Direct (nonstop) flights from San Jose to Chicago

2 airlines fly nonstop from Juan Santamaria International (SJO) to Chicago O Hare International (ORD). It's 2,213 miles (3,561 km), about 5h 30m in the air. Operated by American Airlines, United Airlines.

SJO
Juan Santamaria International
🇨🇷 San Jose, Costa Rica
ORD
Chicago O Hare International
🇺🇸 Chicago, USA
Flight Time
5h 30m
Distance
2,213 mi
3,561 km
CO₂/pax
374 kg
−35 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
American Airlines +1
Time Diff
+1h
Operated by American Airlines American Airlines United Airlines United Airlines

Route data last updated: May 28, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

American Airlines AA American Airlines
Route
SJO → ORD
Flight Time
5h 30m
Distance
2,213 mi
United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
SJO → ORD
Flight Time
5h 30m
Distance
2,213 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from San Jose to Chicago with one stop · direct emits 374 kg CO₂ per passenger

SJO LIR (Guanacaste) ORD
Leg 1: 50m (99 mi) Leg 2: 5h 25m (2,165 mi) Total: ~6h 15m 🍃 409 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → LIR
50m · 99 mi
View SJO to LIR flights →
Leg 2
LIR → ORD
5h 25m · 2,165 mi
View LIR to ORD flights →
SJO SAL (San Salvador) ORD
Leg 1: 1h 20m (405 mi) Leg 2: 4h 55m (1,966 mi) Total: ~6h 15m 🍃 432 kg CO₂ (+16% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → SAL
1h 20m · 405 mi
View SJO to SAL flights →
Leg 2
SAL → ORD
4h 55m · 1,966 mi
View SAL to ORD flights →
SJO GUA (Guatemala City) ORD
Leg 1: 1h 35m (531 mi) Leg 2: 4h 47m (1,893 mi) Total: ~6h 22m 🍃 443 kg CO₂ (+18% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → GUA
1h 35m · 531 mi
View SJO to GUA flights →
Leg 2
GUA → ORD
4h 47m · 1,893 mi
View GUA to ORD flights →
SJO BNA (Nashville) ORD
Leg 1: 4h 25m (1,805 mi) Leg 2: 1h 58m (408 mi) Total: ~6h 23m 🍃 406 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → BNA
4h 25m · 1,805 mi
View SJO to BNA flights →
Leg 2
BNA → ORD
1h 58m · 408 mi
View BNA to ORD flights →
SJO CUN (Cancun) ORD
Leg 1: 2h 19m (779 mi) Leg 2: 4h 5m (1,443 mi) Total: ~6h 24m 🍃 413 kg CO₂ (+10% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → CUN
2h 19m · 779 mi
View SJO to CUN flights →
Leg 2
CUN → ORD
4h 5m · 1,443 mi
View CUN to ORD flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from San Jose (SJO) to Chicago (ORD) takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. The distance is 2,213 miles (3,561 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from San Jose to Chicago?

2 airlines: American Airlines, United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from San Jose to Chicago?

Yes. 2 airlines: American Airlines, United Airlines.

How far is San Jose from Chicago?

The flight distance from San Jose to Chicago is 2,213 miles (3,561 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as New York to Los Angeles.

What is the time difference between San Jose and Chicago?

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

What type of aircraft flies from San Jose to Chicago?

At 5h 30m, 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 Chicago?

Roughly 374 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 1,870 km.

Is the return flight from Chicago 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 Chicago?

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.