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Find cheap flights to Costa Rica from R15 024

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from South Africa to Costa Rica departing on 29/5. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
Fri 24/5
Fri 31/5

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Cheapest return prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

San José
San José2 stopsR15 024

Good to know

Low season

October

High season

December

Cheapest flight

R15 024
Best time to beat the crowds (12% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (8% more expensive on average)
Flight from Johannesburg to San José

FAQs - booking Costa Rica flights

  • How long is the flight to Costa Rica?

    An average direct flight from South Africa to Costa Rica takes 36h 20m, covering a distance of 20058 km. The most popular route is Cape Town - San José with an average flight time of 23h 56m.

  • What is the cheapest flight to Costa Rica?

    The cheapest ticket to Costa Rica from South Africa found in the last 72 hours was R17 171. The most popular route is from Cape Town to San José and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was R17 171.

  • What are the most popular destinations in Costa Rica?

    The next most popular destination is Liberia (17%).

  • How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travellers know whether to wait or book now.

See more FAQs

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Costa Rica

  • Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Costa Rica flight deals.

Top 5 airlines flying to Costa Rica

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from South Africa to Costa Rica? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
7,8
KLMOverall score based on 1629 reviews
7,8boarding
7,3entertainment
7,6comfort
8,4crew
7,3food
Airline reviews

The flight was again delayed for more then 2 hours with some lousy explanation regarding the reason of the delay. Although the flight was delayed for more than 2 hours, no refreshments were offered (according to EU regulations). Last 4 flights on KLM - always at least 2 hrs late. So be prepared that you cannot plan anything with KLM.

2,0 MediocreDavor, Apr 2024ZAG - AMS
Read more about KLM reviews

The flight was again delayed for more then 2 hours with some lousy explanation regarding the reason of the delay. Although the flight was delayed for more than 2 hours, no refreshments were offered (according to EU regulations). Last 4 flights on KLM - always at least 2 hrs late. So be prepared that you cannot plan anything with KLM.

We left one hour late because of technical difficulties. The economy comfort seats are great for the price. The crew was mediocre, they do not provide a pleasant experience, they just deliver food and drinks and give orders, not very amicable, no service and hospitality focus.

Booked connecting flights with KlM. My serving flight was the furthest part of the airport. On arrival in Zurich. My two cases arrived but only one carry on belong to my son. His three suitcase didn't arrive. After enquiring we discovered they were still in Amsterdam. We landed at 11.12. We eventually left the airport just after one.

Overall a good experience. We were disappointed when we had to check our carry on due to the plane being full. KLM hadn’t notified us and we had valuable items in the carry on but they still made us check it. Some of the food was great and some was mediocre. Crew is really kind and funny.

It was nice to be on a legacy airline, people try at least.

Mostly fine. Minor delays departing and arriving. Quite a cramped plane, not so much as regards legroom but very narrow seats. Quiet nice food. Non-working USB charger. Flight attendants were helpful but not particularly proactive — one had to work to get their attention (but all was fine once they notice you), very Dutch style:)

The flight itself it was great nice food the crew were very nice and helpful, Checking in from Birmingham wasn't great long queues for bag dropped, And I had my hand luggage case taken away from me even though I requested to have it with me as I had breakables items. I was told I can not because of the length of the flight with no explanation at all no options was given for me to take my fragile items out of my case it was taken away with hold buggage I find the staff member who was checking me in very unpleasant !! Can we please be advise if the rules have changed about the the carry on hand luggage it will be easier to be advise on booking your tickect if we not allowed to take the hand luggage with me. Overall I had a good flight .

I requested wheel chair assistance , it was confirmed via email that inwoood get it but I didn’t get it . The last leg of my trip to Nigeria was the worst.

The boarding was one of the worst I’ve ever experienced. The fault lays on Ohare Airport and not so much the airline. The waiting area by the gate was the size to accommodate a regional flight for 20-30 people and right next to a busy walkway. When you cramped nearly 300 passengers into that space is was unbearable.

The seats are too cramped in that plane. If you’re above 1,80m consider alternatives or first class I guess… There were no emergency exits to seat somewhere with more legroom

Horrible experience. I was apparently picked at random for a security screening - that was the most demeaning experience I have had in my life with a guy poking and prodding and having me take off my shoes, move up my pants so he could swab my legs - telling me I couldn't bring more than some quantity of cookies - I had 3 boxes of cookies in my luggage. In the end he did let me keep them but that was really uncalled for. Harrassment in the name of security.

Everything was on time and efficient - expected from a Swiss crew. But the entertainment system was pretty bad - the display was old. Food was pretty bad and a couple of times they started serving drinks and then just skipped past my row (and likely several others)

Not exceptional but all good. Business class seats are like the domestic Mint class on Jet Blue. Comfortable but not exceptional. Food is good but not superb. Flight attendants were better on India leg than Miami to Zurich. All India staff was more professional and service oriented. Very polite and service with a smile.

Liked being hydrated. Carryon weight was limited for cold weather clothes that are heavy... could test to improve if possible.

Crew took my carry on and checked it in; turned out to be a blessing; however the luggage was delayed at my final destination; receiving it 36 hours later. Thought, we'd get, at least water; but the Swiss chocolate was delicious. Thanks.

Like the blanket. Food wasn’t good and boarding was a mess

Swiss Air rerouted me at the last minute and lost my luggage. At this time they still have not been able to locate it.

That your phones given were the more comfortable ones, unlike the old ones. The flight was delayed and my luggage has been lost in Zürich both times. Also the food choices were terrible. I am dairy free and gluten-free and they had nothing available for me

A lot of things could have been better. They lost our luggage. We missed our connection from YVR to Naples when we arrived in Zurich and then we got re-routed to Rome and then Naples. We eventually got to Naples but our bags didn’t. Our experience at the lost luggage in the Naples was not at all reassuring. They didn’t seem that interested in our problem. I did a live chat with Swiss customer service and all they could do is tell me to follow the process. Meanwhile we’ve had to spend significant money on clothes and I have to replace medications. This has meant our trip so far has been totally different than what we had planned. It’s not clear that our baggage will ever show up which means we will have lost significant amount of clothing and other things and our two month trip to Europe will have more problems than good memories. So far we are not happy.

We had to move to terminal 5 for the next part of our trip. Very un-organized and difficult.

Old cabine without flat bed in business for a 12 hour flight is not acceptable

Generally good. The crew is excellent. The food could be better.

Did not find the wheelchair that supposed to assist and went to a long queue for transit security chk which was very slow and boarding desk wanted to close counter although that they knew that I am minutes away because of their mistake of not providing the wheelchair.

Boarding was smooth and on time. The seat was comfortable and the entertainment worked. Staff were gracious.

Business class in the second leg - CDG-EVN was a disaster.

Everything went smoothly with Air France. There was a delay in departure which seemed to relate to the immigration services being short staffed.

Food could have been better especially the breakfast. Overall it was a good flight

I have used Air France and KLM many times it will help if they change their menu's feel like it's been the same for years!!!, Especially the breakfast. Overall the flight was good and enjoyable.

No birding was given for next trip on same carrier, food was very moderate.

A couple of minor delays in boarding but very professional and efficient staff.

Due to one crew member not showing up to work, our flight was significantly delayed causing us to miss our connecting flight in Houston to Mississippi causing us to be delayed by more than 6 hours and missing our event all together. Very disappointing. All because ONE crew member called in sick. United did grant us a $15 meal voucher, which was a small but appreciated concession that I wasn’t able to use because I ordered my lunch and paid for it before applying the concession, and the staff said it was too late to use it. Ugh! We also had a TWO delay coming back from Mississippi, but that was on American Airlines and it was due to weather, so not their fault. Anyway, not at all impressed with United’s handling of our flight and the HUGE disappointment of missing our important family event for our 90 year old mother. All that money and all that stress and emotions for nothing. Having to wait the hour to bring an employee from LAX seemed like something that should not have happened. Why don’t you have a local back-up? Santa Ana is not a little airport in a rural area.

No in flight entertainment, gate employees were very quick and impatient, plane was uncomfortable

Boarding process was well organized and orderly even though flight was fairly full. Water bottles were provided during boarding which was great as I drink a lot of water. Bathroom was not as clean as it could have been but was acceptable and fairly dry. Food however was mediocre. I have had better food on 2 hour local flights in other countries.

Everything was very good. Boarding and takeoff were on time and organized. Had a good flight

All planes flying to Mexico City are very old. Seats don’t even have power outlets.

Flight cancelled due to fog. No other flights available for 36 hours. Directed by United to book passage on another carrier, and submit receipts for reimbursement. Did that. United now states they will not reimburse. Currently out 2 grand.

It was a great flight, great crew, excellent service, fantastic brand new place, overall 10+ on the experience! Thank you.

Planes were on time, we were offered opportunities to take seats in exit aisles that had better leg room, tasks offs and landings were smooth, we were kept informed of flight status

On time - really well operated flight. Friendly staff. Super impressed with United on this round trip.

The only thing concerning was the delay. Otherwise, it was ok.

Annoying customer pushing my seat did not make this pleasant.

Not enough trash pickups throughout the flight. Everything else was great.

Everything was great - but then had to wait one hour for my luggage in Verona…

I was unable to input the API information in online. I phoned and a member of staff input it for me, however when I went to check in online was told that I had not entered the API needed. It took 7 seperate calls to get all the information added. I added bags separately to booking the flights. When I went to check bags in at the airport and print the lable the machine kept telling me I didn't have bags, despite the online information telling me that I had. A helpful member of staff at Gatwick sorted and printed the lables.

This flight had seats that were more comfortable than the trans-Atlantic flight I had come on. Boarding, however, was atrocious. There was no point in boarding groups since everyone ended up on the same bus to get on the plane. And the bus ride took forever to get to the plane. The snacks can barely even qualify as snacks. Make sure you bring your own or eat before getting on,

the headphone jack was damaged making it impossible to keep a clear sound. while it is beyond the airline's control how many children are on each flight, it becomes very difficult to enjoy the flight when there are 5 or 6 children all crying and screaming at the same time. I know there is no good solution at the industry level, but I think there are good reasons to try to develop some solutions rather than just say it is the luck of the draw. maybe you could show a seating map where children who are booked are a different color, that would allow us to know what to expect and possibly rebook to a different seat or take a different flight. maybe some of the covid-related ideas about redesigning the cabin for more privacy and hygiene could be further developed and tested. on my leg from London to Washington DC, the passenger next to us was coughing consistently for long periods of time. it was obvious she had been ill and knew it before boarding. this leads me to think we should consider additional screening measures because some of the public is no longer acting responsible or ethical in regards to covid and health protocols. just answering questions on a check-in survey does not seem sufficient to convince people to not fly when they are ill and symptomatic.

Overall, very good. It should be noted however there was a 1.5 hour delayed departure time for BA175.

Got away on time, comfortable flight. Landed into thick fog at Zurich with no concerns.

They put me on stand by, just because I didn’t respond to a email confirmation. Next time I will, but it was wrong to be put on stand by. But I did get on the flight, thank you.

Chaotic boarding at JNB, last minute gate change with no announcements.

Book Cheap Costa Rica Plane Tickets

Recent one-way flight deals

29/5Wed
2 stops
54h 16mJNB-SJO
R15 024
29/5Wed
1 stopLufthansa
30h 35mJNB-SJO
R16 596
31/5Fri
2 stops
54h 16mJNB-SJO
R18 704
31/5Fri
1 stopLufthansa
30h 35mJNB-SJO
R18 723
31/5Fri
2 stops
55h 15mJNB-SJO
R18 742
29/6Sat
2 stops
54h 50mCPT-SJO
R19 049
29/5Wed
3 stops
49h 55mJNB-SJO
R20 620
29/5Wed
1 stopUnited Airlines
23h 38mJNB-SJO
R30 413
29/6Sat
1 stopSWISS
32h 29mCPT-SJO
R35 414
1/6Sat
1 stopUnited Airlines
23h 38mJNB-SJO
R44 402

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