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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
    $859–1,240

  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

Calendar35Weekly Planes
Duration7h 18mAverage Duration
Ticket$117Cheapest 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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