About the ride from Jaco to San Jose
Leaving the sunny shores and vibrant nightlife of Jaco might be difficult, but despite what a lot of people say, San Jose has a ton to offer.
Many travelers race through the capital city of Costa Rica, using it as a stopover and transport hub but nothing else. It's a shame, really.
San Jose is the perfect place to see there's more to the country than golden-sand beaches and endless jungle. It has a fascinating history and many stories that are best discovered in the capital.
Not to mention countless delicious restaurants to munch your way through.
To get from Jaco to San Jose, you'll need to cover 100 km (62 miles) by bus or minivan. It's a short journey, taking 1.5-3 hours, depending on which transport option you book.
A minivan is the easiest option, with most of them offering hotel pick-up in Jaco and drop-off at any hotel in San Jose or at the airport.
The cheaper option is hopping on the bus, which leaves Jaco Bus Terminal and arrives at Terminal 7-10 in San Jose.
Take a nap, read a book or watch the world whizz by; before you know it, you'll have switched the beaches of Jaco for the urban jungle of San Jose.
Five best things to do in San Jose
Our favorite things to do in San Jose will give you a glimpse at life in the city, a quick lesson on the country's history, and a taste of the gastronomy scene.
National Theatre: Go here for a whistle-stop history lesson on Costa Rica. In addition to seeing the elegant theater, the paintings inside tell fascinating stories of the history and culture. Take one of the 1.5-hour guided tours to get the whole scoop.
Walking tour: A free walking tour is one of the best ways to learn about a new place, and it's no different in San Jose. Follow a local guide around the city as you learn fun facts and history while getting some awesome local recommendations.
San Jose Central Market: There are plenty of reasons why you should visit the central market. There's fresh local produce, unique crafts and stuff you didn't even know you wanted or needed. But there's one reason in particular, and that's to eat at the cheap local restaurants that are a hive of activity in the market.
Pro tip: Try Lolo Mora's Ice Cream. There's only one flavor available. No need for more.
Costa Rica's National Museum: Housed within the Bellavista Fortress built in 1917, the bright yellow exterior is hard to miss and worth a quick visit even if you don't want to visit the museum. If you decide to enter, you'll find exhibits sharing the country's history and culture, spanning from pre-Columbian times to the present day.
DIY craft beer tour: Did you realize that San Jose is such a hub for craft beer? Most people don't! The city is bubbling with breweries offering tasty light lagers, fruity IPA and hearty stouts. Order a flight of beer so that you can try a few.
How to get from Jaco to San Jose
There are two ways to get from Jaco to San Jose in Costa Rica: by bus or minivan.
By bus
The bus is the cheapest way to get from Jaco to San Jose. Tickets start at $13 and take slightly longer than a minivan — around 2.5 hours.
Buses leave from Jaco Bus Terminal and arrive at 7-10 Terminal in San Jose.
There are usually at least three departures a day. The first is at 9 a.m. and the last at 5 p.m., giving you flexibility when you want to leave Jaco.
The bus is comfortable enough for this short journey, and you'll be happy to know there is air conditioning.
By minivan
Minivans are one of the most popular ways to get around Costa Rica. They offer convenience and a comfortable ride.
It's a great option to get from Jaco to San Jose, as journey time can be as little as 1.5 hours.
The best part? They offer hotel pick-up and drop-off at any hotel in San Jose or the airport. The journey couldn't be any less stressful.
Onboard, you'll find air conditioning, reclining seats and, depending on which company you book with, WiFi, power outlets, and even refreshments.
Shared minivans offer multiple departures throughout the day and start around $39. However, if you want to leave at a specific time, consider booking a private minivan.
They can even work out cheaper if there's a big group of you!
What to expect from the journey from Jaco to San Jose
If you've already been traveling around Costa Rica for a while, you'll probably be grateful that Jaco to San Jose is one of the shorter journeys. Two hours (ish) will fly by!
Say goodbye to the ocean views, which will be replaced by the busy streets of San Jose.
For those taking the public bus, make sure to keep an eye on your belongings, as pickpocketing can be a problem.
When is the best time to visit San Jose?
The best time to visit San Jose is during the dry season, spanning from December to April. Expect ample sunshine and pleasant temperatures, but brace yourself for the influx of tourists.
For those unfazed by a little rain, the shoulder seasons in November and May present a fantastic alternative.
The bonus is lower prices.
However, be forewarned – when the rain comes in Costa Rica, Mother Nature doesn't hold back.
How many days should you spend in San Jose?
While we think San Jose is worth some of your time, you shouldn't spend too many days here.
They can be better spent elsewhere — on the beach, in a national park, or in a town overlooked by a volcano.
Most people have to visit San Jose at some point as they usually fly in or out of San Jose Airport. If you do, give yourself a day or two to explore the city.
Where should you visit after San Jose?
The saying "the world's your oyster" really applies when it comes to San Jose. It's the country's transportation hub, meaning you can go pretty much anywhere.
Didn't get enough surfing in Jaco? Hop over to Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast, home to some incredible surf yet still relatively undiscovered compared to the beaches on the Pacific Coast.
Want to immerse yourself in nature? There's nowhere better than Drake Bay, the gateway to Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on our planet. It's a place that you'll never forget!
