$122 Cheap Flights from San José (SJO) to Cartagena (CTG)

Popular airlines from Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to Rafael Nunez Intl. Airport (CTG)

Find available prices by choosing your travel dates.

Cheap Flights from San José to Cartagena (SJO-CTG)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $122 for one-way flights and $217 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Copa
Copa
Copa
Copa
Copa
Copa
Copa
Copa
Copa
avianca
Flights from San José (SJO) to Cartagena (CTG)
Origin airport
Juan Santamaría Intl.
Destination airport
Rafael Núñez Intl.
Airlines serving
Copa, avianca
Roundtrip price
$217
Distance
591 mi

San José to Cartagena Flights

The cheapest times to fly from San José to Cartagena

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from San José to Cartagena are during the month of May. You can find some of the cheapest flights from San José to Cartagena with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from San José to Cartagena

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from San José to Cartagena: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from San José to Cartagena

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from San José to Cartagena in 2025. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $122 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap San José to Cartagena flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your San José to Cartagena airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to fly from SJO to Cartagena Airport?
AVIANCA operates a direct flight setting off from SJO at 10:40AM and landing at CTG at 1:20PM — a flying time of 1 hour and 40 minutes. Book the seat that’s perfect for you, bring a magazine to keep you amused and the time will speed by.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to Cartagena Airport last minute?
Booking your journey from SJO to Cartagena Airport last minute could save you a tidy sum if you get lucky and find a terrific deal. However, fares usually don’t get cheaper as the date of departure nears. If you wait around, flights could also be sold out or the best seats gone (because no one wants the middle seat). If you’d rather not hedge your bets, book well ahead of the date you want to leave. Remember that some of the most awesome deals can be found up to 12 months in advance. If your favorite airline hasn’t released tickets yet, check back regularly as deals are updated on Expedia constantly.
What airports do you fly into for Cartagena from San José?
There are two options when journeying from San José to Cartagena — Rafael Nunez Intl. Airport (CTG) and Ernesto Cortissoz Intl. Airport (BAQ). If you touch down at Rafael Nunez Intl. Airport (CTG) you’ll be about 3 mi northeast of the heart of Cartagena. Drop your bags off at your hotel, then head out and take in the sights. San Felipe de Barajas Castle and Walls of Cartagena are just two of this destination’s most renowned attractions.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from SJO to CTG?
The most popular departure times for flights from Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to Cartagena Airport are between 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM on AVIANCA. Our suggestion is to jet out in the morning. The earlier you set off, the greater your chances of a delay-free flight with lighter air traffic around.
Can I change the date of my flight from SJO to Cartagena Airport?
It’s easy to make amendments to your Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport to Cartagena Airport journey yourself. Log in to the Expedia Trips portal and choose “change flight.” Search for new flights and lock in the one that works best with your plans. You’ll get an estimate of flight change fees that may apply. Alternatively, visit our Customer Service portal to chat to our Virtual Agent and quickly get answers to all your questions.

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*Available to One Key members.