Jaco
Costa Rica Travel Guide

Jacó is a lively beach town on Costa Rica's Central Pacific Coast, in Puntarenas Province. Once a small fishing village, it has grown into one of the country's most popular destinations thanks to its surf-friendly beaches, vibrant nightlife, and impressive food scene. It's also one of the easiest beach towns to reach from San José, just 1.5 to 2 hours away, which makes it a convenient first or last stop on a Costa Rica trip.

Jacó is surrounded by places worth exploring. Playa Hermosa, one of the most famous surf beaches on the Pacific Coast, is just 10 minutes south; Los Sueños Marina in Herradura Bay, the area's premier sportfishing port, is about 10 minutes away; and Carara National Park, famous for its scarlet macaws, is around 20–30 minutes north, with the Tarcoles Crocodile Bridge just 2 km farther down the highway, about 25 minutes from Jacó. Just know that Jacó is not a quiet, tucked-away beach escape: it's a town that thrives on excitement.

Travel Times

• From San José (SJO): About 1.5–2 hours by car or private shuttle (around 3 hours by public bus)

• From Liberia (LIR): About 3.5–4 hours by car

• From Manuel Antonio / Quepos: About 1–1.5 hours

• From Dominical: About 2 hours

• From Monteverde: About 2.5–3.5 hours by car or private shuttle, 3–4 hours by bus or shared shuttle

• From La Fortuna: About 3.5–4.5 hours by car

• From Tamarindo: About 4–5 hours by car

• From Puerto Viejo / Cahuita: About 5.5–7 hours by car

Best International Airport to Fly Into

The most convenient international airport for reaching Jacó is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), located in San José. SJO offers frequent international flights from North America, Europe, and other parts of the world. From the airport, Jacó is just a 1.5 to 2-hour drive—making it one of the most easily accessible beach destinations on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast.

Alternative Option: Liberia International Airport (LIR)

You can also fly into Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. From there, it takes about 3.5 to 4 hours to drive to Jacó. This can be a good option if you plan to explore Guanacaste or the Nicoya Peninsula before heading south.

Best Domestic Airport Nearby

While Jacó does not have its own airport, the closest domestic airport is Tambor Airport (TMU), located on the Nicoya Peninsula. However, getting from Tambor to Jacó still requires a ferry and road transport, so flying domestically isn’t usually the most direct route.

Tip: Since Jacó is so close to San José, most travelers opt to drive, take a shuttle, or use the bus rather than fly domestically.

Main Driving Routes from the Airports

From San José (SJO):

Take Route 27 (Autopista del Sol) west toward Orotina. From there, connect to Route 34 (Costanera Sur), which brings you directly into Jacó. The road is well-paved, scenic, and quick.

From Liberia (LIR):

Head south on Route 21, then connect to Route 18, which merges with Route 1. After reaching the intersection with Route 27, follow it to Route 34 south toward Jacó. The route is longer but offers a scenic look at Costa Rica’s central and coastal regions.

Is a 4x4 Vehicle Needed?

No, a 4x4 is not required to get to Jacó. All main roads to town are well-paved and accessible year-round. However, if you plan to explore off-the-beaten-path spots near Jacó—like remote waterfalls or mountain trails—a 4x4 may be useful, especially in the rainy season (May–November).

Private Shuttles Available

Private shuttle services from San José or Liberia are a popular, stress-free way to reach Jacó. These shuttles offer door-to-door service and can be booked for individuals, couples, or groups. Travel in comfort with AC, bilingual drivers, and luggage assistance.

Rental Cars Available (Discounts Offered!)

Prefer the freedom of driving? We offer discounted rental cars through trusted local agencies. Whether you want a compact car or an SUV, we’ve got you covered—with pick-up at SJO or LIR for your convenience.Discounted car rental

Jaco is one of the most accessible beach towns in Costa Rica, with a walkable downtown and a wide range of transportation options. Whether you're staying in the center or venturing to nearby beaches and waterfalls, how you get around depends on your travel style and itinerary. While you can walk to most places in town, renting a bike, scooter, or car gives you more flexibility to explore Jaco’s surroundings like Playa Hermosa, waterfalls, and adventure parks. Here’s a breakdown of the most common transportation options available in Jaco:

Public Transportation

Public buses are available in Jaco and can take you to nearby towns like Herradura, Playa Hermosa, Quepos, or even all the way to San José. These buses are a great budget option but may not reach more remote destinations or attractions in the hills around Jaco.

• Cost: Very affordable, typically ₡500 to ₡3000 CRC ($1–$6 USD) depending on the route.

• Note: Buses run regularly on the Costanera Highway (Route 34) and through the town center, but service slows down at night.

Bike, Scooter, or ATV

If you’re planning to stay local or explore nearby spots, bikes, scooters, or ATVs are ideal. They’re perfect for cruising around town, heading to the beach, or zipping over to surf spots. Scooters are particularly handy for reaching places like Playa Hermosa or the El Miro viewpoint.

• Cost: Bikes rent for around $10–$15 USD per day, while scooters and ATVs go for $50–$100 USD per day.

• Note: Jaco is mostly flat and easy to navigate, but if you're heading out of town or uphill, scooters or ATVs are a better choice.

Taxi

Taxis are easy to find in Jaco, especially in the central area. They are useful for short rides or if you're going out at night. Taxis are typically not metered, so make sure to agree on a fare before you hop in.

• Cost: Short rides within town usually cost ₡3000 to ₡6000 CRC ($5–$10 USD).

• Note: Carry cash, as most taxis don’t accept credit or debit cards.

Rental Car

If you're looking to explore outside of Jaco — like Carara National Park, waterfalls, or secluded beaches — renting a car is a great option. You can rent a vehicle from San José (SJO) Airport or locally in Jaco. We recommend booking through Adobe Rent a Car, which offers reliable service and includes insurance and benefits like free delivery in town.

• Cost: Daily rates typically range from $40 to $80 USD, depending on the vehicle type and insurance.