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Cheap Flights from Dulles Intl to Costa Rica

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 5 days
Sort by: Cheapest
Liberia
4h 59mNonstop
from $276per person
San José
5h 01mNonstop
from $363per person
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Dulles Intl to Costa Rica flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Dulles Intl to Costa Rica to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What is the cheapest Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica flight route?

The cheapest ticket to Costa Rica from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport found in the last 5 days was to San José, at $393 round-trip. The most popular route is from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport (IAD) to San José (SJO), and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 5 days was $393.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly to Costa Rica?

The cheapest time of day to fly to Costa Rica is generally at night, when round-trip flights cost $384 on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to Costa Rica is generally in the morning, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $764.

Can I save money by flying with a layover from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

No, with an average price for the route of $384, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

The cheapest month for flights from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica is November, when tickets cost $355 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and August, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $560 and $486 respectively.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Washington Dulles Airport to Costa Rica?

If your flying dates are flexible, you should consider flying to Costa Rica on a Thursday, as we generally find the cheapest rates on that day for this route. On the other hand, Sunday is the most expensive day to fly from Washington Dulles Airport to Costa Rica. For your return ticket, we recommend flying on a Tuesday and avoiding Sundays for the best deals.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

To get a below average price on the flight from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica, you should book around 2 weeks before departure, which saves you about 8% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 8 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low season

September

Cheapest flight

$128
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 3% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 6% increase in price.
Flight from Washington Dulles Airport to Liberia

FAQs - booking Costa Rica flights

  • How do I get to Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve?

    Costa Rica is known for many nature attractions, including Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. If you’re traveling to this site, you should plan to fly to La Fortuna Arenal Airport (FON), which is approximately 15 miles away from the reserve, but it can also be reached by flying to LIR airport, approximately 44 miles away, or SJO airport, approximately 36 miles away.

  • How can I make my trip from Washington to Costa Rica more sustainable?

    The airline you fly makes a big difference in sustainability. For example, Avianca has introduced a fleet renewal program to improve it carbon footprint. By adding over 88 new A320 NEO aircraft to its fleet, Avianca has achieved a fuel savings of 20% and reduced its CO2 emissions compared its previous fleet.

  • How many bags can I bring when I fly from Washington to Costa Rica?

    Delta, United, American, and Avianca all allow passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag each into the cabin. These airlines charge fees to check bags, and the fees may vary based on class or airline status.

  • What are some typical layovers between Washington and Costa Rica?

    When not flying direct, Avianca has layovers at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala and El Salvador International Airport (SAL). Flights between IAD and LIR airports may have layovers in Texas at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Texas (DFW), or at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Washington Dulles Airport to Costa Rica?

    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 Washington Dulles Airport to Costa Rica.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Washington Dulles Airport to Costa Rica?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from Washington Dulles Airport to Costa Rica 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 Washington Dulles Airport to Costa Rica?

    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 Washington Dulles Airport to Costa Rica 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 Washington Dulles Airport to Costa Rica?

    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 Washington Dulles Airport to Costa Rica up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Costa Rica

  • Travelers seeking flights from Washington, DC, to Costa Rica will find plenty of options from Dulles International Airport (IAD) to destinations throughout Costa Rica. First-time visitors will want to start their trips in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, located in the center of the country.
  • Passengers seeking the shortest flight times between Dulles International Airport (I (IAD) and Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), San Jose’s main airport, can find direct flights on Colombia-based airline Avianca and United Airlines. Direct flights between IAD and SJO take around five to seven hours. Flights with layovers can vary from about six to 18 hours, depending on the layover schedule, location, and direction of the flight.
  • Dulles International Airport (IAD) airport is a hub for United Airlines and also a major travel center for domestic and international flights throughout the world. SJO is a hub for Avianca Costa Rica and is the second busiest airport in Latin America.
  • Another popular destination in Costa Rica is Liberia airport, also called Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), located in northwestern Costa Rica. Travelers can find options of flights from IAD to LIR on Delta Air Lines, United, and American Airlines. Flights between IAD and LIR will typically each have one layover.
  • Travelers who want a relaxing experience before takeoff can take advantage of lounges at IAD airport. IAD offers United Club, Capital One Lounge, and USO Lounge, along with many other airline lounges. SJO airport offers Mastercard Black Lounge, available for Mastercard holders, Santamaria VIP Lounge, and VIP Lounge Costa Rica (Copa Club), which are available via payment to enter.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from Dulles Intl to Costa Rica

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Dulles Intl to Costa Rica? 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.
7.8
DeltaOverall score based on 8564 reviews
7.8Comfort
8.1Boarding
7.2Food
8.5Crew
7.8Entertainment
Airline reviews

I don't know why the crew decided to board 15 minutes early without informing anyone not at the gate. Why would you have the app send a notification that we're boarding on time, instead board early, and then rush me to the gate. Then have me check my carry-on when I specifically packed my bag as to not do so.

4.0 OkayKevin, Sep 2026
Read more Delta reviews

I don't know why the crew decided to board 15 minutes early without informing anyone not at the gate. Why would you have the app send a notification that we're boarding on time, instead board early, and then rush me to the gate. Then have me check my carry-on when I specifically packed my bag as to not do so.

Long delays at both DCA and MSP; Crew did not keep us informed (or very little). Airplane was showing signs of heavy use (not up to Delta standards). Food options for Business Class have dropped in quality. After landing we sat on tarmac for maybe 25 minutes with no provided chance to use the bathroom and crew did not tell us what was going on or give an estimated time to expect to be at a gate.

Flight was delayed for about an hour but overall good experience

The gentleman at the gate I think his name is RIE was exceptional

This flight was no comparison to our prior flight. I'm thinking it all has to do with the age of the aircraft.

2 of the seats in row 31 the entertainment system was not working, and one seat the tray table did not go all the way down. Flight arrived early and departed on time which was great.

Waited at the usual crowded gate at DCA where one ends up standing up because there aren't enough seats.

Delayed take-off. Very small plane so very scary with lots of bumps during the flight. Would never fly Delta on short flights in small 80 seaters plane again! Felt relieved when landed.

Inexpensive, got an exit row aisle aeat with no middle passenger, bought a great breakfast sandwich, flight comfortable & arrived ahead of schedule.

I wouldn't say I liked being forced to check my small roller bag at the gate; too many people had bags and were in a higher boarding group.

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.

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.

Check in person said there would be lunch. We were first class passengers and lunch was chips.

Boarding groups were called up in Spanish only. Luckily I know some of the language. They gave out grilled cheese sandwiches and a cup of fruit. I was very disappointed. I could only eat the cup of fruit because the only other option was vanilla pudding. The entertainment system and seating were great though.

Boarding was 2 hours late and then we were delayed another 5 hours on the tarmac. I'm sure the crew were also tired, but some of them were rather snappy. The special dinner I ordered was not served, and they only served a tapas box on takeoff and breakfast before landing. That was disappointing in premium economy. However United was good at rebooking my connecting flight.

It was pretty good, they give a small blanket, neck pillow and earphones. The only bad thing was not big enough leg room for your bag and feet. They gave us a snack, dinner, and breakfast on flight and food was good considering it was on a plane

The crew was great. The food was typical, but decent. Everything else - mediocre to poor. The flight was late arriving - happily for us and our 49 minute connection (what idiot came up with that?)- in another concourse - that concourse changed before we arrived (ticket and app was showing the incorrect gate - when we boarded at the correct gate - known by the airport person pushing my assistance cart). Had I walked and read the screens or United app I would have missed the flight! May other people arrived late to the correct gate, having been victims of a last minute gate change, were also relieved the flight arrived late. The aircraft (Boeing 757) was a sardine-can due to an uncomfortable seat pitch distance. The material or seat was beyond not comfortable, but I'm sure they made a lot of money with that aircraft type. I spent a lot of time standing in the back (in the middle of the night/morning to rest my back). I learned my lesson - any trans-oceanic fight - avoid United or American Airlines - and look for Airbus or Boeing 737, 767, 777. Also, pay for business class or premium coach seating.

Crew was great. Seats are cramped and uncomfortable and I’m a small person.

A little more friendliness from that crew of the day.

Staff didn't seem confident about the ingredients in my lactose intolerance meal

the seat has a problem. the back had a hole.

My flight was delayed so bad i missed u it so i just said never mind

Delayed 2 hours while stuck on the aircraft. If the luggage was properly loaded the first time we probably wouldn’t have been delayed at all

1. Everything was satisfactory concerning the flight. 2. Can't think of what could be better right now.

Sat on tarmac at arrival at DFw for more than 30 min waiting for a gate.

Business Class layout was excellent. The seats were not nearly as comfortable as UA, Delta or Air New Zealand (the best). Nor were the controls as flexible. Food was okay but not great. Breakfast pancakes were like cardboard.

I am Plstinum Pro snd was standby on earlier flight. They gave seats to people that asked rather than follow standby order. When realized what was happening was too late to get on as no seats left. My scheduled flight was late. Then filled the seat beside me Ruth rude person that they had to move from her original seat

I have yet to come across an AA agent or flight attendant that is friendly. They really inhibit a good experience.

the flight is delayed, which is not uncommon but the communication was still getting hopes on reaching on time which didn't happen. When I boarded the flight it was so like unimaginably filthy. My seat belt had some sticky stuff to it like food or something from before and the space below the arm rest is accumulated dust and waste like from few months i have the pictures. Cheery on top, the airhostess was an old lady who was so bossy and mad for no reason and bossing around everyone!! worst experience ever!!

Flight was good, little delayed because of busy plane traffic

Flight was delayed multiple times and rerouted to different concourses in the airport because of all of American's delays. App/boarding pass would not update with changed gate information.

As always, most AA flights that we fly are almost ALWAYS delayed and that too multiple times. Very frustrating

The small flights with Valet Luggage has a poor service

Human interaction. Thought there would be more service-even a smile would have been nice.

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.

They should provide water to passengers who ask for it

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

Last seat of Bussines Class it does recline but passenger seating behind kept pushing since they did not have space once my seat was reclined

Did not fly with Pakistan International Airlines. Have never flown with Pakistan International Airlines.

I receive a service for what I pay, so it is fair.

They charged me $120 to check one bag and then charged me another $120 for a carryon. Ridiculous!

Voo longo nem mesmo água ou gelo é servido, se quiser tem que pagar. Embarque é péssimo, mau atendimento.

More options for your flight from Dulles Intl to Costa Rica

Complete your trip to Costa Rica with a hotel stay or car rental