PTY - SJO

$145 Find Cheap Flights from Panama City to San José - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$247
Typical prices: $214-$271
Avianca
Sat 11/3Wed 11/7
PTY - SJO • Non-stop
Cheapest one-way
$145
Typical prices: $135-$179
Copa Airlines
Sun 11/4
PTY - SJO • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with Copa Airlines and Avianca. Average duration is 1h 25m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 97% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 4 weeks in advance save around 13% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 9% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $234 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 6h 27m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to San José!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Panama City to San José (PTY-SJO)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Panama City to San José

Tue, Nov 3 - Sat, Nov 7
Avianca Logo
11:30 am - 11:45 amPTY  Panama City Tocumen Intl-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
1h 15mnonstop
Avianca Logo
12:40 pm - 3:00 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-PTY Panama City Tocumen Intl
1h 20mnonstop
$247Avianca
Sat, Oct 31 - Thu, Nov 5
Avianca Logo
11:30 am - 11:45 amPTY  Panama City Tocumen Intl-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
1h 15mnonstop
Avianca Logo
12:40 pm - 3:00 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-PTY Panama City Tocumen Intl
1h 20mnonstop
$254Avianca
Fri, Oct 30 - Thu, Nov 5
Avianca Logo
2:30 am - 8:50 amPTY  Panama City Tocumen Intl-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
7h 20m1 stop Bogotá El Dorado
Avianca Logo
12:40 pm - 3:00 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-PTY Panama City Tocumen Intl
1h 20mnonstop
$254Avianca
Fri, Oct 30 - Thu, Nov 5
Avianca Logo
11:30 am - 11:45 amPTY  Panama City Tocumen Intl-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
1h 15mnonstop
Avianca Logo
12:40 pm - 3:00 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-PTY Panama City Tocumen Intl
1h 20mnonstop
$254Avianca
Fri, Nov 6 - Tue, Nov 10
Copa Airlines Logo
6:34 pm - 6:59 pmPTY  Panama City Tocumen Intl-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
1h 25mnonstop
Copa Airlines Logo
10:03 am - 12:28 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-PTY Panama City Tocumen Intl
1h 25mnonstop
$267Copa Airlines
Thu, Nov 5 - Fri, Nov 6
Copa Airlines Logo
4:18 pm - 4:49 pmPTY  Panama City Tocumen Intl-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
1h 31mnonstop
Copa Airlines Logo
3:59 am - 6:23 amSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-PTY Panama City Tocumen Intl
1h 24mnonstop
$267Copa Airlines
Thu, Nov 5 - Sun, Nov 8
Copa Airlines Logo
10:34 am - 10:59 amPTY  Panama City Tocumen Intl-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
1h 25mnonstop
Copa Airlines Logo
5:55 pm - 8:20 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-PTY Panama City Tocumen Intl
1h 25mnonstop
$267Copa Airlines
Fri, Nov 20 - Thu, Dec 17
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:40 am - 7:02 amPTY  Panama City Tocumen Intl-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
1h 22mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:45 pm - 2:10 amSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-PTY Panama City Tocumen Intl
5h 25m1 stop San Salvador El Salvador Intl
$503Multiple Airlines
Sun, Dec 20 - Thu, Dec 24
Multiple Airlines Logo
5:30 am - 11:25 amPTY  Panama City Tocumen Intl-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
6h 55m1 stop San Salvador El Salvador Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:53 pm - 5:20 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-PTY Panama City Tocumen Intl
1h 27mnonstop
$534Multiple Airlines
Fri, Nov 13 - Mon, Nov 16
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:05 am - 4:20 pmPTY  Panama City Tocumen Intl-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
7h 15m1 stop Bogotá El Dorado
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:46 pm - 5:12 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-PTY Panama City Tocumen Intl
1h 26mnonstop
$536Multiple Airlines
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Panama City to San José flights

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

How much is a round-trip flight from Panama City to San José?

Round-trip flights from Panama City to San José start at $247. Prices are typical for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $214 to $271. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $247 on Avianca.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from Panama City to San José?

Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Panama City to San José, it is 3% cheaper than the average day. Wednesday is the most expensive day with flight prices 3% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Panama City to San José?

•February is the cheapest month to fly from Panama City to San José at $216 round-trip.
•July ($281) and June ($266) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 30% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from Panama City to San José the cheapest?

Flights from Panama City to San José are cheapest 4 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 13% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from Panama City to San José

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Ramsey Qubein

Ramsey Qubein

Expert on Copa Airlines

An avid traveler and aviation expert who has visited 173 countries, all 50 states and seven continents, Ramsey Qubein flies nearly 400,000 miles a year. As a North Carolina-based freelance journalist for publications including Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes, USA Today and Bloomberg among others, he explores the latest trends in aviation, hospitality, cruises and business.

Mark Chesnut

Mark Chesnut

Expert on Avianca, PTY and SJO

Mark Chesnut is a travel writer and public speaker with more than 30 years of experience. The 2019 winner of the NLGJA Excellence in Travel Writing Award, Mark is the author of the book “Prepare for Departure” and has covered air travel for multiple top consumer and trade media outlets.

Key details for Panama City to San José flights

Low season

June

Cheapest flight

$145
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 12% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 9% lower on average.
Flight from Panama City to San José

When to book flights from Panama City to San José

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Panama City to San José based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price

Your Panama City to San José flight questions, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking questions.

  • What are the protocols established by major airlines regarding the transportation of animals from Panama City to San José?

    Leading airlines such as Avianca, Copa Airlines, and Aeromexico have implemented pet-friendly policies for flights between Panama City and San José. As long as the weight of an individual animal does not exceed 40 lbs, these airlines allow passengers to fly with small domesticated animals in the cabin.

  • Which flight route option from Panama City to San José is the most cost effective?

    To access more cost-effective ticket options, customers are advised to consider choosing connecting flights instead of nonstop flights when booking their flights from Panama City to San José. Customers can explore indirect flight options offered by airlines such as Aeromexico, which have layovers in Mexico City, or Avianca Airlines, which have layovers in El Salvador or Colombia.

  • Which airline operates the flights between Panama City and San José with the best luggage policies?

    If you intend to travel with multiple bags on your flight from Panama City to San José, it is advisable to select an airline that offers a more lenient policy regarding carry-on luggage. Copa Airlines, Avianca, and Volaris Costa Rica are among the carriers operating on this route that have the most accommodating rules when it comes to carry-on baggage restrictions.

  • How do I travel from the downtown Panama City to the PTY Airport?

    You can take the Metro Bus or Metro train to reach the area near the airport and then transfer to a local bus or taxi for the final leg of the journey. You can also use taxis, which are readily available throughout downtown Panama City. It's advisable to use registered taxis with official identification.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on Panama City to San José flights?

    Among airlines operating Panama City to San José flights:

    • Copa Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Avianca: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • What airlines are available from Panama City to San José?

    2 airlines operate flights between Panama City and San José. The airlines offering nonstop flights on this route include:

    • Copa Airlines
    • Avianca

  • Which airports can I use when flying from Panama City to San José?

    Flights from Panama City to San José usually depart from Panama City Tocumen Intl (PTY) and arrive at San José Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO).

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on Panama City to San José flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • Copa Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Avianca: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class

    Bag allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route and airline, so travelers should check the fare details before booking.

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from Panama City to San José?

    Two cabin classes are available on flights from Panama City to San José:

    • Economy Class
    • Business Class

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from Panama City to San José?

    On this route, nonstop and layover fares are close on average, with nonstop at $237 round-trip and layover options via San Salvador El Salvador Intl (SAL) at $234.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from Panama City to San José?

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $64–$100 for the first checked bag in economy. Premium fares and elite-status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • Which aircraft model is used most often on flights from Panama City to San José?

    The Boeing 737-800 family is used most often on this route, operated mainly by Copa Airlines. Other aircraft seen on the route include Boeing 737 MAX 9 variants.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from Panama City to San José pass through?

    Connecting flights from Panama City to San José most commonly pass through:

    • Bogotá El Dorado (BOG) - 64% of one-stop connections
    • San Salvador El Salvador Intl (SAL) - 36% of one-stop connections
    Together, these airports account for 100% of one-stop bookings on this route.

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Panama City to San José?

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 7% on the Panama City to San José route. Tuesday is the cheapest departure day at $230 round-trip on average, while Wednesday is the most expensive at $246, a difference of $16. KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed from Panama City to San José?

    A flight is considered delayed when it departs 15 minutes or more after its scheduled time. This is the standard used by the US Department of Transportation and most airline industry reporting. On the Panama City to San José route, 4% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 1 hour 27 minutes.

  • How are flight departures from Panama City to San José spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on Panama City to San José flights, with 50% of flights leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 20%, evening flights for 20%, and night flights for 10%.

  • What popular places can I visit in San José?

    Some of the most popular sights in San José are Parque Metropolitano La Sabana, Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica and Museo de Oro. These are among the most viewed places in San José on KAYAK.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from Panama City to San José?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from Panama City to San José:

    • Earliest: departs at 6:40 am and lands at 8:05 am
    • Latest: departs at 9:29 pm and lands at 10:54 pm.

    The flight takes about 1h 25m.

  • How expensive are last-minute Panama City to San José flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 5% above the route average of $237. Book 4 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How long is a flight from Panama City to San José?

    A nonstop flight from Panama City to San José takes 1h 25m, covering 335 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Panama City to San José?

    Yes, a valid passport is required for this international route. Many destinations require at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates. Check your passport expiry well before booking.

  • Have flight prices from Panama City to San José changed much recently?

    Yes. Based on fares seen in the past 5 days, round-trip prices on this route showed a wide range, from about $247 to $1,817. That means the highest observed fare was about 7x higher than the lowest one.

  • How are flight prices from Panama City to San José looking right now?

    One-way fares from Panama City to San José are currently higher than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $333, which is 123% above the typical average for this route.

  • How do delay rates compare for morning and evening flights from Panama City to San José?

    Morning flights have the fewest delays on this route. Delays tend to pile up throughout the day as one late flight pushes the next, so earlier departures are usually more reliable.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from Panama City to San José?

    Flying via Bogotá El Dorado (BOG) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 6h 27m, compared with 6h 57m via San Salvador El Salvador Intl (SAL).

  • What is the time difference between Panama City and San José?

    San José is 1 hour behind Panama City (Central Time vs Eastern Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What car rental options are available at San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport (SJO)?

    San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport (SJO) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates starting from around $1 for economy cars. Top options include:
    • Budget
    • Avis
    • Priceless
    • Routes Car & Truck Rentals
    • Payless

  • How much should I expect to pay for a Panama City to San José flight?

    Round-trip flights from Panama City to San José range from $214 to $271, with an average of $237 over the past 12 months. Anything below $214 counts as a good deal.

Your guide to booking Panama City to San José flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates can be flexible, aim for a Tuesday departure instead of Wednesday. On this route, Tuesday flights average $230 - about $16 less than Wednesday (7% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 4 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 13% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Panama City to San José trip for February. Fares historically average $216 round-trip in that month - typically $65 less than the most expensive month, which is July (based on the last 12 months).
  • If arriving on time is high on your priority list, Avianca is the strongest pick on this route. 97% of Avianca flights from Panama City to San José arrived on time in the past 3 months, slightly above the route's average on-time arrival rate of 96%. When flights on this route do arrive late, the average delay is 1 hour 27 minutes, so choosing a carrier with strong on-time performance can make a difference on tight schedules.
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through San Salvador El Salvador Intl Airport (SAL) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $234 round-trip on this route - about $3 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • The majority of travelers flying from Panama City to San José choose to arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) instead of other nearby airports. This preference is primarily due to the fact that San José, being the capital city of Costa Rica, is home to a considerable number of the country's major companies’ headquarters.
  • By picking Avianca or Aeromexico, parents taking kids on a flight from Panama City to San José can improve their flight experience. These airlines provide free Wi-Fi access throughout the aircraft. Kids can listen to their favorite music, watch TV shows, or even enjoy cartoon networks if they have access to internet services during the flight.
  • Copa Airlines offers passengers flying from Panama City to San José the opportunity to upgrade to the first-class cabin at a discounted rate, regardless of whether they are traveling in business or economy class. Passengers can submit a bid specifying the price they are willing to pay for the upgrade. However, it's important to note that to be eligible for an upgrade, passengers must first pay for any changes to their itinerary.
  • When traveling from Panama City to San José, the majority of travelers choose to depart from Tocumen International Airport (PTY). This preference is primarily driven by the fact that PTY Airport serves as a major hub for numerous airlines, including Copa Airlines and Avianca, which operate flights between PTY and SJO. Due to the competitive pricing among airlines operating on this route, there is a higher likelihood of finding affordable tickets for this journey.
  • Upon arrival at SJO Airport, you have the freedom to select your preferred mode of transportation to explore the neighboring cities of San José, including Calle Blancos, Alajuelita, and San Juan. You have several options available to travel from SJO airport to these locations, including taking a bus or tax or renting a car.

Prefer to fly direct from Panama City to San José?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from Panama City Tocumen Intl Airport to San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Panama City Tocumen Intl to San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Monday

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Tuesday

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Wednesday

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Thursday

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Friday

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Saturday

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Sunday

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Avianca,Copa Airlines

See more direct flights

Direct returns

San José Juan Santamaria Intl to Panama City Tocumen Intl

Monday

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Tuesday

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Wednesday

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Thursday

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Friday

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Saturday

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Sunday

Avianca,Copa Airlines

Avianca,Copa Airlines

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from Panama City to San José

Complete your trip to San José with a hotel stay or car rental