$193 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to Costa Rica - Compare and Save

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Cheap Flights from Chicago to Costa Rica

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 5 days
Sort by: Cheapest
San José
5h 13mNonstop
from $380per person
Liberia
5h 06mNonstop
from $442per person
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?

The cheapest ticket to Costa Rica from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport found in the last 5 days was to San José, at $393 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 5 days was $393.

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

The cheapest time of day to fly to Costa Rica is generally in the evening, when round-trip flights cost $503 on average. Morning departures are around 20% more expensive than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to Costa Rica is generally in the afternoon, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $689.

Can I save money by flying with a layover from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

Yes, flying with a layover may cost you more time, but you can also save money on the route, with a 1 stop layover the cheapest option at $702 on average.

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

The cheapest month for flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica is February, when tickets cost $514 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and March, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $726 and $703 respectively.

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

If you are looking for a flight deal from Chicago to Costa Rica, look for departures on Mondays and avoid leaving on a Saturday, as it's usually the priciest day. When flying back from Costa Rica, Tuesday 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 get a below average price on the flight from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica, you should book around 2 weeks before departure, which saves you about 3% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 7 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low season

September

Cheapest flight

$193
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 9% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 17% 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.

  • How many flights are there between Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport and Costa Rica per day?

    There is a maximum of 1 nonstop flight a day that takes off from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport and lands in Costa Rica, with an average flight time of 5h 14m. The most common departure time is 7:00 am and most flights take off in the morning. Each week, there are 1 flights.

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 1543 reviews
8.1Crew
7.4Comfort
7.8Boarding
6.9Entertainment
6.9Food
Airline reviews

It is not a good experience with Copa Airlines: flight delay, luggage delay, etc.

6.0 GoodAnonymous, Aug 2026
Read more Copa Airlines reviews

It is not a good experience with Copa Airlines: flight delay, luggage delay, etc.

We where skipped for this flight will not head to Panama until tonight..

There should be a warning regarding the quality of the aircraft on the website as we reserve the tickets. There was no TV or any type of screen onboard. The wifi they offer is good for nothing. Traveling 9 hours straight with kids and no type of entetainment was horrible. I wish I had been informed prior so I could buy a ticket with another airline. The food was a joke too. A very tiny portion per passenger. They also charged $100 per checked bag. With United I used to pay $60. So, fair to say that I wont be flying Copa anymore. Their aircraft was super old, outdated, no entertainment, with nearly no onboard food.

Very strict carry on rules meant most of the plane had to gate check their luggage. As is often the case had things that were broken because of this, but I appreciated not being charged to gate check. Otherwise good flight and great crew once on the plane

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.

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

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

Well the airline was fine. The only thing is I was charged for a checked in luggage. But when I reserved the ticket it showed a check in bag allowed. Who can I get in contact with for reimbursement.? The airline said I had to speak to whoever I booked ticket with.

Check in person said there would be lunch. We were first class passengers and lunch was chips.

Price was crazy watch it if you Chan he your flight

On time, easy boarding. Anytime you sit in an economy seat, it’s uncomfortable. New plane and the bathrooms were in the galley at the back of the plane which seemed odd.

Terrible service - they don’t want to be there and bad food. Entertainment system in economy from the 2000s

No drink service but there was no N/A as an option to choose. Seats were extremely tight. I am under 5.5 and I bumped my knees have no idea how taller people could manage.

Flight delayed, last seat on the plane, no arrival Gate available due to the plane departing late

Kayak booked this flight with only 1h 20min layover in Chicago. This made it impossible for me and several other passengers to reach this flight. Moreover, the gate closed boarding in spite of several passengers still on their way without waiting even one more minute. However, the plane departed with 20min (!) delay, i.e., there would have been at least 15 min time to let the delayed passengers board without causing any delays. I complained and as a "thank you" the attendent booked us on the last (!) flight to Indianapolis ~7h later! Thankfully, I caught the spitefulness and the United customer line rebooked the flight to an earlier flight. Although I can't grade this particular flight since I never had a chance to take it, Kayak made the mistake of a too short layover and the crew at the gate was awful.

Flight did not have wifi service. It was experiencing technical difficulties. Definitely and old plane that needs updating.

This flight has a history of leaving late, however, I was pleasantly surprised that it was not delayed this day. The flight went smooth, except I was in a window seat and the wall and my feet were freezing. I found it difficult to sleep due to being so cold, I also was using 2 provided UAL blankets and could not get my feet warm. This was annoying, but I still made it there on time and safe.

Old 757 with poor entertainment system. United no longer partners with United for free text and email. O'Hara an absolute disaster! Limited gates clauses two hour delay. Unfortunately this appears to be the norm.

It was a good experience, unfortunately my checked baggages were come late and not arrived on time.

There is a considerable amount of people that use the wheel chair pre boarding along of large groups of family / friends. This is not right should be limited only to the person in need and the airline assistant. Some of these people use overhead bins that do not belong to them. The aircraft had a non functional wifi . The service was bad.

Flight was delayed 3 hours. No food on plane besides snacks

Every thing went smooth. No complaints except deplaning could have been quicker

I was grossly overcharged to change my return flight. Had to do it through Kayak because it was booked that way and I was not given the fare price listed at the time on JetBlue or kayak. Was traveling with another couple that booked directly through JetBlue and they paid the $100 change fee and the difference between what they paid originally(same as me) and the displayed fares and it was less than $400 total for two tickets. I paid almost $700 to change the same fare tickets they purchased and had to pay again for upgraded seat selection that I previously paid for on top of the almost $700 increase. Difficult to talk to the kayak representative because of his accent. Told me I had to wait for confirmation to be sure it had been changed and that I could take up to a few hours. The call itself after the wait time took almost 30 minutes, which could’ve been done directly on JetBlue in 2 to 3 minutes.. My husband and I were given separate boarding zones. They would not let us board together. I had to board in the last zone. They made me check my bag even though my husband told me that he had a spot to put my carry-on. Since he boarded before me. The flight crew tried to accommodate, but the woman that was boarding in the terminal came down and would not let me take my carry-on. She was aggressive, rude and condescending to everybody in line and told them she was being audited. When I told her that my husband had secured a spot for me to put my carry-on with his backpack, that would then move to under the seat. She told me that she couldn’t play favorites, although I was second to last to board the plane since my boarding zone was changed. They told me because I forwarded my husband his ticket that’s what separated our boarding zones, but would not allow us to board together. The volume on my TV would not work, and my upgraded seat would not go into the fully upright position so I was told repeatedly during takeoff and landing to put my chair into the upright position which was embarrassing and uncomfortable to be told assertively so many times. I will not book through kayak again.

Nice plane, with TV, comfortable seats and leg room. Updated regularly on time changes

Overall, it was a fantastic experience had no movies up charge for everything haven’t flown in many many years. Crew is fantastic. Flight was good overall great experience.

see my previous response about being kicked off the flight and having to fly the next day, ruining a planned vacation tour.

The flight departed more than 1 hour late. Leg room is bigger than most airlines

terrible. Because I felt very unwell during the flight. How do they leave a woman alone in the middle of 2 men? an obese man who was falling on top of me.

I booked this flight using JetBlue points and I was just so happy. The plane was so clean, I had every need met. Thank you!!

My feedback from the trip to Columbia to Chicago was meant for Chicago to Denver.

The WiFi was out gr entire flight. Had to Diane for almost 1 hour to wait for a gate to open up for plane to dock. Very bad experience.

After boarding, the AC was shut off on the flight. At business class, I really could not breathe. I was absolutely dripping sweat. I was told by the FA that there was nothing they could do but I could stand by the door until departure. So, that's what I did. I was clearly in the way while the FAs were trying to do their work, but I had to be able to breathe. After that, of course, I had sweated up a lot so was very uncomfortable for the six hour flight.

DELAYED AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN - not only that, you delay in 20 minute increments for hours and hours instead of having an accurate delay understanding.

AA was fine....the overall experience was subpar, but not due to the airline due to broader issues

No ground air conditioner for the plane. Very hot and humid prior to take off which was an uncomfortable period of time.

Check-in process was poor, very poor, only one person to check-in all passengers, so if one passenger had a check-in issue, all other passengers were delayed. All check-ins should have two airline staff to check-in passengers.

The flight up was great no issues. The flight back home was a cluster. I was told the plane I was waiting on was giving to another flight which caused me to miss my connection flight. Granted the airline did great with getting hotel and vouchr for food.

Flight was delayed and so much of inconvenience related to the gate change.

Nothing was good about this flight. Although the flight actually departed more than 3 hours late, due to “air traffic control management” we pushed back from gate 2 hours and 20 minutes late and proceeded to sit 100 yards from gate for and then n tarmac for another 1/2 hour additional 20 minutes

I like the attention you gave us in Guatemala due to the loss of the flight coming to El Salvador. It was a nice experience. Thanks a lot

We booked seats next to each other. When we got the boarding passes, they were for different rows. The crew were reluctant to help us, so we ended up sitting separately. 1. What’s the point of reserving by seat number if you’re not going to honor that reservation? 2. Even if it gets messed up between reservation and boarding, how is the crew going to deny us the opportunity to arrange to sit together. There were plenty of people flying alone. It could’ve been easily accommodated. Not very customer-friendly at all.

The seats were the worst I have ever flown Too narrow, did not recline and the actual seat was hard as a rock. I will tell all travelers to stay away from Avianca flights.

They should provide water to passengers who ask for it

The worst experience I've ever had because the "people" @ Avianca wouldn't let me fly because they said I needed a round trip ticket

Seating was tight. Seats don't recline. Initial flight was cancelled. Lost two days of vacation.

Pros: we leave and arrive on time Cons: the most uncomfortable seats ever. You cant recline at all your seats. No entertainment No TVs flight attendants didn't provide even a glass of water. You have to go to back of the airplane and ask for one. I am Colombian and I remember seeing the flight attendants very neat, elegants which is or was a staple of Avianca.it was one with tennis shoes, no male up, the hair was messy... that was really odd.

This low cost airline looks and fells more like a local bus. In a 6 hour flight not being able to recline a seat is torture. The only thing available with no charge is a glass of water provided by, mostly, rude staff. Our luggage didn’t arrive

We did not know about the bag fees until check in. They are way too high. It’s insane. We also had a huge delay and everything costed extra which was very annoying.

Voo longo nem mesmo água ou gelo é servido, se quiser tem que pagar. Embarque é péssimo, mau atendimento.

More options for your flight from Chicago to Costa Rica

Complete your trip to Costa Rica with a hotel stay or car rental