$153 Find Cheap Flights from San Diego 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 San Diego to Costa Rica departing on 4/7. 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.
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

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Cheap Flights from San Diego to Costa Rica

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours
San José
San José1 stop$325
Liberia
Liberia1 stop$362
San José
San José1 stop$325
Liberia
Liberia1 stop$362

Book Cheap San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego to Costa Rica

Wed, Mar 4 - Sat, Mar 7
Copa Airlines Logo
8:18 pm - 9:59 am
SAN
-
SJO
11h 41m
1 stop
Copa Airlines Logo
4:09 am - 6:14 pm
SJO
-
SAN
15h 05m
1 stop
$325Copa Airlines
Wed, Mar 4 - Sun, Mar 8
Copa Airlines Logo
8:18 pm - 4:46 pm
SAN
-
SJO
18h 28m
2 stops
Copa Airlines Logo
10:08 am - 6:14 pm
SJO
-
SAN
9h 06m
1 stop
$330Copa Airlines
Fri, Apr 17 - Fri, Apr 24
Copa Airlines Logo
9:18 pm - 1:52 pm
SAN
-
SJO
15h 34m
1 stop
Copa Airlines Logo
8:46 am - 6:30 pm
SJO
-
SAN
10h 44m
1 stop
$336Copa Airlines
Sun, Mar 8 - Fri, Mar 13
Copa Airlines Logo
9:18 pm - 4:46 pm
SAN
-
SJO
18h 28m
2 stops
Copa Airlines Logo
4:09 am - 6:14 pm
SJO
-
SAN
15h 05m
1 stop
$341Copa Airlines
Fri, Mar 6 - Sun, Mar 8
Copa Airlines Logo
8:18 pm - 7:05 am
SAN
-
SJO
8h 47m
1 stop
Copa Airlines Logo
8:48 am - 6:14 pm
SJO
-
SAN
10h 26m
1 stop
$345Copa Airlines
Fri, Apr 10 - Sun, Apr 19
Copa Airlines Logo
9:18 pm - 1:52 pm
SAN
-
SJO
15h 34m
1 stop
Copa Airlines Logo
8:30 am - 6:30 pm
SJO
-
SAN
11h 00m
1 stop
$348Copa Airlines
Thu, Apr 23 - Mon, Apr 27
United Airlines Logo
10:23 am - 7:37 pm
SAN
-
SJO
8h 14m
1 stop
United Airlines Logo
8:45 am - 6:38 pm
SJO
-
SAN
10h 53m
1 stop
$350United Airlines
Tue, Apr 28 - Tue, May 12
American Airlines Logo
10:40 pm - 1:08 pm
SAN
-
SJO
13h 28m
2 stops
American Airlines Logo
6:30 am - 8:09 pm
SJO
-
SAN
14h 39m
2 stops
$355American Airlines
Sat, Apr 18 - Thu, Apr 23
American Airlines Logo
10:05 pm - 1:10 pm
SAN
-
LIR
14h 05m
1 stop
American Airlines Logo
2:10 pm - 8:15 am
LIR
-
SAN
19h 05m
1 stop
$362American Airlines
Wed, Apr 29 - Fri, May 8
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:12 pm - 6:20 am
SAN
-
LIR
32h 08m
2 stops
Alaska Airlines Logo
11:20 am - 8:55 am
LIR
-
SAN
46h 35m
2 stops
$386Alaska Airlines
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for San Diego to Costa Rica flights

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

What is the cheapest month to fly from San Diego to Costa Rica?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from San Diego 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 San Diego to Costa Rica is October, when tickets cost $311 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are June and December, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $591 and $588 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego to Costa Rica, you should book around 3 weeks before departure, which saves you about 12% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 10 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonAugust
Cheapest flight$153
Most popular time to fly with an average 11% increase in price.
Flight from San Diego to San José

FAQs - booking Costa Rica flights

  • Where can you dine at the departure airport?

    There are both dine-in and grab-and-go dining options at the San Diego airport. There is a fair mix of well-known and regionally-owned restaurants at the airport. Nearly all of the city's gastronomic staples, including Phil's BBQ, The Prado, and Elegant Desserts, are present along with several locally-produced alcoholic beverages like Ballast Point Bar and Stone Brewing. Each has a different opening and closing hour, though. You can also order food from the airport restaurants through the At Your Gate app.

  • Where can you shop at the departure and arrival airports?

    MAC Cosmetics, MindWorks, which sells toys and games, and Gaslamp Marketplace, where you can buy regional goods and souvenirs, are just a few of the well-known stores at the San Diego airport where you can shop. At Terminal 2 near gates 20–21, there are duty-free shops. In addition, there are five duty-free stores at the SJO airport, four on the airside and one on the landside, for travelers who want to shop when they arrive. Other airside stores that sell jewelry and cosmetics are also available.

  • Where can you get a spa treatment at the departure and arrival airports?

    If you're looking for spa services at the San Diego International Airport, you can also stop by The Be Relax Spa in Terminal 2 which provides massages, facials, oxygen and light therapy, and other treatments. You can also get a spa treatment on arrival at SJO airport. Spa Mioderma offers a variety of spa services, including as massages, facials, pedicures, and more. This spa is located on the airside at gates 5 and 10.

  • Where can you exchange currency at SJO airport?

    Since the currency used in San Diego is the dollar while in Costa Rica it is the colon, you may have to exchange some money. In SJO, currency exchange services are available at the airport lobby. These services are offered by Global Exchange and BAC San Jose. You can also withdraw at the BAC branch since they offer withdrawals in colones, euros, and dollars.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from San Diego 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 San Diego to Costa Rica.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego to Costa Rica up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Costa Rica

  • The airport's lounges are available to passengers who want to unwind before their journey at San Diego International Airport. The lounges provide comfort, free refreshments, and food. The Airspace Lounge has shower facilities. Additionally, there are lounges including the United Club and the Delta Sky Club.
  • At the San Diego International Airport, lactation rooms are available for parents who prefer a private setting to nurse their children. In Terminal 1, there are two of them, and Terminal 2 has one more. In these rooms, you can find conveniences like a sink, a seat for kids, and comfortable seats.
  • If you wish to rent a car at SJO airport, there are various car rental providers at the airport such as Hertz, Budget, Enterprise, and SIXT. You can consider booking in advance since it may be cheaper and you might also get discounts.
  • There are only a few food concessions available at Liberia Airport if you wish to eat when you arrive. Bar Imperial, Britt Cafe & Bakery, and Cafe Players are a few places to eat.
  • There are numerous ways to go from the airport to the city center for those arriving at the Liberia airport. A public bus operates between the airport and the city. There are both private and shared taxis in the ground transportation area for individuals who desire them. Additionally, there are several car rental companies at the airport, including Avis, Budget, and Economy.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from San Diego to Costa Rica

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from San Diego 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.
8.0
SouthwestOverall score based on 4299 reviews
8.1Boarding
7.5Entertainment
7.0Food
8.0Comfort
8.6Crew
Airline reviews

The Southwest experience has definitely taken a dive from its early days. You can no longer deferentiate from other airlines. Air travel is too expensive. Southwest is no longer budget friendly. They have lost me as a loyal customer.

4.0 OkayDaniel, Feb 2026
LGB - PHX
Read more Southwest reviews

The Southwest experience has definitely taken a dive from its early days. You can no longer deferentiate from other airlines. Air travel is too expensive. Southwest is no longer budget friendly. They have lost me as a loyal customer.

The charges were ridiculous for an hour flight and the turbulence was very scary.

The seats are now more narrow. I paid for front row the seats in the front are even more narrow than before.

The wifi on the plane is great. The only issue that I have is that I prefer an aisle seat and on my trips this week, I was either in the middle or window. If we can work to secure aisle seating, I will be thrilled. Nice trip.

Great flight but super high price. Glad it was a business trip and not personal

3 hour delay. Had to change plans and was still delayed.

We got exit row seats both flights. Everything was running on time

The boarding and seat assignment system no longer works for me, but I know it is being replaced. Otherwise, I am good with the overall experience.

The lead steward kept singing about "San Francisco" and hotel California---more annoying than humorous....needs work. Flight was smooth and on time.

San Diego airport is brand new, spacious, airy and very smooth checkin at SW baggage drop.

Flight was delayed by 3-hours and their fix was… complimentary pretzels.

The crew, and fellow passengers, were super gracious and kind. There seemed to be plenty of bin space even though the plane was full. It’s nice to get a glass of wine with dinner in Premiere seating, and there was a lot of food.

Everything I mentioned earlier - the airbus was more comfortable indeed and the experience was further enhanced.

The plane was an older model, so it wasn’t as comfortable as others. The flight attendants were not helpful during onboarding. It was a full flight so there was chaos finding space for baggage.

Awesome! On time flight, early arrival, and a complimentary upgrade!

It was nt delta. It was aeromexo. Service was awful. They served a very small drink and NO snack for a 3hr and 35min flight. Then for the first 30 min of the flight is was talk and talk over head interruption the movie/ show i picked to watch.

Delta One is extraordinary. I fly business when somebody hires me. I just wonder why there is such a chasm between business class and the insanely inhumane and nonsensical coach. The seats are not large enough to fit even my tiny wife. We fly 10% of what we did because we don’t want to pay 5-10 k but for $400 it’s unbearable. It seems like the accountants took over and made stupid decisions. Screw in 20 extra seats and make it so unbearable that people fly 90% less. Just put the damn price up and put some proper chairs in. But business, yay.

Delta’s staff is unmatched. From the gate agents, to the pilots, to the flight attendants… all top of the industry.

The flight was delayed for about 2 hrs. Other than it, it was good.

I am extremely disappointed that delta internal pilot manuals now refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the “gulf of America”. You can bow down to the Orange turd on your own. I will never fly delta again

Copa staff at PTY and one particular crew member were unhelpful & rude.

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

Some of the Air hostesses are not that friendly. Need improvement

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)

Had to go through security at the gate again. Had to take off shoes and go through the whole thing again even though we have global entry. They asked us to check in items bought at duty free during our layover and since we checked our luggage at the original departure airport, they forced us to check in a small backpack. None of this ever happened with other airlines. In addition, no vegetarian food option and no snacks during a 7 hr flight. Luggage limits are unusually small. This is unacceptable. Will NEVER fly Copa again and will tell friends and family to avoid this airline.

It was ok. However, the food was quite poor since I don't eat pasta.

We had turbulence ever 1/2 hr or so and the captains announcements were SOOOO LOUD

Women boarding passengers at the gate was absolutely rude and disrespectful of passengers. The flight attendant was absolutely delightful! Smiling and connected with the passengers. So happy. The seats are cramped and uncomfortable but I guess that’s just the way it is Communication regarding flight was excellent

it was a very short flight so my expectations were low.

Entertainment kept turning itself off. Gave up on watching a movie.

Very disappointing given gate agent behavior. Filed a formal complaint with United.

Crew was great (professional, attentive, prompt). Snacks for 4 hrs flight is deplorable.

Flight delayed. WiFi connectivity very poor if not existant. Last minute arrival forced me to run to catch my connection.

Terrible. No customer service, no food, no drinks on a 6 hour premier economy booking.

Check-in and in-flight staff were better than average. The seat was a fair size but too hard and not enough padding. The cushion/pillow provided is poor (thin and seems to be disposable ,it provides no effective cushioning or support). Food was OK-ish but no choice of inflight snacks and no easy place to get drinks other than water (I could ask for juice by intruding into the staff area at the back of the plane) Entertainment was very good actually. Overall better than I expected from a US-based airline (sorry!) but compared to ANA or Singapore it was so-so. (I live in Japan so they are my comparative airlines)

Terrible. Our first time back on United for 10 years, the seats in Polaris class are small and uncomfortable. They have squished too many people in to get more $$$. The staff are not friendly and not wanting to accommodate. I asked for two salads rather than a main meal and was advised no we wont do that. Then asked what I would like for breakfast and given something else anyway. I will not be flying United International anytime soon.

Experience was great. The best part is the free Wi-Fi connection which helps me to work on the flight

The flight was fine. It's the satellite terminal that supports American eagle flights is what sucks. There is only one food option and everything there is way overpriced. I mean I know it's airport pricing, but it's even crazier than that. I bought a sandwich in a plastic container for $18.

The flight was really crowded. Flight attendants were just ok.

Flight was delayed for 2 hours, then last minute the change to on time. The satélite location is far and a nightmare to get to.

We flew in first class. The crew did not offer drinks before the flight took off, but they treated us well during the flight. The food was excellent. There was actually too much food served, but it was nice to have all the options.

For a 5 1/2 hour flite i considered the "business class" to be subpar. The seats were just ok, no amenities, really nothing more than a long domestic flight. Frankly disappointed.

It would be nice to have some low carb options in the snacks.

The entertainment options were at best, fair. It was exactly the same as my outbound flight. It would have been more entertaining if there were some series from Apple TV, HBO, Showtime or other carriers for me to catch up with.

The flight was on time and arrived early. The crew were friendly and helpful.

While I didn’t watch much tv I would have liked a few more options of TV series from Apple TV or hbo max ..

Everything you need to know for your flight from San Diego to Costa Rica

Information on your arrival and departure airports