Distance 111 km (69.4 miles) | |
Price range US$50-US$906 | |
Ride Duration Range 2h 40m-4h 30m | |
Earliest Departure 13:30 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Fastest bus: 3h
Cheapest bus: US$100
Home to the iconic Cloud Forest, abundant biodiversity, and majestic waterfalls, Monteverde should be on every Costa Rica itinerary. But once you've covered this area, where do you go next? Introducing Tamarindo!
Tamarindo is a coastal town on the Pacific Coastline. Known as one of the top surfing spots, Tamarindo has beautiful views, more gorgeous nature, and a laidback spirit. If you want to experience more Pura Vida, this should be the next stop on your tour.
So, how do you get from Monteverde to Tamarindo? This journey covers approximately 187 km (116 miles) and can take anywhere from 3 to 4.5 hours. The main options for this route include cars, buses, and minivans — there's something for everyone!
When you leave Monteverde, you'll usually leave via Monteverde Bus Station or from your hotel. Arrivals in Tamarindo are dropped off at the main Tamarindo plaza or at your hotel. So, consider lining up some accommodation before traveling.
Know the ropes before you go. Learn how to get from Monteverde to Tamarindo via the expert guide below:
Located on the Pacific coast, Tamarindo is the largest beach town in the Guanacaste Province. But what can you do when you arrive? Here are the top things to do and see in Tamarindo:
Surfing lessons: Tamarindo is well-known for its excellent surf, and both beginners and experts can bag some waves here. The best waves are found at Playa Grande, and there are lots of surf shops with boards and lesson plans.
Marino las Baulas National Park: Situated in Tamarindo Bay, the Marino las Baulas National Park is worth a full-day visit. The land portion of this park is as big as Central Park in NYC, and it's packed with biodiversity and verdant views. The marine sector is 12 nautical miles (22 km) and completely protected from industrial fishing. Sea turtles, sharks, rays, and sea snakes are all residents here!
Horse riding tours: When you're done with your surf lessons, take a horseback riding tour. From wilderness trails to beach canters, you can pick the scenery and enjoy the ride.
Beach yoga: Take it slow with a beach yoga class. Tamarindo has many yoga studios and spas, allowing you to unwind while on vacation.
Tamarindo is known for its excellent surf, gorgeous beaches, and abundant outdoor activities.
However, it's also home to a vibrant nightlife scene. From cocktail bars to craft beer pubs, there are plenty of places to grab a drink after dark. There aren't any big clubs or raves, though. This scene is more low-key than you'd find in a big city.
The main routes from Monteverde to Tamarindo are via bus, minivan, or car. Here's what sets them apart.
Buses are a popular way to zip from Monteverde to Tamarindo in around three hours
However, with the starting price being $85 per person, they're not as cheap as other buses.
Standard Buses to Tamarindo have A/C, individual seats, hotel pick-ups and drop-offs, and one big bag and handbag per traveler.
Pro tip: Pack water and snacks. You'll thank yourself if you hit traffic.
Minivans are another in-demand way to travel from Monteverde to Tamarindo.
These rides can take anywhere from 3 to 4.5 hours to reach Tamarindo. The difference in time is usually due to stops on the way or drop-off/pick-up times if the van is full.
Selecting a "Private Transfer" guarantees a faster ride. This means you won't share the minivan with anyone outside your party. However, private journeys tend to be more expensive.
The starting price for a shared minivan is $50. Private minivans start at around $250 for the van, so if you are traveling with a large group, it makes sense.
Typical amenities found on minivans include individual seats, large baggage allowance (usually around 20 kg), hotel pick-ups, A/C, water, reclining seats, chargers, English-speaking staff, and toilet stops (on request).
Cars from Monteverde to Tamarindo provide a more comfortable experience and are private transfers.
These are better for small groups, as most have a maximum passenger capacity of four people.
However, this is the most expensive route on the list, with an SUV Car for four people starting at $906 for one journey.
The cost may be high, but the amenities guarantee a pleasant ride. Expect A/C, toilet stops, English-speaking staff, water, and WiFi (subject to availability). All passengers are allowed a 20 kg bag and a 7 kg handbag.
The journey from Monteverde to Tamarindo takes between 3 and 4.5 hours, depending on your transportation and stops.
After leaving Monteverde, you'll travel west from Puntarenas Province to Guanacaste Province. Most of this journey will be on the highway, but you might catch some views of lush green countryside or authentic towns on the way.
This is a very popular route and is safe for all travelers. Whether it's your first solo trip or a vacation with pals, you can confidently take this route.
Look for transport with A/C for a comfortable journey. Costa Rica can be sweltering, and you'll welcome a brief break from the heat.
The best time to travel from Monteverde to Tamarindo is November to May. These months have little rain and plenty of sunshine. If you visit during this period, expect the temperature to sit around 29°C to 34°C (84°F to 93°F).
From June to October, the weather remains warm, but there's a higher chance of rain. September and October are the hottest months, with an average of 320 mm of precipitation. This can seriously dampen beach days and surfing lessons.
After seeing the sun and surf in Tamarindo, it's time to continue your tour of Costa Rica.
See one of the world's most famous national parks in Manuel Antonio. The Manuel Antonio National Park offers thick jungle, white sand beaches, and cute three-toed sloths. You can get from Tamarindo to Manuel Antonio in five hours via minivan or car.
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