The San Salvador (San Luis Talpa) to San José (Alajuela) route connects Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL) in SV with Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in CR. This short-haul flight covers approximately 406 miles (653 km) with a typical flight time of 50m. This route is served by 6 airlines: Avianca - Aerovias Nacionales de Colombia Airlines, Avianca Costa Rica, Avianca El Salvador and others. AirportRoutes has tracked 17 daily flights on this route.
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The route between San Salvador and San Jose is a popular connection for both business and leisure travelers given the close proximity and strong economic and cultural ties between El Salvador and Costa Rica. The flight usually takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 25 minutes. Travelers often choose this route for its convenience and efficiency, avoiding longer layovers associated with connecting flights. There are about 3 direct flights every day. This route offers passengers views of the Central American landscape.
To secure better prices, it's generally advisable to book your flight at least eight months in advance. At Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL), give yourself ample time to navigate security, which is located about 50 km from San Salvador. At Juan Santamaria Int'l Airport (SJO), be prepared for well-marked hallways towards immigration. If you have a connecting flight, follow the signs closely to the appropriate terminal. During the flight, expect standard short-haul service with limited meal options; consider bringing your own snacks. Remember that all passengers on outbound flights are required to pay a $28 departure tax.
San Jose is a vibrant capital city with a rich cultural scene. Top attractions include the National Theater (Teatro Nacional), a stunning architectural masterpiece, the National Museum, showcasing Costa Rican history and culture, and the Central Market (Mercado Central), a bustling hub for local cuisine and handicrafts. San Jose is unique for its blend of historical landmarks and modern urban life. Explore neighborhoods like Barrio Amón and Barrio Otoya for their historical architecture and cultural experiences. Immerse yourself in local cuisine by sampling Costa Rican coffee or enjoying a traditional dinner.
San Jose has a tropical climate, with average temperatures between 25°C and 30°C throughout the year. The dry season (November to April) is considered the best time to visit, offering mostly dry conditions. To avoid crowds, consider traveling during the low season. July tends to be the cheapest month for flights.
Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport
MSLPSALJuan Santamaría International Airport
MROCSJO6
Operators17
Daily Flights406
Miles50m
Flight Duration
| Airline | ICAO | IATA |
|---|---|---|
| Avianca |
AVA
|
AV
|
| Avianca Costa Rica |
LRC
|
LR
|
| Avianca El Salvador |
TAI
|
TA
|
| SalamAir |
OMS
|
OV
|
| Volaris El Salvador |
VOS
|
N3
|
| Volaris Costa Rica |
VOC
|
Q6
|
| Day | Flights Observed | Frequency | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 68 | 16% |
|
| Tuesday | 70 | 16% |
|
| Wednesday | 50 | 11% |
|
| Thursday | 71 | 16% |
|
| Friday | 63 | 14% |
|
| Saturday | 45 | 10% |
|
| Sunday | 68 | 16% |
|
Pattern Analysis
| Airline | Flight Numbers | Aircraft Type | Typical Time | Days Active | Last Seen | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Avianca
AVA
/ AV
|
AVA627 AVA651 AVA321 AVA619 AVA319 | A320 | 12:15 12:15 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Jan 30, 2026 | Active |
|
Avianca Costa Rica
LRC
/ LR
|
LRC627 LRC651 LRC617 LRC615 | A320 | 22:25 10:25 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Jan 30, 2026 | Active |
|
Avianca El Salvador
TAI
/ TA
|
TAI627 TAI321 TAI651 | A20N | 07:30 7:30 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Jan 29, 2026 | Active |
|
SalamAir
OMS
/ OV
|
OMS4350 OMS4340 | A320 | 12:37 12:37 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Jan 28, 2026 | Active |
|
Volaris El Salvador
VOS
/ N3
|
VOS4350 | A20N | 08:00 8:00 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Dec 29, 2025 | Active |
|
Volaris Costa Rica
VOC
/ Q6
|
- | A20N | - |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Nov 12, 2025 | Active |
| Departure Time | Operator | ICAO | IATA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:30 7:30 AM | Avianca El Salvador |
TAI
|
TA
|
| 08:00 8:00 AM | Volaris El Salvador |
VOS
|
N3
|
| 12:15 12:15 PM | Avianca |
AVA
|
AV
|
| 12:37 12:37 PM | SalamAir |
OMS
|
OV
|
| 22:25 10:25 PM | Avianca Costa Rica |
LRC
|
LR
|
Time Information
Times are shown in the departure airport's local timezone (UTC).