Air ambulance from San José to Miami

Reviewed by the AirAmbulance.org editorial team · Updated 20 October 2026 · Editorial policy

An air ambulance from San José (Costa Rica) to Miami (USA) is a 1,810 km medical flight. Patients in Costa Rica, including medical tourists, returning to the US.

What it costs

Within the range of regional fixed-wing flights. For reference, published ranges for fixed-wing air ambulance flights of similar length run about $15,000–$70,000. Your quote depends on the aircraft, medical crew, ground ambulances and permits.

How the flight works

• A ground ambulance takes the patient from the hospital in San José to the aircraft.
• A medical crew (usually a flight nurse and paramedic, more for critical patients) cares for the patient during the 2 h 45 min flight.
• On landing, a ground ambulance takes the patient straight to the receiving hospital or home: a "bed-to-bed" service.

Paperwork and arrival

Arriving in the US: the patient and any companion need valid passports (and visas or ESTA where required). The flight operator handles customs and immigration clearance, and a US hospital or doctor must accept the patient before take-off.

Air ambulance or commercial escort?

If the patient is stable and can sit upright for take-off and landing, a medical escort on a commercial flight from San José can cost far less. Critical-care and stretcher patients usually need a private air ambulance.

Distances are great-circle between the main airports; times are estimates. General information only, not medical or insurance advice.