6 Best Ways to get from Jaco to San Jose, Costa Rica

You can get from Jaco to San Jose by bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, taxi, or rental car.

The cheapest transportation option from Jaco to San Jose is by public bus, which costs between USD 5 and USD 10. The journey takes about 2 hours.

The most popular option is the shared shuttle, offering direct transport and convenience at a very affordable price.

The fastest way to travel to San Jose from Jaco is by private transfer, taxi, or rental car, which takes about 1.5 hours.

My frequent travels across Costa Rica have honed my expertise in choosing the best transportation options. This guide is crafted from those journeys, aiming to provide a stress-free and efficient travel plan for navigating between these two dynamic Costa Rican spots!

Check our guide for the best options to travel from Jaco to San Jose, Costa Rica. Here, you can find more information about transportation in Costa Rica.

Transportation Options from Jaco to San Jose

The following table outlines all transportation options from Jaco to San Jose:

Method	Time	Price
Coach Bus from Jaco to San Jose	2 hrs	$13
Public Bus from Jaco to San Jose	2-3 hrs	$5 to 10
Shuttle from Jaco to San Jose	2 hrs	$40 to 55
Jaco to San Jose Private Transfer	1.5 hrs	$135
Taxi from Jaco to San Jose	1.5 hrs	–
Rental Car	1.5 hrs	–

How far is Jaco from San Jose?

Jaco and San Jose are 60.4 miles or 97.2 kilometers apart. Travel time can vary depending on your mode of transportation, usually lasting about 2 to 3 hours.

Getting to San Jose from Jaco

1. Shared Shuttle from Jaco to San Jose

Journey Duration: 2 hours

A good, inexpensive travel option would be to take a shuttle from Jaco to San Jose. The shuttle vans take only 2 hours to reach your destination and provide a door-to-door service, so you don’t have to worry about carrying your luggage everywhere. 

You can find the perfect shuttle company that suits your times online. Multiple companies operate from Jaco at different times throughout the day!

Going further, the vehicles offer plenty of luggage space. Therefore, taking a shuttle from Jaco is a convenient transport alternative. Most travelers choose this standard shared shuttle option as the most affordable solution.

Take a look at the schedules and different operators, and choose a time based on your preferences:

Jaco to San Jose Shared Shuttle Schedule:

The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable for trips from Jaco to San Jose, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
07:00am	09:00am	2h	$40
03:30pm	06:00pm	2h 30m	$40
10:00am	12:00pm	2h	$42
10:00am	12:30pm	2h 30m	$55
01:45pm	06:15pm	2h 30m	$55

2. Coach Bus from Jaco to San Jose

Journey Duration: 2 hours

A coach bus is another less expensive but excellent travel option from Jaco to San Jose.

Coach buses offer comfort, luggage space, and safety while traveling long distances. 

Also, it is among the cheapest options, so you will definitely save some money.

It can take over two hours to get to San Jose as the bus might make multiple stops, but this shouldn’t be a problem for those in a hurry.

Bus tickets are typically sold out quickly, so you should buy yours online in advance.

Check the bus schedule to ensure your seat is available at your desired time.

Jaco to San Jose Coach Bus Schedule:

The table below displays the bus timetable for trips from Jaco to San Jose, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
07:00am	09:30am	2h 30m	$13
09:00am	11:30am	2h 30m	$13
11:00am	01:30pm	2h 30m	$13
01:00pm	03:30pm	2h 30m	$13
03:00pm	05:30pm	2h 30m	$13
05:00pm	07:30pm	2h 30m	$13

3. Public Bus

Journey Duration: 2- 3 hours

Taking the public bus is a good option if you travel from Jaco to San Jose on a budget.

Even though it’s not the most convenient, it’s the cheapest way to reach San José.

An individual bus ticket costs only USD 5 – USD 10, but you must arrive at least half an hour in advance to purchase your ticket (an hour in the peak season). Buses depart from the main bus terminal, located close to the beach.

You should know that Costa Rican buses are punctual, so show up early if you want to catch one.

Taking the public bus is a good option if you travel from Jaco to San Jose on a budget.

4. Private Transfer from Jaco to San Jose

Journey Duration: Custom time

With a private transfer, you can travel from Jaco to San José without hassle or stress.

Whether you’re staying in the capital for a few days before retreating to the beach or planning on exploring on the way there, this is a comfortable and cost-effective method of transportation for 2 or more people traveling together. 

Arrangements can be made in advance for transportation, and your driver will arrive at your accommodation or desired location in Jaco. Most companies use clean, well-maintained vehicles, and many drivers provide tours of nearby attractions and even lunch stops!

Traveling this way will allow you to enjoy your trip fully and gain unforgettable experiences.

Prices for a private transfer to San Jose:

• 1 to 5 passengers: USD 135

5. Driving with a Rental Car from Jaco to San Jose

Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

A rental car will give you the most flexibility while exploring this Costa Rica area!

Although Costa Rican roads had a reputation for being in dire conditions in previous years, drivers will be pleased to learn there is a highway connecting San José with Jaco. Additionally, you should know that this road has a toll of USD 5. 

It’s a relatively short drive that takes about 1.5 hours, and driving your car allows you to make detours, take breaks, and even see some fantastic sights along the way!

6. Uber or Taxi

Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Finally, if you’re out of options, you can always take a taxi, despite it being the least convenient option.

The cost of a taxi is typically nearly the same as a private shuttle transfer from Jaco to San José. If you do not know a reputable company, just jump in a regulated taxi or ask the reception in your hotel to book it for you. 

If you’re traveling at night, fares might increase, so be prepared to pay more if you arrive at San José late at night. It’s always a good idea to check the exact price before you set off on the trip to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Best day tours in San Jose, 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 San Jose, Costa Rica.

Frequently Asked Questions