SJO - MAD

£249 Find Cheap Flights from San José to Madrid

1 adult
1 adult, Economy

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These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from San José to Madrid, as well as popular online travel agencies
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from San José to Madrid, as well as popular online travel agencies
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Expert advice
Booking Insights
Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from San José to Madrid

 
Snippets provided in this section are AI-generated based on a summarisation of KAYAK-commissioned articles. The articles are presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the articles are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Airlines
British Airways

BA's premium economy offers 18 cm extra legroom, ideal for long-haul comfort.


BA's cabin crew are professional and proactive, enhancing the long-haul experience.

Iberia

Iberia's business class offers all-aisle access and Wi-Fi, ideal for long-haul flights.


Iberia's Premium Economy offers wider seats and USB power, enhancing comfort on long flights.

Read more about Iberiaby Marisa Garcia
Our travel experts
Duncan Madden

Duncan Madden

Expert on British Airways

Duncan Madden

Duncan Madden

Duncan is a freelance travel writer, copywriter and book author in constant search of travel stories and the perpetual sensation of being on holiday. He’s never happier than when on a dusty trail in search of empty waves or ducking under the piste tape in search of snowbound solitude. British born, living in Germany, but happiest heading for the horizon. His first book, Found in Translation, explores the etymologies and stories of country names around the world and is out now.

Read more
Marisa Garcia

Marisa Garcia

Expert on Iberia

Marisa Garcia

Marisa Garcia

Marisa knows planes inside and out, spending 16 years working on aircraft in hangars at airports around the world. She is an aviation industry expert, specialising in airline interiors and regulations. 10 years ago, she pivoted to journalism. She shares her insights in leading aviation, travel and business publications and on her site, FlightChic.

Read more
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for San José to Madrid flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from San José to Madrid to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

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


Good to know - Cheap tickets from San José to Madrid

Low seasonAugust
Cheapest flight£249
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 7% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 8% lower on average.
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 return price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or returns with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.
  • 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.

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from San José to Madrid

  • Looking for a cheap flight from San José to Madrid? 25% of our users found flights on this route for £416 or less one-way and £672 or less round-trip.
  • 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?

 
Direct data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying direct from San José Juan Santamaria Intl to Madrid Barajas.
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

British Airways, Iberia, Qatar Airways

British Airways, Iberia, +1 more

Tuesday

British Airways, Iberia, Iberojet, +1 more

British Airways, Iberia, +2 more

Wednesday

British Airways, Iberia, Qatar Airways

British Airways, Iberia, +1 more

Thursday

British Airways, Iberia, Iberojet, +1 more

British Airways, Iberia, +2 more

Friday

British Airways, Iberia, Qatar Airways

British Airways, Iberia, +1 more

Saturday

British Airways, Iberia, Iberojet, +1 more

British Airways, Iberia, +2 more

Sunday

British Airways, Iberia, Qatar Airways

British Airways, Iberia, +1 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Madrid Barajas to San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Monday

British Airways, Iberia, Qatar Airways

British Airways, Iberia, +1 more

Tuesday

British Airways, Iberia, Iberojet, +1 more

British Airways, Iberia, +2 more

Wednesday

British Airways, Iberia, Qatar Airways

British Airways, Iberia, +1 more

Thursday

British Airways, Iberia, Iberojet, +1 more

British Airways, Iberia, +2 more

Friday

British Airways, Iberia, Qatar Airways

British Airways, Iberia, +1 more

Saturday

British Airways, Iberia, Iberojet, +1 more

British Airways, Iberia, +2 more

Sunday

British Airways, Iberia, Qatar Airways

British Airways, Iberia, +1 more

See more direct flights

Reviews of the top 3 airlines flying from San José to Madrid

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from San José to Madrid. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from San José to Madrid? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
7.0
IberiaOverall score based on 2859 reviews
7.6Crew
6.6Entertainment
6.3Food
6.7Comfort
7.1Boarding
Airline reviews

Horrible experience airline crew was unprofessional. Flight was delayed. Suit cases did not arrive. Never flying iberia again

2.0 MediocreJackie, Jul 2025BCN - MAD
Read more Iberia reviews

Horrible experience airline crew was unprofessional. Flight was delayed. Suit cases did not arrive. Never flying iberia again

Iberia lost my bag, said they found it in another country, said they sent it to me, but never did. Went my whole trip without my stuff, but expecting it to show up because that’s what they said would happen. Their communication sucks, their website sucks, and to top it all off, their seats are small and uncomfortable. They’re bad at their jobs and they should feel bad about themselves. Do not even get me started on the flight home. AVOID!

The flight was delayed over 4 hours. Business class is just slightly upgraded economy.

Delayed and missed connections on leaving the states and returning Planes were old and small- very uncomfortable. Meals were good but very infrequent service for even water/drinks. No explanations for 3+ hour delay

Boarding on the buses isn’t efficient. Overall, it was great.

BEWARE!!! Iberia changes your seats at random. I paid for a window seat and they changed it to one in the middle aisle resting against the bathroom- can’t lean back + hear every flush. This on a 11 hour flight.. There were families that were broken up with separate seats all over the plane. Lots of upset passengers showing their seat confirmation to the besieged and helpless airline steward. Also, the gluten free meal was tasteless.

Iberia airlines was late on every flight I had. It was very difficult to communicate in English with iberia airlines and airport employees.

ground crew and check-in was pathetic - insisted on charging me for luggage even though the ticket said it was already included. They also accidentally sent my luggage through without a luggage tag and had to retrieve it. Generally, it was like a bad movie.

The app on phone and the online check in is not good, it would not give me the option of Spain or Madrid City in the drop down menu and I couldn't move forward with online check in.

Well my luggage was damaged and they lost the plastic cover. I need to file a claim and I would like for someone to follow up with me on this. Thanks.

Avianca is not what it used to be. So disappointing

It was horrible. My experience with Avianca. I didn’t know it was Pakistan international Airlines but anyway, whatever it is it is bad horrible you guys need to upgrade everything in those planes. And you guys charge $130 for a carry-on did they wanna let me in with my carry-on that I travel everywhere with the luggage you guys are such a dog thank you

why did we have to go through security mid flight

The incoming plane was late and no information was shared. They even announced we would board in 10 muntes 40 minutes prior to the plane arriving, and the website said until takeoff that we had taken off an hour earlier

The chicken that was served in business class was cold!

Flight to Bogotá delayed by 3 h Missed connection from Bogotá to Guayaquil. Avianca unable to bring us to Baltra on time Overall delay 36h. We missed boat departure from galagos. Overall 10 day trip needed to be cancelled. Avianca was completely un-professional.

I receive a service for what I pay, so it is fair.

i think the flight was late because they were so strict about measuring everyone's personal items to try and charge them $119. It was really petty and made us late.

Terrible, We had to stay in Bogota for two days due to weather but the airline did not provide for the same day flight. Only two days later

Boarding was somewhat confusing in that the wrong messages were being displayed at the gate. It was somewhat annoying that I got off one flight and straight onto another (from the same gate), but in between they re-checked my hand luggage and made me get rid of my water (which they charge for on the plane). I was sitting in their 'Plus' seating, but the leg room was still too small to be able to sit square. The food options on the flights are pretty cheap quality (but not price). They got me from 'A' to 'B' on-time and for a relatively good price, but the experience itself was below average.

It is what you pay for a basic economy class. No screens for entertainment was hard.

Χρεώνουν πολύ ακριβά τη βαλίτσα .Λιγότερο από 15 κιλά πλήρωσα 150 ευρώ .μόνο για την επιστροφή. Επίσης δε σε αφήνουν να κάνεις online ,πρόσθεση βαλίτσας μια μέρα νωρίτερα από την πτήση . Δε θα ξαναπεταξω με αυτή την εταιρεία

Everything you need to know for your flight from San José to Madrid

Information on your arrival and departure airports

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