety of airlines offering options on this international long-haul route. Whether you're looking for cheap flights from San Jose or prefer full-service carriers, you can compare itineraries to find the best fit for your budget and travel plans. As you prepare to explore the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of Los Angeles, gather all the essential details for your journey from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 6h 30m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 2,700 miles (4,350 km)
  • Flights per week: around 30+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $170–$565, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

According to the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from San Jose to Los Angeles, highlighting both non-stop and one-stop options. Common layovers include El Salvador International Airport (SAL) with a layover of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) at around 2 hours, and Tocumen International Airport (PTY) with a 1 hour and 15 minutes layover. This allows you to compare prices, total travel times, and cabin classes to craft the ideal itinerary for your journey.

  • Alaska Airlines: This full-service airline provides non-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $170 and $580. It makes up about 19% of the departures for this route, offering a total travel time of 6 hours and 30 minutes.
  • United: Offering both non-stop and one-stop flights, United is a full-service carrier with one-way fares usually ranging from $180 to $710. It represents around 17% of the departures on this route, with a standard non-stop travel duration of 6 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Avianca: A full-service airline that provides both non-stop and one-stop options, Avianca's one-way fares typically range from $195 to $665. It accounts for about 14% of departures on this route, with a standard 1-stop flight lasting approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, totaling about 9 hours and 30 minutes of travel time.
  • Volaris: As a low-cost airline, Volaris offers non-stop and one-stop services with one-way fares usually between $170 and $480. It constitutes roughly 12% of the departures for this route, featuring a typical 1-stop flight time of 7 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total journey of around 9 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Delta: This full-service carrier provides non-stop services, with one-way fares commonly ranging from $170 to $810. Delta accounts for about 7% of departures on this route, with an overall travel duration of 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Travelers flying from San Jose to Los Angeles have the option to upgrade their flight. Top airlines include Alaska Airlines, which provides both first class and business class service, as well as United and Delta, both offering business class options.

Best time to fly from San Jose (SJO) to Los Angeles (LAX)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Jose to Los Angeles are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Los Angeles reach up to 62.6°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider October, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 69.6°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $233). Flight availability peaks in April, with approximately 35 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: October usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $233, roughly 23% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Most flight options: April has the highest number of flights from San Jose to Los Angeles, with approximately 35 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January56.3°F (13.5°C)High32$433
February56.7°F (13.7°C)Average25$291
March59.0°F (15.0°C)High32$324
April62.6°F (17.0°C)High35$373
May65.3°F (18.5°C)Average28$268
June69.8°F (21.0°C)Average29$272
July74.3°F (23.5°C)Average29$305
August75.7°F (24.3°C)Average33$285
September75.0°F (23.9°C)Low27$288
October69.6°F (20.9°C)Low24$233
November62.6°F (17.0°C)Low27$281
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Average28$295

*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 route from San Jose (SJO) to Los Angeles (LAX)

  • San Jose to Burbank (SJO-BUR): Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is located approximately 18 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). One-way economy ticket prices for this journey generally fall between $165 and $435, influenced by seasonal demand and how far in advance you book. Flights on this route often involve one stop, with common layover points at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Denver International Airport (DEN). Major airlines that operate this route include United and Southwest Airlines, a well-known low-cost carrier.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Jose (SJO) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Jose to Los Angeles 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 usually found when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers book between two to eight weeks ahead. Afternoon departures (12 PM to 6 PM) often offer lower prices, while morning flights (5 AM to 12 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday generally results in cheaper fares, even though Saturday is the busiest 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 Los Angeles International Airport from Juan Santamaría International Airport

Los Angeles welcomes travelers from San Jose with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Juan Santamaría International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive (covering about 13 miles) from central San Jose. Here's how to reach Los Angeles efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Los Angeles, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Los Angeles International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles International Airport, Aviation/Century Station, a metro station, is located about 1.8 miles away by car, providing convenient access to public transportation options for travelers.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $234 and cheap return flights from $418 San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $181 and $1715, and roundtrip flights usually range from $414 to $1624. 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 San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles 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 San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
October is typically the cheapest month to fly from San José (SJO) to Los Angeles (LAX), with average return fares around $408. This is about 13% lower than the average price throughout the year, as demand tends to decrease after the summer travel season. Other cheap months to fly from San José to Los Angeles include September and November.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
Choose from 3 airlines operating direct flights from SJO to LAX:

  • United operates around 7 direct flights from SJO to LAX every week
  • Delta operates around 7 direct flights from SJO to LAX every week
  • American Airlines operates around 7 direct flights from SJO to LAX every week

How do I find cheap flights from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles 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 San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from San José (SJO) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Alaska Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, United typically offers the lowest fares. Avianca offers the most daily flights from SJO to LAX, 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 San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
For flights from San José (SJO) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX), October and November are the best months to fly. Return flights average around $408, providing a good balance of price and convenience. October offers pleasant weather, while November is less crowded, making both months ideal for your travel.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
On average, there are around 1 nonstop flights per day from Juan Santamaria Intl. (SJO) to Los Angeles Intl. (LAX). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
The earliest flight from San José (SJO) to Los Angeles (LAX) typically departs at around 12:00 AM local time, operated by American Airlines. This is a seasonal service active in March and April, allowing you to start your journey early and maximize your time in Los Angeles. 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 San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 38% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United, American Airlines, and Delta, offer flights during this window. This timing is popular because it allows you to arrive in Los Angeles with a full day ahead of you.
How long does it take to fly from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from SJO to LAX typically takes around 6 hours 30 minutes, covering approximately 2,723 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 5 hours 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 San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
Business class seats are offered on the SJO to LAX route. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • Avianca
  • Air Canada
  • Copa
  • American Airlines
  • Aeromexico
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

First class is available with Spirit Airlines.
How much is a business class flight from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from San José (SJO) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX) typically costs between $1,995 - $3,541. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $769 - $1,191. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles 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 San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles from Juan Santamaria Intl. (SJO)?
If you're planning to travel to Los Angeles from Juan Santamaria Intl. (SJO), you can fly into Los Angeles Intl. (LAX) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Miami Intl. (MIA), Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW), Orlando Intl. (MCO) before reaching Los Angeles. 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 San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles 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 San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) Los Angeles 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 San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
If you booked your San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles 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
Juan Santamaría Intl.
Destination airport
Los Angeles Intl.
Airlines serving
Aeromexico, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Copa, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United, Viva, avianca
Roundtrip price
$418
Distance
2722 mi
Average flight time
7 hours 53 mins

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*Flight schedules are subject to change.

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