Costa Rica is famous for its incredible mix of adventure, nature, and beach life—and few places capture that spirit better than Santa Teresa. Located on the Nicoya Peninsula about 184 km from San José, this laid-back surf town is known for its world-class waves, jungle-backed beaches, and relaxed bohemian atmosphere.
If you're planning your journey between Santa Teresa and the capital, understanding the best way to travel from Santa Teresa to San Jose (or from San Jose and SJO Airport to Santa Teresa) is essential.
This 5–7 hour trip offers several transportation options, each with its own advantages depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style. In this guide, we break down every option so you can choose the best way to make the journey.
What is the best way to get to Santa Teresa from San Jose or SJO Airport?
Pura Vida Traveling Recommendations:
- On a Budget: Shared Shuttle, Public Buses
- Singles, Couples, or Small Groups: Airplane, Taxi or Rental Car, Shared Shuttle
- Families or Large Groups: Private shuttle
To Santa Teresa From San Jose by Private Shuttle
Best for groups - 5-6hrs - $385
For a more personalized and exclusive experience, consider hiring a private shuttle. Although it's pricier than shared shuttles, it offers privacy, flexibility, and the ability to customize your itinerary. Private shuttles from San Jose to Santa Teresa start around $290 but fluctuate in price based on the number of passengers and vehicle type. This is a great option for groups and families who don't wish to navigate the sometimes rough roads of Costa Rica.
Tips:
- Ask your driver to pull over at one of the many fruit and souvenir stands for some fresh seasonal fruit.
- If you're traveling in a group, the cost of a private shuttle can be divided among passengers, making it a more economical option. Plan to pay an additional $15 per person for each one added beyond 6.
- Click here for detailed information about shared and private shuttle services in Costa Rica.
To Santa Teresa From San Jose by Shared Shuttle
Solo or couples - 5-7hrs - $80.28
Shared shuttles provide a balance between convenience and affordability, making them a popular choice among solo travelers and small groups. These shuttles offer door-to-door service, picking up and dropping off at most hotels or hostels.
Tips:
- Reserve your seat in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability.
- Shared shuttles are air-conditioned and equipped with comfortable seating and wifi.
- Be aware of luggage restrictions. Surfboards and extra suitcases can cost extra.
- Click here for more detailed information about Group and Private shuttles
To Santa Teresa from San Jose By Rental Car or taxi
Easiest - 5-6hrs - $80-$160
Renting a car or hiring a taxi offers flexibility and convenience, allowing you to explore at your own pace. The journey from San Jose to Santa Teresa takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Renting a car can be extremely expensive during the summer season (Dec-March) and very reasonable during the "winter" season (Aug-Nov). The driving is about 184 kilometers long and can take 5-6 hours, depending on the traffic.
Driving this route normally includes taking a ferry across the Nicoya Peninsula (recommended). The ferry can transport you and your rental car for around $24. Tickets can be purchased in advance, but ferries leave on a regular schedule and are rarely filled to capacity.
Tips:
- Use our Pura Vida Traveling exclusive link to receive up to 10% off and additional rental benefits.
- Get a 4x4 if you want to get close to nature!
- To easily pass the highway tolls, be prepared and have some Colónes with you or use tap to pay with your credit card or phone.
- Book well in advance to save money.
- Contact your credit card company to see if your car is insured as a benefit to your card (this is very common)
- Negotiate the fare in advance and make sure the taxi is insured (red or orange cabs are registered cabs and will be insured)
To Santa Teresa from San Jose By Bus
Budget friendly - 6-9hrs - $12 - $17
Traveling by bus is the most budget-friendly option, albeit with longer travel times and fewer amenities compared to other modes of transport. You have two options to go from San José to Santa Teresa:
Option A
The direct bus from San José leaves from Terminal 7-10.
This bus takes about 6 hours and leaves San José daily at 6 AM.
- Bus boards ferry (ferry ticket included)
- 1 departure per day
- Bus price: ₡ 8,935
If you are near the Airport, you don’t have to head all the way to the 7-10 Terminal. Instead, have a taxi take you to the Villa Bonita Bridge in Alajuela. The bus to Santa Teresa/Mal Pais/Montezuma passes this spot about 6:20 AM, or basically, however long it takes to get there after leaving downtown.
Option B
3 buses and 1 ferry. Cheaper option with more departure times per day. But also a bit more complicated.
- First, you take a bus on the route from San José to Puntarenas. Bus company: Empresarios UnidosPrice: ₡2800Estimated length: 2h 30 minDaily schedule: 6 AM, 7 AM, 8 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM (there may be more departure times; we recommend checking the website of the bus company)
- Next, you take the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera.Price: ₡810Estimated length: 1hDaily schedule: Mon-Sun 5:30 AM, 9 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM, 6 PM, 8:30 PM
- Next, you take a bus from Paquera to CóbanoBus company: Transportes Cóbano, you will find the bus near the shops, as you leave the ferry.Price: ₡1500Estimated length: 1h 30minDaily schedule: Mon-Sun 6:45 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 7:30 PM
- The last bus will be from Cóbano to Santa TeresaBus company: Transportes MalpaísPrice: ₡1000Estimated length: 40minDaily schedule: Mon-Sun 2:30 AM, 4:45 AM, 6 AM, 7 AM, 8:45 AM, 10:45 AM, 12 PM, 12:45 PM, 3:15 PM, 5 PM, 6 PM, 8:45 PM.
Tips:
- This is one of Costa Rica's longer voyages to do by public bus. Opting for a shared shuttle is recommended to significantly cut down your travel time.
- Ubers are available in San Jose. Using Uber to get to the San Jose bus terminal can be easier and less expensive than taking public buses. (*Be aware that Uber is not legal yet in Costa Rica)
To Santa Teresa From San Jose By Air
Fastest - 30min - $175
Traveling by air is the quickest way to reach Santa Teresa from San Jose, albeit at a higher cost. Several domestic airlines offer flights from San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport to Cobano Airport, located near Santa Teresa. From Cobano, you can take a taxi, bus, or shuttle to reach your final destination.
Private charter flights
If you're short on time and don’t mind splurging, private charter flights offer one of the most convenient and scenic ways to travel around Costa Rica. You can charter a single-engine plane (typically seating up to 12 passengers) between any domestic airports in the country. These flights often feel like a private aerial tour, offering incredible views of Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes—from coastlines to volcanoes—all in under 45 minutes. It’s a fast, effortless, and unforgettable way to get from one destination to another.
Find a private flight to Cobano
Tips:
- Cost: While flights may be more expensive than other modes of transport, they save you valuable time and offer stunning aerial views of Costa Rica's landscapes.
- Luggage: Be aware of your airline's luggage restrictions or costs. It can get expensive if you have additional luggage.
- Arrive early: You must arrive for check-in one hour before your flight, or you will not be allowed to fly, and you will not receive a refund for your original flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Traveling by air is fastest but also most expensive. Driving is a 5-6 hour journey and can be done via taxi, rental car, shared shuttle or private shuttle. A private shuttle is recommended for any group of 3 or more.
The trip to Santa Teresa is a bit shorter from Liberia airport and does not include taking a ferry across the Nicoya peninsula. If you plan to fly domestically, we recommend flying into San Jose. If you plan to drive, we recommend flying into Liberia airport.
Liberia is a little closer to Santa Teresa and is the preferred airport to fly into if you are going to drive from the airport to Santa Teresa.
A private shuttle should cost around $290 for 1-6 passengers. A Shared shuttle should cost around $80.28 per person.
The scenery and jungle are absolutely incredible with viewpoints that are well worth stopping for. The trip via ferry across the Nicoya Peninsula is beautiful and a fun experience.
Yes, domestic flights are available daily and cost around $150+tax.
Yes and No. Taking the ferry (with or without your vehicle) is recommended to cut your travel time down, however, it is possible to drive around the Nicoya Peninsula instead. Driving the whole way will add an extra hour or two to your journey.
