$96 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to Costa Rica

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Chicago to Costa Rica departing on 1/21. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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Cheap Flights from Chicago to Costa Rica

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours
San José
San José1 stop$257
Liberia
Liberia1 stop$358
San José
San José1 stop$257
Liberia
Liberia1 stop$358

Book Cheap Chicago to Costa Rica Plane Tickets

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from Chicago to Costa Rica that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Chicago to Costa Rica

Wed, Nov 12 - Tue, Nov 18
Spirit Airlines Logo
5:10 am - 12:25 pmORD-SJO
7h 15m1 stop
Spirit Airlines Logo
1:30 pm - 12:27 amSJO-ORD
10h 57m1 stop
$257Spirit Airlines
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Sun, Nov 9 - Fri, Nov 14
Spirit Airlines Logo
5:10 am - 12:25 pmORD-SJO
7h 15m1 stop
Spirit Airlines Logo
1:30 pm - 12:27 amSJO-ORD
10h 57m1 stop
$258Spirit Airlines
Find Deal
Tue, Nov 25 - Thu, Nov 27
Spirit Airlines Logo
5:00 am - 12:15 pmORD-SJO
7h 15m1 stop
Spirit Airlines Logo
1:20 pm - 11:13 pmSJO-ORD
9h 53m1 stop
$259Spirit Airlines
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Thu, Nov 13 - Wed, Nov 19
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:52 am - 12:25 pmORD-SJO
25h 33m1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
1:30 pm - 4:25 pmSJO-ORD
26h 55m1 stop
$260Multiple Airlines
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Wed, Jan 21 - Wed, Jan 28
Avianca Logo
2:35 pm - 9:50 pmORD-SJO
7h 15mnonstop
Avianca Logo
5:45 am - 1:15 pmSJO-ORD
7h 30mnonstop
$301Avianca
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Sat, Nov 8 - Sat, Nov 15
American Airlines Logo
8:26 am - 1:37 pmORD-LIR
5h 11mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
2:37 pm - 8:15 pmLIR-ORD
5h 38mnonstop
$458American Airlines
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Mon, Nov 17 - Sat, Nov 22
United Airlines Logo
7:55 pm - 1:10 pmORD-LIR
17h 15m1 stop
United Airlines Logo
2:01 pm - 7:20 pmLIR-ORD
5h 19mnonstop
$459United Airlines
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Sat, Jan 10 - Thu, Jan 15
American Airlines Logo
8:33 am - 1:37 pmORD-LIR
5h 04mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
2:38 pm - 8:10 pmLIR-ORD
5h 32mnonstop
$462American Airlines
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Sun, Jan 4 - Thu, Jan 15
Delta Logo
7:59 pm - 12:45 pmORD-LIR
16h 46m1 stop
Delta Logo
2:15 pm - 11:54 pmLIR-ORD
9h 39m1 stop
$477Delta
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Wed, Jan 7 - Sat, Jan 10
Delta Logo
5:45 pm - 2:30 pmORD-LIR
20h 45m2 stops
Delta Logo
3:55 pm - 10:06 amLIR-ORD
18h 11m1 stop
$481Delta
Find Deal
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Chicago to Costa Rica flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Chicago to Costa Rica to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What is the cheapest Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica flight route?

Data is based on round-trip flight searches on KAYAK over the past month.

The cheapest ticket to Costa Rica from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport found in the last 72 hours was to San José, at $325 round-trip. The most popular route is from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD) to San José (SJO), and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $325.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica is October, when tickets cost $364 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and March, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $708 and $662 respectively.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Chicago to Costa Rica?

The average price of all round-trip flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

If you are looking for a flight deal from Chicago to Costa Rica, look for departures on Tuesdays and avoid leaving on a Saturday, as it's usually the priciest day. When flying back from Costa Rica, Thursday is the cheapest day to fly and Sunday is the most expensive.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price on the flight from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica, you should book around 3 weeks before departure, which saves you about 32% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 9 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonSeptember
Cheapest flight$96
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 23% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 22% increase in price.
Flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to San José

FAQs - booking Costa Rica flights

  • Are there any onsite hotels at Costa Rican airports?

    There are various hotels within and near SJO and LIR where passengers landing late at the airport can spend the night. Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton San Jose Airport, situated approximately 0.7 miles from SJO, is your best bet. In addition, the hotel offers hotel shuttle transfers. On the other hand, if you are landing at LIR, you can make a reservation at Hilton Garden Inn Liberia, found 0.7 miles away from the airport.

  • How is parking at ORD?

    Passengers who want to leave their cars at the airport while flying out can use the multiple parking lot options available at Chicago O’hare International Airport. You can leave your car at the offsite parking lots, which are more affordable than onsite parking lots. Those who wish to leave their cars at the airport for a long can use the long-term parking lot and Economy Lot F. Alternatively, if you want to park short-term, you can take advantage of the hourly and daily parking lots found at the airport’s terminal parking.

  • Does ORD offer any pet facilities?

    ORD features three outdoor pet relief areas that passengers flying through the airport with their furry friends can utilize to make them comfortable before their flights to Costa Rica. The relief areas are located at terminals 1, 2 and 5.

  • Can I have accessibility services at Costa Rican airports?

    Upon request, you can have access to extra assistance and wheelchair services at LIR and SJO if you are flying with a companion with reduced mobility. However, you need to contact your airline earlier before travel date to have the services arranged.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Chicago to Costa Rica?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Chicago to Costa Rica.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Chicago to Costa Rica?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from Chicago to Costa Rica is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Chicago to Costa Rica?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly from Chicago to Costa Rica with an airline and back with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Chicago to Costa Rica?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying from Chicago to Costa Rica up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

  • What is the cheapest time of day to fly to Costa Rica?

    The cheapest time of day to fly to Costa Rica is generally at night, when round-trip flights cost $436 on average. Morning departures are around 43% more expensive than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to Costa Rica is generally in the morning, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $749.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Costa Rica

  • Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), situated approximately 6.2 miles away from San Jose in Costa Rica, is the main airport in the city, serving many international and domestic flights. However, from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), you can also land at Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), which is approximately 8 miles from Liberia, Costa Rica.
  • If you want to freshen up at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) before boarding your flight to Costa Rica, there are shower amenities in terminals 1 and 3. These shower facilities are found at the American Airlines Admirals Club, United Polaris Lounge and Hilton Athletic Club. However, if you want to access these facilities, you need to have a lounge pass.
  • ORD features a family lounge with a play area where your kids can burn off steam before boarding their flights to Costa Rica. It is equipped with climbing structures, toys and games and is located in the Main hall in terminal 2. Additionally, it features comfortable benches with charging stations where parents can sit and monitor their kids.
  • LIR and SJO feature a few lounges where passengers can unwind and relax upon arrival at the airports. These lounges offer exceptional services such as meals, drinks, entertainment, comfortable seats, internet access and flight information monitor. However, you need to have a lounge pass if you want to take advantage of these services and amenities.
  • If you are flying from ORD to Costa Rica, you can opt for one-stop flight options or airlines offering multiple layover options. Fly with Spirit Airlines, Copa Airlines, American Airlines and Jetblue Airlines, offering short layovers with stops at DFW, FTY, JFK, MIA and FLL airports.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from Chicago to Costa Rica

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Chicago to Costa Rica? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
7.6
Copa AirlinesOverall score based on 1558 reviews
6.8Entertainment
6.8Food
7.4Comfort
8.1Crew
7.8Boarding
Airline reviews

Simply as follows:- First, there was no vegetarian option for the meal Second, only 2 washrooms for the entire economy class.

4.0 OkayKaushik, Oct 2025YYZ - PTY
Read more Copa Airlines reviews

Simply as follows:- First, there was no vegetarian option for the meal Second, only 2 washrooms for the entire economy class.

I liked the meatloaf the chicken was awful but the plane was on time and got there and the staff was nice.

Boarding was quick & efficient; they gave boarding groups due priority; staff & air crew were very cordial and helpful, pleasant flight.

As always, Copa Airlines is great to fly on. The flights are always on time, the staff are pleasant and helpful and it's always a wonderful flying experience.

I selected first class expecting excetional service. It was mediocre at best. The food service was cold, meal choices was poor and on one leg they did provide dessert. I did enjoy the lay day seat but the movies were old and nothing current. Boarding the plane is always hot. So boarding is quite warm until your in the air. I took a small personal air fan. Update the meals and movies.

Very happy with my flight. I would definitely recommend it.

Did upgrade, travel in business it was great (more room I could sleep)

We paid extra with copa for seats near one another The plane was changed and we lost our seats We were all Separated. We have not received a refund for our seats despite emailing and calling.

Tell people to remain in their seats during the meal/beverage distribution. Enforce boarding by group numbers. No one was checking. Tell people to turn their electronics speakers off. Bigger cups for drinks.

Placed us in the last rear row of the plane so could not recline seats because of the rear wall, and also made it more of a tight space when the passenger in front reclined their seat. While understand seat assignments, every passenger should be afforded a reclining seat. The odor control scent from the restrooms was overwhelming strong. My wife and I could not deal with it, and she suffered a terrible headache as a result. I kept getting hit by the crew since I was on the ilse seat. No apologies, nothing. They made me feel like I was supposed to take the beating for a 3 hr flight.

Excellent flight. Smooth, efficient boarding. Quick flight. Arrived early at STL.

Not the fault of United—weather, reroute around weather, time sitting on tarmac, arrived couple hours late, too late for train into city necessitating a much pricier cab but weather…can’t be helped.

I will never book a flight through Cheap fare. They booked me from Portland Main . And would not give me a refund, so I bought 2 tickets one for 299. From Portland Main to ORD. Then I had to buy a ticket from Oregon PDX to ORD that was another 440. So Just so you know they even told me it was there fault but no refund. Bad bussniess. I did inform United but they said they couldn't help me due to the fact I booked through Cheap Tickets. Never again. And I'm spreding the word. I let everyone know at my 50th class reunion

The flight attendants were rude. Seemed like they didn’t want to be there. Except for one girl that was really nice. Seats are sooooo uncomfortable. They give you a piece of paper and a thin cushion for a pillow and blanket that does nothing. Airlines have gone way downhill, especially United international flights. Food was disguting. Definitely flying ANA next time.

Crew and customer service were excellent. This flight also had plenty of leg room and seat mounted screens for entertainment. A very pleasant flight all around!

It would have been better if the crew has supported my husband's reasons for needing to keep the space clear around his feet, rather than insisting that he put his knapsack in that space.

Subject: Formal Complaint: Discriminatory and Unprofessional Conduct – Request for Immediate Action & Compensation Dear [Airline Customer Relations Team], I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding my recent travel experience with [Airline], which was by far the worst I have ever encountered. What occurred was not only unprofessional, but in several instances discriminatory, unsafe, and unacceptable. On the first leg of my trip, I arrived only four minutes past check-in. Instead of making any attempt to resolve the matter, your representative flatly denied me boarding and made me wait while she attended to passengers who arrived after me. By the time a manager intervened, it was too late to board, costing me time, money, and unnecessary frustration. The second leg of my trip (Chicago–San Francisco) raised even more serious concerns. From the outset, it was apparent that the staff—particularly two attendants—prioritized Caucasian passengers while dismissing African American and minority passengers. • When a Caucasian passenger in the exit row refused to comply with federal safety requirements, I, as a first responder, immediately offered to switch seats and assume the responsibility. My offer was blatantly ignored, and instead, a Caucasian passenger seated further up was chosen. This was discriminatory and deeply insulting, especially as I was actively de-escalating the situation that could have delayed the flight further. • During a lengthy tarmac delay of over 90 minutes, passengers were given conflicting and unreasonable instructions that created unnecessary distress and tension. • Throughout the flight, a visibly intoxicated passenger directly in front of me was disruptive, rude to others, failed to comply with seatbelt and electronic device rules, and yet faced no enforcement from the crew. In stark contrast, I was singled out for repeated compliance checks even though I was following every rule. This unequal treatment was so obvious that multiple passengers around me spoke up in my defense. This pattern of behavior demonstrated a clear lack of professionalism, disregard for passenger safety, and discriminatory treatment. I expect far better from an airline of your stature. As a paying customer subjected to this unacceptable treatment, I am formally requesting: 1. A full investigation into the conduct of the staff on both flights. 2. A written apology acknowledging the discriminatory and unprofessional behavior I endured. 3. Appropriate compensation for the distress, inconvenience, and mishandling of my travel. If this matter is not addressed promptly and thoroughly, I will have no choice but to escalate my complaint further, including filing with the U.S. Department of Transportation and sharing my experience through other channels. I trust [Airline] will take this complaint seriously and provide a timely resolution.

Check in was quick and easy during early hours. Flight was on time, and customer services was a plus.

Once we got in the air the pilot made up some of the time of the delay. So that was really nice.

We had a layover from YVR to Denver. We bought 4 bottles of Absolut Vodka at the YVR Duty Free for $116.20, after going through security and American Customs Pre Clearance at YVR, Vancouver. When we landed in Denver, United put us behind the American Customs as well as TSA again for some reason. We were forced to go through American Customs and TSA again. TSA confiscated our rightfully owned Duty Free Absolut Vodka bottles. Because United incorrectly forced our flight behind American border and TSA again, we missed the connecting flight. After United put us on a later flight, we eventually arrived in Chicago very late, with hardly any sleep. I am looking for compensation from United for our incorrectly confiscated Absolut Vodka bottles worth $116.20, as well as compensation for incorrectly putting us behind American Customs and TSA again, causing us to miss our connecting flight, making us arrive extremely late in Chicago.

The plane was late, when we did board the plane was as cold as a freezer. I was freezing the entire flight, no blankets. Lost miserable flight I’ve ever had.

My wife and I love to travel, so we fly a lot. We've already logged 381,075 miles and with practically every major airline. But this flight was very disappointing. It started off well, with no delays and a new plane. But when lunchtime approached, all that good impression was ruined. Instead of white tablecloths, we were offered small, dark placemats, which, as it turned out, were perfectly adequate for the food. All the food offered—and my wife and I only took fish, and the meat—was not just bad, it was downright disgusting and not heated enough. The same applies to the appetizers. This was the first time in many years of traveling that we've been offered such disgusting food.

Lost luggage stuck no clothes and no word after 2 days leaving on cruise no stuff or clothes

3 hour weather delay followed by 1 hour (and counting) maintenance delay. UGH!

After we'd boarded , they canceled the flight. The crew didn't even know , we just all received text messages. Then after they deplaned us , AA was just like "too bad, go F your self, we sure ain't gonna help you"

After a two hour delay, my flight was CANCELLED! No pilot available. Such BS.

Amazing food, great staff, with one noticable detail missing ...but no seat entertainment in any of aircraft ...I am not a fan

I wish American Airlines would change the airline industry by loading the plane back to front instead of front to back. Planes would board so much more smoothly and quickly.

I have long legs, my foot was out in the aisle and when a flight attendant came walking by and I didn't notice, instead of saying "excuse me" or anything like that, she kicked my foot. Extremely rude

Excellent! The gate agents were kind enough to rebook me on an earlier flight saving me from a 6 hour layover. Even my luggage made it despite the fact that the connection was technically too narrow. The flight itself was very comfortable, roomy, and clean. Plenty of space for my carryon items with plugs to charge my phone. After a long international flight of 14 hours, this was an excellent way to end my travels!

Did not fly with Pakistan International Airlines. Have never flown with Pakistan International Airlines.

Boarding, crew were excellent, food was ok and entertainment need to improve

The seats were uncomfortable and barely reclined at all. Very little leg room despite being business class. The crew was friendly and the food was good. Had to use my own phone for in-flight entertainment.

No food, terms when selling are not clear. To pricy for the service in general

It was horrible. My experience with Avianca. I didn’t know it was Pakistan international Airlines but anyway, whatever it is it is bad horrible you guys need to upgrade everything in those planes. And you guys charge $130 for a carry-on did they wanna let me in with my carry-on that I travel everywhere with the luggage you guys are such a dog thank you

why did we have to go through security mid flight

Boarding was excessively slow. They do it by groups in a way that it doesn’t make sense. After business class , ppl that need assistance and any other priority group they should have ppl board from the back to the front. First rows 20+. Then 15+. Then 10, etc. having ppl sitting in the back board last makes no sense. The libe backame long as soon as ppl on rows 10 or so where told to board. The line went all the way up the ramp and tunnel for 25 mins.

Seats are very tight even in Plus, no complimentary snacks or beverage

Late departure. When the flight arrived in Medellin the plane sat at the gate for 20 minutes waiting for a bus for us to get off the plane.

I receive a service for what I pay, so it is fair.

Excellent experience when I am looking for a budget airline where the main expectation is getting me from point A to point B with no frills.

Great! I intend to use Spirit for future flights. No complaints .

Seats are not very comfortable, maybe a little more padding for a 2hr plus flight

Very sad about what Spirit has become, because the flights I had with them were delayed between an hour and a half and two, terrible service

Vegas is such a quick flight that amenities aren’t the important part, in my opinion. Just get me there efficiently and safely, and that’s exactly what they did!

The flight was severely delayed due to the missing flight attendants.

Absolutely horrible. Usually pay $40-$50 to check luggage in. I tried to check my suitcase in and the price is raised to $70. That's ridiculously greedy c'mon. I had to leave my suitcase with all my clothes and hygiene products and repurchase once i landed in Atlanta. You guys make it really stressful to travel. Don't even want to travel anymore.

They cancelled the flight 3 hours prior departure. Had to spend $400 for a ne way flight with Delta Airlines! Spirit Airlines are not serios!

No Tumberlence smooth flight. Try to change the menu on Snacks.

Again, when I use Kayak I expect to pay the total amount and that´s it. Someone added an additional charge few days later after purchasing the tickets.

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