Direct (nonstop) flights from Managua to San Jose

2 airlines fly nonstop from Managua International (MGA) to Juan Santamaria International (SJO). It's 199 miles (320 km), about 1h 3m in the air. Operated by Copa Airlines, SANSA.

MGA
Managua International
🇳🇮 Managua, Nicaragua
SJO
Juan Santamaria International
🇨🇷 San Jose, Costa Rica
Flight Time
1h 3m
Distance
199 mi
320 km
CO₂/pax
37 kg
−103 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
Copa Airlines +1
Time Diff
Same timezone
Operated by Copa Airlines Copa Airlines SANSA SANSA

Route data last updated: May 30, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Copa Airlines CM Copa Airlines
Route
MGA → SJO
Flight Time
1h 3m
Distance
199 mi
SANSA RZ SANSA
Route
MGA → SJO
Flight Time
1h 3m
Distance
199 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Managua to San Jose with one stop · direct emits 37 kg CO₂ per passenger

MGA SAL (San Salvador) SJO
Leg 1: 55m (214 mi) Leg 2: 1h 15m (405 mi) Total: ~2h 10m 🍃 140 kg CO₂ (+278% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MGA → SAL
55m · 214 mi
View MGA to SAL flights →
Leg 2
SAL → SJO
1h 15m · 405 mi
View SAL to SJO flights →
MGA GUA (Guatemala City) SJO
Leg 1: 1h 18m (338 mi) Leg 2: 1h 35m (531 mi) Total: ~2h 53m 🍃 186 kg CO₂ (+403% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MGA → GUA
1h 18m · 338 mi
View MGA to GUA flights →
Leg 2
GUA → SJO
1h 35m · 531 mi
View GUA to SJO flights →
MGA PTY (Panama City) SJO
Leg 1: 1h 39m (507 mi) Leg 2: 1h 25m (334 mi) Total: ~3h 4m 🍃 181 kg CO₂ (+389% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MGA → PTY
1h 39m · 507 mi
View MGA to PTY flights →
Leg 2
PTY → SJO
1h 25m · 334 mi
View PTY to SJO flights →
MGA FLL (Fort Lauderdale) SJO
Leg 1: 2h 34m (1,035 mi) Leg 2: 2h 55m (1,136 mi) Total: ~5h 29m 🍃 392 kg CO₂ (+959% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MGA → FLL
2h 34m · 1,035 mi
View MGA to FLL flights →
Leg 2
FLL → SJO
2h 55m · 1,136 mi
View FLL to SJO flights →
MGA MIA (Miami) SJO
Leg 1: 2h 35m (1,014 mi) Leg 2: 3h 3m (1,116 mi) Total: ~5h 38m 🍃 385 kg CO₂ (+941% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MGA → MIA
2h 35m · 1,014 mi
View MGA to MIA flights →
Leg 2
MIA → SJO
3h 3m · 1,116 mi
View MIA to SJO flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from Managua (MGA) to San Jose (SJO) takes approximately 1 hours and 3 minutes. The distance is 199 miles (320 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Managua to San Jose?

2 airlines: Copa Airlines, SANSA.

Is there a nonstop flight from Managua to San Jose?

Yes. 2 airlines: Copa Airlines, SANSA.

How far is Managua from San Jose?

The flight distance from Managua to San Jose is 199 miles (320 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as New York to Washington DC.

What type of aircraft flies from Managua to San Jose?

At 1h 3m, this route typically uses narrow-body aircraft — Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. Varies by airline.

Do I need a visa to travel from Nicaragua 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 Managua to San Jose?

Roughly 37 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 185 km.

Is the return flight from San Jose to Managua 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 Managua 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 Managua International for this flight?

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