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

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the United States to Central America departing on 8/21. 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

Save 20% or more on flights. Compare deals from all over the web.

Never overpay with our price tracking tools.

Filter searches by price, airline and more to find your best flights.

Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights to Central America

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours
San Salvador
San Salvadornonstop$296
San José
San Josénonstop$309
Guatemala City
Guatemala City2 stops$315
Panama City
Panama Citynonstop$388
Liberia
Liberia2 stops$281
Managua
Managuanonstop$425
San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sula1 stop$348
Flores
Flores2 stops$405
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro1 stop$1,029
David
David1 stop$422
San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town1 stop$854
Tegucigalpa
Tegucigalpa1 stop$833
Placencia
Placencia2 stops$1,088
San Salvador
San Salvadornonstop$296
San José
San Josénonstop$309
Guatemala City
Guatemala City2 stops$315
Panama City
Panama Citynonstop$388
Liberia
Liberia2 stops$281
Managua
Managuanonstop$425
San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sula1 stop$348
Flores
Flores2 stops$405
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro1 stop$1,029
David
David1 stop$422
San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town1 stop$854
Tegucigalpa
Tegucigalpa1 stop$833
Placencia
Placencia2 stops$1,088

Book Cheap Central America Plane Tickets

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights to Central America 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 to Central America

Sat, Nov 28 - Fri, Jan 29
Volaris Costa Rica Logo
8:00 am - 2:38 pm
LAX
-
GUA
4h 38mnonstop
Volaris Costa Rica Logo
2:00 pm - 5:16 pm
GUA
-
LAX
5h 16mnonstop
$332Volaris Costa Rica
Thu, Aug 27 - Mon, Aug 31
Volaris Costa Rica Logo
9:00 am - 2:47 pm
LAX
-
GUA
4h 47mnonstop
Volaris Costa Rica Logo
2:12 pm - 6:16 pm
GUA
-
LAX
5h 04mnonstop
$333Volaris Costa Rica
Sun, Aug 23 - Sat, Aug 29
American Airlines Logo
6:14 pm - 11:29 am
HOU
-
SAL
18h 15m
2 stops
American Airlines Logo
12:29 pm - 9:02 am
SAL
-
HOU
19h 33m
2 stops
$385American Airlines
Tue, Sep 1 - Sun, Sep 20
Copa Airlines Logo
2:01 pm - 4:06 pm
MIA
-
PTY
3h 05mnonstop
Copa Airlines Logo
8:25 am - 12:39 pm
PTY
-
MIA
3h 14mnonstop
$388Copa Airlines
Sat, Aug 22 - Sat, Aug 29
American Airlines Logo
3:57 pm - 12:48 pm
HOU
-
SAL
21h 51m
1 stop
American Airlines Logo
12:29 pm - 9:02 am
SAL
-
HOU
19h 33m
2 stops
$392American Airlines
Fri, Aug 28 - Fri, Sep 4
Copa Airlines Logo
6:24 am - 8:30 am
MIA
-
PTY
3h 06mnonstop
Copa Airlines Logo
9:33 pm - 1:47 am
PTY
-
MIA
3h 14mnonstop
$392Copa Airlines
Fri, Aug 14 - Sun, Aug 23
Avianca Logo
8:15 am - 2:15 pm
MIA
-
PTY
7h 00m
1 stop
Avianca Logo
5:30 am - 4:25 pm
PTY
-
MIA
9h 55m
2 stops
$402Avianca
Wed, Aug 12 - Wed, Aug 19
Avianca Logo
2:45 am - 9:15 am
MIA
-
PTY
7h 30m
1 stop
Avianca Logo
3:10 pm - 11:30 pm
PTY
-
MIA
7h 20m
1 stop
$403Avianca
Sun, Sep 6 - Sun, Sep 13
United Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 12:21 pm
EWR
-
SJO
8h 21m
1 stop
United Airlines Logo
7:55 am - 10:43 pm
SJO
-
EWR
12h 48m
1 stop
$450United Airlines
Sun, Nov 8 - Fri, Nov 13
United Airlines Logo
9:00 am - 8:39 pm
EWR
-
SJO
12h 39m
1 stop
United Airlines Logo
11:28 pm - 5:32 am
SJO
-
EWR
5h 04mnonstop
$453United Airlines
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?

These are the best round-trip prices found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 5 days.

The cheapest ticket to Central America from the United States found in the last 5 days was to Belize City Philip S.W.Goldson Airport, at $245 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 $285.

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

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for flights from the United States to Central America, 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 the United States to Central America is September, when tickets cost $174 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are June and December, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $325 and $311 respectively.

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

The average price for all round-trip flights from the United States to Central America depending on the time of departure, clicked by users on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

The cheapest time of day to fly to Central America is generally in the morning, when round-trip flights cost $425 on average. Morning departures are around 26% 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 $578.

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

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights to Central America, 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 the United States to Central America, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 21% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 7 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 Guatemala City La Aurora Airport (GUA), with an average flight price of $335.

Good to know

Low season

September

Cheapest flight

$171
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 13% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 24% increase in price.
Flight from Houston Hobby Airport to San Salvador

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
JFK
-
SAL
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
MSP
-
LIR
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
IAH
-
XPL
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
LAX
-
LIR
Jan 2025
Know that flights are very unreliable so pad your days/plans.
RonelliFlew with American Airlines
MIA
-
BZE
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
LAX
-
GUA
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
MIA
-
SJO
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 Wednesday where round-trip tickets can be as cheap as $500. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Sunday, where round-trip prices are $537 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 $574,from Houston George Bush Intcntl $931,from Los Angeles $964
  • 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 1564 reviews
7.8Boarding
8.1Crew
6.9Food
6.8Entertainment
7.4Comfort
Airline reviews

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.

2.0 MediocreAnonymous, Dec 2025
LAS - PTY
Read more Copa Airlines reviews

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.

It would have been better if they don't separate families in seating. We were seated in the aile row in the middle of a family of four. It would have been better if they they seat the family of four together than separated.

It was good, plane is a bit older so seats are somewhat flat

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

It was extremely hot in the cabin the entire flight, vent air was worn

The Wi-Fi did not work, so you weren't able to watch entertainment on your own device. They did not have wired headphones so you couldn't watch it on the in-seat entertainment screen either. There was plenty of time to do a drink and snag service but the flight attendants chose not to.

Great experience, boarding was fast and efficient, so much so that we arrived to Chicago very early

Comfortable seating POS to IAH. Food options were satisfactory. Good seat from IAH to ANC. Food options could be better.

The flight did not have its customary snacks during the flight. Apparently they were never loaded on the plane.

Flight was delayed 5 hours. Updates kept changing. Sears were extremely cramped. Very little leg room. Flight attendant was rushing through with drinks and hit me in the knee either the cart and didn’t apologize. They gave a 15 dollar voucher in airport which doesn’t buy. Much and it was so late that choices were limited.

I bought this ticket for my daughter. She had to pay for her carry on bag to be checked. My understanding is that transatlantic flights included carry on and personal item The nickeling and diming fo legacy carriers has stooped to an all time low. So sad.

Worst service- attendants dont want to help and sat us in front of bathroom

Have not had a flight out or returning to Norfolk that has not required maintenance, and a gate delay. Properly staff the crew so maintenance can be performed without last minute emergencies on each flight and there is enough staff to have gates prepared for inbound flights. Staff to ensure the safety and on time service vs. profit.

Always pretty good as far as I see it. Staff was friendly and process was quick to get on and off.

This flight was of course delayed because American cannot have flights that are not delayed.

Well, true to American Airlines, both of my flights were delayed. But it’s a good thing that American is so consistently incompetent because if the first flight was delayed in the second flight was on time then I might’ve had a problem..

I sat at the airport all night from 8 pm until midnight. The airline kept delaying the flight. They also kept moving us to different gates - 4 times. Then they told us we didn’t have a pilot so we had to wait. Then they cancelled the flight at midnight! I ended up having to rent a car to drive home. So i ended up not even being able to fly on the flight i paid for. Ridiculous, and no agents could help at all. I will not ever book this flight.

Not great. I understand delays happen due to weather and crew issues, but it was unacceptable that no agents were available at the counters inside the airport for customer service or help getting on a standby list. The app was not helpful either. I stood in line for an hour waiting for someone to show up at the gate to help me get on a standby flight. Customer care does not seem to be a priority.

Mechanical delay > Crew Time out. No communication to passengers. Crew time out was positioned as a surprise (even though it must have been know at the time of boarding that the crew would time out.

Not much space for someone 6 feet high in normal economy seat. My knee hurt

Long delays to board due to mechanical issues with plane.

Aside from the little delay, overall was flight good. Made it safely. Thanks!

American Airlines flights are always delayed for some reason. It took 9 hours today from Atlanta to Austin. I will go back to Delta.

the first flight smelled like urine Ac didn’t work pathetic experience

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.

Here we have another airline flying to Guatemala but doesn't have a plus or a less, just in the middle. Why? Well, first we don't have even free water Movie selection is poor Seats don't recline in some places Food selection is carb based Forgot to mention, customer service on the web is the worst. Good things; Very reliable on schedule Kind crew

Everything you need to know for your flight to Central America

Cabin class types available on flights to Central America

Cabin classes available on flights to Central America. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability is not guaranteed.