Direct (nonstop) flights from Madrid to San Jose

2 airlines fly nonstop from Barajas (MAD) to Juan Santamaria International (SJO). It's 5,285 miles (8,506 km), about 11h 10m in the air. Operated by Iberojet, Iberia.

MAD
Barajas
🇪🇸 Madrid, Spain
SJO
Juan Santamaria International
🇨🇷 San Jose, Costa Rica
Flight Time
11h 10m
Distance
5,285 mi
8,506 km
CO₂/pax
808 kg
−62 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
Iberojet +1
Time Diff
-8h
Operated by Iberojet Iberojet Iberia Iberia

Route data last updated: May 23, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Iberojet E9 Iberojet
Route
MAD → SJO
Flight Time
11h 10m
Distance
5,285 mi
Iberia IB Iberia
Route
MAD → SJO
Flight Time
11h 10m
Distance
5,285 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Madrid to San Jose with one stop · direct emits 808 kg CO₂ per passenger

MAD CTG (Cartagena) SJO
Leg 1: 10h 5m (4,809 mi) Leg 2: 1h 45m (592 mi) Total: ~11h 50m 🍃 870 kg CO₂ (+8% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MAD → CTG
10h 5m · 4,809 mi
View MAD to CTG flights →
Leg 2
CTG → SJO
1h 45m · 592 mi
View CTG to SJO flights →
MAD PTY (Panama City) SJO
Leg 1: 10h 35m (5,072 mi) Leg 2: 1h 25m (334 mi) Total: ~12h 🍃 862 kg CO₂ (+7% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MAD → PTY
10h 35m · 5,072 mi
View MAD to PTY flights →
Leg 2
PTY → SJO
1h 25m · 334 mi
View PTY to SJO flights →
MAD SDQ (Santo Domingo) SJO
Leg 1: 9h 15m (4,162 mi) Leg 2: 3h 8m (1,132 mi) Total: ~12h 23m 🍃 852 kg CO₂ (+5% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MAD → SDQ
9h 15m · 4,162 mi
View MAD to SDQ flights →
Leg 2
SDQ → SJO
3h 8m · 1,132 mi
View SDQ to SJO flights →
MAD MDE (Medellin) SJO
Leg 1: 10h 30m (4,993 mi) Leg 2: 2h 1m (656 mi) Total: ~12h 31m 🍃 909 kg CO₂ (+13% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MAD → MDE
10h 30m · 4,993 mi
View MAD to MDE flights →
Leg 2
MDE → SJO
2h 1m · 656 mi
View MDE to SJO flights →
MAD SAL (San Salvador) SJO
Leg 1: 11h 20m (5,390 mi) Leg 2: 1h 15m (405 mi) Total: ~12h 35m 🍃 924 kg CO₂ (+14% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MAD → SAL
11h 20m · 5,390 mi
View MAD to SAL flights →
Leg 2
SAL → SJO
1h 15m · 405 mi
View SAL to SJO flights →

Looking for the return flight?

SJO → MAD: Flights from San Jose to Madrid

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Madrid to San Jose?

A nonstop flight from Madrid (MAD) to San Jose (SJO) takes approximately 11 hours and 10 minutes. The distance is 5,285 miles (8,506 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Madrid to San Jose?

2 airlines: Iberojet, Iberia.

Is there a nonstop flight from Madrid to San Jose?

Yes. 2 airlines: Iberojet, Iberia.

How far is Madrid from San Jose?

The flight distance from Madrid to San Jose is 5,285 miles (8,506 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as London to Tokyo.

What is the time difference between Madrid and San Jose?

San Jose is 8 hours behind Madrid. (Europe/Madrid vs America/Costa_Rica.)

Will I experience jet lag flying from Madrid to San Jose?

Probably — 8-hour time difference means significant jet lag. Expect about 1 day of adjustment per hour of shift. Flying westward is generally easier to adjust to.

What type of aircraft flies from Madrid to San Jose?

At 11h 10m, this route typically uses wide-body aircraft — Boeing 777, 787, or Airbus A330/A350. Varies by airline.

Do I need a visa to travel from Spain to Costa Rica?

Depends on your passport. Check with the Costa Rica embassy or an official visa portal before booking — requirements change.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Madrid to San Jose?

Roughly 808 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 4,040 km.

Is the return flight from San Jose to Madrid also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Madrid to San Jose?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. For long-haul, booking 2-3 months out tends to help. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Barajas for this flight?

3 hours before departure for international flights. You need time for check-in, security, and immigration.