Unwind from our fast-paced world and enjoy a peaceful slice of paradise at one of the beaches in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Pack your bags and revel in the beauty of this pristine paradise! Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa.
Perfectly positioned along the Southwest corner of the Nicoya Peninsula, this pocket of land is just far enough away from Costa Rica’s capital city’s bustle to create its own sense of calm.
This small town is known for its picturesque nature and easy-going lifestyle, making for a perfect retreat for all who know how to get there.
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Shady beaches and sugar-white sands are punctuated by lush forests and the vibrant blues of the incomparable Pacific ocean. At sunrise and sunset, when the light hits the water just right, you’ll be enchanted by this coastal town — and its endless opportunities for adventure!
Each day spent here brings plenty of time to walk in the warm sand, enjoy a plate of fresh seafood or tropical fruit, or embrace self-care with a massage or facial at one of the area’s many spas!
If you are ever craving an adventure in this part of Costa Rica, we highly recommend bringing your favorite surfboard to Santa Teresa!
This place offers you a tranquil environment for total, unplugged rejuvenation — an escape you’ll want to return to again and again.
If you are a wandering soul who wants a relaxed and affordable tropical getaway, you must head straight to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica!
Wondering how to get there?
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa.
How far is Santa Teresa from Tamarindo?
The distance from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa is 122.2 miles or 196.6 kilometers. A drive to Santa Teresa usually takes about 4 to 5 hours.
Transportation Options from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa
The following table outlines all transportation options from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Van Shuttle | 4 hours and 30 minutes | USD 54 |
| Bus + Ferry | 8 hours and 30 minutes | USD 15.50 |
| Private Transfer | 3 hours and 45 minutes | USD 258 |
| Rental Car | 3 hours and 45 minutes | – |
| Taxi | 3 hours and 45 minutes | – |
Getting to Santa Teresa from Tamarindo
1. Interbus Shared Van Shuttle from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa
Journey Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
One of the most affordable and most commonly used methods of transport to travel to Santa Teresa are the shared van shuttles.
Considering the cost and travel time, this option appears very convenient!
Interbus is one company that offers a quick and reliable ride to Santa Teresa. They provide a comfortable journey with their air-conditioned and comfortable vehicles.
However, there is only one fare daily from Interbus that departs at 08:00 AM from Tamarindo and arrives at 12:30 PM at Santa Teresa. The cost for this trip is USD 54 per person.
Therefore, it is recommended that you buy your ticket at least one day before departure to secure your spot!
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
2. Bus + Ferry from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa
Journey Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes
If you’re looking for a cheap way to visit Santa Teresa, here’s your answer!
Santa Teresa can not be reached directly by bus from Tamarindo. Despite this, services are departing from Tamarindo and arriving at Santa Teresa via other locations, including taking a ferry boat.
It is not as convenient as other options, but it is, however, a very cheap alternative and only costs USD 15.50 for the adventurous at heart.
Buses cannot travel directly between these two towns because of unfavorable road conditions. To get there, you must travel to Liberia and Puntarenas by land, take a ferry back to Paquera, and then travel once more to Cobano and Santa Teresa by land. That’s four buses and one ferry!
It’s a long trip, but if you are up for adventure and exploring new places, you might want to take this detour!
Make sure you depart early from Tamarindo if you decide to go on this long journey!
3. Private Transfer from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa
Journey Duration: Custom Time
So you’ve decided to travel to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, in a small group? If so, you’ll probably want a private transfer to get you there.
Choosing this option is not a bad idea because it can be a really long journey by public transportation, plus once you split the price with your group, this transportation method becomes really convenient!
This option gives you great flexibility when it comes to scheduling your departure time, break time, and pick-up and drop-off locations! Taking a private transfer makes it easier to get between Tamarindo and Santa Teresa as they take a direct route and reach the destination the fastest!
Several companies offer a private transfer along with excellent service between Tamarindo and Santa Teresa. Paradise shuttle, Suntrails, and Relaxury are among the best choices!
All offer airconditioned and comfortable transport, with English-speaking staff that is not very common in Costa Rica, along with amenities like food, drinks, and Wifi.
They run daily every hour, from 00:00 to 11:00 PM, pick you up at your location in Tamarindo, and drop you off in Santa Teresa. The cost for this journey starts at USD 258 up to USD 285 for all passengers, depending on the company you choose.
A great deal for the entire group!
Do you need help arranging your private transfer?
Fill out the form below, and one of our Costa Rica experts will contact you!
We can also organize your transportation in Mexico, Guatemala, and Colombia!
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
4. Driving with Rental Car
Journey Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes
Traveling to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, can be an unforgettable experience, especially if you decide to make all your travel arrangements yourself!
Traveling by car may not be the most common transportation option, but for those who love to make journeys on their own and want to spend more time exploring what a particular area has to offer, renting a car is an excellent choice that can also be quite affordable.
It gives you the independence to get around at your own pace. This can be great for those who want to make a few stops on the way and even venture out for lunch!
With so many vehicle options available, choosing a rental car can be hard. This is why we are here to help!
Here you can check out some different rental options so you can plan out your holiday and get on the road!
5. Uber or Taxi
Journey Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes
If you’ve run out of options, consider going to Santa Teresa by taxi. Taxi fares are set, and the price should be agreed upon before the trip begins.
Each taxi has a list of destinations, with prices per trip, so ask the driver to agree on a price before setting off if you want to know the cost in advance.
Remember that this option is potentially more expensive, so organize a group of friends to split the cost if possible.
In this case, you may find the option to be more convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the closest airport to Santa Teresa?
There is no airport in Santa Teresa Beach. The closest one is in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, which is 168 kilometers or 104 miles apart. This route includes a ferry from Puntarenas port.
Is there a public bus from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa?
Unfortunately, there is no direct public bus from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa. But there is an option if you are ready to spend more time on the road. Although it’s not the most convenient way, it’s very affordable once you make all the other connections.
Is there an Uber in Tamarindo?
You will find Uber in Tamarindo, but not as common as in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica.
What is the cheapest way to get from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa?
The cheapest way to get from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa is to drive, which costs USD 14 – USD 21 and takes three h 45m.
Is there a direct bus between Tamarindo and Santa Teresa?
It is impossible to take a bus from Tamarindo straight to Santa Teresa. Nonetheless, some services depart from Tamarindo and arrive at Santa Teresa via San José. That journey can last about 11h, including transfers.
Where do I catch the Tamarindo to Santa Teresa bus from?
Tamarindo to Santa Teresa bus services, operated by Empresa Alfaro, depart from Tamarindo station.
Can you fly into Santa Teresa, Costa Rica?
You can not land a plane directly in Santa Teresa; however, the closest airport to Santa Teresa is Tambor. Tickets generally run about USD 60-USD 90 each way, depending on the time of year and availability.
Are there taxis in Santa Teresa?
Yes, there are. However, it is not common for taxis in Santa Teresa to wait on the street corner for customers; they need to be contacted directly. These taxis do not run on meters, and their prices are predetermined.
How far is the drive from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa?
It takes four hours to drive from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa, nearly the entire Nicoya Peninsula length. As you head south out of town, there are several options for covering the 123 miles (198 km).
