The trip from San Jose to Jaco is a 2-3 hour 99km drive through the jungle with plenty to see and enjoy. Driving this route is the most recommended form of travel for this voyage as San Jose or SJO Airport is not too far from Jaco and can be easily reached by rental car, taxi, shared shuttle or private shuttle. Use this blog to help you choose the best option for you and make sure you stop along the way to get the most out of this trip.
What is the best way to get to Jaco from San José?
Pura Vida Traveling Recommendations:
- On a Budget: Shared Shuttle, Public Buses
- Singles, Couples, or Small Groups: Taxi or Rental Car, Shared Shuttle
- Families or Large Groups: Private shuttle
To Jaco from San Jose by Private Shuttle
Best for groups - 1- 2hrs - $197
Traveling by private or shared shuttle is our most recommended form of getting between San Jose and Jaco if you don't have a car of your own. If you choose this option you can expect a large air-conditioned van that is insured and properly licensed by the government. Shuttles can typically transport up to 12 or 15 travelers and drivers typically speak some basic English, while some are completely fluent. If you're in a group of 4 or more passengers, reserving a private shuttle is your best option for getting to Jaco from San Jose. Click here for detailed information about shared and private shuttle services in Costa Rica.
Writers Tips:
- Tarcoles Bridge is a great spot to stop for food and souvenirs, and to see the wild Crocodiles that live under the bridge.
- Private shuttles are normally priced for 1-6 passengers. Plan to pay an extra $15 per extra person you add after 6.
- Private shuttles pick up from any location, including the airport, where they will wait outside arrivals with a sign with your name on it.
To Jaco from San Jose by Shared Shuttle
Solo or couples - 2hrs - $56
If you enjoy the company of fellow travelers, a group shuttle might be the perfect choice. Shared shuttles operate on set schedules and pick up passengers from various locations, like hotels or airports. While you may have less control over the schedule, group shuttles are a cost-effective and social way to reach Jaco. Click here for more detailed information about Group and Private shuttles
Writers Tips:
- Reserve in advance as these shuttles can fill up.
- Be aware of luggage restrictions. Surfboards and extra suitcases can cost extra.
- Shared shuttles normally have one scheduled bathroom stop.
To Jaco from San Jose by car or taxi
Easiest - 1.5-2hrs - $80-$160
If you can afford to rent a car, it is highly recommended, as it will give you the freedom to travel at your own pace and will allow you to travel off the beaten path to some of Costa Rica's most valued, hard-to-get-to places. 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 99 kilometers long and can take 2 hours depending on the traffic.
Writers Tips:
- Use our Pura Vida Traveling exclusive link to receive up to 10% off and additional rental benefits.
- Get 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.
- Make sure to add a quick stop by the Tarcoles River to check out the famous crocodile bridge - you don’t wanna miss it!
- Contact your credit card company to see if your car is insured as a benefit to your card (this is very common)
To Jaco from San Jose by public bus
Budget-friendly - 3hrs - $6
To get to Jaco from San Jose using the public bus system, use Terminal 7-10 located in the heart of downtown San Jose. All taxi drivers know it, and it can be found easily on Google Maps.
- Ticket price: ₡2980
- Length: about 3 hours
- Departure times: buses leaving every two hours starting at 7 am and ending at 7 pm, with extras depending on movement
You can buy tickets on their website (terminal7-10.com) or in person. During holidays, it's better to buy online or arrive at least 1 hour early. When you arrive, go to the second floor to buy bus tickets from San Jose to Playa Jaco. The first floor is for boarding the bus, and the third floor is for tickets to other places.
General Tips:
- Travelers, be aware that Uber is not fully legal in Costa Rica. While we recommend using UBER as a transportation option in this blog, you must do so with caution, as UBER has been a controversial issue in the country, with the legality of using it coming into play regularly. Both drivers and passengers could face fines or penalties for using UBER.
- If you plan to stay in Costa Rica for an extended period, you may find that purchasing a SIM card at the airport will facilitate your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jaco is a short 2-hour drive from San Jose. Therefore, the best way to get there is by taking a bus, taxi, shared shuttle, or private shuttle.
While it is possible, it is not recommended to travel at night in Costa Rica. If something happens to your car late at night, you may be stuck on the highway until morning.
The drive from San Jose to Jaco is about 2 hours with no traffic or stops. While the distance is not far, the roads are typically one lane, so you can only go as fast as the traffic will allow. It is an easy drive.
A private shuttle should cost around $197 for 1-6 passengers. A Shared shuttle should cost around $56 per person.
The scenery and jungle are absolutely incredible with multiple coastal viewpoints that are well worth stopping for. Stopping to see Crocodiles at Tarcoles bridge is recommended.
No, Jaco does not have an airport but is only 1.5 hours from Juan Santamaria International Airport in Alajuela.
