Direct (nonstop) flights from San Jose to Houston

1 airline flys nonstop from Juan Santamaria International (SJO) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH). It's 1,551 miles (2,496 km), about 3h 54m in the air. Operated by United Airlines.

SJO
Juan Santamaria International
🇨🇷 San Jose, Costa Rica
IAH
George Bush Intcntl Houston
🇺🇸 Houston, USA
Flight Time
3h 54m
Distance
1,551 mi
2,496 km
CO₂/pax
262 kg
−42 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
United Airlines
Time Diff
+1h
Operated by United Airlines United Airlines

Route data last updated: May 29, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
SJO → IAH
Flight Time
3h 54m
Distance
1,551 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from San Jose to Houston with one stop · direct emits 262 kg CO₂ per passenger

SJO SAL (San Salvador) IAH
Leg 1: 1h 20m (405 mi) Leg 2: 3h 5m (1,207 mi) Total: ~4h 25m 🍃 304 kg CO₂ (+16% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → SAL
1h 20m · 405 mi
View SJO to SAL flights →
Leg 2
SAL → IAH
3h 5m · 1,207 mi
View SAL to IAH flights →
SJO MGA (Managua) IAH
Leg 1: 1h 7m (199 mi) Leg 2: 3h 25m (1,361 mi) Total: ~4h 32m 🍃 292 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → MGA
1h 7m · 199 mi
View SJO to MGA flights →
Leg 2
MGA → IAH
3h 25m · 1,361 mi
View MGA to IAH flights →
SJO LIR (Guanacaste) IAH
Leg 1: 50m (99 mi) Leg 2: 3h 43m (1,475 mi) Total: ~4h 33m 🍃 292 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → LIR
50m · 99 mi
View SJO to LIR flights →
Leg 2
LIR → IAH
3h 43m · 1,475 mi
View LIR to IAH flights →
SJO GUA (Guatemala City) IAH
Leg 1: 1h 35m (531 mi) Leg 2: 3h 2m (1,102 mi) Total: ~4h 37m 🍃 309 kg CO₂ (+18% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → GUA
1h 35m · 531 mi
View SJO to GUA flights →
Leg 2
GUA → IAH
3h 2m · 1,102 mi
View GUA to IAH flights →
SJO CUN (Cancun) IAH
Leg 1: 2h 19m (779 mi) Leg 2: 2h 33m (811 mi) Total: ~4h 52m 🍃 319 kg CO₂ (+22% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → CUN
2h 19m · 779 mi
View SJO to CUN flights →
Leg 2
CUN → IAH
2h 33m · 811 mi
View CUN to IAH flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from San Jose (SJO) to Houston (IAH) takes approximately 3 hours and 54 minutes. The distance is 1,551 miles (2,496 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from San Jose to Houston?

Just United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from San Jose to Houston?

Yes. 1 airline: United Airlines.

How far is San Jose from Houston?

The flight distance from San Jose to Houston is 1,551 miles (2,496 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 San Jose and Houston?

Houston is 1 hour behind San Jose. (America/Costa_Rica vs America/Chicago.)

What type of aircraft flies from San Jose to Houston?

At 3h 54m, 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 Costa Rica to USA?

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

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

Roughly 262 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 1,310 km.

Is the return flight from Houston 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 Houston?

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 Juan Santamaria International for this flight?

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