$184 Find Cheap Flights from San Diego to Costa Rica - Compare and Save

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 8/3. 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$398
Liberia
Liberia1 stop$502
San José
San José1 stop$398
Liberia
Liberia1 stop$502

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, Sep 30 - Sun, Oct 11
Copa Airlines Logo
10:00 pm - 9:04 am
SAN
-
SJO
10h 04m
1 stop
Copa Airlines Logo
8:45 am - 6:30 pm
SJO
-
SAN
10h 45m
1 stop
$398Copa Airlines
Wed, Sep 30 - Sun, Oct 11
Copa Airlines Logo
10:00 pm - 9:04 am
SAN
-
SJO
10h 04m
1 stop
Copa Airlines Logo
8:45 am - 6:30 pm
SJO
-
SAN
10h 45m
1 stop
$408Copa Airlines
Sat, Oct 10 - Sat, Oct 24
United Airlines Logo
3:56 pm - 7:15 am
SAN
-
SJO
14h 19m
1 stop
United Airlines Logo
1:25 pm - 9:24 pm
SJO
-
SAN
8h 59m
1 stop
$410United Airlines
Mon, Nov 16 - Sat, Nov 21
American Airlines Logo
7:30 pm - 12:22 pm
SAN
-
SJO
14h 52m
2 stops
American Airlines Logo
2:39 pm - 8:34 am
SJO
-
SAN
19h 55m
1 stop
$415American Airlines
Wed, Sep 16 - Wed, Sep 23
United Airlines Logo
3:56 pm - 7:15 am
SAN
-
SJO
14h 19m
1 stop
United Airlines Logo
1:25 pm - 9:24 pm
SJO
-
SAN
8h 59m
1 stop
$420United Airlines
Mon, Nov 16 - Sat, Nov 21
American Airlines Logo
7:30 pm - 1:39 pm
SAN
-
SJO
16h 09m
2 stops
American Airlines Logo
6:22 am - 6:25 pm
SJO
-
SAN
14h 03m
2 stops
$425American Airlines
Sun, Oct 4 - Fri, Oct 16
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:19 pm - 8:30 am
SAN
-
SJO
17h 11m
2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:35 pm - 9:17 am
SJO
-
SAN
17h 42m
2 stops
$426Multiple Airlines
Wed, Aug 12 - Wed, Aug 26
Copa Airlines Logo
10:00 pm - 1:51 pm
SAN
-
SJO
14h 51m
1 stop
Copa Airlines Logo
8:12 am - 6:30 pm
SJO
-
SAN
11h 18m
1 stop
$428Copa Airlines
Tue, Nov 3 - Tue, Nov 10
American Airlines Logo
4:44 pm - 2:10 pm
SAN
-
SJO
19h 26m
1 stop
American Airlines Logo
1:09 pm - 10:22 pm
SJO
-
SAN
11h 13m
1 stop
$430American Airlines
Sat, Sep 19 - Fri, Oct 2
United Airlines Logo
10:11 am - 7:37 pm
SAN
-
SJO
8h 26m
1 stop
United Airlines Logo
1:25 pm - 9:24 pm
SJO
-
SAN
8h 59m
1 stop
$433United 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 December, when tickets cost $136 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are May and April, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $292 and $280 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 1 week before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 2 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonAugust
Cheapest flight$184
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 6% increase in price.
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 4 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.
7.9
SouthwestOverall score based on 4242 reviews
8.0Comfort
7.5Entertainment
8.1Boarding
7.0Food
8.6Crew
Airline reviews

Flight was delayed, full flight and I had to change gates. Southwest flights are always late later in the day.

4.0 OkaySteven, Jun 2026
ONT - LAS
Read more Southwest reviews

Flight was delayed, full flight and I had to change gates. Southwest flights are always late later in the day.

Was fine, delayed and feels like southwest is always late

The entire experience from boarding to landing was amazing! The crew were very friendly. Will definitely be back.

Delayed flight, lack of information, boarding process is a mess as is the carryon luggage causing issues when leaving the plane….just a poor experience.

Comfortable. Easy. No problems. Just wish they had gf options for snacks.

The crew was very kind and made going to Hawaii relaxing and fun to look forward to! Thank you Southwest for a pleasant flight!

Terrible. Even though there’s assigned seating now, they are still the slowest boarding airline of anyone.

It was good from LAX to Phoenix, But the connection in Phoenix to Tulsa was not that great. The staff on both flights were great. The choice of free entertainment was ok nothing to brag about. The 45 min delay because of some electrical issue wasn't great from Phoenix to Tulsa. We sat there with hardly any air, The seat I had was between windows so the side of the plane pushed in on you. My being a bigger man it then made the seating area uncomfortable. The seats on the plane had no power to connect to recharge your phone or anything. I would recommend that they should look into a slot or clamp to hold your phone to enjoy while watching the entertainment choices hands-free. Also make it possible to raise the inner seat by the window be able to raise the arm rest up to make more room for larger people to set more comfortably. I would also say other then that stop price gouging the airfare or nickel and diming everything. Not fair for people having to fly for emergencies and be paying for higher prices due to the season or holidays. Your making your money either way and the cost of flying is still going to be the same regardless if there's 100 people or 200 people.

Southwest was greaat! The most expensive but the least upsetting for those we were flying to see.

Boarding was easy. The seats are small and fairly uncomfortable

I was flying business class, and the French fellow passengers were super noisy. It was not a comfortable flight. And the crew was not helpful.

Entire experience from check in to landing was amazing the flight crew was excellent and friendly. Seats were comfortable.

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.

I was promised by United Airline (operated by ANA) that I will be seated together with my kids as I am the only adult flying with two minors. We did not get seats together in our 11 hours flight from LA to Tokyo. When asked at the gate, ANA representative said United Airline should have informed them that there is a parent flying with two minors. He said they can’t do anything in the system as the flight is full. He ask me to ask passengers next to me and the kids if they are willing to change seats. This is ridiculous! However, I went in the flight and asked other passages but no one willing to change seats. 11 hours and we were seating separately. I was very disappointed with this. It made things super inconvenient for me.

Service was professional and quick. Premium economy seat was comfortable given the class

It was perfect! United Airlines staff was extremely caring, super friendly and professional

The staff was extremely helpful and friendly at all times! They went above and beyond to get us into an earlier flight in San Diego to make our connection in SFO possible, because our original flight did actually not make it! I did so much appreciate the UA team and how they made this possible. We also didn’t have seats together on the long flight to Singapore, but they found us seats together last moment with no additional cost! Nobody sat next to us, so that we were able to sleep! Thanks to UA for improving their service and Underpricer for booking this trip! Please be careful: 1,5 hrs for transfer in San Francisco might not be enough time in the future

Over 2.5 hour maintenance delay on first morning flight with no acknowledgement, compensation or even gesture of good will. Aircraft had overnighted at airport so issue should have been addressed prior to boarding. Over 3.5 hours before first slow and deliberate beverage service.

United has maintenance issues and can then never recover. No operations ability and simple issues always turn into multiple hours long cascading delays. Worst airline on earth.

I paid for a confirmed upgraded aisle seat and was moved to a center seat in the back of the plane at the last minute.

Horrifying Almost 2 million miles. Bring your own food and drink. One coffee or drink every three hours. Have to order meals on app more than 24 hours ahead Tiny and dirty bathrooms

Flight was delayed but more than 90 minutes. This caused me to miss my available windows for pick-up by a friend. I had to pay $125 for an uber back home from the airport which was an added expense that I had not budgeted for my trip. Staff was friendly.

Seat pitch is horrible especially on the 15 hour flight. Gate crew at SFO was Outstanding. The flight crew was also great.

Agency very bad had to cancelled my booking too many changes in the flight changed my flight to 1 week

Luggage did not make it onto my plane. Business seats were economy with empty row seat. Just horrible experience. Why would the company allow for transfers that don’t give employees enough time to transfer luggages??

The gate experience at LAX was abysmal (same for the arrival experience two days prior). Despite the LAX -> SAT schedule of two flights daily, our departure gate was at a smaller hub that we had to be bussed to from Terminal 4. Fortunately, I arrived at LAX extra early and had time to spare, but if I had not known, I might have missed my flight. I looked at the LAX airport map in the AA app and there was no indication of the additional boarding process. Lastly the gate area we were bussed to was crowded with limited food and beverage options. On flight, the fight attendant was hospitable and attentive, the flight was smooth, and AA's free (and working) wifi for AA members were all on the positive side.

Our flight from JFK to Madrid was delayed. We had to go from one side of the Madrid airport (Terminal 4s to the far end of terminal 4 - Gate K98) to our gate in less than 30 minutes. Put passport control and security/baggage check and that’s very hard unless you’re Usain Bolt. I called Iberia Airlines and the telephone customer service told me that I was going to have to pay to re-book. Luckily the help desk in the airport (who was dealing with dozens of people from the same JFK-Madrid flight) did not charge us extra to reschedule to a flight 8 hours later. They also gave us a voucher for breakfast and lunch. Glad the actual person at the airport had some actual sense.

For an long range economy flight I feel more space and more meal options need to be offered for flights over 5 hours

Take-off delayed an hour because of a missing flight officer, so,arrived in Charlotte lates causing many passengers to miss connections. Otherwise a very good flight, safe and comfortable, with an excellent professional crew.

The flight from LA to Chicago was smooth and service was very good overall.

B-class on an old plane with antiquated amenities and poor service. Landed in Rome w/o bag that didn’t make the connection (plenty of time in London). Bag will come to hotel NOT the day it lands but the following night!! Still waiting for bag…BA had nothing to offer in support and couldn’t even tell me their comp, told to submit receipts and then I’ll learn what is or isn’t covered.

Ontario airport boarding was very easy to park and access, is clean and TSA took 10 minutes total. Check-in was a breeze and cruise was very nice.

It's a long flight and that is always difficult. I was comfortable and well. The movies available were great and the crew was good.

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

Information on your arrival and departure airports