You can get from San Jose to Tamarindo by bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, rental car, or flight.
Drawing from personal journeys and the expertise of Jean Nájera, CEO of GuateGo, I’ve crafted this guide to be reliable and current.
Quick Answer:
The cheapest way to get from San Jose to Tamarindo is by public bus (USD 10, approx. 5–7 hours). The shared shuttle is the most popular option (USD 65, approximately 5.5 hours). The fastest way is by flight (about 2 hours).
Transportation Options
The following table outlines all transportation options:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | 5-7 hrs | $10 |
| Shuttle from San Jose to Tamarindo | 5-7 hrs | $65 |
| Private Transfer | ~5 hrs | $ 330 to 405 |
| Flight | ~2 hrs | – |
| Rental Car | ~5 hrs | – |
How far is Tamarindo from San Jose?
The road from San Jose to Tamarindo is about 261 kilometers or 162 miles.
The flight distance from San Jose to the nearest airport in Limon betrays 167 kilometers ( about 104 miles).
How to get from San Jose, Costa Rica, to Tamarindo
1. Public Bus
Journey Duration: 5-7 hours
Alfaro bus company serves the route daily at 11:30 AM (via Liberia) and 03:30 PM (via Caldera) from the Alfaro Terminal in San Jose.
The terminal is located at the intersection of Avenida 3 and Calles 14/16. The trip takes between five and seven hours and costs 10 USD.
Bus tickets are only sold at the bus station on a first-come, first-served basis. When full, the bus will not stop at the San Jose airport.
It is definitely the cheapest option; however, it is not the best when you have a hotel reservation in Tamarindo or limited travel time in Costa Rica.
Tralapa is a second company that departs from Tralapa Terminal San José at 7 AM and 4 PM via Liberia.
You can also take a bus operated by the La Pampa bus company from Liberia. Buses depart throughout the day, and the 2.5-hour trip costs around USD 3.
2. Shared Shuttle
Journey Duration: 5-7 hours
The shared shuttle service stands out when seeking a budget-friendly and convenient transportation option.
Like most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica, Tamarindo is well-reachable by a shared van shuttle from your hotel or the airport in San Jose.
These shuttles typically use modern, air-conditioned vans or minibusses, accommodating 8-15 passengers.
One of the primary advantages of opting for a shared shuttle is its cost-effectiveness. The average price for a one-way journey is USD 65. Advanced booking is usually recommended, as it ensures a guaranteed seat and often leads to better prices.
Shuttle services generally have set departure times from San Jose. I recommend Interbus, which offers one departure daily, usually in the early morning. This schedule allows travelers to make the most of their day in Tamarindo.
The journey lasts approximately 5-7 hours, factoring in a short break or two for restrooms and snacks.
Travelers prefer shared shuttles for a hassle-free experience, compared to using a public bus.
Shared Van Shuttle Schedule:
The table below displays the Interbus shared shuttle timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00am | 12:30pm | 5h 30m | $65 |  |
3. Private Transfer
Journey Duration: 4 hours 45 minutes
If you don’t want to depend on the public bus or shared Van schedule or when you travel with a big group, you can also book a private transfer.
These transfers offer direct, door-to-door service, ensuring the utmost convenience for travelers.
In terms of vehicles, private transfers typically utilize well-maintained, air-conditioned sedans or SUVs, offering both comfort and safety.
For larger groups or families, larger vans or minibuses are often available to comfortably accommodate everyone.
The cost of a private transfer can vary widely based on the provider, vehicle type, and the number of passengers.
On average, travelers can expect to pay between $330-$405 for a one-way journey. While this might seem steep compared to shared shuttles, the price often covers the entire vehicle, meaning the cost per person decreases with more passengers!
A standout feature of private transfers is the flexibility in scheduling. Instead of adhering to predetermined times, you can choose their preferred departure time, early morning or late evening.
Prices for a private transfer
- 1-4 passengers: USD 330
- 7-9 passengers: USD 365
- 5-12 passengers: USD 390
- 1-13 passengers: USD 405
4. Flight
Journey Duration: ~2 hours
Aerobell Airlines offers daily flights from Tobias Bolanos International Airport in Pavas, San Jose, to Tamarindo’s small, private airport.
Please be aware that the Pavas Airport is approximately 20 kilometers from the San Jose International Airport (SJO).
If you want to travel straight from San Jose Airport (SJO) to Tamarindo, flying with Sansa Air to Liberia Airport might be better.
It takes around two hours to get from Liberia Airport to Tamarindo, so flying there is only recommended if you have a connecting flight from San Jose Airport.
The distance from Tamarindo to Liberia airport is 67 kilometers (42 miles).
If you decide to fly to Liberia, you can get a shuttle from Liberia to Tamarindo.
Prices start at 20 USD for a shared shuttle and 80 USD for a private transfer. You can also take a taxi from Liberia Airport to Tamarindo.
5. Rental Car
Journey Duration: 4 hours 45 minutes
One significant advantage of traveling by car to Tamarindo is that you can stop along the way and not depend on bus or flight schedules.
San Jose to Tamarindo drive time is four to five hours, depending on the traffic.
Best day tours in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
Here, you can find some of the best tours in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there direct flights?
Yes, domestic airlines are offering direct flights. The flight usually takes around 2 hours.
Is it safe to drive?
Yes, the roads are generally well-maintained, especially the main highways. However, it’s advisable to avoid driving at night and always be cautious of local traffic and weather conditions.
Can I find transportation back to San Jose?
Absolutely. All the transportation options mentioned for the journey are also available for the return trip.
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