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Find cheap flights to Central America from $48

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the United States to Central America departing on 11/9. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
0 bags
Thu 7/4
Thu 7/11

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Best Central America Flight Deals

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

San Salvador
San Salvadornonstop$140
San José
San José1 stop$184
Guatemala City
Guatemala Citynonstop$134
Panama City
Panama City2 stops$198
Liberia
Liberia1 stop$279
Managua
Managuanonstop$143
San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sulanonstop$148
Coxen Hole
Coxen Hole1 stop$284
Flores
Flores1 stop$402
David
David1 stop$392
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro1 stop$1,510
San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town3 stops$1,523
Tegucigalpa
Tegucigalpa3 stops$600
La Ceiba
La Ceiba1 stop$503

Good to know

Low season

September

High season

December

Cheapest flight

$48
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 12% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 37% increase in price.
Flight from Los Angeles to Guatemala City

FAQs - booking Central America flights

  • Do I need a visa to fly to Central America?

    American citizens are not required to have a visa to fly to countries in Central America. Countries including Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras. All these countries apart from Nicaragua, allow US Citizens to stay for up to 90 days visa-free. If you plan to extend your stay, you’ll need to get a visa.

  • What are the entry requirements to Central America for US citizens?

    With the visa waiver, US citizens are required to have a passport valid for at least six months that they should carry all the time while in Central America. In addition, countries like Panama, Honduras, and El Salvador will require them to also have a tourist card that is valid for up to 30-90 days. If you plan on visiting Kuna Yala in Panama, you’ll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate because the country has a risk of yellow fever.

  • Can I fly non-stop to Liberia, Costa Rica from the United States?

    Yes. From airports in the US like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) aboard Delta Airlines, New York John. F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) aboard Jet Blue Airlines, or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) aboard Alaska Airlines to Liberia Guanacaste International Airport (LIR). All these airlines offer specialized services to their passengers to help them relax and cater to their flight needs during long flights.

  • What is the best airport to fly in and out of Central America?

    Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City is the biggest and busiest airport in Central America. It connects Panama and several cities and states in the US. Moreover, it acts as a hub for several airlines giving flyers the chance to choose the best airline. It’s also known for clean terminals, efficiency, great customer service, and accessible services.

  • Which airlines have the cheapest prices from the United States to Central America?

    Among the airlines that provide either direct or layover flights to Central America, the cheapest airlines are Frontier Airlines, Copa Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. All these airlines have layover flights that are affordable alternatives to their non-stop flight counterparts.

  • Can I fly non-stop to Managua from the United States?

    Yes. From Fort Lauderdale International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, you can fly directly to Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport (MGA) in Managua, Nicaragua aboard Spirit Airlines. From Miami International Airport (MIA) in Miami, you can fly directly to Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport in Managua aboard either Avianca Airlines or American Airlines. From George Bush International Airport (IAH) in Houston, you can fly directly to Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport aboard either United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Avianca Airlines, or American Airlines.  

  • How long is the flight to Central America?

    An average nonstop flight from the United States to Central America takes 5h 03m, covering a distance of 1968 miles. The most popular route is Washington, D.C. - San Salvador with an average flight time of 4h 17m.

  • What is the cheapest flight to Central America?

    The cheapest ticket to Central America from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $37 one-way, and $134 round-trip. The most popular route is Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl to San Salvador El Salvador Intl and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $175.

  • Which airlines fly to Central America?

    United Airlines, Avianca & Copa Airlines fly the most frequently from the United States to Central America.

  • What are the most popular destinations in Central America?

    Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is San Salvador (37% of total searches to Central America). The next most popular destinations are San José (30%) and Guatemala City (13%). Searches for flights to Panama City (12%), to Liberia (7%) and to Managua (2%) are also popular.

  • How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

See more FAQs

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Central America

  • Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Central America flight deals.
  • Central America has many major countries and cities known for their architectural and historical attractions. When traveling to Central America you can get non-stop flights to most of these cities from Miami, Orlando, Dallas, New York, Los Angeles, Houston, or Chicago aboard several airlines including American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Avianca Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Airlines.
  • Alaska Airlines is one of the most popular airlines along this route that offers non-stop flights from cities in the US like Seattle, Portland, San Diego, Los Angeles, Austin, Dallas, and Palm Springs to San Jose International Airport (SJC) in San Jose, Central America.
  • If you’re looking for cheap flights to El Salvador from Newark, opt for the layover flights by Spirit Airlines that have a layover in Fort Lauderdale that will give you a five-hour window to explore locations near Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL).
  • The Mayan Ruins of Tikal and Antigua in Guatemala are some of the most famous archaeological attractions in Central America. American Airlines has non-stop flights from Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Dallas, and Boston to Guatemala La Aurora City Aiport(GUA). From there, you can either take public transportation or take a flight to Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores to easily find your way to the Mayan Ruins of Tikal and take a taxi from GUA to Antigua.
  • Carnaval is a major annual festival that happens in Panama between February and March that lasts up to a week and attracts visitors from all around the world. Get on a non-stop flight from Miami on either American Airlines, Delta Airlines, or United Airlines to Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
  • Traveling within Central America on a budget requires you to fly into countries that are centrally located like Guatemala and Panana where you can access both public and private shuttle buses to other cities and to nearby countries to help save on transport costs.
  • Guatemala is served by two international airports namely Guatemala La Aurora City Airport and Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS). If you plan to visit towns in Guatemala like Flores, Santa Elena, and San Benito, fly on layovers into FRS which gives you direct access to these towns.
See more tips

Top 5 airlines flying to Central America

Need help choosing which airline to fly with from the United States to Central America? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
8.0
DeltaOverall score based on 10392 reviews
7.4Food
8.6Crew
8.0Entertainment
8.2Boarding
7.9Comfort
Airline reviews

It was good until there was a 3 hour delay because there was not any pilots to fly the plane.

2.0 MediocreFelipe, Jun 2024DTW - SAN
Read more about Delta reviews

It was good until there was a 3 hour delay because there was not any pilots to fly the plane.

There was plenty of overhead room but half of the passengers were told they had to check their carryon bags. My partner and I checked in as early as possible and our seats were split across the aisle.

Friendly flight attendants. Comfort plus seats were very comfortable and had lots of leg room. 10A and 10 B.

I've flown many many times on Northwest and then Delta. The crew on this flight were absolutely the best I've had the pleasure of being looked after by.

Flew first class so everything was great. But maybe because the flights were red eye, no meals were served, just chips. I flew Alaska Air 1st class at 9PM (2 hour flight) and they served beef short rib sliders!

Had to change aircraft due to a faulty door. Surprisingly it only caused about an hour and a half of delay. Delta handled this situation as well as can be expected.

Awful. Flight was continuously getting delayed and gates kept changing without any reason. Flight was delayed for more then 3 hours

Paid premium for Delta only to be on safe but tired old 767 with ancient cabin in mediocre condition. Poor wifi and horrible inflight entertainment. Hardly a premium experience. Should have flown SW and had fun flight crew and no pretense

Our flight to Zurich was delayed by almost 3 hours, so we missed our next flight. There was no indication it would be delayed this much. We were told the gate had changed and then it apparently took over 2 hours to load the "catering" on the plane. We were not compensated in any way for the trouble.

Rated entertainment as Mediocre as there were major problems with the Infotainment system that took probably a half hour for them to fix.

No water for a 5 hour flight entertainment not working seats with little room for knees when person in front of me reclined kept bumping my knees.

I don't think anyone actually reads these comments, so I won't spend much time on this submission. If you want to talk, you know how to reach me. The D/FW manager of Avianca (self-identified), Juan Calderon, insisted I buy an onward ticket from San Salvador even though I have diplomatic status in El Salvador and live here. It cost me $1,393 and Mr Calderon would not let me make the ticked flexible so I could get a refund. He went out of his way to be rude to me. He gave me seat 32K -- windowless window seat in the last row and did not offer to let me upgrade even though there were plenty of seats. I have flown well over a million miles in my life and this is the worst experience I have ever had. I would like a refund on the ticket I was forced to buy. Just awful!

This is the Spirit of Latino travel. And don’t even get me started on customer service.

Awful. I checked in online and there was no option to pay for baggage, at the airport when I checked in my baggage was received and Iwas not charged. When I got to LA during the boarding process I was told I didn't pay for baggage, the crew resolved I was let in the plane. When I got to my final destination my baggage was not there. It took me two days to receive my baggage. Bad service ever!

There was no food or drink service, couldn’t even get a glass of water for free. It was a long and expensive flight to not offer food or beverage on the plane.

It is better at the jfk than my home country. It was very easy and everything was on time.

There is no food. There is no in-inflight entertainment. The seats are cardboard. The airline is a living hellscape.

My experience was amazing! They helped my elderly mother board on early through a wheelchair and were accommodating to have us sit together since our seats were in different locations. When landing at the airport in GUA they were very helpful with full of hospitality.

No complimentary snacks food, beverage (not even water), pillow and blanket on a 6 hours long flight (including economy comfort). A low form of nickeling an diming. Lost a recurring passanger over a soda. Avianca never again.

Flight departure late. Got late in Colombia making us take a different flight next day. Avianca airport crew messed up my ticket so when a I got in Brazil I didn’t have a ticket for my destination. Had to buy a new ticket out of my pocket.

Flight was delayed in the gate by 5 hours and ultimately cancelled- rebooking service by United agents was terrible

Everything was pretty good except for food. They need to improve on it compared to other airlines.

Flight was delayed due to the late arrival of the catering truck, which is quite unacceptable. There was a beverage service, but no pretzel, or cookie, or nuts were served in coach.

Not worth the premium paid for the first class ticket

Not worth the price of premium class ticket paid, felt more like steerage.

Flighty delayed on boarding - then group 1 had to check their carry on bags but groups 3 and beyond could carry bags on - very inconvenient for weekend business trip with no checked baggage. Then delayed on the runway - before take off. No communication from pilot on why or how long. Wifi/Entertainment didn't work for 4+ flight. Upon arrival, attendants announced wrong carousel for baggage claim - everyone was waiting at the wrong place for their checked bags. This was a mess united!

I flew Delta last week and United Airlines is a poor substitute mechanical problems with the plane and shitty food among other things made my travel experience what’s become to be expected from United no way is it ever worth the money they make us pay

I had a great flight. Everything went smoothly and the flight arrived early.

Well....let's start from the point that I had to stay in airport for 12 hours instead of 2 that was scheduled. Poor company and even worst customer service. Never again....

The flight and boarding were easy peasy. I was traveling with my 4-year-old, so a smooth boarding experience was especially appreciated. My only piece of feedback is really about where our gate was in O'Hare. They've shoved four gates into a tiny corner of the B terminal and there isn't early enough room or seating for everyone. Not United's problem, but did dent the overall experience.

Missed this flight due to the first AA flight delay

Equipment swap led to 2+ hour delay on international flight. And to top it off, boarding took forever.

Wretched scheduling - they got themselves into a critical crew situation and didn’t try to address it until 15 minutes before they had to cancel my flight

They cancelled two flight and got us onto another airline, which was also delayed.

Nothing, terrible travel experience due to weather and maintenance delays and was left stranded in Austin.

Missed connection from Philadelphia to London because flight from DC was seriously delayed. Was re-routed the next day (had to pay for hotel) to Zurich and was given a main cabin middle seat while I had paid for premium. Great job AA!!!

My husband and I pre-ordered our food, but they did not have my husband’s order, and my cheese plate was very average. I asked for a blanket and was told they don’t carry blankets on domestic routs. The flight was on time and smooth!

28 hour delay at Fort Worth/Dallas airport, part due to weather which was unavoidable, but various other reasons - no pilot, no fa, mechanical problem, plane too small, too big, crew out of flying time, seat configuration problems.... endless and hourly updates with a different excuse. Finally told us about 3.00 am, that the flight was delayed to hours later.

Experience was bad. 3.5 hour delay for a 2.5 hour trip. There was no r Transparency about the reason for the delay and it was done 30 mins at a time.

Original flight delayed several times and finally canceled at 2:30 in the morning. Staff at the gate was not very helpful in resolving problems or communicating why there were delays. I spent 34 hours at the airport before I could leave, they couldn't book me on another early flight even after canceling my original flight. Next flight available after my original flight was canceled was 22 hours later. I will never fly American Airlines again.

Flight was good and clean but delayed over an hour on the return flight.

The non stop flight and able to go into Atlantic City airport. They could lower the prices. It starts out low but then if you want to bring luggage and pick your seat the price goes up quite a bit.

Flight got diwngraded last minute and left us stranded. I was told I’ll be given credit for my luggage and seat upgrades but haven’t got anything yet

We can’t predict circumstances like this ahead of time, but I give your staff a hats off for immediately giving us updated informations.

It was nice! There was a very unhappy child in front of us and the flight attendant did a great job calming the child. I was impressed.

The plane was not on time for boarding or departure or arrivals.

EVERYTHING WAS WONDERFUL HOSPITALITY THE HELP.THE SEATING FRIENDLY ALWAYS HAVE A GOOD RIDE NOT ONE BAD EXPERIENCE WITH THEM

This was the smoothest flight I have had in awhile. I was also offered an exit row seat for a great upgrade cost and was able to sleep almost thr whole flight due to comfort and a smooth flight. We left on time and arrived on time.

No food not even water offered unless you buy it and no usb in the seat but other than that everything was good

Because our flight from marsh Harbor to Fort Lauderdale was over three hours delayed it caused us to miss our flight in Fort Lauderdale. Because we missed that flight, it cost us nearly $100 apiece for four different travelers which totaled nearly $400. We are seeking a reimbursement for the flight that we missed in Fort Lauderdale Florida.

Book Cheap Central America Plane Tickets

Recent round-trip flight deals

8/29Thu
nonstopVolaris
4h 51mLAX-GUA
9/26Thu
nonstopVolaris
4h 56mGUA-LAX
$134
9/1Sun
nonstopVolaris
4h 51mLAX-GUA
9/9Mon
nonstopVolaris
4h 56mGUA-LAX
$136
9/14Sat
nonstopAvianca
4h 20mIAD-SAL
9/30Mon
nonstopAvianca
4h 15mSAL-IAD
$145
10/10Thu
nonstopAvianca
4h 20mIAD-SAL
10/14Mon
nonstopAvianca
4h 15mSAL-IAD
$146
9/10Tue
1 stopSpirit Airlines
8h 02mEWR-SJO
9/11Wed
1 stopSpirit Airlines
8h 24mSJO-EWR
$184
9/10Tue
1 stopSpirit Airlines
8h 02mEWR-SJO
9/11Wed
1 stopSpirit Airlines
7h 36mSJO-EWR
$185
9/30Mon
1 stopUnited Airlines
13h 17mONT-SAL
10/10Thu
1 stopUnited Airlines
9h 11mSAL-ONT
$186
9/11Wed
2 stopsUnited Airlines
16h 41mONT-SAL
10/2Wed
2 stopsUnited Airlines
15h 32mSAL-ONT
$191
7/22Mon
2 stopsAmerican Airlines
24h 41mIAD-SAL
7/30Tue
2 stopsAmerican Airlines
24h 54mSAL-IAD
$203
9/11Wed
2 stopsAmerican Airlines
18h 42mLAX-SAL
9/15Sun
2 stopsAmerican Airlines
21h 38mSAL-LAX
$203

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Recent one-way flight deals

11/9Sat
nonstopVolaris Costa Rica
4h 51mLAX-GUA
$48
9/2Mon
nonstopAvianca
4h 20mIAD-SAL
$50
9/1Sun
1 stopUnited Airlines
15h 57mIAD-SAL
$65
9/11Wed
1 stopSpirit Airlines
8h 02mEWR-SJO
$69
8/18Sun
nonstopDelta
5h 07mLAX-SAL
$69
8/28Wed
1 stopSpirit Airlines
8h 14mEWR-SJO
$71
8/8Thu
1 stopAmerican Airlines
14h 52mLAX-GUA
$72
8/11Sun
1 stopAmerican Airlines
18h 25mLAX-GUA
$74
8/21Wed
nonstopUnited Airlines
5h 15mEWR-SJO
$93
8/13Tue
1 stopDelta
6h 59mIAD-SAL
$109

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Last minute flights to Central America

Last minute flight, train and bus deals

6/9Sun
multi-stopAvianca
10h 30mJFK-SJO
6/13Thu
multi-stopAvianca
14h 35mSJO-JFK
$258
6/8Sat
nonstopUnited Airlines
5h 15mEWR-SJO
6/13Thu
nonstopUnited Airlines
5h 21mSJO-EWR
$264
6/6Thu
multi-stopDelta
14h 06mEWR-SJO
6/12Wed
multi-stopDelta
9h 32mSJO-EWR
$266
6/6Thu
multi-stopDelta
14h 08mJFK-SJO
6/11Tue
multi-stopDelta
14h 57mSJO-JFK
$266
6/8Sat
multi-stopAmerican Airlines
16h 04mLAX-SAL
6/12Wed
multi-stopAmerican Airlines
16h 14mSAL-LAX
$273
6/6Thu
multi-stopAmerican Airlines
27h 51mJFK-SJO
6/12Wed
multi-stopAmerican Airlines
9h 53mSJO-JFK
$274
6/8Sat
nonstopUnited Airlines
5h 15mEWR-SJO
6/13Thu
multi-stopUnited Airlines
14h 43mSJO-EWR
$295
6/7Fri
multi-stopAvianca
9h 25mJFK-SJO
6/9Sun
multi-stopAvianca
9h 15mSJO-JFK
$297
6/8Sat
multi-stopSpirit Airlines
12h 42mEWR-SJO
6/17Mon
multi-stopSpirit Airlines
10h 11mSJO-EWR
$377
6/8Sat
multi-stopSpirit Airlines
12h 42mEWR-SJO
6/18Tue
multi-stopSpirit Airlines
10h 16mSJO-EWR
$380

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Flights to Central America

Return flight deals:

Central America - United States

Cabin classes:

$759
$551
$149
$62

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