Direct (nonstop) flights from Houston to San Jose

1 airline flys nonstop from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Juan Santamaria International (SJO). It's 1,551 miles (2,496 km), about 3h 42m in the air. Operated by United Airlines.

IAH
George Bush Intcntl Houston
🇺🇸 Houston, USA
SJO
Juan Santamaria International
🇨🇷 San Jose, Costa Rica
Flight Time
3h 42m
Distance
1,551 mi
2,496 km
CO₂/pax
262 kg
−42 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
United Airlines
Time Diff
-1h
Operated by United Airlines United Airlines

Route data last updated: May 31, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
IAH → SJO
Flight Time
3h 42m
Distance
1,551 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Houston to San Jose with one stop · direct emits 262 kg CO₂ per passenger

IAH SAL (San Salvador) SJO
Leg 1: 3h (1,207 mi) Leg 2: 1h 15m (405 mi) Total: ~4h 15m 🍃 304 kg CO₂ (+16% vs. direct)
Leg 1
IAH → SAL
3h · 1,207 mi
View IAH to SAL flights →
Leg 2
SAL → SJO
1h 15m · 405 mi
View SAL to SJO flights →
IAH LIR (Guanacaste) SJO
Leg 1: 3h 31m (1,475 mi) Leg 2: 50m (99 mi) Total: ~4h 21m 🍃 292 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
IAH → LIR
3h 31m · 1,475 mi
View IAH to LIR flights →
Leg 2
LIR → SJO
50m · 99 mi
View LIR to SJO flights →
IAH MGA (Managua) SJO
Leg 1: 3h 21m (1,361 mi) Leg 2: 1h 3m (199 mi) Total: ~4h 24m 🍃 292 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
IAH → MGA
3h 21m · 1,361 mi
View IAH to MGA flights →
Leg 2
MGA → SJO
1h 3m · 199 mi
View MGA to SJO flights →
IAH CUN (Cancun) SJO
Leg 1: 2h 20m (811 mi) Leg 2: 2h 7m (779 mi) Total: ~4h 27m 🍃 319 kg CO₂ (+22% vs. direct)
Leg 1
IAH → CUN
2h 20m · 811 mi
View IAH to CUN flights →
Leg 2
CUN → SJO
2h 7m · 779 mi
View CUN to SJO flights →
IAH GUA (Guatemala City) SJO
Leg 1: 2h 55m (1,102 mi) Leg 2: 1h 35m (531 mi) Total: ~4h 30m 🍃 309 kg CO₂ (+18% vs. direct)
Leg 1
IAH → GUA
2h 55m · 1,102 mi
View IAH to GUA flights →
Leg 2
GUA → SJO
1h 35m · 531 mi
View GUA to SJO flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Houston to San Jose?

A nonstop flight from Houston (IAH) to San Jose (SJO) takes approximately 3 hours and 42 minutes. The distance is 1,551 miles (2,496 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Houston to San Jose?

Just United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Houston to San Jose?

Yes. 1 airline: United Airlines.

How far is Houston from San Jose?

The flight distance from Houston to San Jose is 1,551 miles (2,496 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as New York to Miami.

What is the time difference between Houston and San Jose?

San Jose is 1 hour ahead of Houston. (America/Chicago vs America/Costa_Rica.)

What type of aircraft flies from Houston to San Jose?

At 3h 42m, this route typically uses narrow-body or mid-range jets — Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A320neo. Varies by airline.

Do I need a visa to travel from USA to Costa Rica?

Depends on your passport. Check with the Costa Rica embassy or an official visa portal before booking — requirements change.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Houston to San Jose?

Roughly 262 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 1,310 km.

Is the return flight from San Jose to Houston also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Houston to San Jose?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at George Bush Intcntl Houston for this flight?

3 hours before departure for international flights. You need time for check-in, security, and immigration.