$171 Find Cheap Flights to Central America - Compare and Save

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Cheap Flights to Central America

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 5 days
San Salvador
San Salvador1 stop$411
San José
San Josénonstop$299
Guatemala City
Guatemala City1 stop$359
Panama City
Panama City1 stop$491
Liberia
Liberia1 stop$291
Managua
Managua2 stops$492
San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sula1 stop$351
Comayagua
Comayagua1 stop$448
Flores
Flores2 stops$445
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro2 stops$1,372
David
David1 stop$492
San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town1 stop$699
Tegucigalpa
Tegucigalpa3 stops$933
Limon
Limon1 stop$992
Placencia
Placencia1 stop$1,221
Puerto Jiménez
Puerto Jiménez1 stop$1,102
San Salvador
San Salvador1 stop$411
San José
San Josénonstop$299
Guatemala City
Guatemala City1 stop$359
Panama City
Panama City1 stop$491
Liberia
Liberia1 stop$291
Managua
Managua2 stops$492
San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sula1 stop$351
Comayagua
Comayagua1 stop$448
Flores
Flores2 stops$445
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro2 stops$1,372
David
David1 stop$492
San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town1 stop$699
Tegucigalpa
Tegucigalpa3 stops$933
Limon
Limon1 stop$992
Placencia
Placencia1 stop$1,221
Puerto Jiménez
Puerto Jiménez1 stop$1,102
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for flights to Central America

Get data-powered insights and trends for flights to Central America to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What is the cheapest flight to Central America?

The cheapest ticket to Central America from the United States found in the last 5 days was to San José, at $175 round-trip. The most popular route is Atlanta (ATL) to San Salvador (SAL) and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 5 days was $386.

What is the cheapest month to fly from the United States to Central America?

The cheapest month for flights from the United States to Central America is February, when tickets cost $205 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are July and December, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $337 and $337 respectively.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly to Central America?

The cheapest time of day to fly to Central America is generally in the morning, when round-trip flights cost $489 on average. Morning departures are around 20% cheaper than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to Central America is generally in the evening, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $609.

How far in advance should I book a flight from the United States to Central America?

To get a below average price on the flight from the United States to Central America, you should book around 6 weeks before departure, which saves you about 20% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 8 weeks before departure.

Which is the cheapest airport to fly into in Central America?

Prices will differ depending on the departure airport, but generally, the cheapest airport to fly to in Central America is San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport (SJO), with an average flight price of $364.

Good to know

Low season

September

Cheapest flight

$171
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 4% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 21% increase in price.
Flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Guatemala City

Flights to Central America: the best tips from KAYAK users' own experiences

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew to Central America 
Verified travelerFlew with Avianca-Jun 2026
Tips for traveling call ahead of time if you have any questions. Also to travel with less items the better.
RonFlew with Delta-Jan 2026
It took us an hour to go through immigration at peak about 1:30 landing time and room was warm, so wear something for the heat and put away any jackets/overcoats/sweaters before you even deplane, you will not need them.
Verified travelerFlew with United Airlines-Dec 2024
There is not enough room for carry on when your on group 4 or more . Hsve a basic bag for emergencies in case the take your carry on to the final destination
CarmelFlew with Alaska Airlines-Jan 2025
Know that flights are very unreliable so pad your days/plans.
RonelliFlew with American Airlines-Mar 2024
Know your gate number and ensure you know where it is before doing any shopping or start wondering around the airport
Verified travelerFlew with Avianca-Jan 2024
Be sure to have you immigration declaration filled out before landing. We weren’t given documents, but the staff was helpful in setting us up with a QR code and assisting us along the way.
LannyFlew with American Airlines-Jan 2024
Bring a book or tablet to connect to entertainment to keep you occupied. This leg of our trip met our expectations. Much better job than our first leg of our trip.

FAQs - booking Central America flights

  • Do I need a visa to fly to Central America?

    American citizens are not required to have a visa to fly to countries in Central America. Countries including Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras. All these countries apart from Nicaragua, allow US Citizens to stay for up to 90 days visa-free. If you plan to extend your stay, you’ll need to get a visa.

  • What are the entry requirements to Central America for US citizens?

    With the visa waiver, US citizens are required to have a passport valid for at least six months that they should carry all the time while in Central America. In addition, countries like Panama, Honduras, and El Salvador will require them to also have a tourist card that is valid for up to 30-90 days. If you plan on visiting Kuna Yala in Panama, you’ll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate because the country has a risk of yellow fever.

  • Can I fly non-stop to Liberia, Costa Rica from the United States?

    Yes. From airports in the US like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) aboard Delta Airlines, New York John. F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) aboard Jet Blue Airlines, or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) aboard Alaska Airlines to Liberia Guanacaste International Airport (LIR). All these airlines offer specialized services to their passengers to help them relax and cater to their flight needs during long flights.

  • What is the best airport to fly in and out of Central America?

    Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City is the biggest and busiest airport in Central America. It connects Panama and several cities and states in the US. Moreover, it acts as a hub for several airlines giving flyers the chance to choose the best airline. It’s also known for clean terminals, efficiency, great customer service, and accessible services.

  • Which airlines have the cheapest prices from the United States to Central America?

    Among the airlines that provide either direct or layover flights to Central America, the cheapest airlines are Frontier Airlines, Copa Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. All these airlines have layover flights that are affordable alternatives to their non-stop flight counterparts.

  • Can I fly non-stop to Managua from the United States?

    Yes. From Fort Lauderdale International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, you can fly directly to Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport (MGA) in Managua, Nicaragua aboard Spirit Airlines. From Miami International Airport (MIA) in Miami, you can fly directly to Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport in Managua aboard either Avianca Airlines or American Airlines. From George Bush International Airport (IAH) in Houston, you can fly directly to Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport aboard either United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Avianca Airlines, or American Airlines.  

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from the United States to Central America?

    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 the United States to Central America.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from the United States to Central America?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from the United States to Central America 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 the United States to Central America?

    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 the United States to Central America 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 the United States to Central America?

    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 the United States to Central America up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

  • What is the cheapest day to fly to Central America?

    Based on KAYAK data, the cheapest day to fly to Central America is Tuesday where round-trip tickets can be as cheap as $557. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Saturday, where round-trip prices are $593 on average.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Central America

  • Looking for cheap airfare to Central America? 25% of our users found round-trip tickets to Central America for the following prices or less: From Newark $709, from Houston George Bush Intcntl $732, from Los Angeles $775
  • Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Central America flight deals.
  • Central America has many major countries and cities known for their architectural and historical attractions. When traveling to Central America you can get non-stop flights to most of these cities from Miami, Orlando, Dallas, New York, Los Angeles, Houston, or Chicago aboard several airlines including American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Avianca Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Airlines.
  • Alaska Airlines is one of the most popular airlines along this route that offers non-stop flights from cities in the US like Seattle, Portland, San Diego, Los Angeles, Austin, Dallas, and Palm Springs to San Jose International Airport (SJC) in San Jose, Central America.
  • If you’re looking for cheap flights to El Salvador from Newark, opt for the layover flights by Spirit Airlines that have a layover in Fort Lauderdale that will give you a five-hour window to explore locations near Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL).
  • The Mayan Ruins of Tikal and Antigua in Guatemala are some of the most famous archaeological attractions in Central America. American Airlines has non-stop flights from Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Dallas, and Boston to Guatemala La Aurora City Aiport(GUA). From there, you can either take public transportation or take a flight to Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores to easily find your way to the Mayan Ruins of Tikal and take a taxi from GUA to Antigua.
  • Carnaval is a major annual festival that happens in Panama between February and March that lasts up to a week and attracts visitors from all around the world. Get on a non-stop flight from Miami on either American Airlines, Delta Airlines, or United Airlines to Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
  • Traveling within Central America on a budget requires you to fly into countries that are centrally located like Guatemala and Panana where you can access both public and private shuttle buses to other cities and to nearby countries to help save on transport costs.
  • Guatemala is served by two international airports namely Guatemala La Aurora City Airport and Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS). If you plan to visit towns in Guatemala like Flores, Santa Elena, and San Benito, fly on layovers into FRS which gives you direct access to these towns.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines flying to Central America

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from the United States to Central America? 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 1554 reviews
7.0Food
6.9Entertainment
7.8Boarding
8.1Crew
7.4Comfort
Airline reviews

It is not a good experience with Copa Airlines: flight delay, luggage delay, etc.

6.0 GoodAnonymous, Aug 2026
Read more Copa Airlines reviews

It is not a good experience with Copa Airlines: flight delay, luggage delay, etc.

We where skipped for this flight will not head to Panama until tonight..

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

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.

Very happy with my flight. I would definitely recommend it.

Did upgrade, travel in business it was great (more room I could sleep)

Placed us in the last rear row of the plane so could not recline seats because of the rear wall, and also made it more of a tight space when the passenger in front reclined their seat. While understand seat assignments, every passenger should be afforded a reclining seat. The odor control scent from the restrooms was overwhelming strong. My wife and I could not deal with it, and she suffered a terrible headache as a result. I kept getting hit by the crew since I was on the ilse seat. No apologies, nothing. They made me feel like I was supposed to take the beating for a 3 hr flight.

There was no individual at the front check in when I arrived. I waited for at least 15 minutes and walked around asking security/janitors if they could help and they did not have a solution. So I had to take my checked bag through security and they threw away some of my items. I ended up making it to the gate only a few minutes before it closed due to my waiting for an agent at check in.

This airline always trick us so we end up paying again for the luggage’s. This airline is worthless and take advantage of travelers .

Now days most airlines flying to Central America have a really poor service, but if you buy first class they will treat you better. I miss those days when flying was fun.

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

I need to note that this flight experience was generally fine but the boarding situation was absolutely a mess and there wasn’t any actual priority boarding. I rated the experience poorly because I’m am genuinely so frustrated with the crew on United taking the baggage space in first class. This flight it didn’t happen, but the last few flights (when I ironically don’t get an opportunity to provide feedback) have been spoiled because upon entering the first class cabin as one of the first few seated passengers, the overhead bins are full and ‘crew’’ tags are on the bags of those taking space. I don’t intend to infer some sort of a class or caste system but it’s absolutely ridiculous that the crew takes the overhead storage above and beyond their most loyal and lucrative customers. They should not even have economy space IMO. And I’ve gotten grief when I’ve noted to the crew the ridiculousness of the notion that the crew (who are the last off the plane) should have priority over flyers who pay. I hope you find a way to convey this message to United because it’s happening with increasing frequency and I intend to find a way to expose the specific crew members who are doing this on a flight by flight basis. (And I have a day job)

Great flight and crew. Need more legroom and DO NOT allow seats to recline.

Flight and crew were great. Need more legroom and do not allow seats to recline.

Bathrooms broken, Wifi not working, Direct TV stuck in a United credit card loop for whole flight

We arrived to Chicago nearly 30 minutes early, which was great, but then was on the ground for over an hour because the gate was not available. The issue I had was the pilot estimation was frustrating. First he said he was informed it would be 20 minutes but he said "it will probably be more like 10 minutes". After 30 minutes he came back on the comm and said it would be another 10 minutes, maybe 20. I understand he was only giving estimates but he also layered in his own gut feel. We were never told why we didn't have a gate even after our scheduled entry.

Just sat on the run way after we arrived early

New Max 10, first class seats have been shrunk. End of a 20 hour journey, it was United not Lufthansa, just glad to get home

Worst boarding experience, flight extremely delayed causing super tight connect and deplaning was a disaster as ppl were pushing and shoving to get off. Then after flying over 8 hours had to get off a job to next flight. Limited beverage service in Business class (water or white wine) no food. The plane was very cold (temperature) so uncomfortable

Stored my cloth purse under seat in front off me as instructed. When I retrieved it, half of it was soaked, along with everything inside it. I don’t really know how that could have been prevented because the area did not look wet, but I was not happy about it.

Seats needs to be wirer and food is very poor

awful delay, awful communication, zero updates throughout the experience of a giant delay

It was decent, there was no WiFi on the flight but the FA’s gave everyone a warning once we boarded the plane. Unfortunately it didn't give me enough time to download my entertainment content.

On Time. AA is late due to maintenance all the time.

Seats were very tight for a 17 hour flight. Baby cried for 15 out of 17 hours.

Flight attendant super rude demanding I remove my carry on baggage from overhead and place under seat. I stated I am an ADA passenger and need the leg room as the seats are very tight. That’s why I boarded early for the extra time to get situated. She said, we need the space. I replied “How can that be as only a few passengers have boarded so far? I am executive platinum status so I understand the rules and you are discriminating against ADA federal law. Please stop”. Her answer… then you should find another flight! Not ok. Addressed with senior flight attendant. So unprofessional and discriminatory.

Perfect from check in at the airport to the flight all staff were very friendly The plane was nice and clean and modern Because I’m here in the UK to visit my Dad who’s critically ill the details of me getting here were very important and nice to see staff being pleasant and professional

Both departure and return flights had mechanical delays. Their planes are antiquated resulting in a two hour flight taking almost four hours to complete.

Flight attendants were pleasant and helpful. Pilot gave fair warning about turbulence.

It was close to its perfect the flake could be took off early, landed early, didn’t have to wait for my daughter stroller luggage came out quick, very efficient, very good flight

Unfortunately the flight was delayed. On a positive note the status updates in the app/text message were good

I like the attention you gave us in Guatemala due to the loss of the flight coming to El Salvador. It was a nice experience. Thanks a lot

We booked seats next to each other. When we got the boarding passes, they were for different rows. The crew were reluctant to help us, so we ended up sitting separately. 1. What’s the point of reserving by seat number if you’re not going to honor that reservation? 2. Even if it gets messed up between reservation and boarding, how is the crew going to deny us the opportunity to arrange to sit together. There were plenty of people flying alone. It could’ve been easily accommodated. Not very customer-friendly at all.

The seats were the worst I have ever flown Too narrow, did not recline and the actual seat was hard as a rock. I will tell all travelers to stay away from Avianca flights.

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

Seating was tight. Seats don't recline. Initial flight was cancelled. Lost two days of vacation.

It was delayed and I lost my connection flight to Cali and I missed my Mom's funeral

I actually upgraded to the medium level of seats from basic and even doing that it may have been physically the most uncomfortable flight I have ever had. They packed everyone like is a train to death camp. It was a red eye so I hoped to get some sleep but it was physically impossible to find a comfortable way to rest. I met other folks on the same flight and they said the same thing. It was an utterly miserable flight and if I have any other options I will never fly with them again

Deplaning was a mess, I sat in business (seats are horrible) and the front door had a problem so we had to deplane from the rear exit. The stairs were not tall enough to reach so there was a large step down from the plane to the top of the stairs.

Staff are the rudest in the industry … awful customer service … will never fly Avianca again

Pros: we leave and arrive on time Cons: the most uncomfortable seats ever. You cant recline at all your seats. No entertainment No TVs flight attendants didn't provide even a glass of water. You have to go to back of the airplane and ask for one. I am Colombian and I remember seeing the flight attendants very neat, elegants which is or was a staple of Avianca.it was one with tennis shoes, no male up, the hair was messy... that was really odd.

More options for your flight to Central America

Complete your trip to Central America with a hotel stay or car rental