San Jose to Tamarindo tickets

About the ride from San José to Tamarindo

Costa Rica is home to exciting cities, charming towns, lots of adventurous activities, and plenty of gorgeous beaches. 

If ocean vibes are what you’re looking for, travel from San José to Tamarindo to relax and soak up some sun. 

Known for its surfing, fantastic champagne-sand beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, this is one of the best places to experience the authentic Tica lifestyle. 

As a bonus, both cities are firmly planted on the backpacker trail, so it is relatively easy to get from San José to Tamarindo. The journey takes between one and seven hours, depending on your mode of transportation.

There are a few options to get you the 288 km (178 miles) from the capital city. There is a private airport that receives daily flights from San José. However, if you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll probably want to take the bus. More on that below…

Things to do in Tamarindo

The best thing to do in Tamarindo is spend time at the beach. The soft, honey-hued sand is the perfect place to lay down a towel, read a great book, and tan. 

The area is also a great surfing spot. You can attend a surf school or practice catching waves on your own. 

You can also try other adventurous water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and jet skiing. 

In addition to an epic time at the beach, Tamarindo town has much to offer. Check out Volcano Brewing for tasty beers and a fun place to socialize. The Tamarindo Moonlight Night Market is also an interesting place to check out if you are interested in live music and local food. It is open every Thursday from 6 p.m. 

How to get from San José to Tamarindo

There are a few ways to get from San José to Tamarindo that will fit any travel style or budget. 

If you want to maximize your time at the beach, flying is the best option. 

If you are trying to stretch your money, take the bus. 

It is also possible to organize private transport to allow you to get to Tamarindo on your schedule and travel in style.

Let’s dig a little deeper…

Flights

The fastest way to get to Tamarindo from San José is to fly. 

Tamarindo is home to a private airport, with daily flights leaving the capital. 

The trip takes about 50 minutes, so it is a great way to get to the beach without the hassle of a day’s travel. Because the airport is private, flights are on the pricier side; they start at $165.

Bus

The most popular way to get from San José to Tamarindo is to take the bus. 

Several daily departures from San José Terminal (TIG) arrive at Plaza Tamarindo, centrally located in town.

The journey takes about six hours. Prices start at $24.

Minivan

Another option to get to Tamarindo from San José is to book a seat in a minivan. This is a shared ride but is not as crowded as a standard bus. 

The journey takes between five and six hours, and drivers will pick you up at the airport or any hotel in San José. An added benefit of taking a minivan is that they will drop you off directly at your hotel in Tamarindo. 

With seats starting at $69, minivans are more expensive than the bus but far less than a flight. 

If you’re traveling with a group of friends and prefer door-to-door service without the luxury price tag, rent a private minivan. Prices start around $300 for the vehicle, so prices per person decrease with the more people you have.

Private car

If you want to set your own schedule or travel privately, hiring a car is the choice for you. 

This is about the same price as a flight, but you’ll travel in style from your hotel or the airport in San José directly to your hotel in Tamarindo. Prices for the car start around $500 and can seat three people. 

Expect an SUV with AC and an English-speaking driver who can stop whenever you need a bathroom break or want to snap a picture along the scenic views. 

Van + Ferry

Another option is a van + ferry combo ticket. You’ll get picked up at the airport or hotel in a minivan and driven to the ferry. The minivan will board the ferry and continue on the last leg of your journey to your hotel in Tamarindo.

The journey takes seven hours and costs $54.

What to expect on the ride to Tamarindo from San José

The trip from San José to Tamarindo is a scenic journey through central Costa Rica to the western coast. 

If you opt for a flight, these planes are small! Think 15 people max. The trip is less than an hour, but keep in mind that you’ll be traveling on a single-engine plane, so if you’re afraid of flying, this may not be the best option.

The standard bus offers AC but very few other amenities. Grab a window seat to take in the stunning views along the way.

Minivans offer reclining seats, AC, and the option for you to bring a surfboard on board with you. Again, be sure to pick a window seat so you can watch the Costa Rican countryside go by along the way.

Hiring a car or SUV gives you plenty of flexibility. Ask your driver to stop at a scenic spot or any time you need to use the bathroom or grab a snack. You will have AC, reclining seats, an English-speaking driver to get you from San José to Tamarindo, and plenty of views to admire along the way.

A van + ferry combo is a long journey, but you’ll get to see the Coast Rican countryside on land and water. So, if you’re a fan of slow traveling and have the time, this journey is for you. 

Best time to visit Tamarindo

You can visit Tamarindo any time of the year and have a great time. 

However, when planning your trip, you’ll want to consider the activities you want to do. The dry season, from December through April, is perfect for lazing at the beach and trying your hand at surfing. Keep in mind that it’s also the peak season. Be sure to book accommodation in advance and be willing to pay higher prices for everything from hotels to tours and attractions. 

May through October is considered the rainy season, with rainfall steadily ramping up from month to month. October is the wettest, and it typically rains every afternoon. You can expect sunny mornings and pleasant evenings.

The benefit of traveling during the rainy season is that it is far less crowded. This means that there are more accommodation options and prices tend to be cheaper.

Where to go after Tamarindo 

There are tons of great places to explore in Costa Rica once your time in Tamarindo has come to an end.

If you want to head to another beach town, check out Jaćo. It’s in another province, so you’ll get to experience the beaches in Puntarenas and Guanacaste. Who doesn’t love comparing one amazing beach town to another?

Had your fill of fun in the sun? No problem! Head from Tamarindo to Arenal. Home to the stunning namesake volcano and loads of adventurous activities, no trip to Costa Rica would be complete without stopping here. The ride takes between 3.5 and 5 hours.