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How to get fromSanta Barbara to Costa Ricaby plane, train, bus, car, or bus (Flixbus)

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There are 5 ways to get from Santa Barbara to Costa Rica by plane, train, bus, car, or bus (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 from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)plane plane SBA - SJO
    14h 29m
    $132–554

  2. Train, bus

    1. Take the train from Santa Barbara to Los Angelestrain train
    2. Take the train from Los Angeles to San Antonio Stationtrain train
    3. Take the bus from San Antonio to Terminal Central de Autobuses del Nortebus bus
    4. Take the bus from Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte to Tapachulabus bus
    5. Take the bus from Tapachula to San Salvadorbus bus
    6. Take the bus from Terminal San Carlos - CCA to Terminal Atlántico Nortebus bus
    4d 10h
    $828–1,573

  3. Drive 5,486.6 km

    1. Drive from Santa Barbara to San Josécar car 5,486.6 km
    2d 20h
    $736–1,063

  4. Train to Los Angeles International Airport, fly

    1. Take the train from Santa Barbara to Los Angelestrain train
    2. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)plane plane LAX - SJO
    12h
    $360–732

  5. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop to Los Angeles Union Stationbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Los Angeles to Managuabus bus
    3. Take the bus from Managua to Terminal NicaBusbus bus
    4d 18h
    $383–464

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) flights

Calendar14Weekly Planes
Duration12h 55mAverage Duration
Ticket$134Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Santa Barbara to Costa Rica.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 4,541.9 km
  • Duration: 14h 29m

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

United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Alaska Airlines, Inc. fly from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) twice daily. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop to Terminal NicaBus via Los Angeles Union Station, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, Los Angeles, and Managua in around 4d 18h.

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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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