So you’re coming to Costa Rica? Chances are you’ll be flying into San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). After spending a few days in San Jose partaking in the best activities, you’re ready to hit the beach.
You’re now looking for the best way to head to the beach town of Tamarindo.
If you’ve seen my posts about Tamarindo, you’ll know I absolutely adore it. I’ve been going back there at least 3 times in between my Central America travels, and each time I go to Costa Rica, I never fail to make a stop in Tamarindo.
(Granted, I’m also biased because I’m very close friends with a local from Tamarindo. Yes, we’ve travelled together for over a year. That’s him.)
Safe to say, I know Tamarindo to a T, and making the journey from San Jose to Tamarindo is one I’m notoriously familiar with.
In this article, we’ll talk about the best ways to get from San Jose to Tamarindo. Information is changing online all the time and even if you can find the information online, chances are they’re in Spanish. It’s not very tourist-friendly. Even locals have a hard time with the Costa Rican bus system.
There are a few options for getting from SJO to Tamarindo. You can take a bus or shuttle, rent a car or fly into Tamarindo’s Airport. Here’s a rundown of the best (and worst) ways to travel from San José to Tamarindo.
So get ready for your Costa Rica packing list and let’s get on a wild ride!
4 Ways To Travel From San José To Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
In this blog post, I’m going to break down the different transportation options available to you, as well as their pros and cons. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly which mode of transportation is right for you and your trip.
1. Driving
If you’re going to explore Costa Rica for some time, consider renting a car while in Costa Rica. Driving yourself is obviously the best option, as it gives you the most flexibility in terms of giving you access to the best-hidden gems that Costa Rica offers.
Within a week, I rented a car to explore Costa Rica’s Southwest region using this 7-day itinerary, including the hard-to-reach Corcovado National Park.
The downside? It can be an expensive option (around USD 100 per day). This varies depending on the car you want (you need a 4×4), but if you’re splitting the cost with a few friends, it’s not too bad.
The drive itself is about 5 hours if you take the Pan-American Highway, but I recommend taking the scenic route through the mountains if you have time as you can visit Arenal Lake, and La Fortuna, and have a sight of the beast that Arenal Volcano. The whole area surrounding La Fortuna is just so beautiful!
2. Flying
This is probably the quickest and most convenient option, but it’s also pretty expensive individually.
There are direct flights from San Jose to Tamarindo that take about 1 hour, but keep in mind that you’ll have to factor in time for checking in and going through security at the airport. The upside is since it’s a domestic airport with very few flights, the check-in duration is swift.
If you’re on a tight schedule, then flying is definitely the way to go. Just be prepared to spend a little extra cash.
3. By Shuttle
Another popular option for travellers is to take a shuttle from San José to Tamarindo. Shuttles are typically smaller vehicles than buses, which means they can navigate traffic more easily and make the trip in a shorter amount of time.
This is a door-to-door service with 1 stop for eating lunch and a toilet break, so you won’t have to worry about extra delays or unintended extra stops along the way.
It’s straightforward – just tell them where you are and where you’re going. My amazing friends at Guatego provide such a simple service – just go to their website and hit your point of origin and destination, and it’s handled with a simple online booking system.
The downside of taking a shuttle is that it can be expensive, it’s about USD 50/ CRC 3000 each way, and you might have to share the ride with other travellers.
4. Buses
This is by far the cheapest option, about USD 11 / CRC 7000, but it’s also the slowest. Admittedly, the bus system in Costa Rica isn’t the best, but one I use the most often.
It takes about 5-7 hours to get from San Jose to Tamarindo by bus, so if you’re not in a hurry and on a budget then this is an option for you. There are 2 roads to get to tamarindo from San José.
The downside of taking a bus is that it can be slow, particularly if you’re travelling during peak traffic times. It’s also worth nothing that not all buses in Costa Rica are air-conditioned, so if you’re travelling during the hot summer months, you may want to consider another option.
Lucky for you, there’s a new bus operators called TIG “Transporte Inteligente Guanacasteco” where you can buy the tickets easily online, plus they have air-conditioned busses that covers most of the transport to the province of Guanacaste and they go directly into Tamarindo.
Just make sure to bring snacks and something to keep yourself entertained because it’s going to be a long ride! And keep an eye on your stuff all the time!
Where To Stay In Tamarindo, Costa Rica
For a full list of the best places to stay in Tamarindo, you can check out these 12 places I recommend. Otherwise, below you can find a breakdown of the best places to stay in Tamarindo based on your budget.
Luxury
Coast Beachfront Hotel
The Coast Beachfront Hotel is the perfect place to stay when you’re visiting Tamarindo. Not only do they offer 24-hour reception, security and private parking, but they also offer concierge services!
The rooms have a kitchen and all the amenities you need, including free optic fibre WiFi throughout the place. You’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful beach within minutes of walking.
There are lounge chairs, beach chairs and boogie boards so you’ll never run out of things to do in case you were looking for some alone time by the sunset.
Mid Range
Hotel Mar Rey
The budget-friendly hotel offers a wonderful location just across the road from Tamarindo Beach and has outdoor pools surrounded by gorgeous gardens.
Each room features air conditioning, satellite TV (with cable) as well as a balcony overlooking one of many beautiful swimming areas available here.
Complement your perfect vacation in Tamarindo by staying in a hotel where you’ll feel right at home.
Budget
Apartotel Villa Alta Tamarindo
The perfect getaway awaits you at Apartotel Villa Alta Tamarindo. Located 800 metres from Tamarindo beach, this guesthouse provides air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi and access to an outdoor swimming pool.
You’ll be just a few minutes walk from some of the best beaches around as well as all that it offers, including restaurants and nightlife until late.
There are also many activities available right on site like daily yoga classes, fitness programs, equipment rentals etc., so if keeping active is what hits your fancy, then take advantage because this place will not disappoint.
FAQ About Visiting Tamarindo, Costa Rica
What Is Tamarindo? What To Expect From Tamarindo?
Tamarindo was a small fishing village that has been transformed into an amazing surf and nature destination. What makes this area so great?
Do you like to surf? Do you like to party? Do you like to relax on the beach? Do you like flora and fauna? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Costa Rica’s Tamarindo is the place for you! This small town has something for everyone and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
The water activities like surfing, diving or snorkelling are just some other examples of how you can enjoy the natural beauty around every corner.
It also features diverse marine life which will appeal to those looking for more than just cocktails on the beach, not to mention the bustling flora and fauna on land.
Safety In Tamarindo
I receive many questions about the safety of Tamarindo. The truth of the matter is that while Costa Rica may seem like a safe country with its lush jungles and beautiful beaches, there are always those who seek opportunities where they can find them!
As such, if you’re planning on visiting any specific locations or taking leisurely trips throughout your trip (including exploring nearby towns), make certain to always securely lock up at night and also don’t leave anything valuable unattended as well.
Even though this small town is incredibly community oriented where everyone knows each other, there are always new people who have bad intentions or are just greedy.
Is Tamarindo A Party Town?
It can be, if you want it to! It’s as family-friendly as it is party-friendly.
Tamarindo is a fun-filled destination for all ages. You can spend time at the beach drinking until sunset, only to get ready to party.
This is a nice town where there are plenty of bars with live music venues that offer dance parties almost every night. There are always some groups who party together until sunrise.
Tamarindo isn’t just any ordinary town!
Is It Too Touristy In Tamarindo?
I’m not going to lie, Tamarindo can be touristy. It’s a small, coastal town with easy access to some of the best beaches in all of Costa Rica!
While it can get crowded during festivities or peak season, you won’t see any American franchises like Starbucks and Mcdonald’s (there are plenty of other coffee shops and local breweries),
During peak season things can get compact (traffic included) because this small area becomes filled with people looking to unwind and celebrate.
How Many Days Should I Spend In Tamarindo?
If your goal is to learn surfing as I did then, the most suitable duration would be at least a few weeks.
Surfing doesn’t come easy and there are plenty of opportunities around town where you can take excellent lessons and improve dramatically!
Plus, it’s worth slowing down during your stay here so that you can really experience life as locals do. The very minimum is 3 nights, if not you’ll regret it.
There you have it! These are the best 4 options for travelling from San Jose to Tamarindo. There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing the best way to travel from San José to Tamarindo in Costa Rica; it all depends on your budget, time frame and personal preferences.
Now it’s up to you to decide which one is right for you and your trip.
I would recommend driving if you have time because it gives you the most flexibility and freedom, there are many attractions on the road to Tamarindo, including volcanoes, lakes, rivers, mountains and more.
Whatever you choose, enjoy yourself and have a great time in Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica!