How to Get from San Jose to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica (4 Best Ways)

You can get from San Jose to Santa Teresa by boat + shared shuttle, private transfer, rental car, or flight!

Exploring Costa Rica’s rich coasts and lush jungles has given me insights that I’m eager to share with fellow travelers.

In this guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know to travel to Santa Teresa seamlessly.

Here, you can find more information about Costa Rica transportation.

This guide combines my travel experiences and input from Jean Nájera, CEO of GuateGo.

Transportation Options

The following table outlines all transportation options:

How far is Santa Teresa from San Jose?

The distance between San Jose and Santa Teresa is 114.3 miles or 184 kilometers.

Getting to Santa Teresa from San Jose

1. Shared Van Shuttle

Journey Duration: 5 hours

Opting for the Shared Shuttle as a land-only option is ideal for those who prioritize comfort and a more direct route.

Companies such as Interbus offer this service, where you share a cozy, air-conditioned van with fellow travelers for only USD 75! 

The shuttle typically picks you up from your hotel or a central location in San Jose and then sets off on a quicker journey than the coach bus. The shuttles are often equipped with air conditioning and Wi-Fi.

Shared Van Shuttle Schedule:

The table below displays the Interbus shared shuttle timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

Departure	Arrival	Duration	Price
07:00am	01:00pm	5h	$75

For an unforgettable nautical twist, combine the Shared Shuttle with a boat ride! The journey starts similarly, with a shuttle from San Jose to Puntarenas.

Then, in Puntarenas, you board a ferry that sails across the mesmerizing Gulf of Nicoya.

The boat portion of this trip is less about transportation and more about the enchanting maritime experience; the cool breeze, turquoise waters, and perhaps the occasional soaring seabird form an unforgettable memory. 

Upon reaching Paquera, another shuttle welcomes you for the final stretch through quaint villages and verdant landscapes until you arrive at Santa Teresa.

The Shared Shuttle options cater to a range of preferences, blending ease, swiftness, and an intimate experience with Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes, making them an excellent choice for a memorable journey to Santa Teresa!

Shared Van Shuttle and Boat Schedule:

The table below displays the Zuma Tours shared shuttle + ferry timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

Departure	Arrival	Duration	Price
07:00am	11:00am	4h	$107

2. Private Transfer

Journey Duration: ~5 hours 30 minutes

A Private Transfer emerges as the epitome of convenience, comfort, and personalization for travelers seeking a bespoke, hassle-free journey.

Booking a Private Transfer means having a vehicle exclusively for yourself and your travel companions.

Companies such as Suntrails, Ride CR, and Relaxury specialize in this service, and you can select from a range of vehicles to suit your party size and luggage needs. 

With a knowledgeable and friendly driver, you can craft your itinerary, including departure times and stops along the route.

This flexibility allows you to explore hidden gems, relish local cuisines, or capture the picturesque landscape at your own pace without the constraints of a set schedule.

One of the highlights of choosing a Private Transfer is the scope for customization. Whether you fancy an air-conditioned SUV or a spacious minivan for a bigger party, the options cater to various preferences and budgets. 

You can also combine your private transfer with a boat ride by requesting your driver to take you to Puntarenas, where you can board a ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya before resuming your land journey to Santa Teresa.

Additionally, the security and comfort of a Private Transfer are unparalleled, especially for families with young children, large groups, or travelers with special needs.

The drivers, often locals with extensive knowledge about the region, can also double as informal guides, sharing insights and anecdotes that enrich your journey.

In essence, a Private Transfer transforms the route from San Jose to Santa Teresa into an intimate and tailored adventure, setting the tone for an unforgettable Costa Rican escapade.

So, check out all the available options and pick the best deal!

Prices for a private transfer

• 1-4 passengers: USD 330
• 1-13 passengers: USD 380
• 5-12 passengers: USD 390
• 7-9 passengers: USD 405

4. Flight

Journey Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes

To get to Santa Teresa from San Jose via air, you can book a flight from Juan Santamaria International Airport to Tambor with Sansa Airlines.

The flight time from San Jose to Tambor is 35 minutes. From Tambor, you have to continue by car or taxi, which takes another 35 minutes.

The domestic flight from SJO to Tambor costs about 75 USD. This is the fastest way to get to Santa Teresa if you come from San Jose. 

5. Rental Car

Journey Duration: ~5 hours 30 minutes

Embarking on a road trip in a rental car is not just a mode of transport but an adventure that stitches you into the fabric of Costa Rica’s diverse landscape.

As you maneuver along Route 27, the window panes frame a tapestry of verdant rainforests, mist-kissed mountains, and meandering rivers.

When you reach Puntarenas, the ferry ride across the Gulf of Nicoya offers an interlude of maritime splendor; keep your eyes peeled for dolphins frolicking in the sapphire waters.

Upon reaching the shores of Paquera, the journey continues along Route 21.

This stretch of the road, embraced by lush foliage and the occasional glimpse of the sea, is where you will feel the anticipation build as Santa Teresa draws closer.

Renting a car also offers the liberty to make impromptu stops, whether at a quaint roadside café or a beach that beckons with its pristine sands.

The rental’s starting cost of 33 USD per day is a small price for the autonomy it offers.

However, it’s crucial to factor in the return trip to San Jose since there’s no drop-off option in Santa Teresa.

Before setting off, ensure that the vehicle is in good condition and that you know the local driving regulations.

This self-driven odyssey from San Jose to Santa Teresa imprints your soul with Costa Rica’s untamed beauty and pulsating life, offering a prelude to the magic that awaits.

My Tip:

If you have time, I highly recommend taking the shuttle and ferry combo. You’ll enjoy the stunning ferry ride across the Gulf of Nicoya and arrive in Santa Teresa relaxed and ready for adventure!

Best day tours in Santa Teresa, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quoting this content? Don’t forget to reference:

Universal Traveller — How to get from San Jose to Santa Teresa