Granada to San Jose tickets

About the ride from Granada to San Jose

Situated on the shores of mighty Lake Nicaragua, Granada is arguably the top travel destination in Nicaragua. Besides having easy access to the beautiful islands dotting the vast inland lake, Granada wows with its authentic colonial Spanish buildings, quaint streets, and fantastic volcano experiences that just happen to be right nearby. 

Yet, not too far beyond Granada's city limits, the natural wonders of Costa Rica are a temptation that is hard to resist. The capital, San Jose, has long been a hub for exploring some of the most appealing sites central Costa Rica offers. It's also a great launching pad for excursions to all corners of the country.

All it takes is a bus ride to experience the best of both cities in one itinerary. Below, we'll break down all you need to know to combine these Central American highlights.

Best things to do in San Jose

Conveniently located near the center of the country, San Jose is an excellent base of operations for exploring the gorgeous countryside. But even with so much to see outside the city limits, you'll still want to leave some time to take in the Costa Rican capital on its own merits. 

These are the best things to do while you're there:

1. Delight your taste buds on a food tour. Costa Rica is rightly known for its coffee. You'll get to sample that and much more on an organized food tour.

Beginning with a visit to the market for fresh ingredients, you will learn to blend them into a delicious local dish, providing you with a keepsake to savor even after returning home!

2. Explore the city on foot. San Jose may not rank among the top colonial cities in Central America, but there is plenty to admire on a free walking tour (or a private one if that's your thing).
   
   

On the tour, you'll take in the subtle beauty of the historic center and, more importantly, the pleasure of interacting with the lovely Ticos who call this city home.

3. Get cultured at a museum. As the political capital of Costa Rica, it's no surprise you can explore the country's rich history, both modern and ancient, here.

Top billing goes to the National Museum, which showcases the region's history from modern times all the way back to pre-Columbian civilizations. If you find history kind of dry, they have a butterfly garden just to spice things up.

4. Go day-tripping. San Jose's location makes it an excellent hub for exploring the entire central region of the country.

Take a day trip to Grecia and Sarchi for handicrafts and shopping.

For waterfalls, choose an excursion to Bajos del Toro or La Paz Waterfall Nature Park.

Or visit one of the many national parks surrounding the city, such as the popular Volcan Poas. 

What to expect when traveling from Granada to San Jose

Like many Latin American destinations, a bus is the most practical way to cover the 254 miles (409 km) between the two cities. 

Departing from Granada, your bus will travel along the scenic shores of Lake Nicaragua, bringing you down to the border with Costa Rica. 

Be sure to have your passport and any other required documents ready for the border crossing.

Upon entering Costa Rica, you'll traverse the semi-arid Guanacaste area. As you pass through Liberia, the country's second city, you'll enjoy the lush countryside views, especially as you head inland towards the capital, San Jose. 

How to get from Granada to San Jose

A regular bus service connects Granada and San Jose with a starting price of just $33 per ticket. 

Departures are usually very early in the morning, and the total travel time is around seven hours. You'll arrive in San Jose around noon.

At the Nicaragua-Costa Rica border crossing, be prepared to show your passport (valid for at least another 90 days) and pay a small departure fee in cash. While most nationalities don't require a visa to enter Costa Rica, it isn't a bad idea to check to see if you'll need one before your trip. 

Buses will be air-conditioned — by some accounts, overly so. Keep a light jacket or hoodie with you if you're prone to getting cold. Onboard restrooms are standard, as are reclining seats.

Luggage allowances are generous. Passengers are generally allowed two bags up to 55 lbs (25 kg) apiece. Larger bags are stored in the luggage compartments beneath the seating area and are accessed only from the outside. Keep whatever you wish to use during the trip in the passenger area.

Departures will be from the operator's offices in Granada. There may also be pick-ups at select locations further along in the journey as the bus nears San Jose. 

Arrivals will be at Terminal Central CR, in the heart of the city.

When is the best time of year to visit San Jose?

The best time to visit San Jose — and Costa Rica in general — is during the dry season, which lasts from December to April. Very convenient for those coming from colder locations in the north.

High temperatures range between 74-79°F ( 23-26°C), making it comfortable for city explorations and nature excursions. 

The only downside is that this period also translates to peak season for tourists, with higher demand (and prices to match) for flights and accommodations, especially around Christmas and Easter.

Alternatively, you can visit during the shoulder months of the wet or green season. May, in particular, is a lovely time.

Sure, you'll see a greater chance of precipitation, but Costa Rica's landscape is at its lushest once you add some water. 

Really, the only months you'll want to avoid are September and October, when the rains are at their heaviest, and traveling becomes more difficult — especially if you hope to venture off to more rural areas.

Where to travel after San Jose

Once you're done exploring San Jose and its surroundings, you have a ridiculously long list of potential destinations at your fingertips. 

Some top targets are the steamy jungles of Tortuguero, the soft adventure town of La Fortuna near the active Arenal Volcano, and the beaches and wildlife viewing gem of Manuel Antonio National Park. 

And if it's beaches you're after, you can't go wrong with surfer hotspots like Jaco Beach or Tamarindo.