Distance 109 km (68.1 miles) | |
Price range US$31-US$391 | |
Ride Duration Range 2h 30m-6h 30m | |
Earliest Departure 13:00 | |
Latest Departure 23:30 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Fastest minivan: 4h 15m
Cheapest minivan: US$50
Leaving Montezuma's charming village and beaches behind is difficult, but the bustling city of San Jose awaits discovery.
Located 173 kilometers (107.4 miles) away by road, San Jose is a bustling city packed with attractions.
To reach the city, you can take a bus + ferry or a van + ferry to split the journey between land and water. Alternatively, book a minivan to drive straight there.
However you arrive at San Jose's borders, you'll soon see why so many people flock to this energetic city.
San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica and one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Latin America.
The bustling city is in the heart of the country and thrums with energy. You'll easily make friends amongst the neighborly locals who can help guide your immersion into the city's numerous attractions.
Make sure to prepare for the high altitude. The city lies in a valley at 3,800 feet (1158 meters) above sea level, meaning adjusting to the altitude might take some time.
As Costa Rica's capital, San Jose is full of attractions for you to enjoy. Narrow down your choices by using this list as your guide:
Marvel at the San Jose Cathedral. This 19th-century Catholic cathedral is truly a spectacular sight. Avoid visiting during services so you don't disturb people worshiping.
Get lost in the markets. San Jose has numerous markets where you can find souvenirs to take home as a memento of your adventures in Central America. Visit the San Jose Central Market to sample traditional food and soak up the chaotic atmosphere. Next, check out the Municipal Craft Market to find some artisanal products to take home.
Explore the museums. The archaeology museum houses the world's largest collection of American jade. Dive in to discover more than 7000 artifacts showcasing the history of jade. Afterward, visit the Gold Museum to see another precious material: pre-Columbian gold.
Book an excursion into the wild. Numerous natural sites surround San Jose, including Barba Volcano, Irazu Volcano, and the Talamanca Mountains. Pick an adventure and get out there to experience a slice of Costa Rica's verdant landscapes.
Dive into the nightlife. San Jose is a lively city by day and explodes with energy after the sun goes down. Hop between bars to find live music and dance the night away, perfecting your skills.
To get from Montezuma to San Jose, travelers can take a minivan, a minivan with a ferry, and a bus with a ferry.
If you want to take a minivan, choose between a private minivan transfer or buying a single seat in a shared minivan. Either way, the journey takes 4.5-6 hours.
Services pick passengers up at their hotel and drop them off at their hotel or the airport in San Jose.
Private minivans accommodate between four and six passengers. Carefully check the details before booking because you cannot bring extra passengers.
They start at $280 for the van, which is split between your group.
Solo travelers should go for a shared minivan from Montezuma to San Jose. Tickets start at $48 per passenger.
Possible minivan amenities include:
Air conditioning
WiFi
Reclining seats
Rest stops
Snacks and drinks provided
USB charger ports
English speaking staff
A luggage allowance of one suitcase weighing up to 20 kg (44 lbs) and one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 7 kg (15 lbs).
Surfboards can be taken for an extra charge.
Extra luggage is charged at $10 per piece.
Some operators allow pets in cages or carrier cases.
Another option is to take a minivan and ferry to San Jose.
This option takes between 3.5 and 6 hours to reach Costa Rica's capital. Tickets start around $60 per passenger.
You'll depart from your hotel. Then, you'll hop over the Gulf of Nicoya on a short one-hour boat ride. After arriving at the ferry terminal, you'll ride in a shuttle minivan or a 4x4 to reach your hotel or the airport in San Jose.
Possible shuttle minivan + ferry amenities include:
Air conditioning
Rest stops
Reclining seats
A luggage allowance of two bags per passenger
Child seats are provided free of charge.
Surfboards of a max length of six feet can be taken for an extra charge.
English speaking staff
Some operators will drive right onto the ferry and then straight to San Jose upon arriving at the ferry terminal. Others will pick you up on the other side because it's a passenger-only ferry.
You can choose a private bus and ferry transfer or book a seat in a shared bus and ferry transport.
A private bus can transport up to four passengers. The full trip costs $390, and this option includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel.
A single ticket on a shared shuttle bus starts at $30.
Passengers will depart from Montezuma Bus Station and get dropped off at Paquera Ferry Terminal, a 1.5-hour ride away. After a short 1.5-hour ferry ride, you'll arrive at Punta Arenas Ferry Terminal. Then, the bus will drive you another 1.5 hours to the San Jose Bus Terminal.
The trip takes around 4.5 hours to reach San Jose.
Possible bus and ferry amenities include:
Air conditioning
Reclining seats
Rest stops upon request
English speaking staff
A surfboard up to two meters for an extra charge of $15
A luggage allowance of two bags and one handbag per passenger
The journey from Montezuma to San Jose is a long one, so you'll enjoy some high points with majestic views and windows into remote nature, but it might also get a bit dull.
As you depart from Montezuma, take one last look at this beautiful town and wave goodbye to those surreal beach views.
On the first leg of the journey, you'll hug the coastline overlooking the Gulf of Nicoya until you reach the ferry crossing. Snag a window seat or sit up top to take in the gorgeous seascape as you zip across the water for the next leg of the journey.
The next leg is a little less exciting as you enter the more populated areas of Costa Rica. Take the chance to snooze away part of the journey before waking up as you approach the vast capital city.
To see San Jose at its best, you should book your trip between May and September, the dry season.
These sunny months illuminate the city, offering tourists the perfect climate to experience its many delights. You might want to avoid visiting in July and August, though. These top tourist months see many tourists flock to the city, and accommodation prices creep up, too.
While the wet months see higher rainfall, peaking in October, San Jose enjoys year-round warm weather. Temperatures average between 75°F and the low 80s°F (23-29°C).
Two to three days is plenty of time to see everything San Jose offers before setting off on the next phase of your Costa Rican adventure, especially if you're here to see the country's nature, not its cities.
The capital is packed with cultural and historical gems to fill your trip. Either stop by for a quick two-day whiz around all the best sites or add an extra day to go at a slower pace.
When you can tear yourself away from Costa Rica's capital, you're spoilt for choice when choosing the next destination.
You could head north or south to discover some of Costa Rica's spectacular national parks — there are loads to choose from.
If you're not ready to immerse yourself in the jungle, consider heading west to visit Jaco, a seaside town perfect for surfing lovers.
Or, if you want the perfect mix of beach time and waterfall explorations, visit Limon, where you can satisfy every need.
Have you booked a trip to visit San Jose, Costa Rica beaches? Read here to find out the ones you shouldn`t miss across 1,300kms of coastline
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