Direct (nonstop) flights from London to San Jose

1 airline flys nonstop from Gatwick (LGW) to Juan Santamaria International (SJO). It's 5,426 miles (8,733 km), about 11h 40m in the air. Operated by British Airways.

LGW
Gatwick
🇬🇧 London, United Kingdom
SJO
Juan Santamaria International
🇨🇷 San Jose, Costa Rica
Flight Time
11h 40m
Distance
5,426 mi
8,733 km
CO₂/pax
830 kg
−98 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
British Airways
Time Diff
-7h
Operated by British Airways British Airways

Route data last updated: May 31, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

British Airways BA British Airways
Route
LGW → SJO
Flight Time
11h 40m
Distance
5,426 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from London to San Jose with one stop · direct emits 830 kg CO₂ per passenger

LGW AMS (Amsterdam) SJO
Leg 1: 1h 20m (226 mi) Leg 2: 11h 30m (5,633 mi) Total: ~12h 50m 🍃 928 kg CO₂ (+12% vs. direct)
Leg 1
LGW → AMS
1h 20m · 226 mi
View LGW to AMS flights →
Leg 2
AMS → SJO
11h 30m · 5,633 mi
View AMS to SJO flights →
LGW CDG (Paris) SJO
Leg 1: 1h 20m (192 mi) Leg 2: 11h 30m (5,556 mi) Total: ~12h 50m 🍃 910 kg CO₂ (+10% vs. direct)
Leg 1
LGW → CDG
1h 20m · 192 mi
View LGW to CDG flights →
Leg 2
CDG → SJO
11h 30m · 5,556 mi
View CDG to SJO flights →
LGW MCO (Orlando) SJO
Leg 1: 9h 35m (4,353 mi) Leg 2: 3h 17m (1,282 mi) Total: ~12h 52m 🍃 907 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
LGW → MCO
9h 35m · 4,353 mi
View LGW to MCO flights →
Leg 2
MCO → SJO
3h 17m · 1,282 mi
View MCO to SJO flights →
LGW CUN (Cancun) SJO
Leg 1: 11h (4,964 mi) Leg 2: 2h 7m (779 mi) Total: ~13h 7m 🍃 928 kg CO₂ (+12% vs. direct)
Leg 1
LGW → CUN
11h · 4,964 mi
View LGW to CUN flights →
Leg 2
CUN → SJO
2h 7m · 779 mi
View CUN to SJO flights →
LGW JFK (New York) SJO
Leg 1: 7h 55m (3,470 mi) Leg 2: 5h 26m (2,204 mi) Total: ~13h 21m 🍃 927 kg CO₂ (+12% vs. direct)
Leg 1
LGW → JFK
7h 55m · 3,470 mi
View LGW to JFK flights →
Leg 2
JFK → SJO
5h 26m · 2,204 mi
View JFK to SJO flights →

Looking for the return flight?

SJO → LGW: Flights from San Jose to London

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from London (LGW) to San Jose (SJO) takes approximately 11 hours and 40 minutes. The distance is 5,426 miles (8,733 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from London to San Jose?

Just British Airways.

Is there a nonstop flight from London to San Jose?

Yes. 1 airline: British Airways.

How far is London from San Jose?

The flight distance from London to San Jose is 5,426 miles (8,733 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 London and San Jose?

San Jose is 7 hours behind London. (Europe/London vs America/Costa_Rica.)

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

Probably — 7-hour time difference means moderate 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 London to San Jose?

At 11h 40m, 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 United Kingdom 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 London to San Jose?

Roughly 830 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 4,150 km.

Is the return flight from San Jose to London 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 London 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 Gatwick for this flight?

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