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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
San José
San José1 stop$424
Liberia
Liberia1 stop$367
San José
San José1 stop$424
Liberia
Liberia1 stop$367
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.

Are flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica cheaper or more expensive than last year?

Fares from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica are running about the same as they were around this time last year, averaging $606 round-trip.

What are the cheapest fares from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica right now?

The cheapest fares from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica on KAYAK in the last week were to Liberia (LIR) from $367 round-trip, and to San José Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO) from $407 round-trip.

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

February is the cheapest time of year to fly, with average fares of $523. Prices are highest in December, when average flight costs increase to around $755.

When is the best time to book flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

Book your flights 4 weeks before your trip. KAYAK data collected over the past 12 months shows that booking in this window can save you around 9% compared to booking last-minute (within 2 weeks of departure).

Which airport in Costa Rica is the cheapest to fly to from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport?

Based on KAYAK data from the past 12 months, the cheapest airports to fly into Costa Rica are:

• San José Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO) from $565
• Liberia (LIR) from $710

What’s the cheapest day to fly from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

Tuesday tends to be the cheapest day to fly from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica, while Saturday is the most expensive. Fares run about 22% higher that day, based on the past 12 months of KAYAK data.

What's the cheapest time of day to fly from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

Data from the past 12 months shows it's cheapest to fly to Costa Rica during the evening with average prices of $466. The morning is the most expensive time to fly, with average prices of $661.

Key details for Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica flights

Low season

September

Cheapest flight

$163
Beat the crowds with an average 59% drop in travelers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 79% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San José

Your Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica flight questions, answered

Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking tips.

  • Is now a good time to book a flight from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

    Yes. Fares from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica are low right now. As a rule of thumb, a round-trip under $480 (cheaper than most fares this year) is a good deal, so if you spot one at or below that, it's a good time to book.

  • How much should I budget for a flight from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

    Over the past 12 months, round-trip fares from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica have ranged from $480 to $832.

  • What are the main airports serving Costa Rica?

    Costa Rica has 17 airports. The three busiest are San José Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO) (67% of arrivals), Liberia (LIR) (33%) and Limon (LIO) (0%).

  • What airlines fly nonstop from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

    Based on the flight schedule for the next 3 months, 2 airlines offer nonstop flights on this route:

    • United Airlines
    • American Airlines

  • Where in Costa Rica can I fly nonstop from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport?

    Based on the flight schedule for the next 3 months, you can fly nonstop from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to two destinations: San José and Liberia.

  • Is it cheaper to fly with a layover from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

    Yes. Nonstop flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica average $659 over the past 12 months, but flights with a layover can cost less. The most affordable connecting airports are:

    • Monterrey Gen Mariano Escobedo (MTY) from $401
    • Bogotá El Dorado (BOG) from $484
    • Fort Lauderdale (FLL) from $524

  • How long is a flight from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

    Nonstop flights take 5h 14m on average. The fastest scheduled flight takes 5h 05m, from Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) to Liberia (LIR).

  • How often are flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica delayed and what's the average delay?

    20% of flights on this route are delayed by at least 15 minutes. The average delay is 2h 29m.

  • Which cabin classes are available on flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

    On flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica you can book Economy Class, Premium Economy Class, Business Class or First Class.

  • What are some popular landmarks in Costa Rica?

    KAYAK travelers' favorite landmarks in Costa Rica include:

    • Parque Metropolitano La Sabana
    • Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica
    • Museo de Oro
    • Morazan Park

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

    The earliest nonstop flight from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica departs at 7:02 am and the latest departs at 10:03 am. Nonstop flights take about 5h 14m.

  • 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.

Your guide to booking Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If you can plan ahead, the sweet spot for booking your flight is 4 weeks before your trip. KAYAK data shows fares in this window are around 9% lower than last-minute bookings (made within 2 weeks of departure). Not ready to commit? Set a Price Alert and we'll let you know when prices change.
  • If your travel dates are flexible, book your trip for February when flights are typically cheapest and avoid December when prices are at their highest.
  • Flying on Tuesday is usually the cheapest. Flights on Saturday cost about 22% more on average, so being flexible with your travel dates could help you save.
  • If you're looking to save, San José Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO) is the cheapest airport to fly into from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport. If you have onward travel, don't forget to factor in the cost of your journey by train, bus or domestic flight.
  • Start your trip in San José, which is the most popular destination in Costa Rica. From there, it's easy to continue on to other popular destinations such as La Fortuna, Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio.
  • If you want the shortest trip, choose the Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Costa Rica nonstop route. If you'd rather save money, the route via Monterrey Gen Mariano Escobedo (MTY) is usually the cheapest.
  • 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 1555 reviews
7.5Comfort
6.9Entertainment
8.1Crew
7.0Food
7.8Boarding
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.

The guy in front of me was talking constantly, even when the pilot was making announcements. I found this very disrespectful to the pilot and to others.

We left 1.5 hours late due to a “maintenance” issue. Very poor communication as to when we would board & depart. The crew in First Class was uncharacteristically not friendly). Delay into Brussels cost me my connection to Rome so lost the entire first day of vacation ( had a 10:30am flight to Rome - ended up on a 6:55pm flight).

Everything was OK except the meals, that was overpriced chicken meat.

Miss My connection I had to take a flight from Indianapolis to Denver , then to san fransisco , sleep in sans fransisco en the flight to Los Cabos the next morning

The TVs on the plane were all broken and inoperable. No snacks or food were served. Plane was very old and uncomfortable.

Takeoff delayed 2 hrs. Boarded on time to find we were missing part of the flight crew. Then informed that they had loaded too much fuel. Spent 1 1/2 hrs sitting there burning off the excess, which included a couple of laps around the runway until we were light enough to fly! Ridiculous!

I especially enjoyed having a lightly packed flight which enabled me and my wife to occupy a three seat area with nobody in the middle seat.

The seats are very small, that is all the staff did a good job.

It was great. The staff is always helpful and polite. The app is great and makes the whole trip and process so easy. They even offer a step to step guide to your correct terminal. And they keep all the information you'll need updated. Anything you can think of! Great experience.

Perfect. On time and the weather was perfect so we came in a few minutes early.

The crew was not nice this time. I asked for a drink one time and the girl didn’t say anything to me and just got me the hot drink while walking super fast to the back. We were sitting in the back and she wasn’t doing anything except socializing. She was upset I asked for something and she had to do her job. I also didn’t fully have it in my hands when she handed it to me so it was dangerous. She was abrupt and rude. She wouldn’t allow for people to spread out like previous flights we had been on if they were empty, and there were empty rows. It was strange and she enjoyed being angry at us.

The plane was FREEZING COLD. Like I was wishing I'd brought gloves. Is this how JetBlue sells more blankets? Other than that, all fine. Crew just as nice as usual. A flight attendant asked (who? The pilot?) to have the air turned down for a great number of passengers who were as cold as I was. They (again -- who is "they") did not.

Flight was fine, but I was annoyed to have to pay for luggage again. We had paid for our luggage on our first two connecting flights with SATA Azores Airlines, but had to pay for luggage again with JetBlue at JFK airport. For one trip we paid over $500 for two suitcases to travel from Azores to San Francisco.

Everything was great the only issue was lack of Wi-Fi

Left a bit late duee to a technical issue, but got in early

Wonderful aircraft Crew was tired,but great considering On time No complaints

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!!

Crew were helpful, pilot kept us informed about turbulence, snack choice was awesome!

It was one of the worst I have ever had. The plane was over booked, and I did not have a seat. When I questioned why because I had booked this weeks in advance. I was brushed off to be advised they are trying to find someone to give up their seat. Only to be advised I would be boarding last. I had priority boarding in group 1-4. When I asked why I had to be last because that is not what I paid for I was advised it doesn't matter you will get a seat. The ticket person was very rude and unprofessional. The gate changed several times and it was going from one area to another area far away from where we were at. I feel like I should have been compensated in some kind of way because of the way I was treated. The ticket agent acted like it was my fault that the plane was over booked. Not one time was I apologized to for this inconvenience.

We did not fly on American Airlines from Chicago to London. We were rebooked on British Airways (by American Airlines) and our luggage was left behind. A full day delay and lost luggage.

I have posted the comments in the first flight leg.

First class snacks - stewardess gave out multiples to everyone until there was almost no selection left when she got back to me last in first class cabin. Nothing left that I would eat.

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

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.

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