Distance 66 km (41.3 miles) | |
Price range US$ 32-US$ 64 | |
Ride Duration Range 1h 40m-3h | |
Earliest Departure 15:50 | |
Latest Departure 21:45 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
You've spent a few days wandering San Jose's museums, tasting your way through the craft beer scene, and getting a feel for the city. But now it's time to see more of Costa Rica. And coastal Jaco is calling. It's known for its surfing and nightlife, and it has a side of wildlife too.
It's an easy entry into the extraordinary, diverse treasures of the country.
To get from San Jose to Jaco, you'll need to travel 62 miles (100 km) by bus or minivan. It's a short ride, taking 1.5-3.5 hours, depending on which transportation method you pick.
A minivan is a door-to-door service with hotel or airport pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Jaco. A bus is cheaper, but it's not door-to-door.
You'll have to decide between convenience and budget.
Jaco has you covered if you're looking for adventure, an epic party scene, and a little wildlife. Here's how to make the most of your trip.
Surf the waves (or learn to stand on a board). Jaco's got surf breaks for pros and newbies. So, if you know what you're doing or just trying not to faceplant, you'll have a blast. Surf schools are everywhere, and they offer lessons with expert instructors who will get you popping up in no time.
Chase waterfalls at Nauyaca. Skip the basic beach pics and go full-on jungle explorer at the Nauyaca Waterfalls. They are not far from Jaco and are 100% worth the ride. Take a horse or your own two feet on a moderate hike to reach them. Once you do, you'll find two massive cascading falls surrounded by lush rainforest. A dreamy setting for a refreshing swim.
Find a bar and dance 'til sunrise. Jaco's nightlife is legendary — think open-air clubs, beachfront bars, and DJs who actually know how to keep the party going.
One minute, you're sipping a beer at a breezy rooftop bar, watching the sun dip below the ocean. Next, you're packed onto a dance floor, dancing until you see the sunrise. Whether you're into laid-back lounges or wild beach parties, you'll find your spot.
Go ATVing. Buckle up! You're about to get muddy! Experience the thrill of driving an ATV as you splash through rivers, wind along rugged jungle trails, and climb to breathtaking mountain views. Along the way, stop at hidden waterfalls and scenic lookout points, where you can take in Costa Rica's epic beauty.
See crocs that could swallow you whole. For an adrenaline rush without needing travel insurance, head to the Tarcoles River and check out the massive crocodiles chilling under the bridge. Some of these prehistoric-looking beasts are over 15 feet long, and if you want a closer look, you can take a guided boat tour to see them in action from a safe but thrilling distance.
There are two ways to travel overland from San Jose to Jaco:
Bus
Minivan
As you can probably imagine, there isn't a whole lot of variation between the two.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Starting price: $13
At $13, the bus is the cheapest way to get between San Jose and Jaco.
Buses leave from the 7-10 Terminal in San Jose and arrive at the Jaco Bus Terminal in the south end of town.
There are typically at least four departures each day, starting with the first one at 7 a.m. and the last one at 7 p.m. This gives you plenty of options.
The bus is comfortable and air-conditioned, and the luggage policy is a 44 lb/20 kg bag and one handbag per person.
Duration: 1.5-3.5 hours
Starting price: $31 for a seat, $143 for the private minivan
Even though they are more expensive than buses, minivans are a very common and convenient way to get around Costa Rica.
They typically offer hotel or San Jose Airport (SJO) pick-up and drop-off at any hotel in Jaco, which takes all the stress out of your journey. Additionally, a shared minivan means you're going to meet some new people and make some friends on your journey.
Modern minivans come equipped with air conditioning and reclining seats. Plus, based on the company you choose, you might find extras like WiFi, power outlets, and even refreshments available for purchase. Like a bus, they have set departure times throughout the day.
Some companies allow surfboards and pets for a fee.
If you are traveling in a small group, you could hire the whole minivan and have complete control over the trip. You get to choose the departure time. The pick-up and drop-off locations. And when to stop for a bladder or Instagram break.
Even better, you get to split the cost with your friends. For example, if there are six of you and the flat fee is $143, it breaks down to $24 per person. Yes, it's still more than a bus, but it's your private door-to-door ride. And it's less than a seat on a shared minivan that you have no control over.
Even if you don't know six people, it might be a great time to ask everyone in your hostel to see if they want to go your way.
December to April is the best time. The weather is sunny, the waves are perfect, and the nightlife is in full swing. But it's peak season, so expect crowds, big energy, and higher prices.
Avoid September and October, which are the peak of the rainy season. Torrential downpours last all day, turning basic beach trips and outdoor adventures into a gamble. Some businesses even close during this time of year.
For a happy medium, visit between May and August. The crowds thin out, prices drop, and the jungle is still at its most vibrant. Mornings are usually sunny, but rain rolls in later, so you can still enjoy the beach or have some killer adventure before the storms hit.
Costa Rica is known for its national parks and epic wildlife. And while Jaco is a very cool place, you need to branch out and get into those adventures. Stay in Jaco for three days and then move on.
If you aren't sure where to go, keep reading.
Laid-back Montezuma, in the Nicoya Peninsula, is a bohemian beach town with a wild, natural side. Adventure seekers can hike to the famous Montezuma Waterfalls. The Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve will woo wildlife lovers. Nightlife fiends will get their fix from the bonfire gatherings, live music, and friendly, international crowd.
Alternatively, head to Manuel Antonio with its mix of eco-lodges, boutique hotels, and lively beachfront bars where you can sip cocktails with ocean views. Its namesake national park is packed with sloths, monkeys, and exotic birds, plus some of the country's most beautiful beaches.
San Jose - Hotel List
San Jose Airport (SJO)
San Jose - Any hotel
Denny's Restaurant (near San Jose Airport)
Jaco - Hotel List
These scenarios may not seem like the recipe for love at first, but have everything it takes to turn the trip of a lifetime into a lifetime of happiness.
Planning your trip can cause a great deal of travel anxiety. Here are four technologies that can help overcome this problem.
We’ve compiled a list of symptoms and a few easy suggestions to help you deal with and overcome the challenge that is known as travel anxiety.
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