Houston to San José (Alajuela) (IAH–SJO) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
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No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
IAH–SJO is served by 2 airlines with nonstop service. United Airlines and Air Canada lead the route. The flight covers 1,557 miles in approximately 3h 14m. Beyond nonstop, 40 hubs offer 1-stop connections.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UA United Airlines | 35 | 7M8, B38M | 3h22-3h43 | Star Alliance | – | |
| AC Air Canada | 7 | 7M8 | 3h42 | Star Alliance | – |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
On-Time Performance
Other ways to reach San José (Alajuela) from Houston
| Metric | IAH→SJO | HOU→SJO |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from IAH | – | 24 mi |
| Nonstop airlines | 2 | 1 |
| Weekly flights | 43 | 8 |
| Flight time | 3h 14m | 3h 18m |
| Departure OTP | 78% | – |
Travel Essentials
IAH: CDT · SJO: CST
When it's 6:00 PM in Houston, it's 5:00 PM in San José (Alajuela).
US passport holders enter Costa Rica visa-free for stays up to 180 days. No advance application is needed. Passport must be valid for at least one day beyond the date of entry. A return or onward ticket is required and airlines will check before boarding. Proof of funds (USD 100 per month of stay) may be requested at immigration.
IAH has no direct rail link to downtown Houston. The IAH Express bus runs from Houston Amtrak/Greyhound station via Park & Ride to Terminal C (60–90 min, $1.25 with METRO Q card). This is the only transit option; Houston's rail network does not reach the airport.Taxis from downtown Houston cost $50–70 and take 40–60 minutes. Ride-hails (Uber, Lyft) are typically $35–55. IAH sits 23 miles north of downtown on the North Freeway (I-45); traffic is heavy during morning and evening rush. Remote economy parking lots serve all terminals via shuttle.
IAH–SJO Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from IAH to SJO
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) are connected by nonstop service from Air Canada and United Airlines. With 43 weekly departures, this is a heavily served route.
IAH to SJO Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from IAH to SJO ranges from 3 hours 14 minutes to 3 hours 43 minutes. The route covers a distance of 1,557 miles (2,505 km). There are approximately 43 weekly flights outbound and 38 return, totaling 81 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
40 one-stop connections are available, with the fastest taking approximately 5 hours via PBI. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs. Nearby alternative airports include Houston (HOU).