Flying from San Jose to Medellin: what you need to know
Planning your getaway starts with figuring out where you'll leave from in San Jose. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is the city's main airport, so explore your options for reserving a flight from San Jose to Medellin departing from here.
Disembark at Medellin's primary gateway, Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE).
Medellin's timezone is UTC-5, which makes Medellin two hours ahead of San Jose.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your San Jose to Medellin flight.
Popular months like August or high seasons such as Thanksgiving and Christmas will mean longer lines at check-in and security. If you're traveling then, play it safe and get to the airport even earlier. Arriving two hours before a domestic flight and four hours ahead of an international departure is a wise move.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Jose to Medellin
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to get cheap San Jose to Medellin flights if you book ahead. Airlines often offer some great early bird deals.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from San Jose to Medellin across the entire month. It's an easy way to snap up a bargain if your plans are flexible.
Getting a cheap flight from San Jose to Medellin is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as the price has dropped.
Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your San Jose to Medellin flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from San Jose
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
The journey from central San Jose to SJC takes about 45 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 5 kilometers in 10 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Catching an early flight from San Jose to Medellin? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels near Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport:
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport gets high marks for on-time performance. 84.69% of flights that depart SJC arrive at their destination as scheduled.
SJC is located at 1701 Airport Boulevard, Suite B-1130.
Arriving in Medellin
Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE)
The distance from Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE) to central Medellin is approximately 18 kilometers. It takes about 35 minutes to reach the center driving.
If you're coming in on a late flight from San Jose to Medellin, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these accommodation options near MDE:
Pick up a Jose Maria Cordova International Airport rental car and discover Medellin and beyond with your own wheels. Localiza, Green Motion and Confort Rent a Car are top outlets you can book with here.
To get the best deal, book your vehicle from Jose Maria Cordova International Airport about one week ahead of your San Jose to Medellin flight.
Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH)
The center of Medellin is around 3 kilometers from Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH). As soon as your flight from San Jose to Medellin has landed and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 15 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in about 30 minutes.
Why waste time waiting for a cab? An Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport rental car lets you start your journey right away. Roll down your windows and hit the highway with a set of wheels from Confort Rent a Car or Green Motion.
Get what you want, not just what's left over. Reserving your ride from EOH one week in advance often means better deals and a bigger choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Medellin
August is the most popular month for flights from San Jose to Medellin. To steer clear of the crowds, visit Medellin in April.
The warmest month in Medellin is August, with temperatures ranging between 11ºC (52ºF) and 27ºC (81ºF). Book your San Jose to Medellin ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
Search for cheap flights from San Jose to Medellin in July if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 11ºC (52ºF) and 27ºC (81ºF) on average.
More about Medellin
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Medellin right here. Explore these hotels as soon as you've booked your flight from San Jose to Medellin:
Parque Arvi and Comuna 13 are just two of the major attractions to add to your Medellin itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Botero Plaza.
Explore more of Colombia
You've done Medellin, now it's time to explore other parts of Colombia. Journey around 241 kilometers south-east to Bogota to check off its must-visit sights. From Gold Museum to Usaquen Train Station and Urbanización Villas del Madrigal - Molino del Viento Park, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Cali is another well-known destination in Colombia and is around 322 kilometers south of Medellin. No trip is complete without experiencing Cristo Rey, Gato de Tejada and Caliwood Museo de la Cinematografia.