How to Get From San Jose to Tamarindo
Bus · Minivan · Flight · Private
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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 258 kilometre (160 miles) distance from San Jose 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 San Jose to Tamarindo?
There are four ways to travel the 258 km distance from San Jose to Tamarindo. You can choose between the bus, minivan, flight, and private.
The journey takes between 2h–5h 30m and the quickest way is by flight (2h). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 6,700 CRC ($15).
5h 30m - 6h
6,700 CRC ($15)
4h 30m - 7h
27,000 CRC ($59)
2h
74,000 CRC ($160)
4h 25m - 5h 30m
125,000 CRC ($275)
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.
San Jose to Tamarindo by Bus
Travelling on a budget? The bus is the cheapest way to get from San Jose to Tamarindo. A bus ticket with Transportes Inteligente de Guanacaste (TIG) only costs 6,700 CRC ($15).
The advertised travel time is 5h 30m - 6h. However, buses make frequent stops along the way, so the journey often takes longer.
TIG operates four daily trips from San Jose to Tamarindo:
- Via Puente de La Amistad: departing at 08:30 and 15:30
- Via Liberia: departing at 11:30 and 16:00
You can reserve tickets directly on the Transportes Inteligente de Guanacaste website or through BookAway, which offers 24/7 customer service.
Empresa Tralapa used to be a low-cost local bus operating on this route, but they seem to have ceased operations. Reviews about Empresa Tralapa were rarely positive, so you are better off booking with TIG anyway.
Important: Be mindful of your luggage, in particular when coming from San José. Don’t leave your bigger bags until they’re safely inside the compartment below the bus, and make sure to get your luggage ticket! We recommend keeping small bags with your valuables, with you in the bus or storing them in the overhead department.
Departure and arrival station
Transporte Inteligente Guanacaste departs from Terminal de Autobuses (TIG) in San Jose city centre. All buses park at Plaza Tamarindo, just a few minutes walk from the beach.
Bus schedule from San Jose to Tamarindo
Booking Tip
San Jose to Tamarindo by Minivan
Taking a minivan from San Jose to Tamarindo is a good mix of comfort and value. The air-conditioned van ride can take you to Tamarindo in around 4h 30m - 7h. Tickets start at 27,000 CRC ($59), and that usually includes free hotel (or airport) pickup and drop-off.
With a minivan, you will also sometimes get Wi-Fi onboard (just don’t take our word for it that it will always be working).
Wi-Fi or not, at least you will arrive well-rested in Tamarindo. This option is a lot more comfortable than spending 6-7 hours on a bus that makes frequent stops.
Departure and arrival station
For this route from San Jose to Tamarindo, there are four minivan operators available: Interbus, Super Shuttle Costa Rica, Amigo Transfer and Costa 24/7.
Some companies will pick you up directly from your hotel or from San Jose Airport. Others will require you to go to a specific pickup point. The good news is that all minivans provide convenient hotel drop-off.
Minivan schedule from San Jose to Tamarindo
Booking Tip
San Jose to Tamarindo by Flight
Taking a flight from San Jose is the fastest way to get to Tamarindo, although it's quite expensive. Also, keep in mind that you’ll need some time to get to and from the airports.
This flight journey, including transfers, takes about 2h. Add to that the waiting time at the airport and you won’t save that much time compared to the minivan. Combined fares start from 74,000 CRC ($160).
Step 1: How to get to San Jose Airport
San Jose International Airport (SJO), officially named Juan Santamaria International Airport, is the largest airport in Costa Rica. Located 17 km northwest of San Jose, you can get there in 1 hour by bus or 30 minutes by taxi.
A taxi costs around 14,000 CRC ($31). You can also take an Uber for about the same rate, just note that they are not yet 100% “legal” in Costa Rica.
On the other hand, buses are a cheaper and also reliable way to get to San Jose Airport. There’s one available every 10 minutes at TUASA Terminal, from 04:00 to 23:30.
Two bus companies are operating on this route: Station Wagon (coloured yellow and orange) and TUASA (coloured red and white). You can get a ticket for 685 CRC ($1.50).
Although many tourists have had great experiences using Uber, there have been rare incidences of cars being stopped in the middle of the journey. We suggest confirming with your hotel if it’s safe to use them before booking a ride.
Step 2: Flight from San Jose to Tamarindo
Sansa Regional and World Ticket operate several daily flights from San Jose to Tamarindo.
Flight time is about 50 minutes. Airfares start from 71,000 CRC ($155).
Step 3: Tamarindo Airport to Tamarindo City Centre by Taxi
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
San Jose to Tamarindo by Private Transport
When travelling in a group, taking a private shuttle to Tamarindo from San Jose is a convenient option. There's no need to pick up other passengers. And if you travel in a group of 5 or more, the private minivan will be more cost-effective than a shared minivan.
Rates start from 125,000 CRC ($275) for a 6-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about 21,000 CRC ($46) per person. For larger groups, you can also book a minivan that can fit up to 18 people.
With private transport, you will be picked up from your accommodation in San Jose or at Juan Santamaria International Airport. After a 4-5 hour drive, you will be dropped off at your hotel in Tamarindo.
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 San Jose 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 San Jose to Tamarindo is 258 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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About the Authors
Senior Travel Writer
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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