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Cheap Flights from Washington, D.C. to Costa Rica

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 5 days
San José
San José1 stop$269
Liberia
Liberia1 stop$257
San José
San José1 stop$269
Liberia
Liberia1 stop$257

Price, demand and travel trends for Washington, D.C. 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. to Costa Rica cheaper or more expensive than last year?

Fares from Washington, D.C. to Costa Rica are running about 6% higher than they were around this time last year, averaging $449 round-trip.

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

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

• Liberia (LIR) from $257
• San José Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO) from $269
• Limon (LIO) from $1,001

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

October is the cheapest time of year to fly, with average fares of $387. Prices are highest in December, when average flight costs increase to around $674.

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

Booking last-minute, within 2 weeks of departure, usually offers the lowest fares from Washington, D.C. to Costa Rica. It runs around 1% 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.?

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

• San José Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO) from $450
• Liberia (LIR) from $540
• Quepos (XQP) from $973

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

Tuesday tends to be the cheapest day to fly from Washington, D.C. to Costa Rica, while Saturday is the most expensive. Fares run about 23% 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. 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 $424. The morning is the most expensive time to fly, with average prices of $550.

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

Low season

October

Cheapest flight

$112
Beat the crowds with an average 50% drop in travelers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 11% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from Baltimore to Liberia

Your Washington, D.C. 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. to Costa Rica?

    Yes. Fares from Washington, D.C. to Costa Rica are low right now. As a rule of thumb, a round-trip under $363 (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. to Costa Rica?

    Over the past 12 months, round-trip fares from Washington, D.C. to Costa Rica have ranged from $363 to $678.

  • What are the main airports serving Costa Rica?

    Costa Rica has 5 airports. The three busiest are San José Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO) (74% of arrivals), Liberia (LIR) (25%) and Limon (LIO) (0%).

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

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

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

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

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

    Yes. Nonstop flights from Washington, D.C. 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) from $362
    • San Salvador El Salvador Intl (SAL) from $448
    • Guatemala City La Aurora (GUA) from $465

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

    Nonstop flights take 5h on average. The fastest scheduled flight takes 4h 55m, from Baltimore/Washington (BWI) to San José Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO).

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

    On flights from Washington, D.C. to Costa Rica you can book Economy Class, Premium 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. to Costa Rica?

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

  • Can I rent a car at the Liberia International Airport (LIR)?

    You can make a rental car reservation with several companies that service LIR, including Budget, Enterprise, Avis, and Hertz, among others. All rental car companies that serve LIR have free shuttles to their nearby offices. Keep in mind that you need to purchase Costa Rican car insurance, which you can do at these rental car counters.

  • Can I find a non-stop flight from the Washington, D.C. area to San Jose, Costa Rica?

    From Washington Dulles International Airport, Avianca operates non-stop flights to San Jose. However, you are unlikely to find a non-stop flight that departs from Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. However, Spirit flies from BWI to SJO with one stop in Orlando, Delta with one stop in Atlanta, and American Airlines with one stop in Miami.

  • How much baggage can I take on a flight from Washington, D.C. to Liberia, Costa Rica?

    You should be able to find a cheap flight from Washington, D.C. to Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport that allows one carry-on for the cheapest fares available. Some examples are a Delta flight with one stop in Atlanta or an American Airlines flight that connects in Dallas or Charlotte.

  • Do I need a visa in order to fly from Washington, D.C. to Costa Rica?

    Americans traveling from Washington, D.C. to Costa Rica for purposes of tourism do not need a visa for a visit that lasts less than 180 days. However, when you enter Costa Rica, you need to show proof of return or onward travel. Your passport needs to be valid for the length of your stay in Costa Rica.

Your guide to booking Washington, D.C. 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 1% 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 Tuesday is usually the cheapest. Flights on Saturday cost about 23% 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.. 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 nonstop route from Baltimore to Costa Rica. If you'd rather save money, the route from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport via Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) is usually the cheapest.
  • When you fly from the Washington, D.C. greater metropolitan area to Costa Rica, you might depart from either Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Washington Dulles International Airport is located on the northwestern outskirts of Washington, D.C., while Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is on the southern outskirts of Baltimore, towards Washington, D.C.
  • Washington Dulles International Airport serves as a hub for United airlines and SkyWest airlines, among others. Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is a hub for Southwest Airlines, AirTran Airways, and others.
  • San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, tends to be the most popular Costa Rica destination for travelers from the Washington, D.C. area. When you fly into San Jose, you'll be landing at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). This airport is a hub for Sansa Airlines, Volaris Costa Rica, and Avianca Costa Rica.
  • When you book your airline ticket to the capital city of Costa Rica, make sure you are going to the correct San Jose. The airport in San Jose, Costa Rica has the airport code SJO. The airport in San Jose, California, which is named San Jose Mineta International Airport, has the airport code SJC. Be careful not to mix them up.
  • If you want to fly into the north of Costa Rica, closer to the beaches on the west coast, Liberia in the Guanacaste Province makes an ideal destination. You will be landing at the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR). Also called the Liberia International Airport, which is situated about 7 miles west of Downtown Liberia.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from Washington, D.C. to Costa Rica

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Washington, D.C. 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.
7.6
Copa AirlinesOverall score based on 1548 reviews
7.8Boarding
7.4Comfort
8.1Crew
6.9Food
6.9Entertainment
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.

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.

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.

Flight attendant incredibly rude. Stuck her finger in my drink and didn’t even have the courtesy to apologize.

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.

A little more friendliness from that crew of the day.

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

Good experience with this flight. Boarding was smooth with no issues. The short flight was good with quick drink & snack service. Nice easy way to get back from DC.

Flight is delayed by more than an hour without any reason, the jet blue gates kept changing every 20 mins and there is no proper communication. No ear phones provided in flight, there is a screen with entertainment but what is the use, I have earphones but the console has outdated audio connections, no usb C or bluetooth, they are living 15 years behind

A nightmare. Scheduled flight delayed 2 hours then cancelled because pilot timed out . Unable to find another pilot. Really?! Weather certainly a factor, but JetBlue seemed totally unprepared for the chaos that ensued when flight routes were cancelled. More cancelled flights, finally many of us who had been bumped from other flights were allowed to board a Boston bound plane around 3:00am, delay after delay, sat on tarmac for another half hour while pilot dealt with weight distribution issues (?), arrived in Boston 4:30. Crew were wonderful- same attendants all day and night and they were exhausted. Fortunately for me and my son that Boston was our final destination, not so lucky for many who missed connecting flights.

The flight was delayed 14 hours and communication was very poor. No one seemed to know what was happening and the gate agent was trying to help people for several flights. She was by herself trying to help 100s of people.

JetBlue worker, Blythe, was so amazing at the DCA counter. If it wasn’t for her, I’m not sure we would’ve made it through. Please thank her!

On time, friendly attendants, quick wheelchair assistance and help checking in bags. Also appreciated change in seats, more forward to make it easier for my 97 year old mother to board and exit the plane. Thank you, JetBlue!

Flight was on time and smooth. Customer service was decent

They forced me to check my hand luggage at the gate.

Still hasn’t left. Why are you asking how it was?

My flight got delayed and eventually canceled, then rescheduled. I and several others had a connection from Boston to Paris and asked several times if we would make it. They assured us we would and then rebooked us mid flight without our consent and closed doors early even though they said they communicated we were a bit delayed. We got stranded in Boston and I opted with being rebooked for a different connection to France since they refused to pay for a Hotel. I've now been in Europe for 5 days and still haven't recieved my bags. There was absolutely no urgency for the fact that I'm in a foreign country with absolutely no change of clothes or any of my medication. Such an overwhelming and frustrating experience.

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.

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.

Did not know that they didn’t have screens for entertainment. I didn’t have headphones so I couldn’t watch anything on my phone.

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 Washington, D.C. to Costa Rica

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