SJO - WAS

$118 Find Cheap Flights from San José to Washington, D.C.

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 José to Washington, D.C. departing on 4/22. 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

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Washington, D.C.

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from San José to Washington, D.C..
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from San José to Washington, D.C..
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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$191
Typical prices: $266-$384
Avianca
Tue 1/27Sat 1/31
SJO - IAD • Non-stop
Cheapest one-way
$118
Typical prices: $187-$317
Avianca
Wed 4/22
SJO - IAD • 1 stop
Our travelers' advice
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
Avianca's Classic fare includes a checked bag and seat.
United's Economy Plus offers extra legroom for comfort.
Expert advice
Expert advice
Expert advice
Expert advice
Top airlines
Avianca
Cheapest • from $195 (round-trip)
Copa Airlines
Best reviews • 7.6 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
+1
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
Top routes
SJO-IAD
Cheapest • 51% average savings
SJO-IAD
Most popular
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to book
3 weeks
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 3 weeks in advance save around 8% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
October
Cheapest • 14% price drop
December
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
+1
Good to know
Good to know
+1
Nonstop flights
5 days a week
There are direct flights from San José to Washington, D.C. 5 days a week: Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun.
Direct flights
Direct flights
Direct flights
Direct flights
Start a new search
KAYAK searches 100s of sites at once to find you the best travel deals.
We hope you love your trip to Washington, D.C.!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from San José to Washington, D.C. (SJO-WAS)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from San José to Washington, D.C. 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 José to Washington, D.C.

Tue, Jan 27 - Sat, Jan 31
Avianca Logo
5:10 pm - 10:35 pm
SJO
-
IAD
4h 25mnonstop
Avianca Logo
11:55 pm - 3:50 am
IAD
-
SJO
4h 55mnonstop
$191Avianca
Thu, Jan 29 - Mon, Feb 2
Avianca Logo
4:15 pm - 12:10 am
SJO
-
IAD
6h 55m1 stop
Avianca Logo
4:15 pm - 11:40 pm
IAD
-
SJO
8h 25m1 stop
$193Avianca
Thu, Apr 16 - Sat, Apr 18
Avianca Logo
4:20 pm - 1:15 am
SJO
-
IAD
6h 55m1 stop
Avianca Logo
2:35 am - 7:40 am
IAD
-
SJO
7h 05m1 stop
$194Avianca
Thu, Feb 5 - Mon, Feb 9
Spirit Airlines Logo
1:30 pm - 11:36 pm
SJO
-
BWI
9h 06m1 stop
Spirit Airlines Logo
6:20 am - 12:22 pm
BWI
-
SJO
7h 02m1 stop
$201Spirit Airlines
Thu, Feb 5 - Mon, Feb 9
Spirit Airlines Logo
1:30 pm - 11:36 pm
SJO
-
BWI
9h 06m1 stop
Spirit Airlines Logo
6:20 am - 12:22 pm
BWI
-
SJO
7h 02m1 stop
$205Spirit Airlines
Thu, Mar 5 - Mon, Mar 9
Avianca Logo
7:50 pm - 3:10 am
SJO
-
IAD
6h 20m1 stop
Avianca Logo
5:15 pm - 11:40 pm
IAD
-
SJO
8h 25m1 stop
$206Avianca
Thu, Dec 25 - Sat, Jan 3
United Airlines Logo
2:05 pm - 9:48 am
SJO
-
BWI
18h 43m1 stop
United Airlines Logo
6:04 pm - 6:16 pm
BWI
-
SJO
25h 12m1 stop
$217United Airlines
Thu, Feb 5 - Mon, Feb 9
United Airlines Logo
6:30 am - 10:06 pm
SJO
-
DCA
14h 36m1 stop
United Airlines Logo
12:40 pm - 8:39 pm
DCA
-
SJO
8h 59m1 stop
$217United Airlines
Thu, Feb 5 - Mon, Feb 9
American Airlines Logo
6:38 am - 11:00 pm
SJO
-
DCA
15h 22m1 stop
American Airlines Logo
5:55 am - 1:54 pm
DCA
-
SJO
8h 59m2 stops
$230American Airlines
Sun, Feb 1 - Wed, Feb 18
American Airlines Logo
4:02 pm - 9:19 am
SJO
-
BWI
16h 17m1 stop
American Airlines Logo
7:18 pm - 10:25 am
BWI
-
SJO
16h 07m1 stop
$231American Airlines
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for San José to Washington, D.C. flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from San José to Washington, D.C. to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What is the cheapest San José to Washington, D.C. flight route?

Data is based on round-trip flight searches on KAYAK over the past month.

The cheapest return flight from San José to Washington, D.C. costs $119 on the route between San José (SJO) and Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport (IAD). Over the past month, this route was, on average, 51% cheaper than other San José-Washington, D.C. routes. It is also the most popular route.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from San José to Washington, D.C.?

The average price of all round-trip flights from San José to Washington, D.C. clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

If you are looking for a flight deal from San José to Washington, D.C., look for departures on Fridays and avoid leaving on a Sunday, as it's usually the priciest day. When flying back from Washington, D.C., Tuesday is the cheapest day to fly and Saturday is the most expensive.

What is the cheapest month to fly from San José to Washington, D.C.?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from San José to Washington, D.C., 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 José to Washington, D.C. is October, where tickets cost $249 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are April and January, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $353 and $343 respectively.

Can I save money by flying with a layover from San José to Washington, D.C.?

The average round-trip price for all non-stop flights, flights with one layover, and flights with two layovers for the route found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

No, with an average price for the route of $250, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

How far in advance should I book a flight from San José to Washington, D.C.?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from San José to Washington, D.C., 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 José to Washington, D.C., you should book around 3 weeks before departure, which saves you about 8% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 14 weeks before departure.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from San José to Washington, D.C.

 
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Airlines
United Airlines

United's Economy Plus offers up to 6 inches more legroom, enhancing comfort on longer flights.


United's Wi-Fi offers free messaging; check coverage before purchasing for better connectivity.

Avianca

Avianca's Classic fare includes a free checked bag and seat selection, ideal for longer flights.


Avianca's 787 Dreamliner offers seatback entertainment, enhancing comfort on longer flights.

Airports
SJO

SJO offers free WiFi and 75 self-check-in kiosks. Arrive early as security lines can vary in length.

IAD

The Silver Line Metro connects IAD to downtown D.C. in about 50 minutes, offering a convenient travel option.

Our travel experts
Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines and IAD

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or on the sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Read more
Mark Chesnut

Mark Chesnut

Expert on Avianca and SJO

Mark Chesnut

Mark Chesnut

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.

Read more

Good to know

Low seasonAugust
Cheapest flight$118
Most popular time to fly with an average 1% increase in price.
Flight from San José to Washington Dulles Airport

When to book flights from San José to Washington, D.C.

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from San José to Washington, D.C. based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or round-trips with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

FAQs for booking flights from San José to Washington, D.C.

  • What is the cheapest flight from San José to Washington, D.C.?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from San José to Washington, D.C. was $118 for a one-way ticket and $191 for a round-trip.

  • Do I need a passport to fly between San José and Washington, D.C.?

    A passport is required to fly from San José to Washington, D.C..

  • Which airports will I be using when flying from San José to Washington, D.C.?

    On your way to Washington, D.C., you’ll fly out from San José Juan Santamaria Intl. You’ll be landing in one of Washington, D.C.’s 2 airports: Washington, D.C. Reagan-National or Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi service onboard planes from San José to Washington, D.C.?

    Iberia, American Airlines, and Air Canada offer inflight Wi-Fi service on the San José to Washington, D.C. flight route.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from San José to Washington, D.C.?

    The Airbus A320neo is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the San José to Washington, D.C. flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from San José to Washington, D.C.?

    SkyTeam, oneworld, and Star Alliance are the airline alliances operating flights between San José and Washington, D.C., with SkyTeam being the most commonly used for this route.

  • On which days can I fly direct from San José to Washington, D.C.?

    You can catch a nonstop flight from San José to Washington, D.C. on on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.

  • Which is the best airline for flights from San José to Washington, D.C., Delta or Copa Airlines?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from San José to Washington, D.C. are Delta and Copa Airlines. With an average price for the route of $248 and an overall rating of 7.9, Delta is the most popular choice. Copa Airlines is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $317 and an overall rating of 7.6.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from San José to Washington, D.C.?

    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 José to Washington, D.C..

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from San José to Washington, D.C.?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Washington, D.C. from San José 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 José to Washington, D.C.?

    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 to Washington, D.C. with an airline and back to San José with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from San José to Washington, D.C.?

    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 to Washington, D.C. from San José up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from San José to Washington, D.C.

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $221 or less one-way and $216 or less round-trip.

Prefer to fly direct from San José to Washington, D.C.?

 
Direct data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying direct from San José Juan Santamaria Intl to Washington, D.C..
Find which airlines fly direct from San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport to Washington, D.C., which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

San José Juan Santamaria Intl to Washington, D.C.

Monday

Avianca

Avianca

Tuesday

Avianca

Avianca

Thursday

Avianca

Avianca

Saturday

Avianca, United Airlines

Avianca, United Airlines

Sunday

United Airlines

United Airlines

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Washington, D.C. to San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Monday

Avianca

Avianca

Tuesday

Avianca

Avianca

Thursday

Avianca

Avianca

Saturday

Avianca, United Airlines

Avianca, United Airlines

Sunday

United Airlines

United Airlines

See more direct flights

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from San José to Washington, D.C.

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from San José to Washington, D.C.. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from San José to Washington, D.C.? 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.
7.6
Copa AirlinesOverall score based on 1556 reviews
7.4Comfort
6.8Entertainment
6.8Food
7.8Boarding
8.1Crew
Airline reviews

The flight was good overall. Everything went smoothly, although the landing was a bit rough. Still, it was a pleasant experience

8.0 ExcellentAnonymous, Dec 2025
PTY - CUR
Read more Copa Airlines reviews

The flight was good overall. Everything went smoothly, although the landing was a bit rough. Still, it was a pleasant experience

I always enjoy flying Copa. There are very few airlines where I can enjoy a comfortable sleep in-flight. The snacks weren't the best, but they sufficed. The in-flight entertainment was fantastic, and I crossed another movie off my watch list.

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

Simply as follows:- First, there was no vegetarian option for the meal Second, only 2 washrooms for the entire economy class.

We had a great flight just wished they had a tv so we can see a movie that would of made my trip excellent.

horrible service, food was an embarrassment, no charging for cellphones, stay away

Great experience with a crew always thinking in the passenger

I selected first class expecting excetional service. It was mediocre at best. The food service was cold, meal choices was poor and on one leg they did provide dessert. I did enjoy the lay day seat but the movies were old and nothing current. Boarding the plane is always hot. So boarding is quite warm until your in the air. I took a small personal air fan. Update the meals and movies.

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.

Friendly staff at all very easy check in and organize process

Horrible airline, upgraded to sit on seats made of stone. Staff were rude and on top of it they charge an arm and a leg for luggage 🧳 never again

The seats are the worst I upgraded to premium big mistake and it seems like no one likes there job very unpleasant

they don’t have TV Seat to Type in space

Movie selection is good. Crew did not understand mileage program and were no help. Sick later. Food?

The food is terrible. The same pasta or chicken with bad taste and presentation

It was probably one of the worst flights I’ve been on. The restrooms were never cleaned or stocked. The food was very subpar, and i usually enjoy airline food, so I was disappointed. It was just all around a bad experience. The only saving grace was the flight attendants.

The only downside was my cell phone charger wouldn’t work in the charging port but everyone else’s would work in them all. My cell phone cable works fine in my hotel room in Frankfurt.

Very thoughtful flight attendant offered me water immediately since I had run to make my connection.

Great crew, excellent landing, good food. Over all great experience. Thank you!

One bag is incorrect and not acceptable for an international flight. The food was not just good. I won't fly with them again.

Not pleasant trip cross country when the entertainment and WiFi system not working. No entertainment for entirety of route. Staff was rather nonchalant in that they dismissed the problem due to age of plane. It would have been nice to know this up front so I could have come prepared to read or download movies before boarding Coincidentally or not, there was a similar issue with the entertainment system on my previous flight I took on my fist leg of the trip. There are no seat TVs, so you must rely on the app when it works. United can do better. Also, what use it it to pay for boarding group 2 when half of the passengers are in the same line as you?

Crew was dismissive. Snacks and refills not offered. Poor business class experience. Bed not comfortable compared to Emirates or BA.

Flight was delayed for 5 hours because crew didn’t have enough time to rest - this seems like it could have been avoided with better scheduling. Food was not good.

I got sick nothing contagious but distressing enough and the care I received on the flight was astounding.

Horrible. Both legs of my flight were delayed more than 6 hours. No compensation, no screens on the plane, and the plane was not clean.

After we'd boarded , they canceled the flight. The crew didn't even know , we just all received text messages. Then after they deplaned us , AA was just like "too bad, go F your self, we sure ain't gonna help you"

Initial flight was cancelled at the time of arrival to the airport, flight alternative requires switching from direct to flight with a layover, and the plane felt like it would split apart, it was so rattle-y.

Weather delay for 2.5 hours followed by half hour crew delay, did not have ginger ale, uncomfortable seats

It was nobody’s fault - but the plane came 4-hrs late and we were updated randomly in 20-30 mins increments which left us hostage to sit and wait expectantly. It was very long and got very late. Our plane didn’t land until nearly 1 am! Also the toilet wasn’t working. The hosts were nice enough but were clearly “about to pass out” as one told me. Lastly, there was no snack or even time for it. Just a bad experience overall.

When I'm on a 5hr 22 minute flight I expect food to be purchased. Especially when American makes a very tight connection time where u have to run to make the long flight. Chips and nuts are unacceptable and being told you should be in first class to get a meal is also unacceptable. I didn't change the flight times American Airlines did.

The boarding crew was incredibly helpful getting me on an earlier flight

Great experience. Flight boarded easily. Departed early. Smooth flight. Great arrival in DC--almost no taxing! Almost direct to gate from runway. Crew was terrific. Same cookies and beverages in main cabin. I did not use the entertainment system on this flight.

Flight delayed on both ends - have a gate ready at DCA, don't make us sit for 30min after being late to take off as well.

I handed in my suitcase in perfect condition at SAL Airport. And in MIA Airport I received it with one corner broken and the wheels bent.

I like the crew members they're very friendly. Clean plane. The flight was on time. I dont like the comfort my car seat its better that the plane seats. They charge for everything. This airline was very good. Now it's a low cost airline

I like the crew they're very friendly. I don't like. on five hour flight they not offered snacks. Any drink. Not even coffee

I had to go to the boarding counter for them to enter my return flight as it’s not with Avianca. There was a long queue as there were lots of people being called to the counter.

6 hour flight and have to pay for everything 100 dollars to add a carry-on bag is insane

Horrible experience. Flight cancelled. Arrived at destination 12 hs later. No one gave us an answer or any information. Very very poor service. We won’t ever travel again with Avianca

The seats were uncomfortable and barely reclined at all. Very little leg room despite being business class. The crew was friendly and the food was good. Had to use my own phone for in-flight entertainment.

The check in is the only positive thing in Avianca. The seat is the most uncomfortable I have traveled, the distance is minimal.

Not what it used to be. The sale of food makes them look greedy!

Avianca is not what it used to be. So disappointing

Everything you need to know for your flight from San José to Washington, D.C.

Information on your arrival and departure airports