Flying from Ottawa to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO): What you need to know
Planning your getaway begins with figuring out where you'll fly out of in Ottawa. Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) is the city's main base, so check out your options for booking a flight from Ottawa to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) jetting off from here.
Juan Santamaria International Airport is located in San Jose. The city is in the UTC-6 timezone and is two hours behind Ottawa.
Your flight from Ottawa to SJO won't wait if you're running late, so get to the airport with time to spare. Arrive up to one hour in advance for domestic flights and two hours ahead for international travel.
During peak travel periods, allow for extended wait times and arrive earlier. Aim for at least two hours ahead for domestic flights and up to four hours for international trips.
Airports in Ottawa
Ottawa Gatineau Airport (YND)
Located around 24 kilometres from the centre of Ottawa, YND can be reached in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport takes roughly 1 hour 40 minutes.
Booked an early flight from Ottawa to Juan Santamaria International Airport? Stay at a hotel close to Ottawa Gatineau Airport, such as Meilleure Auberge. Lovely Room 4mins From Gatineau-Ottawa Airport will also have you moments from check-in.
Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Ottawa to YOW in around 45 minutes. The terminal is roughly 13 kilometres away, and getting there by car takes approximately 20 minutes.
Got an early start? Think about checking in to one of these accommodation options near Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport the day before your Ottawa to SJO flight:
When it comes to keeping flights punctual, Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 58.21%.
You'll find YOW at 50 Airport Road.
About Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Ottawa to Juan Santamaria International Airport. Stay at one of these accommodation options near SJO instead:
Pick up a Juan Santamaria International Airport rental car and explore San Jose and beyond with your own wheels. NextCar, Europcar and Dollar are top outlets you can book with here.
To lock in the lowest price, book your vehicle around three weeks in advance of your Ottawa to Juan Santamaria International Airport flight.
Getting from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to central San Jose
Juan Santamaria International Airport is about 14 kilometres from central San Jose. How long it takes to get there by cab or car hire will depend on the time of day. Do a little research before your trip.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 2 hours 20 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Ottawa to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
The cheapest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Ottawa to Juan Santamaria International Airport is R 3,768. For a return flight on this route, the best price is R 7,174. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares could change.
To pick up cheap flights from Ottawa to SJO, book ahead. Airlines usually offer their most competitively priced fares when flights are first released.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest Ottawa to Juan Santamaria International Airport tickets throughout the month. It's an easy way to find a bargain if your dates aren't set in stone.
Save time searching for cheap plane tickets from Ottawa to SJO by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Hunt for savings on a flight from Ottawa to Juan Santamaria International Airport with the help of the filters. Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
The best time to fly from Ottawa to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
May is the quietest month for flights from Ottawa to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), while July is the most popular. Find the ideal time to go to San Jose based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Before locking in your Ottawa to SJO plane ticket, consider what kind of weather you prefer. March is the warmest month in San Jose, with temperatures ranging from 12ºC (54ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
January sees temperatures of between 12ºC (54ºF) and 26ºC (79ºF). Search for cheap tickets from Ottawa to Juan Santamaria International Airport around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about San Jose
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in San Jose right here. Check out these options as soon as you've booked your flight from Ottawa to Juan Santamaria International Airport:
Every great journey has to include a little sightseeing. National Park (Parque Nacional), Jurassic World and Central Park (Parque Central) are must-do's during your San Jose adventure.
Explore more of Costa Rica
Limon is just one of the many cities in Costa Rica waiting to be discovered after you've experienced San Jose. Around 129 kilometres away to the east, popular attractions include Veragua Rainforest Park, Playa Bonita and Playa Los Baños.
Liberia is another sought-after destination in Costa Rica and is around 153 kilometres north-west of San Jose. No trip is complete without dropping by Ponderosa Adventure Park, Ecologico Park and Museo de Guanacaste.
