$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 8/15. 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$364
Liberia
Liberia2 stops$452
San José
San José1 stop$364
Liberia
Liberia2 stops$452

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

ح, سبتمبر 13 - ح, سبتمبر 20
Copa Airlines Logo
10:00 pm - 9:04 am
SAN
-
SJO
10h 04m
1 stop
Copa Airlines Logo
8:12 am - 6:30 pm
SJO
-
SAN
11h 18m
1 stop
$364Copa Airlines
خ, أكتوبر 1 - ر, أكتوبر 7
American Airlines Logo
7:15 pm - 1:57 pm
SAN
-
SJO
17h 42m
2 stops
American Airlines Logo
12:57 pm - 8:38 am
SJO
-
SAN
20h 41m
2 stops
$381American Airlines
خ, أكتوبر 1 - ر, أكتوبر 7
American Airlines Logo
7:15 pm - 1:57 pm
SAN
-
SJO
17h 42m
2 stops
American Airlines Logo
2:45 pm - 11:25 am
SJO
-
SAN
21h 40m
1 stop
$390American Airlines
ر, أغسطس 12 - ر, أغسطس 26
Copa Airlines Logo
10:00 pm - 8:19 am
SAN
-
SJO
9h 19m
1 stop
Copa Airlines Logo
5:45 am - 6:30 pm
SJO
-
SAN
13h 45m
1 stop
$394Copa Airlines
ن, نوفمبر 16 - س, نوفمبر 21
Copa Airlines Logo
10:00 pm - 4:49 pm
SAN
-
SJO
16h 49m
1 stop
Copa Airlines Logo
5:37 am - 5:15 pm
SJO
-
SAN
13h 38m
1 stop
$398Copa Airlines
خ, أغسطس 20 - خ, أغسطس 27
GOL Logo
6:40 pm - 1:52 pm
SAN
-
SJO
18h 12m
1 stop
GOL Logo
2:56 pm - 10:07 am
SJO
-
SAN
20h 11m
2 stops
$403GOL
خ, يوليو 30 - ر, أغسطس 5
United Airlines Logo
11:58 am - 10:39 pm
SAN
-
SJO
9h 41m
1 stop
United Airlines Logo
8:45 am - 6:39 pm
SJO
-
SAN
10h 54m
1 stop
$410United Airlines
خ, أغسطس 20 - ح, أغسطس 30
United Airlines Logo
6:20 am - 7:37 pm
SAN
-
SJO
12h 17m
2 stops
United Airlines Logo
8:45 am - 6:35 pm
SJO
-
SAN
10h 50m
1 stop
$415United Airlines
ن, أغسطس 10 - ث, أغسطس 18
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:27 pm - 5:29 pm
SAN
-
LIR
19h 02m
2 stops
Alaska Airlines Logo
6:39 pm - 7:00 pm
LIR
-
SAN
25h 21m
2 stops
$452Alaska Airlines
خ, نوفمبر 26 - ج, ديسمبر 4
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:59 pm - 6:25 pm
SAN
-
LIR
18h 26m
2 stops
Alaska Airlines Logo
7:35 pm - 9:32 pm
LIR
-
SAN
27h 57m
2 stops
$479Alaska 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 June and August, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $374 and $307 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 3 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 12% 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 4237 reviews
8.6Crew
8.0Comfort
8.1Boarding
7.5Entertainment
7.0Food
Airline reviews

Was fine, delayed and feels like southwest is always late

6.0 GoodAnonymous, Jun 2026
SMF - LAS
Read more Southwest reviews

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

The problem with the seat assignments is that there were a lot of rows in the front that were empty but my row at the back was full. Just not so pleasant.

Orderly boarding, priority for platinum members, courtesy drinks from business class even when we were seating in economy.

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.

Friendly crew, good food options, food not the best and seats not as comfy but that’s typical.

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.

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.

Easy of boarding, helpfully staff at check in, surprisingly comfortable seating

Lost of requested seat assignments. Lost my husband's meal choice

My service dog and I were asked to deplane just before they closed the door - clearly very last minute they couldn’t find the documentation that I have filled out many many times before that is for flying service animals. I purposely purchase 3seats (a whole row) since he is large and not all passengers want to sit next to a dog on a cross country flight. The plane departed with my husband on it!!! They made me fill out a hard copy of the same form and had to reschedule me on a later flight where they could find 3 seats together!! I’ve done this so many times before - clearly the error was on their part in a technology glitch - but really people - do better!! Very traumatic - and my husband had to wait for us when he landed ….so bad. Poor pup was confused and tired.

Late plane. Only one crew on the ground so we b had to wait for Denver flight to come in, board, and depart. At 78 yrs of age I was not pleased trying to get my connection. What really made me angry was the notification you sent me to hurry up or I would miss my connection. Why tell me to hurry up when you got me in late. It was not a good way of treating customers.

My flight time was changed without any notification to me which ruined my time sensitive plans so I ended up completely changing my travel plans and no reimbursement.

No screens or meal options. Freezing cold. Dirty seats. Left late.

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.

Premium Economy Good crew, good service, excellent food. Seat back screen just not bright enough.

The crew was very attentive through out the flight. Seats were comfortable, nice flight bag with pillow and blanket. Food was okay, since it was a overnight flight seemed to go by fast.

Left early arrived early..right amount of talking from pilots..of course had to love the biscuit and water!

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

Information on your arrival and departure airports