Direct (nonstop) flights from Houston to San Jose

1 airline flys nonstop from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Juan Santamaria International (SJO). It's 1,529 miles (2,461 km), about 3h 30m in the air. Operated by Southwest Airlines.

HOU
William P. Hobby Airport
🇺🇸 Houston, USA
SJO
Juan Santamaria International
🇨🇷 San Jose, Costa Rica
Flight Time
3h 30m
Distance
1,529 mi
2,461 km
CO₂/pax
258 kg
−30 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
Southwest Airlines
Time Diff
-1h
Operated by Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines

Route data last updated: May 31, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Southwest Airlines WN Southwest Airlines
Route
HOU → SJO
Flight Time
3h 30m
Distance
1,529 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Houston to San Jose with one stop · direct emits 258 kg CO₂ per passenger

HOU LIR (Guanacaste) SJO
Leg 1: 3h 20m (1,453 mi) Leg 2: 50m (99 mi) Total: ~4h 10m 🍃 288 kg CO₂ (+12% vs. direct)
Leg 1
HOU → LIR
3h 20m · 1,453 mi
View HOU to LIR flights →
Leg 2
LIR → SJO
50m · 99 mi
View LIR to SJO flights →
HOU CUN (Cancun) SJO
Leg 1: 2h 10m (791 mi) Leg 2: 2h 7m (779 mi) Total: ~4h 17m 🍃 315 kg CO₂ (+22% vs. direct)
Leg 1
HOU → CUN
2h 10m · 791 mi
View HOU to CUN flights →
Leg 2
CUN → SJO
2h 7m · 779 mi
View CUN to SJO flights →
HOU FLL (Fort Lauderdale) SJO
Leg 1: 2h 20m (957 mi) Leg 2: 2h 55m (1,136 mi) Total: ~5h 15m 🍃 379 kg CO₂ (+47% vs. direct)
Leg 1
HOU → FLL
2h 20m · 957 mi
View HOU to FLL flights →
Leg 2
FLL → SJO
2h 55m · 1,136 mi
View FLL to SJO flights →
HOU MIA (Miami) SJO
Leg 1: 2h 25m (956 mi) Leg 2: 3h 3m (1,116 mi) Total: ~5h 28m 🍃 375 kg CO₂ (+45% vs. direct)
Leg 1
HOU → MIA
2h 25m · 956 mi
View HOU to MIA flights →
Leg 2
MIA → SJO
3h 3m · 1,116 mi
View MIA to SJO flights →
HOU MCO (Orlando) SJO
Leg 1: 2h 20m (849 mi) Leg 2: 3h 17m (1,282 mi) Total: ~5h 37m 🍃 399 kg CO₂ (+55% vs. direct)
Leg 1
HOU → MCO
2h 20m · 849 mi
View HOU to MCO flights →
Leg 2
MCO → SJO
3h 17m · 1,282 mi
View MCO to SJO flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from Houston (HOU) to San Jose (SJO) takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. The distance is 1,529 miles (2,461 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Houston to San Jose?

Just Southwest Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Houston to San Jose?

Yes. 1 airline: Southwest Airlines.

How far is Houston from San Jose?

The flight distance from Houston to San Jose is 1,529 miles (2,461 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 30m, 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 258 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 1,290 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 William P. Hobby Airport for this flight?

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