SJO - CTG

$160 Find Cheap Flights from San José to Cartagena - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$314
Typical prices: $246-$344
Copa Airlines
Thu 9/20Wed 9/26
SJO - CTG • 1 stop
Cheapest one-way
$160
Typical prices: $124-$181
Copa Airlines
Fri 10/19
SJO - CTG • 1 stop
Nonstop flights
There are currently no direct flights between San José and Cartagena. You'll need to take a connecting flight to reach the destination.
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Avoid delays
Most punctual • 96% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 9 weeks in advance save around 17% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 13% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $289 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 4h 32m (one-way)
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Insights
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We hope you love your trip to Cartagena!
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Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from San José to Cartagena (SJO-CTG)

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

Recent round-trip flight deals from San José to Cartagena

Sun, Sep 20 - Sat, Sep 26
Copa Airlines Logo
4:08 am - 8:40 amSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-CTG Cartagena Rafael Nunez
3h 32m1 stop Panama City Tocumen Intl
Copa Airlines Logo
6:20 am - 9:04 amCTG  Cartagena Rafael Nunez-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
3h 44m1 stop Panama City Tocumen Intl
$314Copa Airlines
Wed, Oct 21 - Wed, Oct 28
Copa Airlines Logo
4:08 am - 8:40 amSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-CTG Cartagena Rafael Nunez
3h 32m1 stop Panama City Tocumen Intl
Copa Airlines Logo
6:25 am - 9:04 amCTG  Cartagena Rafael Nunez-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
3h 39m1 stop Panama City Tocumen Intl
$314Copa Airlines
Thu, Oct 22 - Mon, Oct 26
Copa Airlines Logo
4:08 am - 8:40 amSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-CTG Cartagena Rafael Nunez
3h 32m1 stop Panama City Tocumen Intl
Copa Airlines Logo
6:25 am - 9:04 amCTG  Cartagena Rafael Nunez-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
3h 39m1 stop Panama City Tocumen Intl
$315Copa Airlines
Thu, Oct 22 - Thu, Oct 29
Copa Airlines Logo
4:08 am - 8:40 amSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-CTG Cartagena Rafael Nunez
3h 32m1 stop Panama City Tocumen Intl
Copa Airlines Logo
7:05 pm - 7:24 amCTG  Cartagena Rafael Nunez-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
13h 19m1 stop Panama City Tocumen Intl
$318Copa Airlines
Fri, Sep 18 - Sun, Sep 20
Avianca Logo
4:00 pm - 10:15 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-CTG Cartagena Rafael Nunez
5h 15m1 stop Bogotá El Dorado
Avianca Logo
7:45 am - 3:25 pmCTG  Cartagena Rafael Nunez-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
8h 40m1 stop Bogotá El Dorado
$363Avianca
Fri, Nov 13 - Sun, Nov 15
Avianca Logo
5:15 pm - 11:05 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-CTG Cartagena Rafael Nunez
4h 50m1 stop Bogotá El Dorado
Avianca Logo
12:05 pm - 4:20 pmCTG  Cartagena Rafael Nunez-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
5h 15m1 stop Bogotá El Dorado
$363Avianca
Thu, Nov 26 - Fri, Dec 4
Avianca Logo
5:15 pm - 11:05 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-CTG Cartagena Rafael Nunez
4h 50m1 stop Bogotá El Dorado
Avianca Logo
4:45 am - 8:50 amCTG  Cartagena Rafael Nunez-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
5h 05m1 stop Bogotá El Dorado
$363Avianca
Sun, Jan 24 - Mon, Feb 1
Wingo Logo
7:10 am - 3:51 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-CTG Cartagena Rafael Nunez
7h 41m1 stop Medellín Jose Maria Cordova Intl
Wingo Logo
8:01 am - 3:50 pmCTG  Cartagena Rafael Nunez-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
8h 49m1 stop Medellín Jose Maria Cordova Intl
$424Wingo
Sun, Oct 4 - Wed, Oct 7
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:08 am - 8:40 amSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-CTG Cartagena Rafael Nunez
3h 32m1 stop Panama City Tocumen Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
9:58 pm - 8:19 amCTG  Cartagena Rafael Nunez-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
11h 21m2 stops Medellín Jose Maria Cordova Intl Panama City Tocumen Intl
$428Multiple Airlines
Wed, Oct 21 - Wed, Oct 28
Multiple Airlines Logo
5:45 am - 11:00 amSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-CTG Cartagena Rafael Nunez
4h 15m1 stop Panama City Tocumen Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
9:58 pm - 1:52 pmCTG  Cartagena Rafael Nunez-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
16h 54m2 stops Medellín Jose Maria Cordova Intl Panama City Tocumen Intl
$428Multiple Airlines
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for San José to Cartagena flights

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

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

Round-trip flights from San José to Cartagena start at $314. Prices are typical for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $246 to $344. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $314 on Copa Airlines.

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

Wednesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from San José to Cartagena, it is 5% cheaper than the average day. Saturday is the most expensive day with flight prices 5% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

What is the cheapest month to fly from San José to Cartagena?

  • October is the cheapest month to fly from San José to Cartagena at $247 round-trip.
  • December ($333) and July ($325) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 34% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from San José to Cartagena the cheapest?

Flights from San José to Cartagena are cheapest 9 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 17% 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 San José to Cartagena

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

Ramsey Qubein

Expert on CTG

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 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 San José to Cartagena flights

Low season

September

Cheapest flight

$160
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 8% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 18% increase in price.
Flight from San José to Cartagena

When to book flights from San José to Cartagena

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

Your San José to Cartagena flight questions, answered

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

  • Should I expect layovers from San José to Cartagena?

    Depending on the specific flight schedule, Avianca may have layovers in Bogotá or San Salvador. Copa Airlines may have layovers in Panama City, a common hub for their flights. Other airlines like American Airlines and Delta Air Lines may also offer connecting flights with layovers in their respective hub cities, such as Miami or Atlanta.

  • What class tickets are available on Aeromexico?

    Aeromexico offers different classes of tickets to accommodate passengers' diverse needs and preferences. The basic fare, also known as Economy Class, offers a standard travel experience with comfortable seating and access to in-flight services. Moving up, there is the Main Cabin Fare, which offers additional flexibility and benefits, such as complimentary snacks and drinks and the ability to earn and redeem miles. Aeromexico's top-tier class is the Premier Class, designed for the utmost luxury and comfort, featuring fully-flat beds, fine dining options, priority check-in, and access to VIP lounges.

  • What airlines from San José to Cartagena have dietary considerations?

    Avianca and Copa Airlines offer options for passengers with dietary restrictions, including meals that cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and diabetic diets. It's advisable to inform the airline about your dietary restrictions during the booking process or at least 24-48 hours before your flight to ensure they can accommodate your needs appropriately.

  • What options are available for upgrades to first class on Copa Airlines?

    Copa Airlines offers complimentary upgrades available on their Boeing 737 MAX9 aircraft. Eligible passengers may be offered complimentary upgrades based on availability and their frequent flyer status. Another option is Mileage Upgrades, where you can use your Copa Airlines ConnectMiles to upgrade to first class. You can redeem your accumulated miles for an upgrade from Economy to Business or Business to First Class, subject to availability and fare rules.

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

    Among airlines operating San José to Cartagena flights:

    • Avianca: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection

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

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

    Flights from San José to Cartagena usually depart from San José Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO) and arrive at Cartagena Rafael Nunez (CTG).

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

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

    • 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 San José to Cartagena?

    Only Economy Class is available on flights from San José to Cartagena.

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

    On this route, nonstop flights are cheaper than layover options on average. Nonstop fares average $269 round-trip, compared to $289 via a layover through Medellín Jose Maria Cordova Intl (MDE).

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

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $81–$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 San José to Cartagena?

    The Airbus A320neo family is used most often on this route, operated mainly by Avianca. Other aircraft seen on the route include Boeing 737-800 variants.

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

    One-stop flights from San José to Cartagena most commonly connect through:

    • Panama City Tocumen Intl (PTY) - 88% of one-stop connections
    • Bogotá El Dorado (BOG) - 11% of one-stop connections
    • Medellín Jose Maria Cordova Intl (MDE) - 0% of one-stop connections
    • Lima J Chavez Intl (LIM) - 0% of one-stop connections

    Panama City Tocumen Intl (PTY) handles the largest share of one-stop connections on this route.

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

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 10% on the San José to Cartagena route. Wednesday is the cheapest departure day at $270 round-trip on average, while Saturday is the most expensive at $299, a difference of $29. 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 San José to Cartagena?

    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 San José to Cartagena route, 4% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 1 hour 22 minutes.

  • What popular places can I visit in Cartagena?

    Some of the most popular sights in Cartagena are Walled City, Torre del Reloj and Centro de Convenciones Cartagena de Indias. These are among the most viewed places in Cartagena on KAYAK.

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

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 12% above the route average of $283. Book 9 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How long is a flight from San José to Cartagena?

    A nonstop flight from San José to Cartagena takes 0h 00m, covering 592 miles.

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

    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 San José to Cartagena 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 $314 to $1,868. That means the highest observed fare was about 6x higher than the lowest one.

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

    One-way fares from San José to Cartagena are currently higher than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $261, which is 78% above the typical average for this route.

  • How does Avianca’s on-time performance compare to other airlines on San José to Cartagena flights?

    Avianca is the only airline operating San José to Cartagena flights. 96% of its flights are on time.

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

    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 San José to Cartagena?

    Flying via Panama City Tocumen Intl (PTY) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 4h 32m, compared with 5h 41m via Bogotá El Dorado (BOG) and 9h 00m via Medellín Jose Maria Cordova Intl (MDE).

  • What is the time difference between San José and Cartagena?

    Cartagena is 1 hour ahead of San José (Colombia Time vs Central Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What car rental options are available at Cartagena Rafael Nunez Airport (CTG)?

    Cartagena Rafael Nunez Airport (CTG) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates starting from around $25 for economy cars. Top options include:
    · Alamo
    · GREEN MOTION
    · Localiza
    · National
    · Enterprise Rent-A-Car

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

    Round-trip flights from San José to Cartagena range from $246 to $344, with an average of $283 over the past 12 months. Anything below $246 counts as a good deal.

Your guide to booking San José to Cartagena 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 Wednesday departure instead of Saturday. On this route, Wednesday flights average $270 - about $29 less than Saturday (10% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 9 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 17% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your San José to Cartagena trip for October. Fares historically average $247 round-trip in that month - typically $86 less than the most expensive month, which is December (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Cartagena Rafael Nunez Airport.
    - Ibis Cartagena Marbella
    - GHL Corales de Indias
    - Las Americas Casa De Playa
  • When departing from San Jose, the main airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). It serves as a hub for several airlines, including Avianca, Copa Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. From this airport, travelers can fly to various international destinations such as Miami, Houston, Mexico City, San Salvador, and Panama City.
  • Viva Air offers affordable airfare options and operates nonstop flights between San José and Cartagena. They provide a no-frills experience, focusing on providing affordable travel options for budget-conscious travelers. With Viva Air, you can enjoy the convenience of nonstop flights without compromising your budget.
  • Flights to Cartagena will land at Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG). It is a hub for several airlines, including Avianca and Copa Airlines. The airport offers connections to various international destinations, including cities in the United States, Canada, Europe, and other parts of Latin America. Some popular international routes from Cartagena include Miami, Bogotá, Panama City, Madrid, and New York City. Its proximity to the main tourist areas and hotels makes it a convenient choice for both leisure and business travelers.
  • Avianca offers an Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service, which ensures the safety and well-being of children between 5 and 14 traveling alone. The service includes assistance from trained staff members who escort the child throughout the journey, providing guidance and support. Avianca's UM service includes dedicated check-in counters, priority boarding, in-flight supervision, and assistance with connecting flights.
  • For business travelers flying from San José (SJO) to Cartagena (CTG), Avianca Costa Rica provides Business Class seating, which includes spacious and comfortable seats with extra legroom. Business Class passengers enjoy priority check-in, access to VIP lounges, and expedited boarding.

More options for your flight from San José to Cartagena

Complete your trip to Cartagena with a hotel stay or car rental