The 5 Ways to Get from San Jose to Tamarindo, Costa Rica

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

San José is the bustling capital city of Costa Rica and also home to one of two international airports in the country. Tamarindo is a vibrant beach town on the Pacific coast. It is famous for its surf spots and lively atmosphere.

There are several transportation options to get between these two locations including rental cars, private shuttles, public buses, shared shuttles, and domestic flights.

We live in San Jose and frequently visit Tamarindo, so this guide is based on our personal experiences. You’ll find information on the 5 best transportation options, what to expect, our recommendations, and a helpful map for your journey.

The San Jose International Airport

The Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is the largest international airport in the country. It is located near Alajuela, just west of the capital city of San Jose.

Traffic around the airport can be heavy, with downtown San Jose being about 20 minutes to an hour away. We suggest spending your first night in Alajuela instead.

After a long flight, we definitely suggest that you consider staying near the airport and heading out in the morning.

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

However, if you’re eager to get to the beach, Tamarindo is about a four to five-hour drive. We don’t recommend driving after dark (sun sets around 6pm) if it’s your first time driving in the country.

Travel Tip: You can avoid all of the stress of getting between San Jose and Tamarindo by flying into Liberia International Airport instead. Liberia International Airport is only about 1.5 hours from Tamarindo. More and more airlines are flying into Liberia, so definitely check it out! Search for great flight deals here.

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 Tamarindo?

Tamarindo is a lively beach town located in the Guanacaste province on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast. It is approximately 160 miles (260 kilometers) northwest of San Jose.

The drive typically takes about 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic.

Tamarindo is renowned for its stunning beaches, excellent surf spots, vibrant nightlife, and a variety of outdoor activities, such as snorkeling, fishing, and wildlife watching. It’s a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure seekers.

Renting a car offers the most flexibility for your travel plans. You can set your own schedule and make stops at interesting places along the way.

We suggest renting a car if:

• 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: People interested in exploring off-the-beaten-path locations and attractions.
• Groups: Groups of friends or family members who can share the cost of the rental, making it more economical.

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 Tamarindo.
• 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.

Recommended Car Rental Agencies

We highly recommend Adobe Rent-a-Car, our preferred local rental company in Costa Rica.

Because we trust them so much, we’ve partnered with Adobe to offer you an exclusive 10% discount, plus other great perks.

When booking, make sure to select “San Jose International Airport (SJO)” as your pick-up location.

#1 Car Rental Pick

Adobe Rent-a-Car

• 10% discount for Costa Rica Vibes readers
• Free second driver
• 0% deductible on Liability Protection Insurance
• Excellent customer service
• New fleet of well-maintained vehicles

Check Prices and Availability!

Picking Up Your Rental Car from the Airport

Upon arrival at SJO airport, you’ll go through border control, collect your luggage, and step out into the warm Costa Rica air.

Outside, you’ll see many people offering taxis or holding signs for shuttle and tour companies. If you booked with Adobe, look for their sign.

An Adobe representative will take you via a comfortable shuttle to their office near the airport. Though not directly on-site, the office is close by.

At the Adobe office, you’ll receive your vehicle keys and be on your way!

We have a complete guide to renting a car from the San Jose Airport for more information.

Pro Tip: If you spend the night near the airport, Adobe can deliver your car to your hotel for free within 12 miles of their office. We recommend staying at a hotel with a free airport shuttle, relaxing for the evening, and having your car delivered in the morning.

Picking Up Your Rental Car from Downtown San Jose

If staying in downtown San Jose, you can pick up your rental car from Adobe’s downtown office. Simply select “downtown San Jose” as your pick-up location when reserving your car.

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

🚗 Reserve Your Rental Car with 10% Discount 🚘

Note: Driving in downtown San Jose can be hectic, so we suggest picking up your car and heading straight out of the city.

Which Car to Rent

For the journey from San Jose to Tamarindo, any car will be fine. The highways are paved and mostly flat.

However, if you plan to explore more remote areas around Tamarindo we definitely suggest an SUV. Many attractions, such as beaches and nature reserves, may be located on unpaved or steep roads.

A 4×4 is usually not necessary but an SUV will provide a more comfortable ride and better handling on rough roads.

Travel Tip: Ask at your hotel to check if you will need a 4×4. This especially applies if you are staying in the hills above Tamarindo. Some of those roads are unpaved and can be tricky without a 4×4.

The Driving Experience to Tamarindo

The drive from San Jose to Tamarindo is fairly straightforward, but here are some details to make your journey smoother.

When checking the route on Google Maps or Waze (Waze is excellent for Costa Rica), you’ll see two main options: Route 27 and Route 1.

Recommended Route

• Route 27: This is the best choice when heading out of the city to the coast. It’s a main highway, well-maintained, and faster.
• Route 1: You could take Route 1 the whole way. It is more scenic but slower, with more curves and chances of getting stuck behind trucks. So, we suggest a combo of both 27 and 1.

Directions from San Jose Airport:

1. Start on Route 1: Head west on Route 1 (the big highway outside the airport) for about 6 miles. If renting from Adobe, you’ll already be on the right side; just turn right out of the parking lot.
2. Exit for Route 27: Follow signs for Route 27 at the roundabout. Stay on Route 27 heading towards Caldera for about 40 miles. Route 27 is a toll road, so have some cash in either USD or colones ready. $10 will be more than enough for the whole drive.
3. Merge onto Route 1: After reaching the end of Route 27, merge onto Route 1 towards Liberia. Stay on Route 1 for approximately 85 miles until you reach Liberia. This highway has been under construction for several years, so you may encounter some roadwork. However, this stretch of highway is the nicest in the country.
4. Turn Off for Tamarindo: In Liberia, turn left at the traffic lights onto Route 21 towards Nicoya/Santa Cruz. Stay on Route 21 for about 26 miles.
5. Turn Right onto Route 155: Just past Santa Cruz, turn right onto Route 155 towards Tamarindo. Stay on Route 155 for about 20 miles.
6. Turn Left onto Route 152: Finally, turn left onto Route 152, which will take you directly to Tamarindo.

Travel Time

The drive should take around 4-5 hours, but traffic can be unpredictable. It might take longer during peak times, so plan accordingly.

Enjoy your drive and the beautiful scenery along the way to Tamarindo!

Things to Know When Driving to Tamarindo

Tolls

Route 27 is a toll highway with about 3 toll stops. Toll booths accept US dollars or Costa Rican colones. If you have only US dollars, consider paying the first toll with a $10 bill to get change in colones for the rest of the trip.

Pro Tip: Its always a good idea to carry some Costa Rican colones. The airport’s money exchange counter offers poor rates, so it’s better to get colones from your bank before your trip or use an ATM in Costa Rica.

Merging

One challenging aspect of driving on Route 27 is the merging of lanes. Most of the highway is single-lane in each direction, but there are sections that expand to multiple lanes.

This is great because it allows you to pass slower vehicles. However, the signs for merging back into one lane are often last-minute.

Keep an eye out for signs and follow the lead of the drivers ahead to stay safe.

Traffic

This route is heavily trafficked, especially during rush hours and weekends. For instance, the area around San Jose can be particularly congested during peak times.

To avoid heavy traffic, try driving in the middle of the day on weekdays. Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings are typically very busy for travel from San Jose to Tamarindo, and Sunday afternoons can be challenging for the return trip.

Travel Tip: If you’re traveling back to the airport from Tamarindo, consider spending the night near the airport to avoid any last-minute traffic issues and ensure you make your flight on time.

GPS

Use Google Maps or Waze for directions. Waze is definitely our favorite in Costa Rica for real-time traffic updates and route suggestions.

You will likely have 3G or above connection for the entire drive. But, it is always a good idea to download offline maps on Google Maps as a backup in case of connectivity issues.

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

Also, make sure your phone is fully charged and carry a backup power bank.

Addresses

I know it sounds absolutely insane, but Costa Rica does not use traditional addresses. Instead, enter the name of your destination (hotel, Airbnb, beach, etc.) into your GPS.

Getting Gasoline

Gas stations in Costa Rica are full-service, meaning an attendant will fill your tank for you. All gas stations have the same government-regulated prices, so there’s no need to search for the best deal.

There are several gas stations along the route to Tamarindo. We typically like to stop at this gas station on Route 1.

Bathroom Stops

Gas stations are usually the best places for bathroom stops. The gas station I marked above is about halfway into your drive. They have bathrooms that you can easily access from outside without a key, and they are usually very clean.

If the restroom is locked, ask the attendant for the key.

Food Stops

For snacks, gas stations are always a good idea. They typically have a good selection of drinks and things like chips and snack bars.

For a quick meal, there is a plaza called Plaza Limonal (I marked it on Googel Maps here) at the same intersection as the gas station I marked above. It has a Subway and Papa Johns. And, as a self proclaimed sub snob I will say that Subway in Costa Rica is weirdly much better than Subway in the US.

So you can grab food, go through the roundabout to get gas and use the bathroom, and then continue along Route 1. It’s really the perfect stop.

Safety

I suggest that you avoid leaving your car unattended, especially with all your luggage inside. If you stop to get food, just make sure your vehicle is in sight to deter petty theft.

Other than that, you should feel pretty safe here.

Option #2: Private Shuttle to Tamarindo

A private shuttle is typically an air-conditioned and comfortable van driven by an experienced driver, designated solely for you and your group.

This is an excellent option for stress-free transportation without having to drive or deal with other passengers.

Pros of a Private Shuttle

• Private Transportation: You travel alone without sharing with other passengers.
• Flexible Scheduling: Shuttles can be scheduled according to your arrival time, with drivers waiting for you at the airport.
• Custom Stops: Drivers are usually willing to make short stops along the way, like stopping at a supermarket or a scenic spot.

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 the crocodiles, 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!

🚌 If you are interested in getting a price quote for a private shuttle, you can do that here 🚐

Option #3: Shared Shuttle to Tamarindo

Shared shuttles are a cost-effective and comfortable way to travel to Tamarindo. 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.

Shared Shuttle from the San Jose International Airport to Tamarindo

Super Shuttle Costa Rica offers shared shuttle services from the San Jose Juan Santamaria International Airport to Tamarindo area hotels.

The shuttle typically takes about 5 hours.

You are allowed to bring one suitcase plus a handbag per passenger. The pickup point is directly at the airport.

🚐 Check Availability and Book Your Shuttle 🚌

Shared Shuttle from Downtown San Jose to Tamarindo

Super Shuttle Costa Rica also offers shared shuttle services from downtown San Jose hotels to Tamarindo area hotels. These shuttles have similar departure times and provide a comfortable ride with air conditioning and English-speaking drivers.

You can bring 1 suitcase plus a handbag per passenger. If you have a surfboard, you can pay extra to add that as well. The pickup will be directly from your hotel, which is awesome!

🚐 Check Availability and Book Your Shuttle 🚌

Booking Your Shared Shuttle

We recommend using the Bookaway website to find and book shared shuttles within Costa Rica.

They offer a reliable booking platform and a comprehensive list of shuttle options for all destinations throughout the country.

Option #4: Domestic Flight

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

The domestic terminal is located next to the San Jose International Airport. However, keep in mind that it is separate from the main airport. You will need to go through border control to enter the country, pick up your luggage, and then walk the 5 minutes outside to the domestic terminal area.

Check out our guide to domestic flights in Costa Rica for more info

There is a small airport in Tamarindo that you can fly into from San Jose. From there, you can take a taxi to your hotel in the area.

Travel Tip: Typically I think domestic flights will be expensive, but usually it is about $150 per person one-way for this route. When you factor in how much time you will save versus a shuttle, this might actually be a really good option for you.

Booking a Flight

The main airline that flies between these two destinations is Sansa. The flight prices vary by season and availability.

✈️ Check Available Flights Here

Travel Time and Comfort

The flight duration to the Tamarindo Airport is approximately 50 minutes, making it the fastest way to reach Tamarindo.

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

Note: If small planes freak you out, this is not the transportation option for you.

Option #5: Public Bus

Traveling by public bus from San Jose to Tamarindo is the most a cost-effective option. However, it can be somewhat unreliable, takes a lot longer, and only leaves from downtown San Jose.

The primary bus companies operating the route from San Jose to Tamarindo are Empresa Alfaro Bus Line and Transporte Inteligente Guanacaste.

• Departure Locations: Both bus lines depart from Terminal 7-10 in downtown San Jose.
• Schedules:
  • Alfaro Bus Line: Departs twice a day at 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
  • Transporte Inteligente Guanacaste: Departs twice a day at 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
• Duration: The journey typically takes around 6-7 hours.
• Cost:
  • Alfaro Bus Line: Approximately $10 USD per ticket.
  • Transporte Inteligente Guanacaste: Prices vary by time of year.
• Pre-Purchasing Tickets
  • Online Purchase: Currently, tickets for Alfaro Bus Line cannot be booked online and must be purchased at the terminal. You can book tickets for Transporte Inteligente Guanacaste here.
  • In Person: Tickets for both bus lines can be bought directly at the terminal on the day of travel. However, we suggest arriving early to book a ticket, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Drop-off Points in Tamarindo
  • Alfaro Bus Line: Drops passengers off at the main bus stop in Tamarindo, located in the center of town.
  • Transporte Inteligente Guanacaste: Arrives at the Tamarindo Pacific Park terminal.

Additional Tips

• Luggage: 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.
• Comfort: Bring snacks, water, and entertainment for the long journey. Also, sometimes the AC might be blasting and other times you might be soooo hot. So, bring layers.

Our Opinion on Getting from San Jose to Tamarindo

Typically, we suggest renting a car when traveling from San Jose to Tamarindo. 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.

🚗 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.

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

You can also rent a car in Tamarindo for a few days to explore the surrounding areas instead of having one for your entire trip. Adobe Rent-a-Car has an office in Tamarindo and can deliver your car to your hotel.

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

This way, you can enjoy activities like surfing lessons, boat trips, or exploring nearby beaches without needing a rental car.

Tamarindo itself offers a mix of beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and outdoor activities, but having the flexibility of a car allows you to explore nearby attractions. There is so many fun things to do in this area. Check out our list of 36 best things to do in Tamarindo for more info.

Conclusion: Getting to Tamarindo

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

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

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