Ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera: Schedule and How to Guide

Did you know that you can take a ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera on the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica?

This is a great way of getting from the San Jose area, Central Pacific, or South Pacific to the towns of Santa Teresa, Montezuma, Mal Pais, and Tambor. By taking this Costa Rica ferry you can save yourself a whole lot of driving time.

We live in San Jose and the Nicoya Peninsula is our favorite area in the country, so we navigate this route rather frequently. We created this guide based on our experiences, both the good and the bad, so that you can have the smoothest trip possible.

Where Does the Ferry in Costa Rica Go?

The Puntarenas-Paquera ferry port is located at the very tip of the city of Puntarenas.

It is about 1.5 hours from the San Jose International Airport to this Central Pacific coast city.

This is also a good option if you’re coming from the Central or South Pacific.

From the terminal, you can take a ferry journey either to Naranjo or to the Paquera ferry terminal. This ferry trip takes about 70 to 80 minutes.

Most people take the ferry to Paquera because that is the best option if you are going to Santa Teresa, Montezuma, Paquera, Mal Pais, and Tambor.

If you are traveling to Playa Coyote or Playa Bejuco, you are better off taking the ferry to Naranjo.

Here is everything you need to know for your travel experience.

Buying Tickets Online

It is now possible to buy tickets online if going between Paquera and Puntarenas. Yeay!! You can do so on the QuickPayCR website.

Just note that they do ask that you arrive 30 minutes before departure time. They ask this because they will hold your spot for you. If you do not show up they may give your spot away to someone that did not book online ahead of time.

The site is in Spanish, but we took some screenshots of the booking process to help you figure it out.

Keep in mind….

• When you purchase tickets online it will ask for your license plate number. If you are renting a car and don’t know your license plate number yet just type in “rental car”.
• They only offer a certain amount of online tickets. Don’t worry if it says online that the ferry is sold out. There will likely still be plenty of spots available in person, but definitely arrive early.
• The driver is included in the vehicle price. You only need to buy extra passenger tickets for the other people in your car.

If you are traveling between Puntarenas and Naranjo, you can pre-book tickets online here.

Crossing by Rental Car

If you prebook your tickets online then you just need to pull up when you arrive and an attendant will let you through.

If you do not prebook your ticket you will join a line of other cars when you arrive. The attendant working will tell you if you can go buy tickets at the ticket counter or if you need to wait.

If they are unsure if all vehicles will fit on the ferry they will have you wait in line until they have a better idea if you will be able to make it on.

When it comes time to buy tickets it is best to have one of your passengers go buy the tickets at the nearby stand. That way the driver can stay in the car and stay in line if the cars move up.

When it comes to actually boarding the ferry, all passengers will need to get out of the car and board on foot. The driver will then park the car on the ferry and can then join everyone else up on deck.

The attendants are definitely lenient on this if you are driving alone with small children or an elderly person, they will let you park with them still in the car and you can all head to the deck together.

Crossing by Foot

If you have transportation to the ferry and transportation on the other side, it is possible to just walk on the ferry (with a ticket of course).

You can book your tickets online ahead of time with the QuickPayCR website, but if you are traveling by foot it usually is not necessary. I have only seen the ferry actually filled to the max with people on big travel days such as Easter week.

However, if you already know exactly which ferry you plan on taking, it doesn’t hurt to book ahead of time. At least you then have your ticket and don’t need to stress.

If you do not book your ticket ahead of time you just need to go to the ticket booth before you get onto the ferry and purchase a passenger ticket.

Crossing by Private Transfer

If taking a private transfer service (shuttle), your ferry ticket will likely be included in your booking. However, it is always a good idea to double-check when you book.

When you arrive at the ferry terminal you will disembark the shuttle and walk on to the ferry.

Note: If you need a private transfer service to the Nicoya area we highly recommend Adobe Transfers. You can find out more and book your transfer here.

Crossing by Shared Shuttle

A lot of shared shuttles also go on the ferry. If you are looking for a shared shuttle in Costa Rica, we usually have the best luck with the website Bookaway.

Some common routes are:

• San Jose to Santa Teresa Shared Transfer
• San Jose to Montezuma Shared Transfer

Crossing by Bus

If you are taking a bus from San Jose to the Nicoya Peninsula the bus will likely go on the ferry.

If you are traveling by public bus you will likely have to purchase your ferry ticket on your own. This can be done when you disembark the boat at the ferry ticket office or online ahead of time.

Disembarking

A few minutes before you arrive at your destination port, an announcement will be made on the ferry stating that it is time to disembark.

If you have traveled by bus you will need to walk off of the ferry. Your bus will drive off of the ferry and pick you up on the side of the road.

If you have traveled by car the driver will go to the vehicle to drive it out. Usually, the passengers of the vehicle can also head to the car at that time, but I have also experienced it where they have made the passengers walk off the boat and meet their car/ driver on the side of the road after exiting the ferry.

If you have walked onto the ferry, you can walk off and continue your journey.

What Can You Expect on the Ferry?

The ferry has plenty of room for you to sit either inside or outside. The outside area is mostly covered, but if the sun is coming in at an angle it can sometimes shine directly on you.

The last time we took the Puntarenas ferry the air conditioning was cranked up so high inside. It was much more comfortable to sit outside.

There are plenty of bathrooms on board and a snack bar where you can buy things like chips, candy bars, sodas, beer, popcorn etc.

The seats are not the most comfortable, but they are manageable for the little over an hour long ride.

Should You Take the Puntarenas Ferry?

We have done things both ways. We have taken the ferry and we have also driven around to the Nicoya Peninsula. Taking the ferry is definitely easier.

However, we actually usually drive because we tend to spontaneously go to the Nicoya Peninsula and often aren’t able to pre-book tickets.

It ends up being faster to drive around rather than driving through Puntarenas to get to the ferry super early to ensure we get a ticket.

Note: Until late July 2024 the La Amistad Bridge is closed for construction. TAKE THE FERRY! The drive around will be insane

But, if you are better at planning ahead and can prebook your tickets, it’s 100% worth it to take the ferry.

However, we typically take the ferry when heading back to San Jose from the Nicoya Peninsula.

This is because it is only about a 10-minute detour to get to the ferry terminal on the Nicoya side from the main road.

If it is full it is way less of a hassle to then opt to drive.

Pros of Taking the Ferry

• Way Less Driving: One of the biggest advantages is the significant reduction in driving time. Instead of navigating the winding and sometimes challenging roads, you get to relax on a scenic ferry ride.
• Typically Faster: Generally quicker than driving around the Gulf of Nicoya, covering fewer nautical miles.
• Affordable for Passengers: For those traveling as foot passengers, the ferry is a cost-effective option. It offers an affordable way to cross the gulf without the added expense of vehicle transportation.
• Convenient Location: If you’re heading from Paquera to Puntarenas, the ferry terminal is conveniently located near the main driving route. This means that even if you miss the ferry and decide to drive, it’s easy to get back on track without too much hassle.
• Scenic Journey: The ferry ride offers stunning views of the Gulf of Nicoya. You can relax and take in the beautiful coastal scenery as you pass small islands.
• Opportunity to Stretch and Relax: The ferry provides a chance to get out of your vehicle, stretch your legs, and enjoy the following amenities on board such as restrooms, a snack bar, and outdoor seating areas.

Cons of Taking the Ferry

• Arrival Time Requirement: You need to arrive at the ferry terminal at least 30 minutes before departure. This can add some stress, especially during peak travel times when the ferry can be busy.
• Cost for Vehicles: While affordable for foot passengers, taking a car on the ferry can be quite expensive. The cost might add up, especially for larger vehicles or during peak seasons.
• Driving Through Puntarenas: Navigating through the town of Puntarenas can take around 30 minutes. If you’re running late and miss the ferry, you might face a long wait for the next one or have to drive back through Puntarenas to get to the highway and continue your journey by road.
• Wait Times: Missing the ferry means waiting several hours for the next one, which can disrupt travel plans. This is particularly inconvenient if you’re on a tight schedule or traveling during peak seasons when ferries are more crowded.
• Limited Schedules: The ferry runs on a set schedule, which might not always align perfectly with your travel plans. This can add some constraints to your itinerary, especially if you have tight timelines or unforeseen delays.

What You Can Expect if You Drive to Nicoya

We don’t think the drive is THAT bad, but it is definitely long and interesting. From Puntarenas (where you would turn off to go to the ferry) the drive to Santa Teresa or Montezuma will take about 4.5 hours.

After passing Puntarenas the road turns into a two-lane highway that has a lot of big trucks on it. In other words, it is not unusual to get stuck behind a big truck that is nearly impossible to pass.

This highway has been under construction for a few years so you might have smooth sailing, but you might also encounter some less than ideal road conditions.

Eventually, you will turn off on a smaller main road called Paso de Tampisque.

If you need to stop for a quick meal or bathroom, there is a small plaza on the right-hand side of the road with a Subway, Papa Johns, and Taco Bell located just before you make a left-hand turn on to Paso de Tampisque.

Other than that, there are not many quick food options along the way.

Note: Until late July 2024 the La Amistad Bridge is closed for construction. TAKE THE FERRY! The drive around will be insane

However, there are several gas stations if you need a bathroom break. Most of the gas station bathrooms are actually fairly decent.

From the turn on Paso de Tampisque, it is usually smooth sailing until you take a left to head onto the Nicoya Penisula.

Just not that police tend to hang out in the first few miles of your turn onto Paso de Tampisque controlling speeding.

We suggest downloading the free app Waze for directions in Costa Rica. It is the best and often other drivers are really great about inputting where the police are hanging out. 

Once you get on to the Nicoya Peninsula you will drive through lots of little towns. All of the roads have been redone in the past few years and are actually really nice to cruise along.

Keep in mind that there are speedbumps and they are not always well marked. We’ve definitely flown over a few of them!

Our Tips for the Ferry

Arrive Early: The ferry can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. If it’s full, you’ll have to wait for the next one unless you’ve booked online in advance.

Book Ahead: Booking your tickets online can save you a lot of hassle, especially during busy seasons like Christmas, Easter, and school vacations.

Tolls on the Way: If you’re coming from San Jose, be prepared for tolls on the highway to Puntarenas. They accept both dollars and colones. If you only have dollars, paying with a $10 bill is a good idea as you’ll get change in colones, which should cover the rest of your trip’s tolls.

Keep Valuables with You: While you’ll likely leave your suitcases in the car during the ride, it’s best to keep important items like passports and money with you. We don’t know of any issues of car vandalism on the ferry but, it’s better to be cautious.

Minimal Time in Puntarenas: Puntarenas is not the most exciting place to spend time. I affectionately call it “the armpit of Costa Rica.” However, if you need to stay overnight, there are plenty of hotels available at various price points.

Busy Ferry Days: The ferry tends to be very busy during holiday weeks such as Christmas, Easter, Costa Rican school vacations, and the dry season (peak season). It’s particularly crowded on Friday afternoons (Puntarenas to Paquera) and Sundays (Paquera to Puntarenas). This is usually only an issue for vehicles; foot passengers can almost always find a spot.

Enjoy the Nicoya Peninsula: The Southern Nicoya Peninsula towns of Montezuma and Santa Teresa are two of our favorite places in Costa Rica. The ferry makes it easy to reach these beautiful destinations, so we highly recommend checking them out.

Bring Snacks and Water: The ferry has a snack bar, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own snacks and water, especially if you have dietary restrictions or prefer certain types of food.

Prepare for Motion Sickness: If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider bringing medication as the waters can sometimes be choppy.

Conclusion: Ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera

So, what do you think? Will you opt to take the ferry to and from the Nicoya Peninsula?

Whether you’re heading to the beautiful beaches of Montezuma and Santa Teresa or exploring the charming town of Paquera, the ferry offers a stress-free start to your adventure on the Nicoya Peninsula.

Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance, arrive early, and enjoy the stunning views along the way.

If you have any questions about the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you plan!

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