Direct (nonstop) flights from San Francisco to Guanacaste

2 airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco International (SFO) to Daniel Oduber Quiros International (LIR). It's 2,946 miles (4,741 km), about 6h 16m in the air. Operated by Alaska Airlines, United Airlines.

SFO
San Francisco International
🇺🇸 San Francisco, USA
LIR
Daniel Oduber Quiros International
🇨🇷 Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Flight Time
6h 16m
Distance
2,946 mi
4,741 km
CO₂/pax
450 kg
−39 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
Alaska Airlines +1
Time Diff
+1h
Operated by Alaska Airlines Alaska Airlines United Airlines United Airlines

Route data last updated: May 24, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Alaska Airlines AS Alaska Airlines
Route
SFO → LIR
Flight Time
6h 16m
Distance
2,946 mi
United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
SFO → LIR
Flight Time
6h 16m
Distance
2,946 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from San Francisco to Guanacaste with one stop · direct emits 450 kg CO₂ per passenger

SFO LAX (Los Angeles) LIR
Leg 1: 1h 37m (337 mi) Leg 2: 5h 38m (2,627 mi) Total: ~7h 15m 🍃 489 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → LAX
1h 37m · 337 mi
View SFO to LAX flights →
Leg 2
LAX → LIR
5h 38m · 2,627 mi
View LAX to LIR flights →
SFO SJO (San Jose) LIR
Leg 1: 6h 29m (3,040 mi) Leg 2: 50m (99 mi) Total: ~7h 19m 🍃 508 kg CO₂ (+13% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → SJO
6h 29m · 3,040 mi
View SFO to SJO flights →
Leg 2
SJO → LIR
50m · 99 mi
View SJO to LIR flights →
SFO IAH (Houston) LIR
Leg 1: 4h 5m (1,635 mi) Leg 2: 3h 31m (1,475 mi) Total: ~7h 36m 🍃 550 kg CO₂ (+22% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → IAH
4h 5m · 1,635 mi
View SFO to IAH flights →
Leg 2
IAH → LIR
3h 31m · 1,475 mi
View IAH to LIR flights →
SFO DFW (Dallas) LIR
Leg 1: 3h 37m (1,465 mi) Leg 2: 4h 5m (1,699 mi) Total: ~7h 42m 🍃 560 kg CO₂ (+24% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → DFW
3h 37m · 1,465 mi
View SFO to DFW flights →
Leg 2
DFW → LIR
4h 5m · 1,699 mi
View DFW to LIR flights →
SFO DEN (Denver) LIR
Leg 1: 2h 47m (967 mi) Leg 2: 5h 8m (2,331 mi) Total: ~7h 55m 🍃 582 kg CO₂ (+29% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → DEN
2h 47m · 967 mi
View SFO to DEN flights →
Leg 2
DEN → LIR
5h 8m · 2,331 mi
View DEN to LIR flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from San Francisco to Guanacaste?

A nonstop flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Guanacaste (LIR) takes approximately 6 hours and 16 minutes. The distance is 2,946 miles (4,741 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco to Guanacaste?

2 airlines: Alaska Airlines, United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from San Francisco to Guanacaste?

Yes. 2 airlines: Alaska Airlines, United Airlines.

How far is San Francisco from Guanacaste?

The flight distance from San Francisco to Guanacaste is 2,946 miles (4,741 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as New York to Los Angeles.

What is the time difference between San Francisco and Guanacaste?

Guanacaste is 1 hour ahead of San Francisco. (America/Los_Angeles vs America/Costa_Rica.)

What type of aircraft flies from San Francisco to Guanacaste?

At 6h 16m, this route typically uses wide-body aircraft — Boeing 777, 787, or Airbus A330/A350. 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 San Francisco to Guanacaste?

Roughly 450 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 2,250 km.

Is the return flight from Guanacaste to San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Guanacaste?

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 San Francisco International for this flight?

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