SJO - MEX

$113 Find Cheap Flights from San José to Mexico City - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$258
Typical prices: $272-$367
Volaris Costa Rica
Wed 3/7Tue 3/13
SJO - MEX • Non-stop
Cheapest one-way
$113
Typical prices: $129-$214
Volaris Costa Rica
Thu 10/11
SJO - MEX • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with Aeromexico, Volaris Costa Rica and Avianca. Average duration is 3h 08m
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 9 weeks in advance save around 14% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 10% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $164 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 4h 40m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to Mexico City!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from San José to Mexico City (SJO-MEX)

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

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

Sun, Mar 7 - Sat, Mar 13
Volaris Costa Rica Logo
6:53 am - 10:00 amSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-MEX Mexico City Benito Juarez
3h 07mnonstop
Volaris Costa Rica Logo
6:55 pm - 9:52 pmMEX  Mexico City Benito Juarez-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
2h 57mnonstop
$258Volaris Costa Rica
Mon, Mar 1 - Sat, Mar 6
Volaris Costa Rica Logo
6:53 am - 10:00 amSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-MEX Mexico City Benito Juarez
3h 07mnonstop
Volaris Costa Rica Logo
6:55 pm - 9:52 pmMEX  Mexico City Benito Juarez-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
2h 57mnonstop
$258Volaris Costa Rica
Sun, Sep 27 - Wed, Oct 7
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 10:00 amSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-MEX Mexico City Benito Juarez
3h 00mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:50 pm - 12:15 pmMEX  Mexico City Benito Juarez-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
13h 25m1 stop Monterrey Gen Mariano Escobedo
$269Multiple Airlines
Sat, Sep 26 - Wed, Oct 7
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 10:00 amSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-MEX Mexico City Benito Juarez
3h 00mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:50 pm - 12:15 pmMEX  Mexico City Benito Juarez-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
13h 25m1 stop Monterrey Gen Mariano Escobedo
$271Multiple Airlines
Thu, Oct 8 - Wed, Oct 28
Viva Logo
1:15 pm - 9:30 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-MEX Mexico City Benito Juarez
8h 15m1 stop Monterrey Gen Mariano Escobedo
Viva Logo
10:50 pm - 12:15 pmMEX  Mexico City Benito Juarez-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
13h 25m1 stop Monterrey Gen Mariano Escobedo
$272Viva
Mon, Nov 16 - Sun, Nov 22
Viva Logo
2:40 am - 8:25 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-MEX Mexico City Benito Juarez
17h 45m1 stop Monterrey Gen Mariano Escobedo
Viva Logo
10:50 pm - 1:25 amMEX  Mexico City Benito Juarez-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
26h 35m1 stop Monterrey Gen Mariano Escobedo
$299Viva
Fri, Nov 27 - Tue, Dec 15
Avianca Logo
12:25 pm - 3:25 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-MEX Mexico City Benito Juarez
3h 00mnonstop
Avianca Logo
12:55 pm - 3:55 pmMEX  Mexico City Benito Juarez-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
3h 00mnonstop
$318Avianca
Fri, Oct 2 - Fri, Oct 9
Aeromexico Logo
7:30 am - 10:40 amSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-MEX Mexico City Benito Juarez
3h 10mnonstop
Aeromexico Logo
6:35 pm - 10:00 pmMEX  Mexico City Benito Juarez-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
3h 25mnonstop
$319Aeromexico
Mon, Feb 22 - Mon, Mar 1
Aeromexico Logo
7:15 am - 10:25 amSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-MEX Mexico City Benito Juarez
3h 10mnonstop
Aeromexico Logo
7:05 pm - 10:15 pmMEX  Mexico City Benito Juarez-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
3h 10mnonstop
$319Aeromexico
Sat, Nov 14 - Sat, Nov 21
Avianca Logo
12:25 pm - 3:25 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-MEX Mexico City Benito Juarez
3h 00mnonstop
Avianca Logo
12:55 pm - 3:55 pmMEX  Mexico City Benito Juarez-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
3h 00mnonstop
$328Avianca
Booking Insights

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

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

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

Round-trip flights from San José to Mexico City start at $258. Prices are below average for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $272 to $367. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $258 on Volaris Costa Rica.

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

Monday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from San José to Mexico City, it is 2% cheaper than the average day. Saturday is the most expensive day with flight prices 1% 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 Mexico City?

  • February is the cheapest month to fly from San José to Mexico City at $274 round-trip.
  • December ($346) and June ($322) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 26% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

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

Flights from San José to Mexico City are cheapest 9 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 14% 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 Mexico City

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

Daniel Scheffler

Expert on Volaris Costa Rica

Daniel Scheffler is a travel writer, podcaster, and producer. Born in Africa, bred in Europe and now living in America he has traveled to 140 countries (and all 50 U.S. states). Plus he has stayed at over 2500 hotels across the globe. His original shows Everywhere and Without Maps (available on Spotify) showcase his beliefs, travel is about humanity and sharing that beauty. And thus it reminds you that you shouldn’t believe everything you think.

Marisa Garcia

Marisa Garcia

Expert on Aeromexico and MEX

Marisa knows planes inside and out, spending 16 years working on aircraft in hangars at airports around the world. She is an aviation industry expert, specialized in airline interiors and regulations. Ten years ago, she pivoted to journalism. She shares her insights in leading aviation, travel, and business publications and on her site FlightChic.

Mark Chesnut

Mark Chesnut

Expert on Avianca 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 San José to Mexico City flights

Low season

May

Cheapest flight

$113
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 5% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 14% increase in price.
Flight from San José to Mexico City

When to book flights from San José to Mexico City

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from San José to Mexico City 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 Mexico City flight questions, answered

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

  • Are there any on-site hotels at Mexico City International Airport?

    Mexico City International Airport has a few on-site hotels, including IZzzleep in Terminals 1 and 2, which has sleep capsules that you can rent by the hour. There are also the Hilton Mexico City Airport and the Hotel NH Collection, which are both located in Terminal 1. The Courtyard Mexico City Airport is connected to Terminal 1 via a covered walkway, and it has a free airport shuttle from Terminal 2.

  • How can I travel from Mexico City International Airport to downtown Mexico City?

    When driving from Mexico City International Airport to the city center, the journey will typically take you anywhere from 35 to 45min depending on what traffic conditions are like at the time. You can also take local metro line 5, which will bring you to downtown Mexico City in around 30min.

  • What is there to do while waiting for my flight to take off from Juan Santamaría International Airport?

    If you’re in the mood to treat yourself, head to Spa Mioderma for a manicure, pedicure, facial, or massage. There are also five different duty-free stores located in the airport, and they sell a variety of jewelry, beauty products, and travel items.

  • What amenities does Juan Santamaría International Airport have for travelers with limited mobility?

    Juan Santamaría International Airport is accessible for passengers with disabilities and has elevators to bring travelers to the different levels of the main terminal. There are also wheelchairs that passengers can use for free. If you need additional assistance, contact your airline ahead of time, and an employee can be present to help you through security and arrival at your boarding gate.

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

    Among airlines operating San José to Mexico City flights:

    • Volaris Costa Rica: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Aeromexico: 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 San José to Mexico City?

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

    • Aeromexico
    • Volaris Costa Rica
    • Avianca

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

    Flights from San José to Mexico City usually depart from San José Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO) and arrive at Mexico City Benito Juarez (MEX).

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

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

    • Volaris Costa Rica: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Aeromexico: 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 San José to Mexico City?

    Three cabin classes are available on flights from San José to Mexico City:

    • Economy Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • Business Class

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

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $164 round-trip via Monterrey Gen Mariano Escobedo (MTY), compared to $303 for nonstop.

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

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $28–$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 Mexico City?

    The Airbus A320neo family is used most often on this route, operated mainly by Volaris Costa Rica and Avianca. Other aircraft seen on the route include Boeing 737 MAX 8 variants.

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

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

    • San Salvador El Salvador Intl (SAL) - 40% of one-stop connections
    • Guatemala City La Aurora (GUA) - 30% of one-stop connections
    • Panama City Tocumen Intl (PTY) - 19% of one-stop connections
    • Monterrey Gen Mariano Escobedo (MTY) - 6% of one-stop connections

    San Salvador El Salvador Intl (SAL) 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 Mexico City?

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 4% on the San José to Mexico City route. Monday is the cheapest departure day at $298 round-trip on average, while Saturday is the most expensive at $308, a difference of $10. 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 Mexico City?

    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 Mexico City route, 6% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 2 hours 31 minutes.

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

    Morning is the busiest departure period on San José to Mexico City flights, with 50% of flights leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 50%, evening flights for 0%, and night flights for 0%.

  • What popular places can I visit in Mexico City?

    Some of the most popular sights in Mexico City are Zona Rosa, Plaza de la Constitucion and El Ángel de la Independencia. These are among the most viewed places in Mexico City on KAYAK.

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

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

    • Earliest: departs at 5:00 am and lands at 8:08 am
    • Latest: departs at 1:28 pm and lands at 4:36 pm.

    The flight takes about 3h 08m.

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

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 12% above the route average of $303. Book 9 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

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

    A nonstop flight from San José to Mexico City takes 3h 08m, covering 1,186 miles.

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

    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 Mexico City 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 $258 to $1,689. That means the highest observed fare was about 7x higher than the lowest one.

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

    One-way fares from San José to Mexico City are currently in line with typical prices for this route. Average one-way fares are about $163.

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

    Avianca is slightly above the route average for timely arrivals, while Aeromexico has a lower on-time arrival rate. On-time arrival rates on San José to Mexico City flights are:

    • Avianca: 97% on time
    • Aeromexico: 96% on time
    • Volaris: 88% on time

    Overall, flights on this route are on time 94% of the time on average.

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

    Night 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 Mexico City?

    Flying via Guatemala City La Aurora (GUA) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 4h 40m, compared with 6h 36m via San Salvador El Salvador Intl (SAL) and 6h 48m via Panama City Tocumen Intl (PTY).

  • What car rental options are available at Mexico City Benito Juarez Airport (MEX)?

    Mexico City Benito Juarez Airport (MEX) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates starting from around $1 for economy cars. Top options include:
    · Budget
    · Infinity Car Rental
    · Europcar
    · MEXRENTACAR
    · America Car Rental

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

    Round-trip flights from San José to Mexico City range from $272 to $367, with an average of $303 over the past 12 months. Anything below $272 counts as a good deal.

Your guide to booking San José to Mexico City 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 Monday departure instead of Saturday. On this route, Monday flights average $298 - about $10 less than Saturday (3% 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 14% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your San José to Mexico City trip for February. Fares historically average $274 round-trip in that month - typically $72 less than the most expensive month, which is December (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 San José to Mexico City arrived on time in the past 3 months, slightly above the route's average on-time arrival rate of 94%. When flights on this route do arrive late, the average delay is 2 hours 31 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 Monterrey Gen Mariano Escobedo Airport (MTY) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $164 round-trip on this route - about $139 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Mexico City Benito Juarez Airport.
    - Camino Real Aeropuerto Mexico
    - NH Collection Mexico City Airport T2
    - Courtyard by Marriott Mexico City Airport
  • Flights from San José to Mexico City depart from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), which is one of the largest airports in Costa Rica. This airport is also known for being a hub for Avianca and Copa Airlines, so it’s common to see these companies operate flights between these two locations.
  • There are quite a few daily flights between these two cities that are nonstop, and they are often serviced by airlines like Aeromexico or Volaris. You can also find many journeys that require one layover, and these might be operated by companies such as Avianca or Volaris.
  • Sit back and relax before your flight starts boarding by heading to one of the lounges at Juan Santamaría International Airport. Both the VIP Lounge Costa Rica and the Santamaria VIP Lounge can be found airside near Gate 5.
  • In case you would like to store a piece of luggage or two after your flight has landed, Mexico City International Airport (MEX) is equipped with luggage lockers. You can find them in Terminals 1 and 2 near the baggage claims, and they can be rented by the hour or day.
  • If you need to travel to Juan Santamaría International Airport from the city center of San José, it’s typically best to drive, as public transport is not normally an option. Under normal traffic conditions, the trip will take you between 25 and 30min.

Prefer to fly direct from San José to Mexico City?

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

Direct departures

San José Juan Santamaria Intl to Mexico City Benito Juarez

Monday

Aeromexico,Avianca,Volaris Costa Rica

Aeromexico,Avianca, +1 more

Tuesday

Aeromexico,Avianca,Volaris Costa Rica

Aeromexico,Avianca, +1 more

Wednesday

Aeromexico,Avianca,Volaris Costa Rica

Aeromexico,Avianca, +1 more

Thursday

Aeromexico,Avianca,Volaris Costa Rica

Aeromexico,Avianca, +1 more

Friday

Aeromexico,Avianca,Volaris Costa Rica

Aeromexico,Avianca, +1 more

Saturday

Aeromexico,Avianca,Volaris Costa Rica

Aeromexico,Avianca, +1 more

Sunday

Aeromexico,Avianca,Volaris Costa Rica

Aeromexico,Avianca, +1 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Mexico City Benito Juarez to San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Monday

Aeromexico,Avianca,Volaris Costa Rica

Aeromexico,Avianca, +1 more

Tuesday

Aeromexico,Avianca,Volaris Costa Rica

Aeromexico,Avianca, +1 more

Wednesday

Aeromexico,Avianca,Volaris Costa Rica

Aeromexico,Avianca, +1 more

Thursday

Aeromexico,Avianca,Volaris Costa Rica

Aeromexico,Avianca, +1 more

Friday

Aeromexico,Avianca,Volaris Costa Rica

Aeromexico,Avianca, +1 more

Saturday

Aeromexico,Avianca,Volaris Costa Rica

Aeromexico,Avianca, +1 more

Sunday

Aeromexico,Avianca,Volaris Costa Rica

Aeromexico,Avianca, +1 more

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from San José to Mexico City

Complete your trip to Mexico City with a hotel stay or car rental