How to Get from San Jose to Tamarindo
Are you looking for the best ways to get from San Jose to Tamarindo, Costa Rica? Tamarindo is one of the best tourist destinations in Costa Rica, so don’t miss it on your Costa Rica Itinerary. Spend some relaxing days in Tamarindo with surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling, join a catamaran tour, and explore the beautiful beaches.
Getting to Tamarindo may seem difficult, but depending on your time and budget, there are several ways to get there. You can easily get to Tamarindo by shared and private transfer, plane, taxi, bus, or rental car.
In this ultimate guide, you will find all the ways to get from San Jose to Tamarindo, such as the cheapest and quickest way to travel, journey times, and how much a bus ticket or taxi will cost.
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How far is Tamarindo from San Jose?
The distance between San Jose and Tamarindo is about 260 km, which is 4.5-7 hours, depending on traffic and mode of transport.
Scroll down for more information about which transport is the best for you, how long the journey takes, and how much a taxi or bus ticket will cost.
How to Get from San Jose to Tamarindo by Flight
Tamarindo has a small airport with domestic flights only, the Tamarindo Airport (airport code TNO). Airfare and extra airport transfers make this one of the most expensive options to get to Tamarindo.
Sansa Airlines operates a few daily flights to Tamarindo. The flight takes just 50 minutes, and plane tickets start from 160 USD (without luggage) per person one way.
TIP
Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Tamarindo.
The town center can be reached in about 10 minutes by taxi from Tamarindo Airport.
San Jose Airport to Tamarindo by Taxi, Private Transfer
The easiest and fastest way to get to Tamarindo is by taxi. The journey takes 4.5-5 hours, depending on traffic.
A taxi from San Jose Airport to Tamarindo starts from 290 USD, depending on the number of passengers, time of day, etc. If you are not traveling alone, the price is affordable.
Before you get in the taxi, be sure to agree on a price with the driver. The taxi drivers do not accept card payments, so you should bring local money!
Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to Tamarindo starting from 310 USD, and 8 pax are allowed.
San Jose to Tamarindo by Shuttle Minivan
One of the best and most popular ways to get to Tamarindo is by air-conditioned minivan. The journey time is 5-5.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Minivans run only five times a day at 6 AM, 6:30 AM, 7 AM, 7:15 AM, and 8 AM. A shuttle minivan from San Jose Airport/City to Tamarindo (any hotel) starts from 65 USD. Alternatively, you can book a combined minivan and ferry ticket.
San Jose to Tamarindo by Bus
The cheapest way to get to Tamarindo is by bus. If you don’t want to rent a car or cannot drive, you can take a bus from the Terminal de Autobuses (TIG) to Tamarindo. The travel time is approximately 6-7 hours, depending on traffic.
The bus tickets start from 6860 CRC (13.50 USD). Get bus tickets HERE.
The Terminal de Autobuses is about a 20-30-minute drive from San Jose Airport, and you can get there by taxi or Uber.
Take care of your valuables, as minor thefts or pickpockets may occur on public transport!
Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.
San Jose to Tamarindo Bus Schedule
- Tamarindo via Liberia departing at 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM.
- Tamarindo via Puente de La Amistad departing at 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
As the buses run infrequently, tickets can sell out quickly (especially in high season), so we recommend purchasing online. Bus timetables are subject to change.
San Jose to Tamarindo by Car
One of the best ways to get to Tamarindo is by car. You can easily rent a car at Juan Santa Maria International Airport or pick up your pre-booked car.
We did our 2-week Costa Rica Itinerary by rental car and enjoyed exploring the sights at our own pace.
The best way to explore Costa Rica is by renting a car. Although public transport is cheap, travel time is long, and some places are not accessible by bus. Renting a car in Costa Rica provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and visit hidden gems or get off the beaten path.
San Jose to Tamarindo Driving
You can reach Tamarindo in about 4.5-5 hours, depending on traffic (which can be chaotic). The roads are in good condition and easy to drive. There is a toll on this route. As these are small tolls (ranging from 200-1200 colones), we recommend you bring local money.
You don’t need a 4×4, but it’s worth booking a car with a higher ground clearance for your Costa Rica road trip. Book your car in advance to get the best price. Check car rental prices and availability HERE.
Good to know
It always gets dark early in Costa Rica (between 5:30 PM and 6 PM). So we don’t recommend driving at night!
Are you thinking of renting a car? Be sure to read our guide to renting a car in Costa Rica and driving tips.
Where to Stay in Tamarindo
Tamarindo has some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
- Luxury: Les Voiles Blanches – Luxury Lodge
- Mid-Range: Wyndham Tamarindo or Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel
- Budget: Best Western Tamarindo Vista Villas
More Travel Guides about Costa Rica
- The Ultimate Costa Rica Itinerary for 14 Days
- Best Beaches in Costa Rica
- 9 Best Things to Do in La Fortuna
- How to Visit Manuel Antonio National Park
- 8 Best Things to Do in Monteverde
- Best Eco Lodges in Costa Rica
We hope our post on how to get from San Jose to Tamarindo will help you plan your next trip to Costa Rica. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
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