WAS - SJO

$166 Find Cheap Flights from Washington, D.C. to San José - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$386
Typical prices: $372-$630
American Airlines
Tue 1/30Sun 2/4
IAD - SJO • 2 stops
Cheapest non-stop
$389
Typical prices: $405-$850
Avianca
Tue 1/30Thu 2/1
IAD - SJO • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines. Average duration is 5h 01m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 8% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 18% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $329 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 7h 16m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to San José!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Washington, D.C. to San José (WAS-SJO)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Washington, D.C. to San José

Sat, Jan 30 - Thu, Feb 4
American Airlines Logo
4:13 pm - 2:56 pmIAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
23h 43m2 stops Charlotte Douglas Miami
American Airlines Logo
6:30 am - 10:55 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
15h 25m1 stop Dallas/Fort Worth
$386American Airlines
Sat, Jan 30 - Thu, Feb 4
American Airlines Logo
4:13 pm - 2:56 pmIAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
23h 43m2 stops Charlotte Douglas Miami
American Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 9:10 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
14h 10m2 stops Miami Charlotte Douglas
$386American Airlines
Tue, Jan 19 - Thu, Jan 28
Avianca Logo
2:30 am - 8:35 amIAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
7h 05m1 stop Guatemala City La Aurora
Avianca Logo
4:15 pm - 1:05 amSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
7h 50m1 stop Guatemala City La Aurora
$386Avianca
Thu, Jan 21 - Sat, Jan 23
Avianca Logo
2:30 am - 8:35 amIAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
7h 05m1 stop Guatemala City La Aurora
Avianca Logo
4:15 pm - 1:05 amSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
7h 50m1 stop Guatemala City La Aurora
$386Avianca
Fri, Nov 27 - Fri, Dec 4
United Airlines Logo
8:27 am - 7:53 pmIAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
12h 26m1 stop Newark
United Airlines Logo
8:45 am - 6:23 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
8h 38m1 stop Houston George Bush Intcntl
$386United Airlines
Wed, Jan 27 - Sun, Jan 31
United Airlines Logo
8:59 am - 1:00 pmIAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
5h 01mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
1:15 am - 2:41 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
12h 26m1 stop Houston George Bush Intcntl
$386United Airlines
Sat, May 1 - Sat, May 8
Copa Airlines Logo
4:46 pm - 11:58 pmIAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
9h 12m1 stop Panama City Tocumen Intl
Copa Airlines Logo
5:20 pm - 5:12 amSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
9h 52m1 stop Panama City Tocumen Intl
$387Copa Airlines
Sat, Apr 10 - Fri, Apr 23
Copa Airlines Logo
4:46 pm - 11:58 pmIAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
9h 12m1 stop Panama City Tocumen Intl
Copa Airlines Logo
4:04 am - 5:12 amSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
23h 08m1 stop Panama City Tocumen Intl
$387Copa Airlines
Wed, Jan 20 - Wed, Jan 27
JetBlue Logo
7:55 am - 2:00 pmDCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
7h 05m1 stop Fort Lauderdale
JetBlue Logo
12:50 pm - 11:25 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
9h 35m1 stop Fort Lauderdale
$391JetBlue
Wed, Jan 20 - Sat, Jan 23
JetBlue Logo
7:55 am - 2:00 pmDCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
7h 05m1 stop Fort Lauderdale
JetBlue Logo
12:50 pm - 11:25 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
9h 35m1 stop Fort Lauderdale
$391JetBlue
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Washington, D.C. to San José flights

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

How much is a round-trip flight from Washington, D.C. to San José?

Round-trip flights from Washington, D.C. to San José typically range from $372 to $630. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $386, on American Airlines.

What is the cheapest Washington, D.C. to San José flight route?

Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport (IAD) to San José (SJO) is the cheapest Washington, D.C. to San José route, averaging $445 round-trip. Other Washington, D.C. to San José routes average $523, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from Washington, D.C. to San José?

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Monday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Washington, D.C. to San José. It’s 3% cheaper than the average day, while Saturday is the most expensive, with prices 16% higher.

What’s the cheapest month to fly from Washington, D.C. to San José?

•April is the cheapest month to fly from Washington, D.C. to San José at $379 round-trip.
•December ($694) and November ($520) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 83% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from Washington, D.C. to San José the cheapest?

Flights from Washington, D.C. to San José are cheapest in the last 2 weeks before departure, based on KAYAK prices tracked over the past 12 months. During this period, fares are 2% below average.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from Washington, D.C. to San José

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Mark Chesnut

Mark Chesnut

Expert on Avianca and SJO

Mark Chesnut is a travel writer and public speaker with more than 30 years of experience. The 2019 winner of the NLGJA Excellence in Travel Writing Award, Mark is the author of the book “Prepare for Departure” and has covered air travel for multiple top consumer and trade media outlets.

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines and IAD

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or on the sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Key details for Washington, D.C. to San José flights

Low season

October

Cheapest flight

$166
Beat the crowds with an average 41% drop in travelers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 27% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to San José

When to book flights from Washington, D.C. to San José

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Washington, D.C. to San José based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price

Your Washington, D.C. to San José flight questions, answered

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

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from Washington, D.C. to San José?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from Washington, D.C. to San José:

    • Earliest: departs at 8:59 am and lands at 2:00 pm
    • Latest: departs at 8:59 am and lands at 2:00 pm.

    The flight takes about 5h 01m.

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from Washington, D.C. to San José?

    Four cabin classes are available on flights from Washington, D.C. to San José:

    • Economy Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

    Prices vary by airline.

  • How long is a flight from Washington, D.C. to San José?

    A nonstop flight from Washington, D.C. to San José takes 5h 01m, covering 2,045 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Washington, D.C. to San José?

    Yes, a valid passport is required for this international route. Many destinations require at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates. Check your passport expiry well before booking.

  • How much should I expect to pay for a Washington, D.C. to San José flight?

    Round-trip flights from Washington, D.C. to San José range from $372 to $630, with an average of $460 over the past 12 months. Anything below $372 counts as a good deal.

  • How expensive are last-minute Washington, D.C. to San José flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) are 3% below the route average of $460. Booking late can sometimes save you money, but inventory is limited.

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from Washington, D.C. to San José?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $329 round-trip via Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD), compared to $624 for nonstop.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from Washington, D.C. to San José?

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $35–$100 for the first checked bag in economy. Premium fares and elite-status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • Have flight prices from Washington, D.C. to San José changed much recently?

    Yes. Based on fares seen in the past 5 days, round-trip prices on this route showed a wide range, from about $386 to $3,171. That means the highest observed fare was about 8x higher than the lowest one.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi on Washington, D.C. to San José flights?

    JetBlue is the only airline on the Washington, D.C. to San José route offering in-flight Wi-Fi. Pricing depends on fare class.

  • How are flight prices from Washington, D.C. to San José looking right now?

    One-way fares from Washington, D.C. to San José are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $180, which is 17% below the typical average for this route.

  • What car rental options are available at San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport (SJO)?

    San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport (SJO) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates averaging $30 for economy cars. Top options include:

    • Priceless
    • Avis
    • Budget
    • Alamo
    • Payless

  • Which airports can I use when flying from Washington, D.C. to San José?

    Flights from Washington, D.C. to San José may depart from several airports in Washington, D.C. area, including Washington, D.C. Reagan-National (DCA) and Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl (IAD). Flights usually arrive at San José Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO).

  • Which airports do connecting flights from Washington, D.C. to San José pass through?

    One-stop flights from Washington, D.C. to San José most commonly connect through:

    • San Salvador El Salvador Intl (SAL) - 33% of one-stop connections
    • Panama City Tocumen Intl (PTY) - 32% of one-stop connections
    • Houston George Bush Intcntl (IAH) - 11% of one-stop connections
    • Guatemala City La Aurora (GUA) - 9% of one-stop connections

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Washington, D.C. to San José?

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 17% on flights from Washington, D.C. to San José. Monday is the cheapest departure day at $447 round-trip on average, while Saturday is the most expensive at $534, a difference of $87.

    KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • What airlines fly from Washington, D.C. to San José?

    Only United Airlines operates flights between Washington, D.C. and San José.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from Washington, D.C. to San José?

    Flying via Guatemala City La Aurora (GUA) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 7h 16m, compared with 7h 35m via Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and 7h 49m via San Salvador El Salvador Intl (SAL).

  • What is the time difference between Washington, D.C. and San José?

    San José is 1 hour behind Washington, D.C. (Central Time vs Eastern Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What popular places can I visit in San José?

    Some of the most popular sights in San José are Parque Metropolitano La Sabana, Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica and Museo de Oro. These are among the most viewed places in San José on KAYAK.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on Washington, D.C. to San José flights?

    Among airlines operating Washington, D.C. to San José flights:

    • United Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on Washington, D.C. to San José flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • United Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Copa Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Avianca: a cabin bag in Economy Class class

    Bag allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route and airline, so always check the fare details before booking.

  • How is parking at IAD, BWI, and DCA airports?

    Both airports in Washington, D. C provide ample parking spaces to passengers flying out and need to leave their cars at the airport. You can use the international parking lots or the daily economic parking spaces. All these will depend on how long you intend to leave your car at the airport. The short-term parking spaces are found at the domestic terminal. However, offsite is a much better option if you are flying out for extended stays as it is much cheaper compared to the onsite parking lots at the airports.

  • Are there onsite hotels at SJO airport?

    Passengers looking for accommodation near SJO airport for easy access should consider staying at Holiday Inn Express San Jose, which is 1 mile from the airport. This hotel offers free airport shuttle services, ample parking for self-driving guests, a comfortable bed and free breakfast.

  • What amenities does SJO airport offer nursing mothers?

    Nursing mothers flying with their infants through this airport have a private and secure lactation area where they can pump and breastfeed their infants. The rooms are fully equipped with functional items such as electrical power outlets, a sink, comfortable rocking chairs, changing diapers, and soft lighting. The lactation rooms are located at terminals 1, 2 and 5.

  • Where can I spend the night at DCA airport?

    Passengers looking forward to spending the night at DCA airport due to morning flights or connecting flights can spend the night at the landside next to the security area where there are coaches. On the hand, if you are flying through IAD, you can spend the night in Concourses C and D, while at BWI, you can spend the night in Concourses C, D and E. You should carry an extra traveling blanket, eye fold and earplugs for more comfort.

Your guide to booking Washington, D.C. to San José flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates are flexible, aim for a Monday departure and avoid flying on Saturday. On this route, Monday flights average $447, about $87 less than Saturday fares (16% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • If you're flexible on your travel dates, booking last minute (within 2 weeks of departure) tends to be around 2% cheaper than the typical fare over the last 12 months, based on KAYAK data.
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Washington, D.C. to San José trip for April. Fares historically average $379 round-trip in that month - typically $315 less than the most expensive month, which is December (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $329 round-trip on this route - about $295 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • You must arrive at any of the departure airports in Washington, D.C, at least 3 hours before your departure time. This ensures you go through the checkpoint, get your boarding pass and head to the boarding gate on time.
  • Make sure you inform your airline at least earlier enough if you are going to need wheelchair assistance upon arriving at San Jose Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). As soon as you land, they can arrange with the airport staff for you to get a wheelchair and assist you in alighting.
  • Taxis services are the quickest means of transportation to Baltimore, Washington Marshall/ Thurgood International Airport (BWI) that you can use when you are running behind schedule and do not want to miss your flight. The taxis will take approximately 14 minutes to get to the airport. If you are downtown, you can take the train to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), which will arrive in 40 minutes. On the hand, from the city center to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), a taxi will take approximately 10 minutes.
  • Before booking any inflight services such as entertainment, ensure it is available. This is because flights flying from Washington, D.C., to San Jose are commonly operated by the same airlines, and most of these airlines provide the same inflight services.
  • Consider flying with JetBlue, Avianca, Delta, Copa Airlines or Aeromexico if you want to enjoy the lounge amenities at San Jose Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO) airport. Both airlines have lounges with cozy chairs, great food and beverages, and access to electrical power outlets to charge your devices.

Prefer to fly direct from Washington, D.C. to San José?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from Washington, D.C. to San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Washington, D.C. to San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Monday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Tuesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Wednesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Thursday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Friday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Saturday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Sunday

United Airlines

United Airlines

See more direct flights

Direct returns

San José Juan Santamaria Intl to Washington, D.C.

Monday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Tuesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Wednesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Thursday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Friday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Saturday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Sunday

United Airlines

United Airlines

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from Washington, D.C. to San José

Complete your trip to San José with a hotel stay or car rental