Direct (nonstop) flights from San Jose to London

1 airline flys nonstop from Juan Santamaria International (SJO) to Gatwick (LGW). It's 5,426 miles (8,733 km), about 10h 25m in the air. Operated by British Airways.

SJO
Juan Santamaria International
🇨🇷 San Jose, Costa Rica
LGW
Gatwick
🇬🇧 London, United Kingdom
Flight Time
10h 25m
Distance
5,426 mi
8,733 km
CO₂/pax
830 kg
−98 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
British Airways
Time Diff
+7h
Operated by British Airways British Airways

Route data last updated: May 31, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

British Airways BA British Airways
Route
SJO → LGW
Flight Time
10h 25m
Distance
5,426 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from San Jose to London with one stop · direct emits 830 kg CO₂ per passenger

SJO CUN (Cancun) LGW
Leg 1: 2h 19m (779 mi) Leg 2: 9h 20m (4,964 mi) Total: ~11h 39m 🍃 928 kg CO₂ (+12% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → CUN
2h 19m · 779 mi
View SJO to CUN flights →
Leg 2
CUN → LGW
9h 20m · 4,964 mi
View CUN to LGW flights →
SJO CDG (Paris) LGW
Leg 1: 10h 30m (5,556 mi) Leg 2: 1h 10m (192 mi) Total: ~11h 40m 🍃 910 kg CO₂ (+10% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → CDG
10h 30m · 5,556 mi
View SJO to CDG flights →
Leg 2
CDG → LGW
1h 10m · 192 mi
View CDG to LGW flights →
SJO MCO (Orlando) LGW
Leg 1: 3h 20m (1,282 mi) Leg 2: 8h 30m (4,353 mi) Total: ~11h 50m 🍃 907 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → MCO
3h 20m · 1,282 mi
View SJO to MCO flights →
Leg 2
MCO → LGW
8h 30m · 4,353 mi
View MCO to LGW flights →
SJO AMS (Amsterdam) LGW
Leg 1: 10h 35m (5,633 mi) Leg 2: 1h 15m (226 mi) Total: ~11h 50m 🍃 928 kg CO₂ (+12% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → AMS
10h 35m · 5,633 mi
View SJO to AMS flights →
Leg 2
AMS → LGW
1h 15m · 226 mi
View AMS to LGW flights →
SJO JFK (New York) LGW
Leg 1: 5h (2,204 mi) Leg 2: 7h (3,470 mi) Total: ~12h 🍃 927 kg CO₂ (+12% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → JFK
5h · 2,204 mi
View SJO to JFK flights →
Leg 2
JFK → LGW
7h · 3,470 mi
View JFK to LGW flights →

Looking for the return flight?

LGW → SJO: Flights from London to San Jose

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from San Jose (SJO) to London (LGW) takes approximately 10 hours and 25 minutes. The distance is 5,426 miles (8,733 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from San Jose to London?

Just British Airways.

Is there a nonstop flight from San Jose to London?

Yes. 1 airline: British Airways.

How far is San Jose from London?

The flight distance from San Jose to London is 5,426 miles (8,733 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as London to Tokyo.

What is the time difference between San Jose and London?

London is 7 hours ahead of San Jose. (America/Costa_Rica vs Europe/London.)

Will I experience jet lag flying from San Jose to London?

Probably — 7-hour time difference means moderate jet lag. Expect about 1 day of adjustment per hour of shift. Flying eastward is generally harder to adjust to.

What type of aircraft flies from San Jose to London?

At 10h 25m, this route typically uses wide-body aircraft — Boeing 777, 787, or Airbus A330/A350. Varies by airline.

Do I need a visa to travel from Costa Rica to United Kingdom?

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

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

Roughly 830 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 4,150 km.

Is the return flight from London 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 London?

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.