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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
San José
San José1 stop$386
Liberia
Liberia2 stops$345
San José
San José1 stop$386
Liberia
Liberia2 stops$345
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.

Are flights from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica cheaper or more expensive than last year?

Fares from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica are running about 8% higher than they were around this time last year, averaging $429 round-trip.

What are the cheapest fares from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica right now?

Here are the cheapest round-trip fares from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica on KAYAK in the last week:

• Liberia (LIR) from $345
• San José Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO) from $386
• Limon (LIO) from $1,252
• Quepos (XQP) from $1,297

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

October is the cheapest time of year to fly, with average fares of $369. Prices are highest in December, when average flight costs increase to around $715.

When is the best time to book flights from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

Booking last-minute, within 2 weeks of departure, usually offers the lowest fares from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica. It runs around 2% cheaper than the route's average fare over the last 12 months.

Which airport in Costa Rica is the cheapest to fly to from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport?

Based on KAYAK data from the past 12 months, the cheapest airports to fly into Costa Rica are:

• San José Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO) (avg. price $440)
• Liberia (LIR) (avg. price $581)
• Quepos (XQP) (avg. price $973)

What’s the cheapest day to fly from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

Thursday tends to be the cheapest day to fly from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica, while Saturday is the most expensive. Fares run about 26% higher that day, based on the past 12 months of KAYAK data.

What's the cheapest time of day to fly from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

Data from the past 12 months shows it's cheapest to fly to Costa Rica during the night with average prices of $425. The morning is the most expensive time to fly, with average prices of $572.

Key details for Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica flights

Low season

October

Cheapest flight

$128
Beat the crowds with an average 44% drop in travelers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 28% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Liberia

Your Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica flight questions, answered

Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking tips.

  • Is now a good time to book a flight from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

    Yes. Fares from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica are low right now. As a rule of thumb, a round-trip under $361 (cheaper than most fares this year) is a good deal, so if you spot one at or below that, it's a good time to book.

  • How much should I budget for a flight from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

    Over the past 12 months, round-trip fares from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica have ranged from $361 to $658.

  • What are the main airports serving Costa Rica?

    Costa Rica has 17 airports. The three busiest are San José Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO) (86% of arrivals), Liberia (LIR) (13%) and Limon (LIO) (0%).

  • What airlines fly nonstop from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

    Based on the flight schedule for the next 3 months, just one airline regularly flies nonstop from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica: United Airlines.

  • Where in Costa Rica can I fly nonstop from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport?

    Based on the flight schedule for the next 3 months, you can fly nonstop from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to two destinations: San José and Liberia.

  • Is it cheaper to fly with a layover from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

    Yes. Nonstop flights from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica average $614 over the past 12 months, but flights with a layover can cost less. The most affordable connecting airports are:

    • Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) (avg. price $353)
    • San Salvador El Salvador Intl (SAL) (avg. price $448)
    • Guatemala City La Aurora (GUA) (avg. price $465)

  • How long is a flight from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

    Nonstop flights take 5h on average. The fastest scheduled flight takes 4h 59m, from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl (IAD) to Liberia (LIR).

  • Which cabin classes are available on flights from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

    On flights from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica you can book Economy Class, Business Class or First Class.

  • What are some popular landmarks in Costa Rica?

    KAYAK travelers' favorite landmarks in Costa Rica include:

    • Parque Metropolitano La Sabana
    • Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica
    • Museo de Oro
    • Morazan Park

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

    The earliest nonstop flight from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica departs at 8:51 am and the latest departs at 8:59 am. Nonstop flights take about 5h.

  • 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).

Your guide to booking Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If you're flexible on timing, there's no need to rush. Booking last minute (within 2 weeks of departure) tends to be around 2% cheaper than the route's average fare over the last 12 months.

    Not ready to commit? Set a Price Alert and we'll let you know when prices change.
  • If your travel dates are flexible, book your trip for October when flights are typically cheapest and avoid December when prices are at their highest.
  • Flying on Thursday is usually the cheapest. Flights on Saturday cost about 26% more on average, so being flexible with your travel dates could help you save.
  • If you're looking to save, San José Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO) is the cheapest airport to fly into from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport. If you have onward travel, don't forget to factor in the cost of your journey by train, bus or domestic flight.
  • Start your trip in San José, which is the most popular destination in Costa Rica. From there, it's easy to continue on to other popular destinations such as La Fortuna, Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio.
  • If you want the shortest trip, choose the Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Costa Rica nonstop route. If you'd rather save money, the route via Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) is usually the cheapest.
  • 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 8696 reviews
8.5Crew
8.1Boarding
7.8Comfort
7.8Entertainment
7.2Food
Airline reviews

We experienced delays in small increments that added up to more than an hour. At the gate, staff showed little concern and compared our delay with the inbound flight’s two-hour tarmac wait, which didn’t address our situation. Once onboard, the flight attendants seemed tired and unfriendly. I understand delays are frustrating for everyone, but passengers shouldn’t feel blamed for them. During the flight, a bright light above the emergency exit stayed on. It was concerning, and no one explained it or offered passengers the option to move. After landing, we waited about 30 minutes on the tarmac for a gate, then waited again for an agent to connect the plane to the terminal. From the Reagan gate staff to the cabin crew and RDU personnel, the service felt dismissive throughout. Overall, this was a stressful trip and a very disappointing customer-service experience

4.0 OkayRonald, Oct 2026
Read more Delta reviews

We experienced delays in small increments that added up to more than an hour. At the gate, staff showed little concern and compared our delay with the inbound flight’s two-hour tarmac wait, which didn’t address our situation. Once onboard, the flight attendants seemed tired and unfriendly. I understand delays are frustrating for everyone, but passengers shouldn’t feel blamed for them. During the flight, a bright light above the emergency exit stayed on. It was concerning, and no one explained it or offered passengers the option to move. After landing, we waited about 30 minutes on the tarmac for a gate, then waited again for an agent to connect the plane to the terminal. From the Reagan gate staff to the cabin crew and RDU personnel, the service felt dismissive throughout. Overall, this was a stressful trip and a very disappointing customer-service experience

delayed take-off, then had to circle in air for awhile, wi-fi did not work, then the cabin got extremely hot multiple times and the luggage was at wrong carousel at LGA. In addition, plenty of overhead space so they checked bags too early. Horrible flight.

WiFi only works on about 75% of my Delta flights. I rarely fly SW, but their WiFi works 100% of the time and is easy to connect. On my DL flight from DCA to BNA today, I try to connect to WiFi for about 30 minutes, but I gave up. I have a lot of work to do, and I lost two hours today. Very frustrating.

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.

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.

Short. Nice quick flight, appreciated after Munich to DC leg.

The flight from Frankfurt to Pisa was cancelled and we were rebooked to route through London. The flight to London was delayed for maintenance issues and we missed our connection flight. Lufthansa automatically rebooked my wife on the next flight but I was not rebooked. I spent over an hour trying to get onto the flight. Ultimately my wife’s gate checked bag from Washington did not arrive in Pisa and remained in London. Very bad experience overall.

This was a small aircraft (relatively) and we were delayed half an hour on takeoff, which is not the airlines fault.

Flight delayed over an hour with plane on runway because of weather in an area of the country we were not in or flying to.

The very best airline service I have experienced. Better than domestic airlines first class and I flew Economy Plus!

The food was horrible. There was no. Wifi, and it was just terrible from bangkok to d. C

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.

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

comfy and spacious seats for premium economy, nice flight attendants. only problem was the wifi did not work, and my entertainment screen was locked in Arabic language and all kids shows with no way of seemingly changing it. but the flight was fine and I arrived with no issues

Limited service due to turbulence, N/A Food and Drink. No entertainment

Flight was delayed which isn’t the airline’s fault, but the communication around it was terrible. I left the lounge to show up at the gate to board at the time in my app, and the flight in front of mine was still boarding and the inbound plane hadn’t even taken off yet. Delays were slow to show up in my app. Improved communication could have let me have a more pleasant experience in the lounge vs waiting 1.5 hours at the gate.

Wifi was good on the flight from DCA to Dallas and terrible on the flight from Dallas to Tucson. The forward head in the flight from Dallas to Tucson was putrid smelling entirely urine soaked. The flight from DCA to Dallas was delayed by almost 30 min with a plane change.

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

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!!

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

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