Direct (nonstop) flights from Panama City to San Jose

2 airlines fly nonstop from Tocumen International (PTY) to Juan Santamaria International (SJO). It's 334 miles (538 km), about 1h 25m in the air. Operated by AVIANCA, Copa Airlines.

PTY
Tocumen International
🇵🇦 Panama City, Panama
SJO
Juan Santamaria International
🇨🇷 San Jose, Costa Rica
Flight Time
1h 25m
Distance
334 mi
538 km
CO₂/pax
62 kg
−94 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
AVIANCA +1
Time Diff
-1h
Operated by AVIANCA AVIANCA Copa Airlines Copa Airlines

Route data last updated: May 30, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

AVIANCA AV AVIANCA
Route
PTY → SJO
Flight Time
1h 25m
Distance
334 mi
Copa Airlines CM Copa Airlines
Route
PTY → SJO
Flight Time
1h 25m
Distance
334 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Panama City to San Jose with one stop · direct emits 62 kg CO₂ per passenger

PTY MGA (Managua) SJO
Leg 1: 1h 43m (507 mi) Leg 2: 1h 3m (199 mi) Total: ~2h 46m 🍃 156 kg CO₂ (+152% vs. direct)
Leg 1
PTY → MGA
1h 43m · 507 mi
View PTY to MGA flights →
Leg 2
MGA → SJO
1h 3m · 199 mi
View MGA to SJO flights →
PTY CTG (Cartagena) SJO
Leg 1: 1h 14m (280 mi) Leg 2: 1h 45m (592 mi) Total: ~2h 59m 🍃 187 kg CO₂ (+202% vs. direct)
Leg 1
PTY → CTG
1h 14m · 280 mi
View PTY to CTG flights →
Leg 2
CTG → SJO
1h 45m · 592 mi
View CTG to SJO flights →
PTY SAL (San Salvador) SJO
Leg 1: 2h 7m (721 mi) Leg 2: 1h 15m (405 mi) Total: ~3h 22m 🍃 234 kg CO₂ (+277% vs. direct)
Leg 1
PTY → SAL
2h 7m · 721 mi
View PTY to SAL flights →
Leg 2
SAL → SJO
1h 15m · 405 mi
View SAL to SJO flights →
PTY MDE (Medellin) SJO
Leg 1: 1h 25m (336 mi) Leg 2: 2h 1m (656 mi) Total: ~3h 26m 🍃 208 kg CO₂ (+235% vs. direct)
Leg 1
PTY → MDE
1h 25m · 336 mi
View PTY to MDE flights →
Leg 2
MDE → SJO
2h 1m · 656 mi
View MDE to SJO flights →
PTY BOG (Bogota) SJO
Leg 1: 1h 39m (469 mi) Leg 2: 2h 15m (780 mi) Total: ~3h 54m 🍃 256 kg CO₂ (+313% vs. direct)
Leg 1
PTY → BOG
1h 39m · 469 mi
View PTY to BOG flights →
Leg 2
BOG → SJO
2h 15m · 780 mi
View BOG to SJO flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Panama City to San Jose?

A nonstop flight from Panama City (PTY) to San Jose (SJO) takes approximately 1 hours and 25 minutes. The distance is 334 miles (538 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Panama City to San Jose?

2 airlines: AVIANCA, Copa Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Panama City to San Jose?

Yes. 2 airlines: AVIANCA, Copa Airlines.

How far is Panama City from San Jose?

The flight distance from Panama City to San Jose is 334 miles (538 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as Mumbai to Goa.

What is the time difference between Panama City and San Jose?

San Jose is 1 hour behind Panama City. (America/Panama vs America/Costa_Rica.)

What type of aircraft flies from Panama City to San Jose?

At 1h 25m, this route typically uses narrow-body aircraft — Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. Varies by airline.

Do I need a visa to travel from Panama 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 Panama City to San Jose?

Roughly 62 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 310 km.

Is the return flight from San Jose to Panama City 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 Panama City 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 Tocumen International for this flight?

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