Jaco is a beach destination in the province of Puntarenas. Getting from San Jose to Jaco, Costa Rica, is made easy by different means of transportation.
Surfing is a huge part of the Jaco community, and surfers from around the globe travel to experience the swells it became known for.
You will see cars, buses, and shuttles carrying surfboards on their roofs – a great indication that the waves have arrived on the coast.
Best VPN for Travel: ExpressVPN
Heading abroad? Use ExpressVPN to access your social media accounts, unblock your favorite entertainment sites, and stay connected with friends and family. And get cheaper flights, of course.
Pros
✅ Next-gen, high-speed servers in 94 countries
✅ Works on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, browsers, and more
✅ 256-bit AES encryption protects your data, even on hotel Wi-Fi
✅ Unblocks Netflix and other streaming sites
Cons
❎ No dedicated IPs
Get 3 extra months free of ExpressVPN when signing up for a 1-year plan. That’s a 49% saving and a monthly cost of just $6.67! You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
In a few hours, you will find yourself surrounded by locals, enjoying the nightlife, and having the best vacation time in Costa Rica.
How far is Jaco from San Jose?
Jaco is a three-hour road journey from Juan Santa Maria International Airport in San Jose. Their distance from each other is a little less than 100 kilometers.
You can travel from San Jose to Jaco by bus, shuttle, renting a car, or flying to any nearby airport.
Here you can find more information about Costa Rica transportation.
Transportation Options from San Jose to Jaco
The following table outlines all transportation options from San Jose to Jaco:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus from San Jose to Jaco | ~2 hours | USD 5 |
| Shared Shuttle from San Jose to Jaco | ~2 hours | USD 47 |
| Private Transfer from San Jose to Jaco | 1 hour 45 minutes | – |
| Rental Car | 1 hour 45 minutes | ~USD 30 |
How to Get from San Jose, Costa Rica, to Jaco
1. Public Bus from San Jose to Jaco, Costa Rica
Journey Duration: ~2 hours
Terminal 7-10 buses go to many parts of Costa Rica, including Jaco. Buses operate daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
On Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, the earliest bus departs from San Jose at 6:00 AM.
All schedules have two-hour intervals. You can catch a bus from Jaco to San Jose daily from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Buses depart every two hours as well.
The bus from San Jose to Jaco and vice versa costs about five US dollars. The elderly are offered a discounted rate of about three dollars.
If you are traveling during the peak season like December, allot at least one hour for purchasing a ticket at Terminal 7-10.
The hub tends to get jam-packed, so it is best to come early. There is a waiting area on the second floor for travelers waiting for their bus to depart.
Alternatively, you can purchase your bus ticket online.
Should you choose this option, be at the station 15 minutes before your departure time because the buses leave on time.
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from San Jose to Jaco. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
2. Shuttle from San Jose to Jaco, Costa Rica
Journey Duration: ~2 hours
Shuttle buses from San Jose to Jaco offer a more convenient way to get to your destination. Transport companies like Interbus pick you up from your hotel lobby at your preferred departure time.
They have two schedules throughout the day: one in the morning at 8:00 and another in the afternoon at 2:30.
It is essential to book a seat if you want to travel by shuttle. The company will contact you regarding your exact pickup time, depending on your hotel’s location in San Jose.
One trip costs 47 dollars for adults and half-price for children. Shuttles from Jaco to San Jose operate similarly and at the same price.
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from San Jose to Jaco. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
3. Driving with Rental Car
Journey Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
If you wish to travel at your own pace, rent a car and drive yourself from San Jose to Jaco. This option will cost you around 30 dollars a day.
There are two routes you can take to get to Jaco. The first one is Aguacate Road and is a two-hour drive.
This road takes you to the famous Tarcoles River Bridge, where alligators swim below.
The second route available is the “new” highway. You can cut your travel time to about one hour for a toll fee of five dollars.
When renting a car from San Jose to Jaco, be aware that it is best to choose a car with a GPS or be ready with your GPS mobile phone application.
Driving here tends to be tricky, as road signs and street names are almost nonexistent.
A note for the surfers: Transport modes may charge you extra should you bring your surfboards on your ride to Jaco Beach.
Best day tours in Jaco, Costa Rica
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in Jaco, Costa Rica.
George & Peggy Gittins
Saturday 6th of March 2021
We are trying to find out about transportation from the SanJose airport to the Marriott Los Suenos property. We are arriving on April 7th. Muchas Gracias
[email protected]
kit kakad
Friday 27th of August 2021
@Tim Kroeger,
Tim Kroeger
Sunday 7th of March 2021
@George & Peggy Gittins, I am working with a local travel agency. If you want I can send you an offer for a private transportation from the San Jose airport to the Marriott Los Suenos property.