How to Get From Monteverde to Tamarindo
Minivan · Bus · Car Rental · Private
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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 160 kilometre (99 miles) distance from Monteverde to Tamarindo. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Tamarindo as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.
What are the 4 ways to travel from Monteverde to Tamarindo?
There are four ways to travel the 160 km distance from Monteverde to Tamarindo. You can choose between the minivan, bus, car rental, and private.
The journey takes between 2h 40m–5h 15m and the quickest way is by minivan (2h 40m). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 4,650 CRC ($10).
2h 40m - 4h 30m
25,000 CRC ($55)
5h 15m - 6h 45m
4,650 CRC ($10)
4h - 4h 30m
18,000 CRC ($40)
3-4h
90,000 CRC ($200)
Where to stay in Tamarindo?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Tamarindo at the bottom of this page.
Monteverde to Tamarindo by Shared Minivan
We recommend taking the minivan from Monteverde to Tamarindo if you’re travelling alone or with just one or two people. The minivan is a direct option with fares starting from 25,000 CRC ($55), including free hotel pickup and drop-off. Travel time is about 2h 40m - 4h 30m.
The minivan may seem too expensive compared to the low-cost bus ride, but it comes with the advantage that you can travel door-to-door from Monteverde to Tamarindo. If you travel by bus, you’ll have to take 4 buses to complete this supposedly short journey.
You can choose from seven companies operating minivans for this route: Jorge’s Taxis and Shuttles, Transportes Varela Monteverde CR, Shuttle Services CR, Descubre Monteverde, RideCR, Montetravel and Interbus.
Minivan schedule from Monteverde to Tamarindo
Booking Tip
Minivan shuttles pick you up from your hotel, so it’s best to book your ticket online beforehand. This way, you won’t have to go to their ticketing office prior to your trip.
You can pre-book your tickets via BookAway, which offers the best rates for minivans operating between Monteverde and Tamarindo.
Monteverde to Tamarindo by Bus
On a tight budget? You can consider taking an indirect bus from Monteverde to Tamarindo, but we don't recommend it. You will need to take 4 buses and travel for around 8 hours (when you include the waiting time for your connecting transfers).
But with combined fares from 4,650 CRC ($10), the bus is definitely a more budget-friendly option compared to the minivan or taxi.
Still want to take an indirect bus to Tamarindo from Monteverde? Read on for a step-by-step guide.
Be mindful of your luggage when taking a bus in Costa Rica. Don’t leave your bigger bags until they’re safely inside the compartment below the bus, and make sure to get your luggage ticket! Keep all your valuables in a smaller bag that you can put on your lap. Your bag’s safer where you can see it than on the overhead bin.
Step 1: Bus from Monteverde to Tilaran
First, you’ll take a bus from Monteverde to Tilaran, a town located 50 km northwest.
Transportes Monteverde Hermanos Soto runs four trips on this route from Monday to Saturday. Morning departures are at 05:00 and 07:00, while afternoon buses leave at 12:00 and 16:00. On Sundays, there are only two trips — at 07:00 and 16:00.
Try to be at the bus station at least 30 minutes before departure time for a better chance of getting a seat. A bus ticket costs around 930 CRC ($2.00) and travel time takes around 2h.
Buses depart from Monteverde Bus Terminal and arrive at Tilaran Bus Station.
Step 2: Bus from Tilaran to Cañas
Next, you’ll travel further west to the town of Cañas. Buses depart from the same station you arrive at, which is Tilaran Bus Station.
Reina del Campo is the sole bus operator for this route. Their buses are available almost every hour from 05:00 to 20:20. You shouldn’t have a hard time finding their blue and white buses at the terminal.
The bus journey from Tilaran to Cañas takes around 45 minutes. Ticket prices start from 815 CRC ($1.80).
Buses park at Cañas Bus Terminal.
Step 3: Bus from Cañas to Liberia
From the Municipal Terminal in Cañas, you will once again travel northwest, about 50 km to Liberia.
Reina del Campo is also the main operator for this route. Their buses are available every 30 minutes to an hour from 04:30 to 21:30. A ticket costs around 1,820 CRC ($4.00) and the journey takes 1 hour.
You can also travel with Colorado de Abangares, although their buses do not depart as frequently as those of Reina del Campo.
You are to get off the bus at Liberia Bus Terminal.
Step 4: Bus from Liberia to Tamarindo
Finally, from Liberia Bus Terminal, you’ll transfer to another bus bound for Tamarindo, some 80 km southwest. Travel time is around 1h 30m - 3h and fares start from 1,370 CRC ($3.00).
Buses from Liberia to Tamarindo are available every 2-3 hours from 03:50 to 18:10. You can choose from two bus operators: Transportes La Pampa and Transporte Inteligente de Guanacaste.
The last stop is at Tamarindo Bus Station, which you can find in the town centre, just a few hundred metres from the beach.
Monteverde to Tamarindo by Car Rental
Driving on your own is a popular option when travelling to Tamarindo from Monteverde. You can expect picturesque landscapes throughout the ride.
It’s not exactly the fastest or most convenient, though. You’ll be passing through mostly paved roads, but also some winding hills on the first part of the journey.
IMPORTANT: If you're thinking of driving from Monteverde to Tamarindo, you'll have to rent your car elsewhere. There are no car rental shops in Monteverde.
Driving directions from Monteverde to Tamarindo
Driving from Monteverde to Tamarindo takes about 3 hours for locals, and 4h - 4h 30m for tourists who are not so familiar with the roads.
From Monteverde, head out northwest to Santa Elena and follow the winding roads of Route 620 towards Candelaria. Then head southwest to Route 145 until you reach La Irma. Turn left on the Panamerican Highway and then left again to Route 18 across Puente La Amistad.
Transfer to Route 21 once you reach Pueblo Viejo de Nicoya and then Route 160 on Santa Cruz. Finally, turn right on Route 152 and follow the road until you reach Tamarindo.
Where to rent a car in Monteverde
There aren’t any car rental agencies in the small town of Monteverde. If you’re planning to drive to Tamarindo, you’ll need to rent a car before you arrive. If you’re already in Monteverde without one, you can have a car delivered from the nearest agency — but it will cost more!
Instead, we recommend renting a car in San Jose, that’s if you’re starting your Costa Rican journey in the capital city and ending it there as well. Prices are cheaper when you have the same pickup and drop-off point, starting at 18,000 CRC ($40) per day.
But if you’re dropping off the car elsewhere in Costa Rica, rental prices are significantly more expensive, starting at 55,000 CRC ($120) on the first day.
You can ask your hotel for car rental recommendations, or simply book one online. We suggest checking Skyscanner for the best car rental deals (and flights), but occasionally you might find even better prices on Kayak.
Monteverde to Tamarindo by Private Transport
When travelling in a group, a private ride can be more cost-efficient than a shared minivan.
A 5-seater taxi costs 90,000 CRC ($200) from Monteverde to Tamarindo. Split the cost and that's about 18,000 CRC ($40) per person if you are in a group of 5 people.
We recommend booking a ride with BookAway because they offer more spacious cars that come with professional drivers. Alternatively, you can ask your hotel to arrange a taxi or book a private transfer online.
Our favourite places to stay in Tamarindo
Here are our favourite places to stay in Tamarindo for every budget.
Treat YourselfLes Voiles Blanches
Tamarindo is full of luxury resorts, and Les Voiles Blanches is one of the top. Hence the hefty price tag. Throughout the paradise hotel, there are a number of beautiful pools, so you’ll be able to find your own private oasis away from the high energy of Tamarindo.
The hotel offers both normal hotel rooms and tent-style rooms. Don’t worry, there’s no slumming it, the rooms are more like luxurious wooden cabins. Every room has its own terrace, but there’s also stunning communal areas to relax in.
- Multiple swimming pools
- Unique style rooms
- Super attentive staff
- Home-made breakfast available
King rooms start from $90 per night
Treat YourselfTen North Tamarindo Beach Hotel
If Les Voiles Blanches is too far out of your price range, Ten North is another great option. It has a huge array of room options, ranging from double rooms to two bedroom apartments. The pool is a spectacular highlight of the hotel, but it’s the staff that steal the show. They are incredibly friendly. and just love to help you with anything that they can.
The rooms boast a rustic and bright vibe that feels very homely. You won’t want to spend too much time in your room as there’s so many places around the hotel to chill and relax. All whilst being surrounded by nature.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Incredibly friendly staff
- Beautifully decorated rooms
- Range of room sizes to accommodate everyone
Double rooms start from $90 per night
Mid-RangeTee-K Lodge
If you want to be close to the action of Tamarindo, but not too close, then Tee-K Lodge is a great solution. There’s so much nature and tropical gardens surrounding the hotel that you forget about the outside world. Especially when chilling in their lovely swimming pool!
The owners of the lodge will make your stay unforgettable. Going above and beyond to make sure that you’re happy and have the best time in Tamarindo. It’s so good that it’s not uncommon for guests to keep on extending their stay here.
- Incredible hosts
- Exceptional breakfast included
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Beautiful and spacious rooms
Double rooms start from $50-90 per night
Mid-RangeHostel La Botella de Leche
Offering both dorms and private rooms, you can pick the type of accommodation that suits your needs. As it’s classed as a hostel, you’ll find a fully-equipped shared kitchen, plus lots of places to hang out and meet people.
Hostel La Botella de Leche has its own swimming pool, outdoor lounge area, shared living room, library and plenty of hammocks. It’s also in a great location, only minutes from the beach.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Shared living room
- Sociable atmosphere
- Great location
Double rooms between $50-$90 per night
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Monteverde to Tamarindo. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance from Monteverde to Tamarindo is 160 km.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Tamarindo?
Tamarindo is a popular surf town on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. What we love about this town are the amazing water activities both on the surface and underwater. It has a diverse marine life, making it perfect not just for surfing but for diving and snorkelling as well.
This once-quiet fishing village is also a common gateway to Las Baulas National Marine Park, which is a nesting territory of the leatherback sea turtles. Offering beaches, adventure, restaurants, bars and shops — there is a long list of things to do in Tamarindo.
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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
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Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
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