Rivas to San Jose tickets

	Distance 253 km (158.1 miles)
	Price range US$ 30-US$ 33
	Ride Duration Range 7h 30m-9h
	Earliest Departure 12:30
	Latest Departure 16:45
	Most Popular Operator Nica Expreso

Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.

About the ride from Rivas to San Jose

End your Nicaraguan adventure in Rivas and enter the wondrous world of San Jose, Costa Rica's fascinating capital.

To travel the 325-kilometer (201-mile) distance between the two cities, there is one straightforward choice: a bus.

The seven- to nine-hour journey is not for the faint-hearted, but it's the most affordable way to travel from Rivas to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica.

What is San Jose like?

The sprawling city of San Jose, which was settled in 1723, became the capital of Costa Rica in 1823.

It's now one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Latin America, combining the feel of a traditional Central American city with an urban hub.

Brimming with exciting activities to entice visitors, San Jose is ideally situated in the heart of the country, making it a common transit hub for travelers hopping between the gorgeous towns and national parks of Costa Rica.

San Jose sits in a central valley at 3,800 feet (1158 meters) above sea level, so be prepared for some altitude adjustment when visiting.

Five unique activities in San Jose

After a tiring journey, arriving in downtown San Jose will be all the rejuvenation you need. You'll quickly fall in love with the bustling atmosphere, gorgeous weather, and welcoming culture.

Here's everything you should do while in the city:

Enjoy a cultural tour: Start your first day by taking a tour of the Costa Rica National Theatre, a cultural and architectural treat. Tour it solo or invest in a guide to get the entire history behind its existence.

Visit the cathedral: Continue the architectural explorations with a visit to the San Jose Cathedral, built in the 19th century. The Catholic cathedral is a marvel to behold, but avoid visiting during services to allow people to pray in peace.
Find some souvenirs: Shop till you drop at the San Jose Central Market, absorbing the chaotic atmosphere and discovering a treasure trove of souvenirs and traditional food. Afterward, hop over to the Municipal Craft Market to find more artisanal products and souvenirs to take home.

Go museum-hopping to learn about the city's history: Start with the Jade Museum, an archaeology museum with the world's largest display of American jade and more than 7,000 artifacts waiting to be discovered.

Then check out the Gold Museum to see an impressive collection of pre-Colombian gold dating back to AD500 before ending with the National Museum.

Immerse yourself in the surrounding nature: To get out of the city center, consider booking an excursion to Barba Volcano to the north, Irazu Volcano to the East, or the Talamanca Mountains to the south of San Jose.

How do I get from Rivas to San Jose?

The best way to travel from Rivas, Nicaragua, to San Jose in Costa Rica is by bus. This long journey will immerse you in the wilderness of both countries.

Buses leave from different stations according to the operator, so check the details of your ticket carefully before setting off. Arrive at the departure point at least 30 minutes early to prevent any mix-ups when finding your bus.

Buses complete the journey in 7.5-9 hours, traveling throughout the day.

All buses have air conditioning, WCs, and reclining seats. Some provide water and have TVs as well.

You'll get a luggage allowance of two 25 kg (55 lb) bags.

You will cross the border en route, so pack all the necessary documents to seamlessly transition between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. The driver is not responsible for this aspect of the journey; you are! Get everything ready ahead of time. Print out any necessary visa documents, and to be extra safe, always carry a scanned copy of your passport.

The best things about the ride from Rivas to San Jose

It's always exciting to switch countries, so the adrenaline will keep you awake as you drive into more remote areas of Nicaragua on the way to the border.

After departing Rivas, the drive runs along the western edge of Cocibolca Lake, offering spectacular views of its blue waters and the island of Ometepe that sits within it.

With the border crossing out of the way, passengers can sit back and enjoy the spectacular views of Costa Rica's luscious landscapes.

The bus will pass several national parks, offering a first look at Costa Rica's rich biodiversity.

You'll no doubt need some sleep during this long journey but grab a window seat to appreciate the stunning natural beauty on display.

When is the best time to visit San Jose?

Book your trip to San Jose in the dry months between May and September. However, the busiest tourist months are in July and August, so come before or after to avoid the crowds.

Although October brings the heaviest rainfall, the city's year-round temperatures range between 75°F and the low 80sF (23-29°C).

How many days should I spend in San Jose?

Spend no more than two days in San Jose if you want to prioritize seeing Costa Rica's verdant landscapes.

The capital is beautiful and filled with cultural and historical treasures to fill your time, but you can tick all of these off within two days.

Where should I go after San Jose?

Next, head west to the seaside destination of Jaco for some beach time and surfing opportunities. Or travel north or south to see some of the country's glorious national parks.

Alternatively, head east to check out Limon, where stunning waterfalls and white-sand beaches will entice you.