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The 5 Best Ways to Get from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez

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

San José, the capital city of Costa Rica, is home to the main international airport. Puerto Jimenez is a charming town on the Osa Peninsula, known for its access to Corcovado National Park, beautiful beaches, and vibrant wildlife.

To get between these two locations, there are multiple transportation options, including 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 Puerto Jimenez, so this guide is based on our 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!

San Jose to Puerto Jimenez at a Glance

Option Cost (on average) Time Convenience Flexibility Comfort Best For
Rental Car $40 – $80/day + fuel 6-7 hrs High (flexible, door-to-door) High (explore freely) High (private, controlled) Exploring, families, groups
Private Shuttle $250 – $350 6-7 hrs High (door-to-door, stress-free) Moderate (set schedule) High (private, driver) Stress-free, groups, families
Shared Shuttle $70 – $90/person 7 hrs Moderate (set schedule, shared) Low (fixed schedule) Moderate (shared, comfortable) Budget, solo, small groups
Public Bus $15/person 8-9 hrs Low (fixed schedule, stops) Low (fixed schedule) Moderate (shared, basic) Budget, backpackers, solo
Domestic Flight $80 – $200/person 45 mins flight + 10 mins taxi High (quick, taxi needed) Low (fixed times) High (quick, scenic) Quick travel, limited time
san jose to puerto jimenez

San Jose and the International Airport

The Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is the largest airport in Costa Rica. It is considered the San Jose airport, but it is actually located closer to Alajuela (just west of San Jose).

After a long flight, we suggest that you consider spending the night near the airport and heading out to Puerto Jimenez in the morning.

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

Hotels near SJO Airport:

However, if you’re eager to get to the beach, Puerto Jimenez is about a six-hour drive. We don’t suggest doing this after dark (the sun sets around 6 pm) if it is your first time driving in the country.

Check Out:

Where is Puerto Jimenez?

Puerto Jimenez is a town located on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, approximately 230 miles south of San Jose.

The drive usually takes around 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic.

The town is most famous for its proximity to Corcovado National Park. This park is one of the most richly biodiverse places in the world and features beautiful landscapes.

Check Out:

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 to other places such as Manuel Antonio and Uvita on your way down to Puerto Jimenez.

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 the most sense to take a domestic flight from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez.
  • 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. It is a long drive!
  • 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.

#1 Car Rental Pick
The 5 Best Ways to Get from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez

Adobe Rent-a-Car

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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 nice 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.

🚗 Reserve Your Rental Car with 10% Discount 🚘

Note: Driving in downtown San Jose is pure madness, so we suggest picking up your car and heading straight out of the city.

Which Car to Rent

When traveling to Puerto Jimenez it is very helpful to have an SUV and even better if you have a vehicle with four-wheel drive.

The highway is paved and mostly flat. However, a lot of the roads around Puerto Jimenez are not paved. Usually, these are doable with the clearance of an SUV, but there are some river crossings down here. During the rainy season, you will likely need a 4×4 to get through them.

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

The Driving Route

The driving route from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez is pretty straightforward, but let me give you some detailed information to make it as clear as possible.

When you look at the driving route on Google Maps or Waze, follow these directions:

From the San Jose Airport, you will:

  1. Start by heading west on Route 1 (the big highway directly outside of the airport) for about 6 miles. From the Adobe Car Rental office, you will already be on the correct side of the road. Just turn right out of the parking lot and you will be on your way!
  2. Exit at the roundabout. There are signs for Route 27. You will continue on this road for about 3 miles.
  3. Exit onto Route 27. Stay on Route 27 for approximately 23 miles until you see the exit for Route 34 towards Jaco. Note: Route 27 is a toll road.
  4. Stay on Route 34 for approximately 110 miles until you reach the town of Piedras Blancas.
  5. In Piedras Blancas, turn onto Route 245 towards Puerto Jimenez. Follow Route 245 for approximately 80 miles until you reach Puerto Jimenez.

The total travel time should be about 6 to 7 hours. However, traffic here is completely unpredictable. We have experienced this route taking as little as 5.5 hours and as long as 9 hours during peak times.

I put these directions into Google Maps for you if you need them.

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. Yay!

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

The first half of this route is one of the most widely driven routes in the country. 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. On weekends, Jaco and Manuel Antonio are popular beach destinations for people living in San Jose. Everyone takes the same route that you will take to Puerto Jimenez to get to these beach towns.

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. Additionally, Sunday afternoons are the worst time to head from Puerto Jimenez back towards San Jose.

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.

If you get really stuck in the thick of it, get ready for an interesting cultural experience. Locals will walk along the highway selling snacks to cars that are sitting in traffic.

If you want a snack, we suggest buying some green mangos with salt from a passing seller. It sounds weird, but it’s delicious!

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.

Luckily, this likely won’t happen on your route from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez. The road is well-marked with street signs indicating any turns.

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, I suggest going to Esterillos Town Center plaza which is about the halfway point of your drive. There are several food options here without having to get off the highway, and you can eat outside and keep an eye on your car. There is also a grocery store here if you need it. Alternatively, as you drive through Uvita there are several restaurants on the main road that you can easily stop at.

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!

Find out more in our guide to driving in Costa Rica

Things to See Along the Drive

There are plenty of interesting things to do along your drive, but please use caution. Make sure your car is always being watched by a guard and that your suitcases or belongings are not easy to spot.

Stop at a Fruit Stand

fruit stand

One of our (many) favorite things about Costa Rica is all the delicious fresh tropical produce.

On your drive on Route 27, you will pass by a collection of fruit stands. These stands are on the opposite side of the road, so you will need to turn around in order to reach them.

At these stands, you can buy a variety of fruits that you may have never even seen before.

Having a tropical fruit taste test is always a fun cultural experience!

Check Out the Crocodile Bridge

crocodile

Rio Tarcoles is a river in Costa Rica that is home to tons of big crocodiles. On your way to Puerto Jimenez, you will pass over the Rio Tarcoles Bridge just before you reach Jaco.

It is possible to pull your car off before the bridge and walk onto the bridge lookout point to see the crocodiles sunning themselves below.

It’s a great spot for stretching your legs.

Find it on Google Maps here.

Stop at the Jaco Sign

The 5 Best Ways to Get from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez

After driving past downtown Jaco, you will come to this viewpoint and Jaco sign. You can easily just pull your car off from the highway here and snap a picture.

Also, look out for macaws. You can often spot them in the trees in this area.

I marked this on Google Maps here.

Visit a Beach

esterillos beach

There are several beaches we suggest visiting along the way, including Playa Hermosa and Playa Esterillos.

Playa Hermosa is known for its great surfing conditions, and Playa Esterillos is perfect if you want to stretch your legs and walk for a bit.

Option #2: Private Shuttle to Puerto Jimenez

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.

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 Puerto Jimenez, you can ask to stop at a viewpoint or a grocery store.

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 Private Shuttle Quote Here

Option #3: Shared Shuttle to Puerto Jimenez

Shared shuttles are a cost-effective and comfortable way to travel from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez.

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.

Check Availability of All Shuttles from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez

Easy Ride is our favorite shuttle service that you can book on BookAway to Puerto Jimenez. They offer shared shuttle services from the San Jose Juan Santamaria International Airport to all hotels in Puerto Jimenez once a day.

Unfortunately, this shuttle leaves at 4:30 AM.

You are allowed to bring 2 suitcases plus a handbag per passenger. They ask that you meet their driver at a designated spot at the airport. They also request that you please arrive at the pickup point at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Easy Ride also provides pickup from a list of San Jose hotels, if that is easier for you. However, it is still a 4:00 AM pickup.

Check Availability and Book Your Shuttle with EasyRide

Option #4: Public Bus to Puerto Jimenez

Taking a public bus is the most economical way to get from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez. This option is ideal for budget travelers who don’t mind a bit of adventure.

Bus Schedule and Booking

Direct buses to Puerto Jimenez depart from downtown San Jose (I marked it on Google Maps here).

  • The bus departs once daily at 12:00 PM.
  • The journey takes around 7 hours.
  • Prices are very reasonable, typically around $15 per person.

You technically should be able to purchase tickets online, but their website is a mess. To be honest, I am not sure if you should trust entering your credit card in their online booking system. I can not confirm that it is actually secure. The website itself comes up as “not secure” when I go to it, so I don’t fully trust it.

Instead, I suggest purchasing your ticket in person at their bus terminal in San Jose.

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.

The buses are comfortable. They make several stops along the way, including a longer stop for refreshments and restrooms.

In Puerto Jimenez, the bus stops right in the center of town.

You can then walk or take a taxi to your hotel.

Get More Info on the Grupo Blanco Website

Option #5: Domestic Flight to Puerto Jimenez

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 directly to Puerto Jimenez.

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 $80 to $200 one-way.

Travel Time and Comfort

The flight duration to the Puerto Jimenez Airport is approximately 45 minutes. So, it is definitely the fastest way to reach Puerto Jimenez.

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.

Ground Transportation

Once you arrive in Puerto Jimenez you can easily get a taxi to your hotel. There are several companies that offer day tours with transportation included to places like Corcovado National Park.

Additionally, there are a few rental car companies in the downtown area, but the options are somewhat limited.

Check Available Flights Here

Our Opinion on Getting from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez

puerto jimenez hotels

Typically, we suggest you opt to rent a car and drive yourself throughout the country. This gives you the most flexibility to explore the beautiful surroundings at your own pace.

However, it is a long drive to get to Puerto Jimenez. I completely understand not wanting to do this route on your own.

I think a car still makes the most sense, if you can break up the trip. Stay a few nights in Manuel Antonio, Uvita, or Dominical on your way down the coast or back up.

🚗 Reserve Your Rental Car with 10% Discount 🚘

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 (but they leave so early in the morning).

In a lot of ways, a domestic flight makes the most sense to get here. The one downfall is that there are very few car rental companies in Puerto Jimenez once you arrive.

However, there are plenty of excursion companies in Puerto Jimenez offering day trips with transportation included. This way, you can enjoy activities like guided tours in Corcovado National Park or boat trips without needing a rental car.

Conclusion: Getting to Puerto Jimenez

In conclusion, there are multiple ways to get to Puerto Jimenez 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 Puerto Jimenez has certain pros and cons.

By planning ahead and selecting the transportation method that best fits your needs, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey to this vibrant town.

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

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Costa Rica Travel Details: What You Need to Know

🚗 Should I rent a car in Costa Rica?

Having a rental car will give you the most flexibility when traveling in Costa Rica. This will also allow you to take fun day trips on your own.

🏄🏽 How can I book things to do?

We find that Viator tends to have the most comprehensive selection of activities with secure booking and good cancellation policies.

🍍 I’m overwhelmed with planning. Can you help?

Of course! I suggest joining our Facebook group for specific questions and head to our Start Here Page to get started planning.

✈️ What is the best way to book a flight?

Usually, we have the best luck finding great prices with Skyscanner. Check for flights to both San Jose Airport (SJO) and Liberia Airport (LIR).

🛏️ What is the best way to book my Costa Rica hotels?

We highly suggest Booking.com for hotel bookings and typically use VRBO for Costa Rica vacation rentals.

🗣️What is the main language in Costa Rica?

The main language in Costa Rica is Spanish. Most people working in tourism speak at least some English.

💰 What is the currency in Costa Rica?

The currency used in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). However, the US dollar is widely accepted in most tourist areas

📞 What is the best way to stay connected?

An eSIM from Airalo is the easiest way to get 4G data while traveling in Costa Rica.

🌴 Is Costa Rica safe?

Generally, Costa Rica is considered safe for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it’s best to use caution and be aware of your surroundings.

🛂 Do you need a passport to go to Costa Rica?

Yes, Costa Rica is its own country. You will need a passport to visit.