SJO - MAD

C$ 633 Find Cheap Flights from San José to Madrid – Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
C$ 886
Typical prices: C$ 975-C$ 1,464
Avianca
Tue 17/4Thu 3/5
SJO - MAD • 1 stop
Cheapest direct flights
C$ 890
Typical prices: C$ 971-C$ 1,478
Iberojet
Mon 3/12Fri 23/2
SJO - MAD • Direct
Direct flights
You can fly direct with Iberia and Iberojet. Average duration is 9h 57m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 81% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 16 weeks in advance save around 10% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 20% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg C$ 988 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 14h 39m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you enjoy your trip to Madrid!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from San José to Madrid (SJO-MAD)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from San José to Madrid

Sat, 17 Apr - Mon, 3 May
Avianca Logo
1:40 a.m. - 12:20 a.m.SJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-MAD Madrid Barajas
14h 40m1 stop Bogotá El Dorado
Avianca Logo
8:10 a.m. - 11:55 p.m.MAD  Madrid Barajas-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
23h 45m1 stop Bogotá El Dorado
C$ 886Avianca
3+ days ago
Tue, 24 Nov - Wed, 2 Dec
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:30 p.m. - 7:35 p.m.SJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-MAD Madrid Barajas
17h 05m1 stop Amsterdam Schiphol
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:50 p.m. - 4:10 p.m.MAD  Madrid Barajas-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
28h 20m1 stop Paris Charles de Gaulle
C$ 888Multiple Airlines
3+ days ago
Thu, 3 Dec - Tue, 23 Feb
Iberojet Logo
8:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.SJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-MAD Madrid Barajas
10h 00mdirect
Iberojet Logo
12:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.MAD  Madrid Barajas-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
11h 30mdirect
C$ 890Iberojet
15 hours ago
Thu, 3 Dec - Tue, 23 Feb
Iberojet Logo
8:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.SJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-MAD Madrid Barajas
10h 00mdirect
Iberojet Logo
12:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.MAD  Madrid Barajas-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
11h 30mdirect
C$ 896Iberojet
1 day ago
Thu, 3 Dec - Tue, 23 Feb
Iberojet Logo
8:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.SJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-MAD Madrid Barajas
10h 00mdirect
Iberojet Logo
12:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.MAD  Madrid Barajas-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
11h 30mdirect
C$ 898Iberojet
1 day ago
Thu, 3 Dec - Tue, 23 Feb
Iberojet Logo
8:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.SJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-MAD Madrid Barajas
10h 00mdirect
Iberojet Logo
12:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.MAD  Madrid Barajas-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
11h 30mdirect
C$ 899Iberojet
2 days ago
Tue, 26 Jan - Wed, 17 Mar
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:30 p.m. - 7:35 p.m.SJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-MAD Madrid Barajas
17h 05m1 stop Amsterdam Schiphol
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:00 a.m. - 6:15 p.m.MAD  Madrid Barajas-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
19h 15m1 stop Paris Charles de Gaulle
C$ 909Multiple Airlines
2 days ago
Tue, 24 Nov - Mon, 7 Dec
KLM Logo
7:30 p.m. - 7:35 p.m.SJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-MAD Madrid Barajas
17h 05m1 stop Amsterdam Schiphol
KLM Logo
7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.MAD  Madrid Barajas-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
17h 30m1 stop Amsterdam Schiphol
C$ 917KLM
1 day ago
Tue, 26 Jan - Tue, 9 Feb
KLM Logo
7:30 p.m. - 11:35 p.m.SJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-MAD Madrid Barajas
21h 05m1 stop Amsterdam Schiphol
KLM Logo
6:05 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.MAD  Madrid Barajas-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
18h 25m1 stop Amsterdam Schiphol
C$ 933KLM
3+ days ago
Tue, 26 Jan - Tue, 9 Feb
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:30 p.m. - 7:35 p.m.SJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-MAD Madrid Barajas
17h 05m1 stop Amsterdam Schiphol
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.MAD  Madrid Barajas-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
18h 30m2 stops Paris Charles de Gaulle Amsterdam Schiphol
C$ 936Multiple Airlines
3+ days ago
Booking Insights

Price, demand, and travel trends for San José to Madrid flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines, and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.

How much is a round-trip flight from San José to Madrid?

Round-trip flights from San José to Madrid typically range from C$ 975 to C$ 1,464. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was C$ 886, on Avianca.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from San José to Madrid?

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from San José to Madrid. It's 9% cheaper than the average day, while Friday is the most expensive, with prices 25% higher.

What is the cheapest month to fly from San José to Madrid?

•February is the cheapest month to fly from San José to Madrid at C$ 923 round-trip.
•December (C$ 1,531) and July (C$ 1,425) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 65% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from San José to Madrid the cheapest?

Flights from San José to Madrid are cheapest 16 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 10% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from San José to Madrid

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Ramsey Qubein

Ramsey Qubein

Expert on MAD

An avid traveler and aviation expert who has visited 173 countries, all 50 states and seven continents, Ramsey Qubein flies nearly 400,000 miles a year. As a North Carolina-based freelance journalist for publications including Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes, USA Today and Bloomberg among others, he explores the latest trends in aviation, hospitality, cruises and business.

Mark Chesnut

Mark Chesnut

Expert on SJO

Mark Chesnut is a travel writer and public speaker with more than 30 years of experience. The 2019 winner of the NLGJA Excellence in Travel Writing Award, Mark is the author of the book “Prepare for Departure” and has covered air travel for multiple top consumer and trade media outlets.

Key details for San José to Madrid flights

Low season

July

Cheapest flight

C$ 633
Beat the crowds with an average 16% drop in traveller numbers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 14% increase in traveller numbers.
One-way flight from San José to Madrid

When to book flights from San José to Madrid

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from San José to Madrid based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price

Your San José to Madrid flight questions, answered

Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines, and booking tips.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from San José to Madrid?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from San José to Madrid:

    • Earliest: departs at 5:25 pm and lands at 3:22 am
    • Latest: departs at 9:45 pm and lands at 7:42 am.

    The flight takes about 9h 57m.

  • Which cabin classes can I book on flights from San José to Madrid?

    Only Economy Class is available on flights from San José to Madrid.

  • How long does a flight from San José to Madrid take?

    A direct flight from San José to Madrid takes 9h 57m, covering 13,669 km.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from San José to Madrid?

    Yes, a valid passport is required for this international route. Many destinations require at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates. Check your passport expiry well before booking.

  • How much should I expect to pay for a San José to Madrid flight?

    Round-trip flights from San José to Madrid range from C$ 975 to C$ 1,464, with an average of C$ 1,158 over the past 12 months. Anything below C$ 975 counts as a good deal.

  • How expensive are last-minute San José to Madrid flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 5% above the C$ 1,158 route average. Book 16 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from San José to Madrid?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than direct options on average. Layover fares average C$ 988 round-trip via Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), compared to C$ 1,145 for direct.

  • What is the standard checked bag allowance on flights from San José to Madrid?

    There is no standard. Checked bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge C$ 41–C$ 142 for the first checked bag in economy. Premium fares and elite status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • Which aircraft model is used most often on flights from San José to Madrid?

    The Airbus A350-900 family is used most often on this route, operated mainly by Iberia and Iberojet. Other aircraft seen on the route include Airbus A330-900neo variants.

  • How are flight departures from San José to Madrid spread across the day?

    Evening is the busiest departure period on San José to Madrid flights, with 100% leaving in that window. Morning departures account for 0%, Afternoon flights for 0%, and Night flights for 0%.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi on San José to Madrid flights?

    Iberia is the only airline on the San José to Madrid route offering in-flight Wi-Fi. Pricing depends on fare class.

  • How are flight prices from San José to Madrid looking right now?

    One-way fares from San José to Madrid are currently higher than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about C$ 849, which is 19% above the typical average for this route.

  • What car rental options are available at Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD)?

    Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates averaging C$ 45 for economy cars. Top options include:

    • Record go
    • Goldcar Rental SP
    • CLICK RENT
    • Centauro
    • Alamo

  • Which airports can I use when flying from San José to Madrid?

    Flights from San José to Madrid usually depart from San José Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO) and arrive at Madrid Barajas (MAD).

  • What time of day has the fewest delays on flights from San José to Madrid?

    Night flights have the fewest delays on this route, while evening departures tend to have the most.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed on the route from San José to Madrid?

    A flight is considered delayed when it departs 15 minutes or more after its scheduled time. This is the standard used by the US Department of Transportation and most airline industry reporting. On the San José to Madrid route, 27% of flights were delayed in the past three months, with delays averaging 2h 21m.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from San José to Madrid pass through?

    One-stop flights from San José to Madrid most commonly connect through:

    • Bogotá El Dorado (BOG) – 45% of one-stop connections
    • Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) – 20% of one-stop connections
    • San Salvador El Salvador Intl (SAL) – 10% of one-stop connections
    • Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) – 7% of one-stop connections

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from San José to Madrid?

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 27% on flights from San José to Madrid. Tuesday is the cheapest departure day at C$ 1,058 round-trip on average, while Friday is the most expensive at C$ 1,449, a difference of C$ 391.

    KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to three days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • Which airlines fly from San José to Madrid?

    2 airlines operate flights between San José and Madrid. The airlines offering direct flights on this route include:

    • Iberia
    • Iberojet

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport when travelling from San José to Madrid?

    Flying via Panama City Tocumen Intl (PTY) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 14h 39m, compared with 14h 40m via Cancun (CUN) and 15h 01m via Bogotá El Dorado (BOG).

  • What is the time difference between San José and Madrid?

    Madrid is 7 hours ahead of San José (Central European Time vs Central Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • Which popular places can I visit in Madrid?

    Some of the most popular sights in Madrid are Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Spain Building. These are among the most viewed places in Madrid on KAYAK.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on San José to Madrid flights?

    Among airlines operating San José to Madrid flights:

    • Iberia: offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on San José to Madrid flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • Iberia: a carry-on bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Iberojet: a carry-on bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Qatar Airways: a carry-on bag and a checked bag in Business Class

    Baggage allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route, and airline, so always check the fare details before booking.

  • What is the best way to get to San Jose Airport?

    Go by shuttle service, public bus, or by taxi. The bus is the cheapest at around $1.00, but expect frequent stops. Shuttle is another option, great for small groups. Prices vary. A taxi is the most direct way, the prices here also vary; expect a minimum of around $17.00.

  • What’s the best way to get from Madrid-Barajas International Airport (MAD) to town?

    The Metro (subway) system in Madrid is very popular and user-friendly. It will cost around €6-7 ($7-8.00) one-way. It may not be the quickest but the bus is a budget-friendly €2.5 ($3.00), and there are routes to a variety of destinations. Taxis are an option too but the cost varies quite a bit.

  • Is it easy to navigate Madrid-Barajas International Airport (MAD)?

    Though it’s a large facility, it’s generally easy to get around with clearly marked directions for baggage claim and immigration. If mobility assistance is required, it’s available in Barajas but you’ll need to arrange it with your airline. Claiming bags can sometimes take a while at Barajas Airport; be prepared for at least a little wait.

  • Is there anything to do at San Jose International Airport (SJO)?

    If it makes sense for you to arrive with lots of time to spare, there are a few things to keep you occupied in San Jose Airport. Get some work done in a Power Suite. With plenty of desk space, electrical outlets, and a calm vibe, it’s easy to be productive. Relax in one of the massage chairs located throughout the facility. Wonderful art is everywhere here, just take a stroll and look around.

  • Does Madrid-Barajas International Airport (MAD) have a hotel or place to freshen up?

    Rent an Air Room for an hour, up to six hours, or overnight, depending on your needs. They offer shower kits and slippers, a 24-hour catering service, comfortable and efficient rooms, even a computer room and of course Wi-Fi. Should you require any business services like a copier, fax machine, or courier, these are all available through Air Rooms, too.

Your guide to booking San José to Madrid flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly, and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates are flexible, aim for a Tuesday departure and avoid flying on Friday. On this route, Tuesday flights average C$ 1,058, about C$ 391 less than Friday fares (27% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 16 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 10% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your San José to Madrid trip for February. Fares historically average C$ 923 round-trip in that month – typically C$ 607 less than the most expensive month, which is December (based on the last 12 months).
  • For the best chance of arriving on time, fly with Iberojet. Over the past three months, 81% of Iberojet flights from San José to Madrid arrived on time, slightly above the route average of 73%. When flights on this route arrive late, they're delayed by an average of 2h 21m, so choosing an airline with strong on-time performance can make a difference if you're on a tight schedule.
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages C$ 988 round-trip on this route – about C$ 157 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Madrid Barajas Airport.

    • Senator Barajas Hotel
    • Clement Barajas
    • ibis Madrid Aeropuerto Barajas
  • The largest airport in Spain is Madrid-Barajas International Airport (MAD), so it makes sense that it also has the most traffic. Most people just call it “Barajas”. This airport is the hub for Iberia Airlines.
  • San Jose International Airport acts as a focus city for Copa Airlines, and a hub for several other airlines: Avianca, Costa Rica Green Airways, Sansa and Volaris Airlines.
  • If you need to get re-connected with folks back home, that’s no trouble at all. Madrid-Barajas International Airport (MAD) has free, unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the facility so you can log in right when you land.
  • The public bus runs between San Jose Airport (SJO) and downtown San Jose, for only about $1.00. It runs every 10min or so, or every 15min during off-peak hours.
  • Book an off-peak fare, save some cash, and utilize one of the great lounges at San Jose Airport (SJO). You can shower, surf the web, enjoy a meal, and get in the travel headspace no matter what time of day you depart.

Prefer to fly direct from San José to Madrid?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport to Madrid Barajas Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

San José Juan Santamaria Intl to Madrid Barajas

Monday

Iberia

Iberia

Tuesday

Iberia,Iberojet

Iberia,Iberojet

Wednesday

Iberia

Iberia

Thursday

Iberia,Iberojet

Iberia,Iberojet

Friday

Iberia

Iberia

Saturday

Iberia,Iberojet

Iberia,Iberojet

Sunday

Iberia

Iberia

See more nonstop flights

Direct returns

Madrid Barajas to San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Monday

Iberia

Iberia

Tuesday

Iberia,Iberojet

Iberia,Iberojet

Wednesday

Iberia

Iberia

Thursday

Iberia,Iberojet

Iberia,Iberojet

Friday

Iberia

Iberia

Saturday

Iberia,Iberojet

Iberia,Iberojet

Sunday

Iberia

Iberia

See more nonstop flights

More options for your flight from San José to Madrid

Complete your trip to Madrid with a hotel stay or car rental