The flight distance from Cardiff International Airport (CWL) in Cardiff, United Kingdom to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose, Costa Rica is 8,509 kilometers (5,287 miles / 4,594 nautical miles). The estimated flight time for this route is approximately 11h, flying west at a heading of 269°.

This is a long-haul route typically operated by wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777 or Airbus A350. Full meal service, in-flight entertainment, and comfort amenities are standard.

This is an international route connecting United Kingdom with Costa Rica. It is an intercontinental flight between Europe and North America. Travelers should check visa requirements, customs regulations, and any travel advisories before booking.

Time zone information: When it's 23:45 in Cardiff, it's 16:45 in San Jose. With a 7-hour time difference, travelers should plan for significant jet lag. It typically takes one day per hour of time difference to fully adjust.

There is a significant elevation difference of 2,801 feet between the two airports. Juan Santamaria International Airport sits higher than Cardiff International Airport.

The return flight from San Jose (SJO) to Cardiff (CWL) follows a heading of 39° (northeast). Actual flight times may vary depending on wind conditions, air traffic, and the specific aircraft used.

For more information about these airports, visit the Cardiff International Airport (CWL) and Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) detail pages, or use our flight duration calculator to compare other routes.