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How to get fromSanta Monica to Costa Ricaby plane, bus, car, or shuttle

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There are 4 ways to get from Santa Monica to Costa Rica by plane, bus, car, or shuttle

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly to Juan Santamaría International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)plane plane LAX - SJO
    9h 9m
    $301–493

  2. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Los Angeles to Managuabus bus
    2. Take the bus from Managua to Terminal NicaBusbus bus
    4d 16h
    $370–444

  3. Drive  5,356.8 km

    1. Drive from Santa Monica to San Josécar car 5,356.8 km
    2d 18h
    $719–1,038

  4. Fly to Liberia International Airport, shuttle

    1. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Liberia International Airport (LIR)plane plane LAX - LIR
    2. Take a shuttle bus from Liberia Airport to Monteverdeshuttle bus
    3. Take a shuttle bus from Monteverde to Puntarenasshuttle bus
    12h 8m
    $475–1,332

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) flights

Calendar36Weekly Planes
Duration7h 6mAverage Duration
Ticket$125Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Santa Monica to Costa Rica.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 4,405.1 km
  • Duration: 9h 9m

What companies run services between Santa Monica, CA, USA and Costa Rica?

United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Inc., and two other airlines fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) 5 times a day. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Wilshire / Lincoln to Terminal NicaBus via Wilshire / Alvarado, Westlake Ave & Wilshire Blvd, Union Ave & James M Wood Blvd, Los Angeles, and Managua in around 4d 16h.

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Want to know more about travelling around the world?

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Read our range of informative guides on popular transport routes and companies - including Italian Lakes: Getting around by train, How to get from Luton Airport into central London, and How to get from London City Airport into central London - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

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