SJO - WAS

$147 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 5/8. 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
$280
Typical prices: $365-$303
Avianca
Tue 4/28Sat 5/2
SJO - IAD • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$300
Overall average: $306
Avianca
Tue 5/5Tue 5/12
SJO - IAD • Non-stop
Advice from real travelers
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
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Top airlines
Cheapest • from $280 (round-trip)
Best reviews • 7.5 score
Airline reviews
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Airline reviews
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $216 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 6h 54m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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Top routes
Cheapest • 26% average savings
Most popular
Insights
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Avoid delays
Most punctual • 88% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
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When to travel
Cheapest • 14% price drop
Most popular
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Flight Deals
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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, Apr 28 - Sat, May 2
Avianca Logo
5:25 pm - 2:15 am
SJO
-
IAD
6h 50m
1 stop
Avianca Logo
3:40 am - 8:30 am
IAD
-
SJO
6h 50m
1 stop
$280Avianca
Tue, Apr 21 - Tue, Apr 28
Avianca Logo
5:05 am - 3:55 pm
SJO
-
IAD
8h 50m
1 stop
Avianca Logo
3:40 am - 8:30 am
IAD
-
SJO
6h 50m
1 stop
$281Avianca
Thu, May 7 - Sat, May 9
Multiple Airlines Logo
1:00 pm - 11:29 pm
SJO
-
BWI
8h 29m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:02 pm - 11:45 am
BWI
-
SJO
19h 43m
1 stop
$286Multiple Airlines
Thu, May 7 - Sun, May 10
Multiple Airlines Logo
1:00 pm - 11:29 pm
SJO
-
BWI
8h 29m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:02 pm - 11:45 am
BWI
-
SJO
19h 43m
1 stop
$287Multiple Airlines
Thu, Sep 17 - Mon, Sep 28
United Airlines Logo
1:25 pm - 12:43 am
SJO
-
BWI
33h 18m
2 stops
United Airlines Logo
8:15 am - 12:26 pm
BWI
-
SJO
30h 11m
2 stops
$305United Airlines
Tue, May 12 - Wed, May 27
United Airlines Logo
7:55 am - 11:40 am
SJO
-
DCA
25h 45m
1 stop
United Airlines Logo
2:55 pm - 10:39 pm
DCA
-
SJO
9h 44m
1 stop
$305United Airlines
Sat, May 2 - Sun, May 10
Copa Airlines Logo
5:50 am - 3:24 pm
SJO
-
BWI
7h 34m
1 stop
Copa Airlines Logo
4:40 pm - 8:21 am
BWI
-
SJO
17h 41m
1 stop
$311Copa Airlines
Fri, May 22 - Fri, May 29
Copa Airlines Logo
4:10 am - 3:24 pm
SJO
-
BWI
9h 14m
1 stop
Copa Airlines Logo
4:40 pm - 7:09 am
BWI
-
SJO
16h 29m
1 stop
$313Copa Airlines
Wed, May 20 - Thu, Aug 20
American Airlines Logo
2:31 pm - 9:26 am
SJO
-
BWI
16h 55m
2 stops
American Airlines Logo
7:45 pm - 11:50 am
BWI
-
SJO
18h 05m
2 stops
$319American Airlines
Thu, Jul 9 - Fri, Aug 28
American Airlines Logo
12:58 pm - 9:00 am
SJO
-
DCA
18h 02m
1 stop
American Airlines Logo
8:07 pm - 11:50 am
DCA
-
SJO
17h 43m
1 stop
$319American 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.

How much is a round-trip flight from San José to Washington, D.C.?

This analysis is based on the cheapest round-trip price found on KAYAK in the last 12 months by searching for a flight from San José to Washington, D.C. departing in April.

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 $306 on the route between San José (SJO) and Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport (IAD). Over the past month, this route was, on average, 26% 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 February, where tickets cost $248 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are March and April, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $373 and $334 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 $255, 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 1 week before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 19 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.
Our travel experts
Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines and IAD

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.

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.

Good to know

Low seasonAugust
Cheapest flight$147
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 5% drop in price.
Flight from San José to Baltimore

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 $147 for a one-way ticket and $280 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.?

    Lufthansa, Iberia, Air Canada, and American Airlines 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 Boeing 737 MAX 8 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.?

    oneworld, and Star Alliance are the airline alliances operating flights between San José and Washington, D.C., with oneworld 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 Saturday, and Sunday.

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

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from San José to Washington, D.C. are Copa Airlines and United Airlines. With an average price for the route of $319 and an overall rating of 7.5, Copa Airlines is the most popular choice. United Airlines is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $248 and an overall rating of 7.4.

  • 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 $269 or less one-way and $709 or less round-trip.

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.
7.5
Copa AirlinesOverall score based on 1575 reviews
7.7Boarding
8.1Crew
7.4Comfort
6.8Food
6.8Entertainment
Airline reviews

Boarding was a mess, they call all priority members without distinction so gold, platinum, silver were all mixed together in a long line which defeats the purpose

10.0 ExcellentAnonymous, Apr 2026
DAV - PTY
Read more Copa Airlines reviews

Boarding was a mess, they call all priority members without distinction so gold, platinum, silver were all mixed together in a long line which defeats the purpose

Avoid at all costs. My wife had to stay back on a connecting flight as her parents flight was delayed. 10 days later on the way back they cancelled all our flights. We had to rebook all four of us on the next days flight.

The food is terrible I ask for water never got transport my mother we’re late and my sister from Lima was the worst waiting to long for wheelchair

Do not book it’s a scam! They stole $1200 from me

Flight got delayed; had to go through security three times.

A lot things happened in this trip.The fly should be less stress.

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

I liked that it was on time, however, the food was not good.

Offered to check carry on to final destination. This is the most absurd thing in the world. I'm carrying on because I need what is in the carry-on. I'm okay with picking up at next stop but then I will be on much larger plane that can accommodate it. Also, if there is ever a change to your flight. Go to the airport and have the people there fix your ticket. Don't do it over the phone or online with United they screwed us up and ended up with flights for our last leg that took off before our first leg.

United is one airline which regardless of how many separate United tickets in existence, if one flight breaks down, the airline will take care of all the flights.

It was okay, the food was good, but after the landing there was not enough time for luggage and security to catch a connection. It was crowded on board.

When I went to check in at the United counter in Barcelona, Spain I had 2 different menat 2 different times in United uniforms (standing around with a couple other employees) ask me if I was traveling alone. The one man asked me 3 different ways if I was traveling alone. I am, 68 yeaers old and have all my faculties. I thought it was weird and it made me feel very uncomfortable. What difference does it make if I was traveling alone or with someone? What if I was a recent widow? That would have been horrible. They never gave me a reason why they needed to know who I was traveling with. I was hesitant to question them because I needed to be on that flight.

We were delayed for about an hour from taking off due to traffic control procedures at the destination airport. But once in the air, the flight went well. The crew members were great and provided cabin service despite moderate turbulence during much of the flight.

Crew was great. 2 1/2 hour delay was due to staff needing "rest" was avoidable and self inflicted as United not willing to hire enough crew to keep flight on time.. Ridiculous. The crew and the passengers both suffered due to this.

Fine not above and beyond as I had a connection that was delayed due to maintenance

Bad food, bad service, cold cabin with no additional blankets when asked for (they told me they don’t provide additional blankets). I’m a frequent traveler and this is one of the worst companies I traveled with (by the way I thought that I booked my ticket with Lufthansa but I didn’t see that the flights were handled by United).

Great other than a couple very drunk guys that for a while kept bumping my seat from behind. The staff did their best to control them. Even refused serving them alcohol and allowed the gal sitting next to them to move.

It was great. Smooth flight, comfortable, left on time and landed on time.

Horrible experience upon landing. Probably more due to DCA utter incompetence than AA.

Easy boarding. Rows are smaller but that may be an older and bigger me now :)

Flight has been delayed every time I've ever taken it. Seats uncomfortable. Children behind me yelling the entire flight. Some of this is out of their control but overall just consistently not a great experience.

Poor communication ahead of time about flight delays and old planes/other equipment.

Never going to fly your airline again if it can be avoided.

Not to have gotten delayed by 2+ hours for the fourth straight American flight. They're the worst.

Other than nearly three hour delay for maintenance issues, everything went smooth

Snow delayed boarding several times, which I understand happens. Issue I had was that after we did board, pilot told us we were going to roll out to be de-iced, then on our way. We were de-iced once, taxied to the tarmac and then stopped. Sat for another 30 minutes or so, the another de-icing. Then we rolled out to a parking spot, only to sit for another hour due to a traffic stop in DCA, which I'm confident they knew would happen before we boarded. Pilot gave no updates other than we had to hold, attendants did speak to the crew, but when asked, said the pilot would be updating us. We on the ground in the plane waiting for over 2 hours. They did communicate that bathrooms would be open, but no other news until we left. Would have been better to be up front about status.

Flight was delayed. Not much information on when the flight would take off. Eventually we were told it was maintenance. App was not giving updates.

The worst experience I've ever had because the "people" @ Avianca wouldn't let me fly because they said I needed a round trip ticket

Horrible experience with Avianca, they delayed their flight and when we arrived to NYC, AVIANCA took 1 hr y 30 mins to park the airplane and all passenger get off the plane, it made me lost all my trains to get back home and I came back to my place at 3 am instead of 12 am. On the top of that their plane seat are so uncomfortable and is not enough space and killed my legs and knees, Avianca used to be good when it was a Colombian company, now after Brasilian company bought them, their service quality is bad and their flights are delayed and oversold.

Boarding was late due to the company’s that cleaned the aircraft (very poorly done) and the catering company. The entertainment system was not working for this six hour flight, uncomfortable seats in business (barely any cushion or recline). The airline staff is very good but the planes are horrible and not well maintained.

We waited for one hour to deboard the plane after landing. That could be better

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

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

Usb plugs for charging your phone does not work in every flight. uncomfortable chairs even in higher categories.

Zero issues with this flight. Crew was outstanding and flight was super. Plane was clean and fine. The seats need more padding and water should be provided without cost. I recognize it's Frontier but there are some things that should still be part of the flight. But still very satisfied with the experience and quality.

They switched our terminal 3 times and we were delayed for four plus hours!!!

It was an early flight and most people napped/slept and the crew let us which was nice.

The crew acted like they had never done this and kept barking passive aggressive orders at people. + the security line + the delay + sitting on the tarmac for 2 hours + none of the apps or signage updating with correct times

More inflight connection. And leg space is horrible. And the paying for baggage I'd ridiculous!!!

My flight was originally from SAT to MCO connecting from MCO to ORD. We got diverted to ATL and than Frontier staff there was sooo un helpful first they said they couldn’t give us any accommodation since our flight first got delayed that cancelled and now it’s 221am and I am still in ATL since they said they need to create a new flight my final destination is ORD and I have been delayed twice and cancelled. With no real help the frontier app didn’t work no email updates over all such a horrible experience

There's no seats that lean back with little leg space i wad uncomfortable the entire flight. Your charges for extra baggage is despicable and costly!!

Remind customers of the need to have passport or new ID for boarding.

Flight was canceled. Most upsetting was message from Kayak, stating that the flight was canceled and click with Kayak for details regarding rebook, refund details. THERE'S NO INFORMATION PROVIDED BY KAYAK EXCEPT THAT FLIGHT IS CANCELED. AND NOW THIS SURVEY TO FIND OUT HOW WAS THE FLIGHT !!!!!!!

The flight never took off and we spent 7 hours at the airport

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

Information on your arrival and departure airports