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New nonstop DC to Costa Rica service launches this weekend

July 17, 2022
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3 min read
Nicoya peninsula - Tambor. Ocean view
New nonstop DC to Costa Rica service launches this weekend
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Travelers looking to make their way from our nation’s capital region to one of Central America’s most popular vacation destinations have new flight options. Colombian-based carrier Avianca launched nonstop service yesterday from Dulles International Airport (IAD) outside Washington, D.C. to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose, Costa Rica.

The first Avianca flight from D.C. to Costa Rica took off in the very early hours of Saturday morning.

Going forward, the carrier will operate four weekly flights from IAD to San Jose and four return trips. The southbound flights will operate in the early hours of Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. Northbound flights will run in the evening hours on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. This schedule should make it relatively easy for U.S. travelers to plan trips to Costa Rica of anywhere from five days to a week or more.

Avianca’s nonstop flights to San Jose mark the Bogota, Colombia-based carrier’s fourth destination out of D.C.’s more international-heavy airport, on top of its flights between Dulles and Bogota, Guatemala City and San Salvador, El Salvador.

Related: The best times to visit Costa Rica

Meanwhile, the airline’s new routes from Dulles to San Jose will mean more options for D.C. area travelers, with United Airlines operating seasonal service between the two cities. Avianca will offer about 1,800 seats on the route monthly, the airline said.

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As far as pricing, when I filtered Google Flights for Avianca nonstop flights between Dulles and San Jose, I found many round-trip options hovering around the $400 mark late in the day, though I was able to find this round trip (departing Labor Day and returning the following Sunday) for $384.

(Screenshot from google.com/flights)

As mentioned, the southbound service falls very early in the morning: You’ll depart Dulles at 2:30 a.m., arriving in San Jose at 5:30 a.m. While it's a redeye flight of sorts, at least you’ll be able to get a full first day in Costa Rica. Conveniently, you’ll be able to enjoy a portion of your last day in the country, too, with the return flight leaving just after 5 p.m.

An aerial view of the famous Waterfalls of Llanos de Cortez in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. (Photo by Gianfranco Vivi/Getty Images)

Bottom line

Costa Rica is a popular vacation destination, whether you’re someone that’s looking to hike and spot volcanos or relax at one of its many beach resorts. Now, travelers in the mid-Atlantic will have a more direct link to the Central American country’s largest international airport.

Featured image by Getty Images
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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