Direct (nonstop) flights from San Jose to Managua

2 airlines fly nonstop from Juan Santamaria International (SJO) to Managua International (MGA). It's 199 miles (320 km), about 1h 7m in the air. Operated by Copa Airlines, SANSA.

SJO
Juan Santamaria International
🇨🇷 San Jose, Costa Rica
MGA
Managua International
🇳🇮 Managua, Nicaragua
Flight Time
1h 7m
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
SJO → MGA
Flight Time
1h 7m
Distance
199 mi
SANSA RZ SANSA
Route
SJO → MGA
Flight Time
1h 7m
Distance
199 mi

Alternative Routes

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

SJO SAL (San Salvador) MGA
Leg 1: 1h 20m (405 mi) Leg 2: 55m (214 mi) Total: ~2h 15m 🍃 140 kg CO₂ (+278% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → SAL
1h 20m · 405 mi
View SJO to SAL flights →
Leg 2
SAL → MGA
55m · 214 mi
View SAL to MGA flights →
SJO GUA (Guatemala City) MGA
Leg 1: 1h 35m (531 mi) Leg 2: 1h 24m (338 mi) Total: ~2h 59m 🍃 186 kg CO₂ (+403% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → GUA
1h 35m · 531 mi
View SJO to GUA flights →
Leg 2
GUA → MGA
1h 24m · 338 mi
View GUA to MGA flights →
SJO PTY (Panama City) MGA
Leg 1: 1h 24m (334 mi) Leg 2: 1h 43m (507 mi) Total: ~3h 7m 🍃 181 kg CO₂ (+389% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → PTY
1h 24m · 334 mi
View SJO to PTY flights →
Leg 2
PTY → MGA
1h 43m · 507 mi
View PTY to MGA flights →
SJO FLL (Fort Lauderdale) MGA
Leg 1: 2h 58m (1,136 mi) Leg 2: 2h 37m (1,035 mi) Total: ~5h 35m 🍃 392 kg CO₂ (+959% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → FLL
2h 58m · 1,136 mi
View SJO to FLL flights →
Leg 2
FLL → MGA
2h 37m · 1,035 mi
View FLL to MGA flights →
SJO MIA (Miami) MGA
Leg 1: 3h 5m (1,116 mi) Leg 2: 2h 40m (1,014 mi) Total: ~5h 45m 🍃 385 kg CO₂ (+941% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → MIA
3h 5m · 1,116 mi
View SJO to MIA flights →
Leg 2
MIA → MGA
2h 40m · 1,014 mi
View MIA to MGA flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from San Jose (SJO) to Managua (MGA) takes approximately 1 hours and 7 minutes. The distance is 199 miles (320 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from San Jose to Managua?

2 airlines: Copa Airlines, SANSA.

Is there a nonstop flight from San Jose to Managua?

Yes. 2 airlines: Copa Airlines, SANSA.

How far is San Jose from Managua?

The flight distance from San Jose to Managua 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 San Jose to Managua?

At 1h 7m, 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 Nicaragua?

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

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

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

Is the return flight from Managua 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 Managua?

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.