Direct (nonstop) flights from San Jose to San Salvador

3 airlines fly nonstop from Juan Santamaria International (SJO) to El Salvador International (SAL). It's 405 miles (652 km), about 1h 20m in the air. Operated by AVIANCA, Volaris El Salvador, Volaris Costa Rica.

SJO
Juan Santamaria International
🇨🇷 San Jose, Costa Rica
SAL
El Salvador International
🇸🇻 San Salvador, El Salvador
Flight Time
1h 20m
Distance
405 mi
652 km
CO₂/pax
75 kg
−27 kg vs. layover
Airlines
3
AVIANCA +2
Time Diff
Same timezone
Operated by AVIANCA AVIANCA Volaris El Salvador Volaris El Salvador Volaris Costa Rica Volaris Costa Rica

Route data last updated: May 27, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

AVIANCA AV AVIANCA
Route
SJO → SAL
Flight Time
1h 20m
Distance
405 mi
Volaris El Salvador N3 Volaris El Salvador
Route
SJO → SAL
Flight Time
1h 20m
Distance
405 mi
Volaris Costa Rica Q6 Volaris Costa Rica
Route
SJO → SAL
Flight Time
1h 20m
Distance
405 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from San Jose to San Salvador with one stop · direct emits 75 kg CO₂ per passenger

SJO MGA (Managua) SAL
Leg 1: 1h 7m (199 mi) Leg 2: 55m (214 mi) Total: ~2h 2m 🍃 102 kg CO₂ (+36% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → MGA
1h 7m · 199 mi
View SJO to MGA flights →
Leg 2
MGA → SAL
55m · 214 mi
View MGA to SAL flights →
SJO GUA (Guatemala City) SAL
Leg 1: 1h 35m (531 mi) Leg 2: 55m (126 mi) Total: ~2h 30m 🍃 146 kg CO₂ (+95% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → GUA
1h 35m · 531 mi
View SJO to GUA flights →
Leg 2
GUA → SAL
55m · 126 mi
View GUA to SAL flights →
SJO PTY (Panama City) SAL
Leg 1: 1h 24m (334 mi) Leg 2: 2h 7m (721 mi) Total: ~3h 31m 🍃 221 kg CO₂ (+195% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → PTY
1h 24m · 334 mi
View SJO to PTY flights →
Leg 2
PTY → SAL
2h 7m · 721 mi
View PTY to SAL flights →
SJO CUN (Cancun) SAL
Leg 1: 2h 19m (779 mi) Leg 2: 1h 45m (542 mi) Total: ~4h 4m 🍃 269 kg CO₂ (+259% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → CUN
2h 19m · 779 mi
View SJO to CUN flights →
Leg 2
CUN → SAL
1h 45m · 542 mi
View CUN to SAL flights →
SJO MDE (Medellin) SAL
Leg 1: 2h 5m (656 mi) Leg 2: 2h 50m (1,054 mi) Total: ~4h 55m 🍃 324 kg CO₂ (+332% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SJO → MDE
2h 5m · 656 mi
View SJO to MDE flights →
Leg 2
MDE → SAL
2h 50m · 1,054 mi
View MDE to SAL flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from San Jose (SJO) to San Salvador (SAL) takes approximately 1 hours and 20 minutes. The distance is 405 miles (652 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from San Jose to San Salvador?

3 airlines: AVIANCA, Volaris El Salvador, Volaris Costa Rica.

Is there a nonstop flight from San Jose to San Salvador?

Yes. 3 airlines: AVIANCA, Volaris El Salvador, Volaris Costa Rica.

How far is San Jose from San Salvador?

The flight distance from San Jose to San Salvador is 405 miles (652 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as Mumbai to Goa.

What type of aircraft flies from San Jose to San Salvador?

At 1h 20m, 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 El Salvador?

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

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

Roughly 75 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 375 km.

Is the return flight from San Salvador 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 San Salvador?

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.