About the ride from San Jose to San Juan del Sur
Despite being the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose is often forgotten in favor of the country’s verdant wildlife. But don’t overlook this vibrant city. It’s home to world-class museums, big public parks, and a delicious food scene.
Foodies, this is one for you!
Once you’ve admired the sights and tasted the delights of San Jose, it’s time to adventure onwards to San Juan del Sur. Located in neighboring Nicaragua, this is a delightful surf town with golden beaches, colorful buildings, and more watersport schools than you’d expect in such a little spot.
Whether you want to relax with the Pacific Ocean as your background music or take on the waves via board, San Juan del Sur is a worthwhile stop.
The overland journey from San Jose to San Juan del Sur takes you 332 km (206 miles) northwest. Depending on your transportation, this takes anywhere from five to seven hours.
It’s a border crossing route, so you’ll need your visa, passport, and any other travel documents.
Prepare to feel the salty breeze through your hair. This guide will explain how to get from A to B without a hitch.
Five things to do in San Juan del Sur
Don’t wing it when you arrive. Start planning your visit to San Juan del Sur with our expert tips below:
Beach hop: San Juan del Sur is the place to be if you want to laze about on golden sands. Get started with Playa Maderas, Playa El Yankee, and Playa San Juan del Sur — the closest beach to the town.
Take surfing lessons: Whether you’re stepping onto the board for the first time or a little rusty, a few surf lessons are always a good time in this hipster surf town. No need for a lesson? You can rent a board from the many surf shops.
Try a yoga class: San Juan del Sur has an unmistakable hippy vibe. Embrace it! There are plenty of yoga schools and beachside yoga classes. Some hostels even offer laidback classes. Ahhhh, zen.
Cristo Misericordia (Christ of the Mercy): Cristo Misericordia is a 25 m (82 ft) high sculpture of Jesus that’s perched on top of a hill. You’ll find this a few km away from the main town, and it makes for a great day hike (approximately one hour). It’s also a popular spot to watch the sunset. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to the top point.
Sip a cocktail: Alongside surfing, San Juan del Sur is known for its lively backpacker party scene. There’s always a bar crawl or pub quiz, so let your hair down and join fellow travelers.
Is San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, safe?
Yes, San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua is generally a safe tourist location. However, there are reports of petty theft and pickpocketing, so keep your valuables hidden or in a safe at your accommodation.
Also, avoid dark side streets and the beach in the evenings. It’s best to stay within the town center and main tourist areas and not wander around drunk at night. Practice caution as you would in any new city.
How to get from San Jose to San Juan del Sur
The main journey options from San Jose to San Juan del Sur are bus and minivan. Here’s what you need to know.
By bus
Buses to San Juan del Sur take seven hours, making them the slowest option. However, prices start at $30 per person, meaning they’re an affordable way to complete the journey.
Pro tip: Buses usually drive this route overnight. This can save you a night of accommodation costs.
Buses typically include the following amenities:
A/C
Reclining seats
On-board WCs
Up to 25 kg (55 lbs) of luggage per person
Most buses depart from Terminal Central CR and arrive at San Juan del Sur (La Virgen). Plan your travel to and from these points for an easy journey.
By minivan
Minivans take anywhere from five to seven hours, depending on whether the driver makes stops or drops any other passengers on the way. Private minivans aren’t available for this route.
However, minivans are much more expensive than buses. The cheapest starts at $100 per passenger, but the minimum booking requires two passengers ($200).
Pro tip: Some minivans charge extra for surfboards. You must add this during the booking process.
Typical amenities on minivans include:
A/C
Toilet stops
Up to 25 kg (55 lbs) of luggage per person
Minivans will drop you off and pick you up at your hotels. This removes the fuss of traveling to and from bus stations.
More info about the trip from San Jose to San Juan del Sur
The ride from San Jose to San Juan del Sur is a long one. You’ll travel 332 km (206 miles) northwest through Costa Rica and Nicaragua. So, make sure you have ample water, snacks, and other necessities for the journey.
You’ll pass through many iconic parts of Costa Rica, such as Liberia, Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, and Salinas Bay. If the sound of a seven-hour bus makes you feel queasy, consider breaking up the journey and seeing these destinations.
You’ll also need your passport and visa documents (if required) because the route crosses the Costa Rica-Nicaragua border.
This route is safe for travelers of all ages, genders, and nationalities.
The best time to travel from San Jose to San Juan del Sur
December to April is the best time. In these months, the beach town sees average temperatures of 30°C/86°F and doesn’t experience much rain.
May to November is the rainy season, which can make sunbathing and surfing much more difficult. The temperature remains around 30°C/86°F in this period. Don’t pack for cold rain! But make sure you have lightweight, waterproof clothing.
The wettest months are June to October, during which there’s an average of 250 mm of rain per month.
The sea temperature is warm all year round. So, even if you visit during the rainy season, you’re guaranteed a comfortable dip.
Where to visit after San Juan del Sur?
After some ocean bliss in San Juan del Sur, consider making your way to Managua, the capital of Nicaragua.
This city sits on the shores of the azure Lake Managua and is filled with plenty of greenery, intriguing museums, and lots of local hospitality. San Juan del Sur to Managua takes two to four hours by car and minivan.