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How to get fromChicago to Costa Ricaby plane, train, bus, car, shuttle, or bus (Greyhound, Flixbus)

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There are 9 ways to get from Chicago to Costa Rica by plane, train, bus, car, shuttle, or bus (Greyhound, Flixbus)

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 Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Juan Santamaría International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)plane plane ORD - SJO
    8h 19m
    $274–557

  2. Fly Chicago Midway International Airport to Juan Santamaría International Airport

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)plane plane MDW - SJO
    9h 37m
    $214–857

  3. Train, bus via Mexico City

    1. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Dallastrain train
    2. Take the bus from Dallas to Terminal Central de Autobuses del Nortebus bus
    3. Take the bus from Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte to Tapachulabus bus
    4. Take the bus from Tapachula to San Salvadorbus bus
    5. Take the bus from Terminal San Carlos - CCA to Terminal Atlántico Nortebus bus
    4d 6h
    $658–1,152

  4. Drive 5,324.6 km

    1. Drive from Chicago to San Josécar car 5,324.6 km
    2d 18h
    $714–1,032

  5. Train to General Mitchell International Airport, fly to Juan Santamaría International Airport

    1. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Milwaukeetrain train
    2. Fly from General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)plane plane MKE - SJO
    11h 7m
    $288–1,168

  6. Fly Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Liberia International Airport, shuttle

    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Liberia International Airport (LIR)plane plane ORD - LIR
    2. Take a shuttle bus from Liberia Airport to Monteverdeshuttle bus
    3. Take a shuttle bus from Monteverde to Puntarenasshuttle bus
    11h 12m
    $546–1,584

  7. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Chicago to Tornado Bus Co - Austinbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Austin, TX - Tornado Bus Co to Katy, TX - Tornado Bus Cobus bus
    3. Take the bus from Houston to San Salvadorbus bus
    4. Take the bus from Terminal San Carlos - CCA to Terminal Atlántico Nortebus bus
    5d
    $512–1,022

  8. Train, bus

    1. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Longviewtrain train
    2. Take the bus from Longview Bus Station to Houston Bus Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Houston to Managuabus bus
    4. Take the bus from Terminal Managua - CCA to Terminal Atlántico Nortebus bus
    5d 17h
    $563–1,058

  9. Bus via Atlanta

    1. Take the bus from Chicago Bus Station to Atlanta Bus Stationbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Atlanta Bus Station to Houston Bus Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Houston to Managuabus bus
    4. Take the bus from Terminal Managua - CCA to Terminal Atlántico Nortebus bus
    6d
    $484–916

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) flights

Calendar30Weekly Planes
Duration7h 47mAverage Duration
Ticket$155Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Chicago to Costa Rica.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 3,607.6 km
  • Duration: 8h 19m

What companies run services between Chicago, IL, USA and Costa Rica?

United Airlines, American Airlines, and three other airlines fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) 4 times a day. Alternatively, you can take a bus from State & Harrison/Ida B Wells Drive to Terminal Atlántico Norte via 35th/Archer Orange Line Station, California & 35th Street, Chicago, Austin, TX - Tornado Bus Co, Katy, TX - Tornado Bus Co, Houston, San Salvador, and Terminal San Carlos - CCA in around 5d.

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Want to know more about travelling around Costa Rica

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

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