The San José to Jaco transfer is a swift 1 hour and 40-minute journey toward the country’s Pacific coast, about 62 miles (100 km) west of your starting point. While Costa Rican roads have long intimidated international visitors, electing a private driving transfer for this route offers straightforward passage.

The drive between the two cities is not very far, and a car service grants you convenient door-to-door transportation without needing to navigate the bus system. Daytrip enables you to leave for Jaco’s beaches straight from the Juan Santamaría International Airport - minimizing your travel time and letting a local English-speaking driver give you your first taste of “pura vida”.

In order to maximize your exploration time in this wondrous double-coasted country, consider selecting a reliable and efficient transfer with Daytrip. You will have the option to stop and visit sights along the way such as the Crocodile Bridge or the lush Else Kientzler Gardens. You can also opt for a transfer directly from the airport in San José and get help with your luggage, avoiding the risk of a bus running out of space for your belongings.

The main beach, Playa Jaco, is a welcoming highlight of the city, offering plenty of smaller waves for newbie surfers. Meanwhile, toward the south, the revered Playa Hermosa draws more advanced crowds with its bigger, more consistent waves and entices surf-minded travelers from across the globe. \

If you’d prefer to stay on dry land, Jaco also acts as an ideal gateway to some of Costa Rica’s national parks, including Carara National Park. This jungle paradise is a mesmerizing example of biodiversity, home to over 400 bird species and allowing visitors to explore trails deep into the pristine mountainous wilderness. Churning waterfalls, eager monkeys, and brilliant Scarlet Macaws are just some of the sights awaiting a visitor to Carara. \

Jaco also offers travelers a chance to explore Isla Tortuga (Tortuga Island), a remote isle that’s actually composed of two smaller islands, Alcatraz and Tolinga. Isla Tortuga can only be accessed by boat, with tours leaving frequently from Jaca. Once there, white sand beaches and turquoise coves greet you, providing ample opportunity to snorkel, kayak, or hike through the surrounding jungle. The area is complete with a few small bars and lunch options, and if you’re lucky, you may be able to spot some of the Island’s wild pig population.

Choose private transportation

The best way to cross the distance between these two cities is with a private car service. This will start your time in Jaco off with a convenient drop off at your accommodation, and save you time and money spent on navigating an airport shuttle or the bus system. Plus, you’ll be getting a more scenic route through Costa Rica, and have the chance to do some sightseeing along the way!

Book adventures ahead of time

If you are visiting during the country’s dry season, be mindful that the near-perfect weather can draw significant crowds to Jaco. If you are planning to partake in any guided activities such as zip-lining, jungle exploration, or surf lessons, consider researching and booking your activities in advance to avoid disappointment.

San José to Jaco by Airport Shuttle

Several companies offer on-demand 90-minute shuttle services from the airport in San José to Jaco. These may not provide the same peace of mind as booking a private driver ahead of time, and the cost can vary across seasons and travel times (starting at about $170.)

San José to Jaco by taxi

There are taxi companies that offer transportation from the city center of San José as well as from the airport, either of which will cost around $120-$150. This option may not offer the same flexibility as private transfers, and the predicted 1 hour and 40-minute journey might not include any time spent getting to and from the preferred drop-off and pick-up locations.

San José to Jaco by bus

The cheapest option but perhaps not the most straightforward is to take the bus from San José to Jaco. Tickets cost $33-57 for the 2-hour ride. It’s important to note that some of the airport shuttle bus routes run through the center of San José on their way to Jaco and can increase the journey time to 3 hours and 40 minutes.

Transfer options at a glance

For your comparison and planning, here is a quick breakdown of the durations and costs of each transfer option in order of convenience:

• Daytrip private transfer: 1 hour 40 minutes | starting at $26 per person
• Taxi: 1 hour 40 minutes | $120-150
• On-Demand Shuttle: 1 hour 40 minutes | $170
• Bus:2 hours to 3 hours 40 minutes| $33-57 per person

Playa Jaco:

Perhaps not one of Costa Rica’s most photogenic beaches, but its bubbly atmosphere, surfable waves, and ultra-convenient location make it the perfect first stop on arrival to Jaco. It is also rimmed with surf shops for any forgotten coastal necessities and a range of dining and drinking options that can carry you from day to night without ever straying too far from the sand.

Playa Mantas:

This turquoise cove is encircled by palm trees and showcases the very best of Costa Rica’s tropical beauty. This popular spot is a great option for families seeking calmer water away from big-wave surfers and presents an opportunity for swimming, paddle boarding, or simply relaxing.

Playa Hermosa:

This dark sand oasis is a surfer’s dream, with the powerful waves often hosting professional surfers for practice or competition. This beach is not for swimming, but the shore can be a calm reprieve from the busier beaches.

A tip for non-quite-beginner but less advanced surfers: consider Playa Esterillos Oeste instead, where the northwestern end of the beach touts a reef break that creates calmer swells mimicking other famous A-frame breaks.

Zipline through the jungle

For those seeking high-adventure, look no further than a zipline adventure in one of the forested parks of Jaco. You’ll soon be soaring above the tree line, sometimes with a glistening ocean view breaking through the rich green canopy. Some tours offer a gondola tram for a slower scenic route up before your exhilarating zipline journey down through Jaco’s mountainous jungles.

Join in the nightlife

When the sun goes down and the surfers retreat onto the sand, Jaco is transformed into a radiant center of parties, tiki bars, and nightclubs to suit every budget and taste. If the more energetic evenings aren’t for you, consider finding a local restaurant to indulge in Costa Rica’s signature dishes. Try the Arroz Con Pollo, a fried-rice adjacent colored a vibrant yellow with Achiote (a native plant lending the dish a sweet and nutty flavor.)

The most popular time to visit Jaco is during the dry season, a long stretch of warmer weather and mainly blue skies beginning in December and ending in April. This can be a great time to visit for newer surfers or the average vacationer, but be mindful that prices may be much higher during this time. Booking all flights and accommodation well in advance is recommended.