The 5 Ways to Get From San Jose to Montezuma, Costa Rica

Are you looking for the best ways to get from San Jose to Montezuma, Costa Rica?

San José is the capital city of Costa Rica and home to the main international airport. Montezuma is a charming beach town located on the Nicoya Peninsula. It is known for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning beaches, and beautiful waterfalls.

To get between these two locations, there are multiple transportation options, including ferry, rental cars, private shuttles, public buses, shared shuttles, and domestic flights. Each transportation option comes with certain pros and cons and is best for certain types of travelers.

We live in San Jose and frequently visit Montezuma (it’s our favorite beach town in the country). So, this guide is based on our frequent experiences.

You’ll find information on the best transportation options based on your needs, what to expect when driving, our recommendations for shuttles, and fun places to stop along the route.

Let’s get started!

Where is San Jose?

San Jose is the bustling capital city of Costa Rica. It is centrally located in the country and is surrounded by mountains.

The Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is the largest airport in Costa Rica. It is located near Alajuela, just west of downtown San Jose.

After a long flight, consider spending the night near the airport and heading out in the morning. The sun sets by 6PM year round and we don’t suggest navigating the roads around Montezuma for the first time in the dark.

Traffic around the airport can be heavy, and downtown San Jose is about 20 minutes to an hour away. Instead, we suggest spending your first night in the city of Alajuela.

Hotels near SJO Airport:

• High End Hotel: AC Hotel by Marriott Heredia Belen
• Mid-Range Hotel: Casa Garitas
• Budget-Friendly Hotel: Lajuela B&B

Also Check Out:

• San Jose International Airport Arrivals and Departures Guide
• Costa Rica Entry Guide: Visas, Vaccines etc.
• The Best Hotels Near the San Jose International Airport
• Ground Transportation Options from the Airport

Where is Montezuma?

Montezuma is located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

The town is famous for its picturesque beaches and the nearby Montezuma Waterfalls.

We love this area for its laid-back vibe and stunning natural beauty.

Check Out:

• Montezuma Visitors Guide (hotels, restaurants, things to do, and more!)
• Complete Guide to Montezuma Waterfalls
• The 10 Best Restaurants in Montezuma, Costa Rica
• The 10 Best Hotels in Montezuma
• 25 Fun Things to Do in Montezuma, Costa Rica

The Puntarenas Ferry

I will go through all the transportation options next, but first, you should know that there is a ferry that goes from the city of Puntarenas to the town of Paquera on the Nicoya Peninsula (marked point A and B on the map above). This crosses the Gulf of Nicoya.

This is (usually) the fastest way to get to Montezuma from San Jose. 

• You can bring your rental car on the ferry
• Often private and shared shuttles will take the ferry
• Public buses often take the ferry
• You can also walk onto the ferry as a passenger by foot

The Ferry Departure Times

The ferry departs daily from Puntarenas to Paquera at: 04:00 AM, 6:30am, 9:00am, 12:00pm, 2:30 pm, 6:00pm, 8:00pm, and 10:00pm

The ferry going the other way departs Paquera to Puntarenas at the same times: 04:00 AM, 6:30am, 9:00am, 12:00pm, 2:30 pm, 6:00pm, 8:00pm, and 10:00pm

The travel time on the ferry takes approximately 80 minutes.

Facilities on Board

There is:

• Indoor and outdoor seating
• Bathrooms
• Multiple food counters which sell drinks and some food snack items

Other Things to Know

• If you are walking onto the ferry by foot you do not need to pre-purchase tickets. You can buy tickets at the terminal
• If you are coming with a rental car it is best to pre-purchase your tickets. I get into more detail in the next section

For more info including the latest rates, check out our guide to the Tambor Ferry

Option #1: Renting a Car

Having a rental car will give you the most flexibility in your travel plans. You can start your drive whenever you want and stop at all the interesting places along the way.

We suggest renting a car if you are:

• Independent Travelers: If you enjoy exploring at your own pace and want the flexibility to make spontaneous stops along the way.
• Families: Families with children who may need frequent breaks or those traveling with a lot of luggage. Plus, this will be more cost-effective than some other options.
• Adventure Seekers: If you are interested in exploring off-the-beaten-path locations and attractions, a car is great.
• Groups: Groups of friends or family members who can share the cost of the rental, making it more economical.
• Onward Travel: If you plan to visit multiple destinations, a car is helpful. For example, if you are going down to Mal País or Santa Teresa after your visit in Montezuma.

We don’t suggest renting a car if you are:

• Budget Travelers: If you are looking to minimize expenses, car rental might not be for you.
• Short-Term Visitors: If you have a very short duration in Costa Rica, it might make more sense to take a domestic flight to Tambor and then a taxi to Montezuma.
• Solo Travelers: If you are traveling alone, you may find car rental costs to be too much compared to shared transport options.
• Nervous Drivers: If you are not confident in your driving skills, this might not be the best option.
• Staying in a Resort: Often, you won’t need a car if you are staying in a resort with all amenities included.

Recommendations on Best Car Rental Agencies

We always suggest renting your car with Adobe Rent-a-Car. They are our favorite local rental company in the country.

Because we like them so much, we asked if they would be willing to partner with us. We now have an excellent 10% exclusive discount to pass on to you, plus a bunch of other great perks.

When you rent your car, make sure to select “San Jose International Airport (SJO)” as your pick-up location if you would like your car from the airport.

Check Availability and Book Your Rental Car

Picking Up Your Rental Car from the Airport

When your flight lands at the SJO airport, you will go through border control, pick up your luggage, and then head outside into the Costa Rica heat.

Once outside, you will be confronted with a lot of people asking if you need a taxi or holding signs for various shuttle and tour companies. If you have rented your car with Adobe, look for someone holding an Adobe sign.

This employee will then take you on the comfortable Adobe shuttle to their office located across the street from the airport. The airport is not that big, so most rental companies are not located directly on-site.

At the Adobe office, you will get the keys to your vehicle and be on your way!

Pro Tip: If you opt to spend the night near the Juan Santamaría International Airport, you can always have Adobe deliver your car to you in the morning. They are happy to deliver your rental car to your hotel for free within 12 miles of their office.

Picking Up Your Rental Car from Downtown San Jose

If you are staying in downtown San Jose, Adobe has an office in this area where you can pick up your rental car. Just make sure you select “downtown San Jose” as your pick-up location when you make your car rental reservation.

Alternatively, Adobe will deliver your rental car to you for free within 12 miles of any of their offices throughout the country.

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Adobe Rent-a-Car

• 10% discount for Costa Rica Vibes readers
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Check Prices and Availability!

Which Car to Rent

It is helpful to have an SUV for this drive and for exploring the nearby areas.

The roads to Montezuma are all paved and well maintained, but they can be curvy and hilly.

In downtown Montezuma, the roads are paved. However, some of the side roads in the area are unpaved.

You typically do not need a 4×4 in this area, but an SUV with decent clearance will provide a more comfortable ride and better handling on rough roads.

Travel Tip: Before booking your car, it is a good idea to ask at your hotel in Montezuma if you will need a 4×4 to get to the hotel. Some places are located on steep side roads.

The Driving Route to Montezuma

There are two ways to make this trip.

1. Drive the entire way. This will take about six hours.
2. Take the ferry from Puntarenas. This will take about five hours (but 80 minutes of that are no driving because you’ll be on the ferry)

Most people take the ferry because it will save you on several hours of driving and is much less stressful. However, there are some instances when driving makes the most sense.

So, let’s go through each transportation choice.

Driving the Whole Way

• If you opt to drive the entire way we suggest driving from the city to the coast on Route 27. This is a toll road. They accept US dollars or colones.
• Near Puntarenas, you will exit onto Route 1 heading north. This road has been under construction for a while because they are widening it. So, you may have smooth sailing, but might also hit construction.
• In the town of La Palma you will come to a roundabout where you will go to the left onto route 18. 
• If you need a bathroom or food break, there is a small plaza on the right before the roundabout that has a Papa Johns, Subway, and ice cream shop in it. I marked it on Google Maps here.
• In the roundabout, there is also a gas station on the on the corner. If you need a gas station, snack, or bathroom this is a good spot to stop.
• From there, you will continue on Route 18 to Nicoya.
• There are always police hanging out on Route 18, so stick to the speed limit. 
• In Nicoya you will turn left and finally be heading south of the Nicoya hook. 
• They recently redid all of these roads so they are super nice in many spots. But, keep an eye out, there are a lot of speed bumps that are sometimes not well-marked. We have definitely flown over a few!
• Drive along the coast until you hit the town of Paquera (this is where you would have come out if you took the ferry). 
• From Paquera, continue driving on Route 160 for about 17 miles.
• After 17 miles you will come to a street called Calle Pura Vida. Take a left here and follow this road into town.

You can view this route on Google Maps here.

Keep in Mind: Google Maps and Waze seem to really want you to take the ferry. Even if you select to drive around you might find that half way through they will redirect you. To bypass that, I always add a stop at the La Amistad Bridge to my route. This will ensure that the maps take you around instead of on ferry.

Taking the Ferry

The best way to do this (if coming from San Jose) is by going on the Puntarenas ferry to Paquera.

Enter, “Naviera Tambor ferry” as your destination in your GPS. This will bring you to the ferry terminal in Puntarenas.

• Basically, you will drive on Route 27 all the way to the city of Puntarenas.
• Route 27 is a toll road. You will spend about $8 USD in tolls. They accept US dollars or Costa Rican colones. 
• In Puntarenas you will exit and drive straight through the downtown area until the very tip of Puntarenas. 
• This is a city so there are a lot of traffic lights and people walking everywhere.
• At the ferry terminal you will drive your car onto the ferry, exit your car and sit up top and enjoy the ride.

⤷ Check out our guide to the Puntarenas ferry for all the details

We suggest pre-booking a ferry ticket here to ensure you get on board. You want to go in the direction of “Paquera”

Note: If you attempt to pre-book and it says that there are no tickets available, this does not mean that the ferry is fully booked. They set aside a certain number of spaces for people who just show up.

From Paquera, continue driving on Route 160. Follow the signs for Cobano / Santa Teresa.

Continue on Route 160 for about 17 miles.

After 17 miles you will come to a street called Calle Pura Vida. Take a left here and follow this road into town.

Ferry vs Driving

As I mentioned above, we live in San Jose and love Montezumaso we make this drive often. We usually end up driving the whole way instead of taking the ferry. 

The reason is, in order to pre-book tickets you need to select a specific ferry time. it can be difficult to time when you will get to the ferry terminal in Puntarenas because you never really know with traffic here. 

You could of course just drive to the ferry terminal and hope that there are tickets available. But, it takes about 15 minutes off of the highway to drive to the ferry terminal.

And, if you miss the ferry or need to wait for the next one because the one you wanted was full, then you are left waiting for a few hours.

Usually, if you have not pre-booked a ticket and arrive about 20 minutes before the ferry departs you should be fine getting on. However, during the dry season and on holidays the ferry can be full.

The area around the ferry terminal is not the nicest for exploring. You could find a meal somewhere, but besides that Puntarenas doesn’t have much to offer. 

However, it is a long drive to go all the way around. 

So, really I think it depends on your driving comfort level, your desire to experience the ferry, and how your timing in Puntarenas is looking in comparison to the ferry timetable.

You might also want to factor in the cost difference. To bring your car on the ferry costs about $25 USD plus about $2 for each passenger.

If you are going from Montezuma back to San Jose I suggest trying to take the ferry.

It is not as much of a detour to the Paquera ferry terminal from the main road. If you are unable to get on and decide to drive around instead, you will only lose about 15 minutes.

Things to Know When Driving in Costa Rica

Here are some things you should know before getting on the road in Costa Rica.

Tolls

Route 27 is a toll highway. There are about 3 toll stops along the way. The toll booths accept US dollars or Costa Rican colones. Recently, they have also started accepting payments with credit cards.

It is good to still have some cash, just in case, but you should now be fine with a credit card.

If you want to pay with cash and only have US dollars, I suggest paying at the first toll with a $10 bill. They will give you change in colones. The change will be enough to pay the rest of the tolls along the route in colones.

Merging

One of the scariest parts about driving on Route 27 is the merging of lanes. Most of the highway is one lane in either direction. However, there are certain parts of the highway that turn into multiple lanes. This is great for passing slower cars and trucks.

The downside is, that the signs for remerging are often very last minute. We have seen many tourists almost get in bad accidents because they don’t realize until the last minute that their lane is suddenly going to end.

So, keep an eye out for signs and try to follow what the drivers in front of you are doing.

Traffic

This is a widely driven route, so the traffic can get very bad depending on the time of the day and time of year.

For example, during rush hour, the area around San Jose is very congested.

To combat that, we suggest driving in the middle of the day on a weekday if possible. Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings will be notoriously bad traffic times from San Jose to the coast.

If it seems like you might be in for some bad traffic, check out both Waze and Google Maps. Waze is especially good at predicting traffic and giving alternative routes when necessary.

GPS

We suggest using Google Maps or Waze for all driving directions in Costa Rica. We usually prefer Waze because it is the most widely used in the country. People are very good about marking obstructions in the road, police checkpoints, etc.

You should have no problem holding a 3G or above connection during the entire drive. However, we suggest downloading the map of Costa Rica on Google Maps before driving, just in case. This will be helpful if you do lose cell phone service for whatever reason.

Need info on staying connected while in Costa Rica? Find out our SIM card suggestions here.

Also, make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a backup cell phone power bank if possible. There is nothing worse than having your phone die in a foreign country and having no idea where to go.

Addresses

I know it sounds crazy, but there are no addresses in Costa Rica. Instead, you will need to put in the name of the place you are intending to go to in your GPS. For example, you might enter your hotel name, an Airbnb name, a beach name, etc.

Getting Gasoline

Gas stations in Costa Rica are full-service. This means you will stay in your car, and an employee will come fill your gas tank for you.

Also, all gas stations in Costa Rica are government-regulated. In other words, you do not need to drive around looking for the lowest gas prices. The price will be the same no matter where you go.

There are several gas stations along this route, so you should have no problem finding a spot to fill up.

Bathroom Stops

Gas stations are often the best places to stop to use the bathroom. If the restroom at a gas station is locked, just ask the attendant for a key.

Food Stops

Costa Rica isn’t known for having the best quick food stop options. The country is home to a few fast food places such as McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, and Subway; but if you want anything a little nicer, you will usually have to opt for a sit-down place.

• For snacks, I suggest just stopping at any gas station.
• For a meal, there are several roadside places along the drive.

Safety

Be careful about leaving your car unattended. Petty theft can sometimes happen, and a car filled with suitcases that is left alone will be a prime target.

If we stop, we like to always make sure that our vehicle is within view.

Other than that, you should feel pretty safe!

For More Info on Driving, Check Out:

• Costa Rica Car Rentals: All Your Questions Answered
• Costa Rica Driving Directions: How to Easily Get Around

Option #2: Private Transfer to Montezuma

A private shuttle is typically an air-conditioned and comfortable van driven by an experienced driver.

This van is designated only for you and your group. So, a private transfer is a great way to sit back and comfortably get to your destination without the stress of driving and without having to deal with any other passengers.

To get to Montezuma, most shuttles will take the ferry. This helps break up the journey because you will have the chance to get out of the van, check out the onboard amenities, and enjoy the boat ride.

Pros of a Private Shuttle

• Private Transportation: You are alone and don’t need to deal with other passengers.
• Flexible Scheduling: You can plan your shuttle for whenever you arrive. Typically, you will give your shuttle driver your flight information so they can be waiting for you when you exit the airport.
• Custom Stops: Your driver will often be willing to make short stops along the way. For example, when going to Montezuma, you can ask to stop at a viewpoint or a local eatery.

Cons of a Private Shuttle

• Cost: It can be expensive to take a private shuttle. Typically, you pay for the shuttle, not per person. So, if you are a group of people, then it is a good option. But, if you are one or two people traveling together, a shared shuttle will likely be more cost-effective.

Book Your Private Shuttle

Adobe Rent-a-Car has recently started a private shuttle company. They are reliable and excellent!

They will be happy to stop along the way if you need to get groceries, want to see some scenic spots, etc.

Also, they can pick you up from anywhere in the country and deliver you straight to your next hotel. Door-to-door service at its finest!

🚌 Get a Price Quote for a Private Shuttle 🚐

Option #3: Shared Shuttle to Montezuma

Shared shuttles are a cost-effective and comfortable way to travel. They operate from the San Jose airport, nearby hotels, and downtown San Jose.

This option is more affordable than a private shuttle but offers less flexibility in terms of departure times and routes.

We find that the Bookaway website is typically the best for finding shared shuttles within Costa Rica.

Interbus is our favorite shuttle service to Montezuma.

They offer:

• Shared shuttle services from the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose to hotels in Montezuma departing at 8:00 AM daily. The shuttle should arrive in Montezuma around 2:30PM. Check availability and book
• Shared shuttle service from downtown San Jose hotels to hotels in Montezuma departing at 8:00 AM daily. The shuttle should arrive in Montezuma around 2:30PM. Check availability and book

You are allowed to bring 1 suitcases plus a handbag per passenger.

🚌 Check Availability and Book Your Shuttle to Montezuma 🚐

Option #4: Public Bus to Montezuma

Best for: Budget Travelers who are up for an adventure

The cheapest way to get to Montezuma is by public bus (if coming from San Jose).

However, this will take 7 to 8 hours and involves switching buses twice and going on the ferry. 

⤷ Check out the bus schedule for more info

This is possible from downtown San Jose, but if coming from the airport this journey will involve more stops..

The downfall of this is that if you miss one bus connection you are kind of out of luck and may need to wait several hours until the next bus arrives.

Travel Tip: Keep an eye on your belongings, especially at the bus terminals and during stops. I suggest putting your large luggage under the bus and keeping personal items with you. I have heard of people putting bags above the seat on these buses, falling asleep, and waking up to find all of their stuff stolen. So, keep valuables on you.

Option #5: Domestic Flight to Tambor and Shuttle to Montezuma

If you prefer to travel quickly and enjoy aerial views of Costa Rica, a domestic flight is an excellent option.

Next to the San Jose International Airport, there is a domestic terminal. You can fly from here to Tambor and from there take a taxi or shuttle to Montezuma.

Booking a Flight

The main airline that flies between these two destinations is called Sansa.

Prices vary depending on the season and how far in advance you book, typically ranging from $100 to $200 one-way.

Travel Time and Comfort

The flight duration to the Tambor Airport is approximately 40 minutes. So, it is definitely the fastest way to reach Montezuma.

The planes are small, typically seating around 12 passengers, and offer stunning views of the coastline and mountains.

However, I don’t recommend this option if small planes scare you.

✈️ Check Available Flights Here 👩‍✈️

Our Opinion on Getting from San Jose to Montezuma

Typically, we suggest you opt to rent a car when traveling from San Jose to Montezuma. This gives you the most flexibility to explore the beautiful surroundings at your own pace.

However, there are certain times when renting a car might not be ideal. For example, if you’re on a tight budget, if you’re staying at a resort where you won’t need a car, or if you’re nervous about driving in Costa Rica.

For those on a very tight budget, the public bus is the cheapest option. However, if you’re arriving at the San Jose airport, you’ll need to take a taxi downtown to the bus terminal. Considering this cost, it might be more economical to take a shared shuttle that picks you up directly from the airport.

If you’re staying at a resort, a shared or private shuttle is a convenient option.

Alternatively, there are plenty of excursion companies in Montezuma offering day trips with transportation included.

This way, you can enjoy activities like guided tours to Cabo Blanco Reserve or snorkeling at Tortuga Island without needing a rental car.

Conclusion: Getting to Montezuma

In conclusion, there are multiple ways to get to Montezuma depending on your particular needs.

Whether you choose the flexibility of a rental car, the comfort of a private shuttle, the affordability of a public bus, or the speed of a domestic flight, each option for getting from San Jose to Montezuma has certain pros and cons.

If you have any questions about planning your trip to Montezuma, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you plan!

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