Direct (nonstop) flights from San Jose to Cartagena

1 airline flys nonstop from Juan Santamaria International (SJO) to Rafael Nunez (CTG). It's 592 miles (953 km), about 1h 45m in the air. Operated by AVIANCA.

SJO
Juan Santamaria International
🇨🇷 San Jose, Costa Rica
CTG
Rafael Nunez
🇨🇴 Cartagena, Colombia
Flight Time
1h 45m
Distance
592 mi
953 km
CO₂/pax
110 kg
−29 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
AVIANCA
Time Diff
+1h
Operated by AVIANCA AVIANCA

Route data last updated: May 27, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

AVIANCA AV AVIANCA
Route
SJO → CTG
Flight Time
1h 45m
Distance
592 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from San Jose to Cartagena with one stop · direct emits 110 kg CO₂ per passenger

SJO PTY (Panama City) CTG
Leg 1: 1h 24m (334 mi) Leg 2: 1h 14m (280 mi) Total: ~2h 38m 🍃 139 kg CO₂ (+26% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → PTY
1h 24m · 334 mi
View SJO to PTY flights →
Leg 2
PTY → CTG
1h 14m · 280 mi
View PTY to CTG flights →
SJO MDE (Medellin) CTG
Leg 1: 2h 5m (656 mi) Leg 2: 1h 12m (293 mi) Total: ~3h 17m 🍃 200 kg CO₂ (+82% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → MDE
2h 5m · 656 mi
View SJO to MDE flights →
Leg 2
MDE → CTG
1h 12m · 293 mi
View MDE to CTG flights →
SJO BOG (Bogota) CTG
Leg 1: 2h 15m (780 mi) Leg 2: 1h 31m (406 mi) Total: ~3h 46m 🍃 244 kg CO₂ (+122% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → BOG
2h 15m · 780 mi
View SJO to BOG flights →
Leg 2
BOG → CTG
1h 31m · 406 mi
View BOG to CTG flights →
SJO SDQ (Santo Domingo) CTG
Leg 1: 2h 57m (1,132 mi) Leg 2: 2h 2m (674 mi) Total: ~4h 59m 🍃 341 kg CO₂ (+210% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → SDQ
2h 57m · 1,132 mi
View SJO to SDQ flights →
Leg 2
SDQ → CTG
2h 2m · 674 mi
View SDQ to CTG flights →
SJO FLL (Fort Lauderdale) CTG
Leg 1: 2h 58m (1,136 mi) Leg 2: 2h 53m (1,116 mi) Total: ~5h 51m 🍃 406 kg CO₂ (+269% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → FLL
2h 58m · 1,136 mi
View SJO to FLL flights →
Leg 2
FLL → CTG
2h 53m · 1,116 mi
View FLL to CTG flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from San Jose (SJO) to Cartagena (CTG) takes approximately 1 hours and 45 minutes. The distance is 592 miles (953 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from San Jose to Cartagena?

Just AVIANCA.

Is there a nonstop flight from San Jose to Cartagena?

Yes. 1 airline: AVIANCA.

How far is San Jose from Cartagena?

The flight distance from San Jose to Cartagena is 592 miles (953 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as the length of Italy.

What is the time difference between San Jose and Cartagena?

Cartagena is 1 hour ahead of San Jose. (America/Costa_Rica vs America/Bogota.)

What type of aircraft flies from San Jose to Cartagena?

At 1h 45m, this route typically uses narrow-body aircraft — Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. Varies by airline.

Do I need a visa to travel from Costa Rica to Colombia?

Depends on your passport. Check with the Colombia embassy or an official visa portal before booking — requirements change.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from San Jose to Cartagena?

Roughly 110 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 550 km.

Is the return flight from Cartagena to San Jose 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 San Jose to Cartagena?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. For long-haul, booking 2-3 months out tends to help. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Juan Santamaria International for this flight?

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