Are you looking to visit the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica but aren’t sure where to go? The area is home to several excellent resorts and surf spots, and Jaco is just at the top of the list! Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Tamarindo to Jaco.
Lush, mountainous shoreline with strips of sandy beaches overlooking a sparkling expanse of blue-The Central Pacific coast is home to the famous surf town of Jacó!
Jaco is a warm and friendly place, and It’s not hard to see why it’s getting so popular!
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Its warm and moist climate makes it an ideal place for a vacation! This small but bustling beach town is surrounded by tropical gardens and mountains on one side and the ocean on the other.
Jacó is well-known for its beaches, sportfishing, surfing, and diverse tourist attractions.
While the area is quickly growing into one of Central America’s top tourist destinations, it still has a charming rustic charm that allows you to enjoy its natural beauty while relaxing in luxurious surroundings.
Between the natural beauty and the luxury accommodations, it’s no surprise that Jacó is advancing into a major tourist destination. A tropical paradise that is simply waiting to be explored!
Get your surfing board ready!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Tamarindo to Jaco, and here you can find more information about getting around in Costa Rica.
How far is Jaco from Tamarindo?
The distance from Tamarindo to Jaco is 145.5 miles or 234.1 kilometers. You can travel for up to 7 hours depending on the mode of transportation you select.
Transportation Options from Tamarindo to Jaco
The following table outlines all transportation options from Tamarindo to Jaco:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Public Bus from Tamarindo to Jaco | 7 hours | USD 13 |
| Shared Shuttle from Tamarindo to Jaco | 5 hours | From USD 43 |
| Private Transfer from Tamarindo to Jaco | 4 hours | From USD 276 |
| Taxi from Tamarindo to Jaco | 4 hours | – |
| Rental Car from Tamarindo to Jaco | 4 hours | – |
Getting to Jaco from Tamarindo
1. Shared Van Shuttle from Tamarindo to Jaco
Journey Duration: 5 hours
Probably the easiest, most comfortable, and at the same time, cost-effective way to get from Tamarindo to Jaco is to use a shared shuttle service. We recommend shared van shuttles that offer convenient pickup and dropoff at both destinations.
Many shared van shuttle options include spacious seats and air conditioning to make your trip enjoyable.
Another advantage is that these vans usually have at least one stop on their route where you can get some food or take a bathroom break.
Make your reservation today to save your seat!
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Tamarindo to Jaco. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
2. Public Bus from Tamarindo to Jaco
Journey Duration: 8 hours
The cheapest method to get from Tamarindo to Jaco Beach is to take a public bus, which costs USD 13 for all the tickets.
There is a bus service between Tamarindo and Jaco Beach once per day. It leaves from Tamarindo at 05:30 AM and arrives at Jaco Beach at 01:00 PM.
Unfortunately, there are no direct buses to Jaco; all services require a transfer at San José Terminal 7-10. Therefore, taking this option will take about 7 hours.
To get to Jaco, you will first need to take the Empresa Alfaro bus to San Jose, where you can transfer on the next bus.
You should only consider this option if you have extra time to spare and want a cheap adventure!
3. Private Transfer from Tamarindo to Jaco
Journey Duration: Custom Time
Taking a private transfer to Jaco will be faster and more comfortable than all other options.
A private transfer is an excellent choice if you want more freedom and luxury. With a private transfer, you no longer need to worry about bus or shuttle schedules.
Depending on the size of your travel group, a private transfer might be as cheap or even cheaper than a shared shuttle.
This transfer is also perfect if you want to make additional stops on the way to Jaco to stretch your legs and grab some snacks!
Take your time to cherish the journey through Costa Rica, and make sure to take lots of photos!
Prices for a private transfer from Tamarindo to Jaco:
- 7-9 passengers: USD 350
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Tamarindo to Jaco. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
4. Driving with a Rental Car from Tamarindo to Jaco
Journey Duration: 3 hours 50 minutes
Traveling by rental car is also an excellent choice!
If you want to rent a car, Tamarindo is an easy place to do so. And renting a vehicle will allow you to get around on your own schedule while seeing all that Costa Rica has to offer.
We recommend renting a 4×4 since secondary roads are usually unpaved and not in a good condition.
Jump in your car and take a leisurely drive along the coast, stopping for amazing photo opportunities or grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many beach-side restaurants.
Plus, there are no luggage limitations – just pack as much as you can fit in the rental car!.
5. Taxi or Uber from Tamarindo to Jaco
Journey Duration: 3 hours 50 minutes
A taxi ride to Jaco is also an option, but you should expect to pay more because of the distance. Using this option might only be worthwhile if you travel in a group since you can split the cost.
Make sure to agree on a fixed fare beforehand, so you don’t get ripped off, and keep this as a last option – there are much more convenient ways to travel!
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jaco Costa Rica expensive?
Costa Rica’s Jaco is more expensive than other cities. Costa Rica can be an affordable destination, but Jaco is a resort area, which means it has a higher price tag. It’s still an affordable destination, especially when compared to Western Europe and the Caribbean.
What is Jaco Beach known for?
Jaco is known for its beaches, nightlife, and surfing. Beaches, incredible sunsets, and the proximity to San Jose international airport are some of the reasons for the Central Pacific Coast’s popularity.
Do you need a car in Jaco?
You don’t need to rent a vehicle to get around Jaco Beach unless you plan to travel to a different destination.
