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United · Route guide

San Francisco (SFO) to San José CR (SJO) United Flight Guide

Everything you need to fly San Francisco to San José: when to go, who flies it, what it costs, and how to land well.

1 airline on this route · Daily Year-Round

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Airline

United

Aircraft

B737 MAX 8

Service

Daily Year-Round

Region

Latin America

The route

The United Airlines route from San Francisco International Airport to Juan Santamaría International Airport provides a vital direct link between Northern California and Central America. As a daily year-round service starting in 2025, this route caters to both adventure seekers and business travelers looking for efficient access to the heart of Costa Rica.

Spanning over 3,000 miles, this non-stop service connects two major hubs using the modern Boeing 737 MAX 8. The flight eliminates the need for domestic layovers, offering a streamlined travel experience for passengers departing from the West Coast of the United States.

This direct connection is significant for travelers who previously relied on connections through Houston or Los Angeles. It significantly reduces total travel time and enhances the appeal of Costa Rica as a destination for Silicon Valley residents and tech professionals.
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Plot the course, then fly it.

Live fares from San Francisco to San José across 400+ airlines, booked directly with Borderly.

One-way from

$506

Indicative fare via Duffel, ~6 weeks out

Fly it once. Keep it forever.

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Airports

Taking off, touching down.

Check-in, security, connections and getting into town at both ends of the flight.

Departure

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

SFO
Check-in
Arrive at the International Terminal G at least 3 hours before departure.
Security
Utilize TSA PreCheck or CLEAR for faster processing during morning rush hours.
Connections
BART provides a direct rail link from downtown San Francisco to the terminals.
Arrival

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)

SJO
On arrival
Complete your customs forms digitally to expedite the entry process.
Ground transport
Use official red airport taxis or pre-arranged shuttles to reach San José or Alajuela.
Planning ahead
The airport is located in Alajuela, about 20-30 minutes from downtown San José depending on traffic.
Timing & fares

When it flies, what it costs.

Schedule & reliability

Schedule
Morning departures from SFO typically result in late afternoon arrivals in SJO.
Duration
The flight takes approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.
Seasonality
Newly established as a year-round daily service starting in 2025.
Time zones
Costa Rica does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time difference with SFO varies by season.

Fares & booking

Booking window
Fare deals are most frequent 3 months prior to departure.
Cabin advice
Upgrade to United First for a full meal service and prioritized boarding.
Peak pricing
Expect high demand during Christmas, New Year, and Spring Break.
  • Book at least 8 to 12 weeks in advance for peak winter dates.
  • Track prices on Borderly to find the most cost-effective travel windows.
  • Consider United Economy Plus for extra legroom on this 6-hour journey.

Peak season

Mid-December through April

Shoulder season

May, June, and November

Off-peak season

September and October

Tours and experiences at either end

Vetted day trips and activities in San José and San Francisco, through our travel partner.

When to fly

Best Time to Fly San Francisco to San José

  1. 01

    Dry Season (December - April)

    Best for sunny weather and outdoor activities, though prices are higher.

  2. 02

    Green Season (May - November)

    Expect rain in the afternoons, but enjoy lower fares and lush landscapes.

Trip planning

Who this route suits best.

Eco-Adventurers

Direct access to some of the world's most biodiverse rainforests.

Remote Workers

Reliable daily service and minimal time zone shifts from the US West Coast.

Connections & alternatives

La Fortuna / Arenal

A popular destination for volcano viewing and hot springs reachable from SJO.

Manuel Antonio

World-famous national park and beaches within driving distance of the capital.

Field notes

Travel Tips for the San Francisco-San José Route

Visa & entry

  • US citizens do not require a visa for tourist stays up to 180 days.
  • A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity is mandatory.
  • You may be asked to show proof of a return or onward ticket.

Airport transfers

  • Pre-book private transfers if heading to remote areas like La Fortuna.
  • Negotiate taxi fares before starting your journey if not using a meter.
  • Rental car agencies are located just outside the main terminal area.

Baggage & transit

  • Verify international baggage allowances as they may differ from domestic US rules.
  • Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the long flight.
  • Keep your passport and travel documents in a secure, accessible location.

Checklist

  • Passport and travel documents
  • Reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent
  • US Dollars or Costa Rican Colones
  • Lightweight rain gear
Carriers

Airlines Flying San Francisco to San José

United

Daily service

Utilizes the Boeing 737 MAX 8 with updated interiors.

FAQ

Common questions.

Straight answers about flying San Francisco to San José.

How long is the flight from San Francisco to San José, Costa Rica?

The non-stop flight duration is approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Does United fly daily from SFO to SJO?

Yes, United operates this route daily on a year-round basis starting in 2025.

What kind of plane does United use for the SFO to SJO route?

United typically operates the Boeing 737 MAX 8 on this specific route.

Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica from the US?

US citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays, provided they have a valid passport and proof of onward travel.

What is the airport code for San José, Costa Rica?

The airport code is SJO, representing Juan Santamaría International Airport.

Your travel vault

Flown SFO to SJO? Keep it.

Add your boarding pass for this route to your Borderly profile!

Three steps

  1. 1Visit the Borderly flight tracking page.
  2. 2Enter the UA-SFO-SJO route code.
  3. 3Set up notifications for schedule changes and statistics.
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