Best Flights starting from $346
from$346economy
New York (JFK)
Sat, May 9
Roundtrip
San Jose (SJO)
Wed, May 20
from$346economy
New York (JFK)
Sun, May 10
Roundtrip
San Jose (SJO)
Thu, May 21
from$358economy
New York (JFK)
Wed, May 6
Roundtrip
San Jose (SJO)
Sun, May 17
from$358economy
New York (JFK)
Thu, May 7
Roundtrip
San Jose (SJO)
Mon, May 18
from$358economy
New York (JFK)
Fri, May 8
Roundtrip
San Jose (SJO)
Tue, May 19
from$377economy
New York (JFK)
Mon, May 4
Roundtrip
San Jose (SJO)
Fri, May 15
from$377economy
New York (JFK)
Tue, May 5
Roundtrip
San Jose (SJO)
Sat, May 16
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Other Options for This Route
Other Destinations
New York (JFK) to Atlanta (Any) in May from $28
From $28
New York (JFK) to Orlando (MCO) in May from $43
From $43
New York (JFK) to Las Vegas (LAS) in May from $54
From $54
New York (JFK) to Atlanta (Any) in May from $61
From $61
New York (JFK) to Chicago (ORD) in May from $69
From $69
New York (JFK) to Fort Lauderdale (Any) in May from $86
From $86
Flights from Other Cities
Philadelphia (PHL) to San Jose (SJO) in May from $101
From $101
Boston (BOS) to San Jose (SJO) in May from $149
From $149
Washington, D.C. (IAD) to San Jose (SJO) in May from $251
From $251
Miami (MIA) to San Jose (SJO) in May from $265
From $265
Boston (BOS) to San Jose (SJO) in May from $318
From $318
Charleston (CRW) to San Jose (SJO) in May from $325
From $325
✈️ Flight Guide: New York (JFK) → San Jose (SJO)
Complete travel information for your May journey
Flying from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in May to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) combines convenience with shoulder-season savings. For New York travelers—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Hoboken and Jersey City—use the JFK AirTrain + subway or express rideshares to avoid peak congestion. May typically has good availability for nonstop and one-stop flights; set up fare alerts for 'JFK to SJO flights' and search flexible dates to capture lower mid-week fares. Pack a small rain jacket and insect repellent for Costa Rica arrival, and arrive 2.5–3 hours before international departure for smooth security and check-in at JFK. CTA: Compare nonstop JFK to SJO flights now and book early to lock in May deals.
Departing from New York (JFK) FAQs
As of May, travelers departing John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) for Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) should check the latest U.S. and Costa Rica entry rules before booking. Costa Rica frequently updates entry rules related to health, proof of vaccination, and travel insurance; confirm requirements with your airline and the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) within 72 hours of departure. For the smoothest experience, arrive at JFK at least 2.5–3 hours before an international flight and have digital and printed copies of all required documents.
Nonstop flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) typically take about 5 to 5.5 hours depending on winds and routing. Seasonal schedules and aircraft type can affect duration, and one-stop itineraries via Miami (MIA), Houston (IAH), or Atlanta (ATL) often add 2–6 hours of travel time. Check real-time schedules and consider direct flights for the fastest JFK to SJO travel.
Yes—major carriers often operate direct flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in May, especially with carriers like JetBlue, American Airlines, and United on seasonal or year-round schedules. Availability depends on the week in May and demand—book in advance or use fare alerts for nonstop JFK to SJO flights. If direct options are limited, look for one-stop flights via Miami or Houston for similar total travel times.
You can reach John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) by subway + AirTrain, MTA bus, taxi, rideshare, or private shuttle; travel from Manhattan typically takes 45–90 minutes depending on time of day. For international flights to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), plan extra time for security and customs at JFK—use the AirTrain and JFK long-term parking or pre-booked rides to avoid delays. Consider early arrival and pre-check options to expedite your airport experience.
Baggage allowances for flights departing John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) vary by airline and fare class—carry-on size is generally limited to one bag plus a personal item. Checked bag fees and weight limits differ: low-cost fares may charge for the first checked bag whereas full-service fares often include one or two checked items; always check the airline’s baggage policy before packing. For May travel, consider lightweight, waterproof luggage and a small daypack for excursions in Costa Rica.
May is a shoulder month for JFK to SJO routes—transitioning from Costa Rica’s dry season to the green season—which often means lower fares and better availability than the high season (Dec–Apr). Travelers can find competitive prices and promotions in May, especially mid-week departures; use fare alerts, flexible date searches, and book 4–8 weeks in advance for the best JFK to SJO flight deals. If you want the best combination of weather and savings, consider early May before the heavier rains set in.
Arriving at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in May puts you at the gateway to lush landscapes and fewer crowds. Expect sporadic afternoon rains as the green season begins—pack a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes for excursions to Manuel Antonio, Arenal, and Monteverde. For quick transfers into San José or onward to coastal destinations, pre-book shared or private shuttles, or use official taxis at SJO; verify fixed rates in advance. CTA: Book your airport transfer from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) now and secure better May rates.
Arriving at San Jose (SJO) FAQs
Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in May, expect warm, humid weather and a mix of sun with afternoon showers as the green (rainy) season begins. Immigration and baggage claim at SJO are generally efficient, but international arrivals may experience lines during peak times—have passports and any required entry forms ready. Ground transport options include official taxis, shuttles, rental cars, and pre-booked private transfers to San José, Alajuela, Arenal/La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio and the Pacific coast.
From Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) you can take an official taxi, shared shuttle, private transfer, or a rideshare to San José city center; travel time is typically 20–40 minutes depending on traffic. Many hotels offer airport pickups—confirm rates and pickup locations in advance. For budget travelers, official airport shuttles and grouped transfers are widely available and can be booked ahead to ensure timely arrival for tours around Arenal, Monteverde, Tamarindo, and Manuel Antonio.
Most international arrival taxes for Costa Rica are included in the ticket price, but travelers should be aware of potential departure taxes when leaving the country; these are sometimes paid at the airport or included in your fare depending on the airline. Currency exchange and ATMs are available at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), but rates at the airport may be less favorable—consider exchanging a small amount or using an ATM for local currency (CRC). Verify current fees and payment methods before travel to avoid surprises on arrival.
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) offers limited luggage services, lockers, and porter assistance—availability can vary, so check current facilities before travel. For May arrivals planning excursions to nearby Arenal, Monteverde, or Manuel Antonio, many hotels and tour operators provide baggage hold options if you arrive before check-in. If you need long-term storage, consider using hotel luggage holds or city storage services in San José for convenience.
Costa Rica’s health screening policies can change; in May you may encounter health advisory notices and optional checks rather than mandatory testing. Carry proof of vaccination and travel insurance if requested and consult your airline and the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) for the latest arrival health guidance. For safety, pack basic health items like masks, hand sanitizer, and insect repellent when arriving at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
May is a shoulder month to explore Costa Rica’s beaches and national parks—early May can be excellent for lower crowds, greener scenery, and lower hotel rates, though afternoon showers become more common. Popular destinations accessed from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) include Manuel Antonio, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, Tamarindo, and the Caribbean coast (Puerto Viejo). Book guided tours and in-country transfers in advance for the best May availability and pricing.
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Events & Festivals — New York Departures and San José Arrivals in May
Departure-side events: New York City hosts several May events—Fleet Week NYC, outdoor concerts, and art fairs—that can increase demand for flights out of John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on certain weekends. Arrival-side events: In Costa Rica, May features smaller cultural festivals, food markets, art exhibitions, and eco-tourism events in and around San José; these local activities can provide authentic experiences without the crowds of peak season. Check event calendars for both cities when planning flights and accommodations for May travel. CTA: Review NY and San José event calendars before booking to avoid sold-out hotels and higher fares.
Best Time to Fly JFK to SJO — May Travel Considerations
May is a transition month between Costa Rica’s dry and rainy seasons—often a smart choice for travelers seeking greener landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower hotel rates. If you prefer beach time, early May can still offer many sunny days; if you’re targeting wildlife and lush forests, the start of the green season is ideal. For the best fares, consider mid-week departures from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and monitor prices 4–8 weeks before travel. CTA: Compare May vs peak-season prices and choose the best JFK to SJO itinerary for your priorities.
Direct vs Connecting Flights from JFK to SJO in May
Nonstop flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) save time and reduce missed-connection risk—ideal for short trips or travelers wanting to maximize Costa Rica time. Connecting flights via hubs like Miami (MIA), Houston (IAH), or Atlanta (ATL) often lower fares and increase scheduling options but can add 2–6 hours to total travel time. For May travel, weigh cost vs time: if fares for nonstop flights spike, a single well-timed connection can be a good compromise. CTA: Compare nonstop and connecting options for your May dates to balance price and travel time.
Airline Comparison for JFK to SJO — JetBlue, American, United & More (May)
JetBlue: Often praised for legroom and complimentary snacks on many transcontinental and international routes; JetBlue may offer direct JFK to SJO service seasonally. American Airlines: Offers multiple routing options with consistent schedules and a broad network for connections through Miami (MIA) and Dallas (DFW). United Airlines: Good for connections via Houston (IAH) and offers MileagePlus benefits; reliability varies by route and aircraft. Compare baggage allowances, change fees, and seat types—low-fare economy tickets often exclude checked bags. CTA: Check seat maps, baggage policies, and loyalty benefits for your preferred carrier before booking JFK to SJO flights in May.
Seasonal Travel Tips for JFK to SJO in May
Pack layers and a lightweight waterproof shell for May travel from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO); afternoon showers are common as the green season begins. Bring biodegradable insect repellent, quick-dry clothing, and sturdy shoes for rainforest hikes. Book popular tours (canopy zip lines, Arenal hot springs, Manuel Antonio wildlife tours) in advance to secure spots as weekend demand can increase. Consider travel insurance for weather-disruption protection and confirm refund/change policies with airlines and tour operators. CTA: Use this May packing checklist and pre-book your top excursions to make the most of your JFK to SJO trip.
Flight Times & Schedules — John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Nonstop flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) average about 5 to 5.5 hours airborne. In May, airlines may reduce or increase frequency depending on demand—check weekly schedules since service can fluctuate. One-stop options via Miami (MIA), Houston (IAH), Atlanta (ATL), or Fort Lauderdale (FLL) typically add 2–6 hours including layover time. CTA: Check live schedules for JFK to SJO flights in May and book the itinerary that matches your timing and budget.
How to Find Cheap Flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in May
To score cheap flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in May, search flexible dates and target mid-week departures—Tuesdays and Wednesdays often yield the lowest fares. Book 4–8 weeks in advance for shoulder-season deals; sign up for fare alerts and track price drops using Google Flights or Kayak. Consider one-stop itineraries via Miami (MIA), Houston (IAH), or Atlanta (ATL) to shave costs if nonstop flights are priced high. CTA: Set up a fare alert for 'JFK to SJO May' now to capture flash sales and discounted nonstop fares.