Flights from Quebec City (YQB) and Montreal (YUL) to San José, Costa Rica

Here is what to know before booking a flight to San José from Quebec City and Montreal.

From Quebec City, fares to San José usually run between $495 and $890. The best fare spotted recently is $642 (about 7% below the typical price).

What this route usually costs

We have recorded a fare from Quebec City to San José on 70 separate days, the first on June 10, 2026 and the most recent on September 3, 2026. Across those days the best fare of the day ranged from $582 to $697, with a median of $628. 40 of those days came in cheaper than today. Today's $642 is around the middle of that range.

Days observed 70
Lowest recorded $582
Median day $628
Highest recorded $697

These numbers are our own: one price point per route per scan day. How we collect them.

Quebec City or Montreal for San José?

We have priced San José from both airports on 57 of the same days. Quebec City came in cheaper on 0 of them and Montreal on 57. Averaged across those days, Montreal was $67 cheaper on this route.

Latest fare we spotted from each airport

Quebec City $642 (-7%)
Montreal $565 (-5%)

San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, sitting in a high central valley ringed by green mountains and volcanoes. As the country's cultural and transport hub, it blends museums, markets, and Spanish colonial influences, and serves as a natural gateway to Costa Rica's famous rainforests and beaches. With volcanoes, cloud forests, and two coastlines all within reach, it is the perfect launchpad for a pura vida adventure!

When to go

The dry season from roughly December to April brings sunny days and is the popular high season for visitors. The green season from May to November sees more rain, often in afternoon downpours, but lush landscapes and fewer crowds. The central valley stays pleasantly mild year-round thanks to its elevation.

Getting there from Quebec City and Montreal

Depending on your departure city, San Jose usually requires a connection through Montreal, Toronto, or a US hub, with some seasonal nonstop options from the bigger gateways. Winter often brings more choices, since it lines up with Costa Rica's dry-season travel demand. Allow for connection times and any US transit requirements along the way.

What to see and do

Visiting the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
Exploring the National Theatre of Costa Rica
Browsing the bustling Central Market (Mercado Central)
Using the city as a base for nearby volcanoes and rainforest day trips

Good to know before you go

The currency is the Costa Rican colón, though US dollars are widely accepted. City buses are cheap and cover San José, but routes can be confusing for visitors, so many rely on registered taxis or Uber, which are easy and affordable; for the volcanoes, rainforests, and beaches beyond town a rental car is the most flexible option, though under-25s often face a young-driver surcharge, so organized day tours are a great car-free alternative, and mountain roads are winding, so plan extra time. Spanish is the main language, so a few phrases help, keep valuables out of sight, and the friendly local saying is pura vida.

Entry requirements and health

No visa needed

Good news: with a Canadian passport you can just show up for a short tourist stay, no visa needed. Keep an eye on how long you're allowed to stay so your trip fits.

Vaccines and health

Many travellers get vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid, which spread through food and water.

General orientation for a Canadian passport on a short tourist trip, not legal or medical advice. Confirm with official sources, and see a travel health clinic four to six weeks before departure.

Travel information is provided as a guide and can change. Always confirm fares, schedules and entry requirements before booking.

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