Taking the Bus from San Jose to Jaco (And Vice Versa)

We have taken the bus from San Jose to Jaco a few times, both directions. Like the post I did about taking the bus from San Jose to Playas del Coco, I’m going to detail how to take the bus from San Jose to Jaco and vice versa.

So if you’re planning on taking this exact route, read on!

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Bus from San Jose to Jaco

Here is what you need to know about taking the public bus from San Jose to Jaco.

Also works if you are landing at Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose International Airport or airport code SJO as you have to Uber/taxi to the bus station from the airport).

Bus Terminal Location

Buses to Jaco from San Jose depart from Terminal Atlantico Norte.

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wKWbMkfDcDjxcgnD8

If you need to get there from the airport, the easiest option is using Uber.

Buying Tickets: Online and In Person

You can purchase tickets online on this website: https://www.transportesjacoruta655.com/app/#/ or you can purchase tickets in person.

We recommend to purchase bus tickets online if you are traveling during very busy times such as Christmas, New Years or Holy Week, especially if it’s on the weekend.

These are the busiest travel times of the year and many locals go to Jaco to celebrate the holidays so public buses are packed and sell out early.

During busy times, we recommend to get the bus that’s at least 3 hours after your landing time.

You need to account for any flight delays, going through immigration and customs, calling an Uber or haggling a taxi at the airport and getting to the bus terminal from the airport (30 min without traffic but with traffic, could be 45 min to over an hour).

If you don’t make the bus, you forfeit the ticket and will have to buy another one for the next available bus.

San Jose to Jaco Bus Ticket Cost

The San Jose to Jaco bus ticket costs 2860 CRC per adult one way (~$5.50 per adult. This is the price if you buy the ticket in person.

If you purchase bus tickets in person, it is cash only in local currency, colones.

If you buy your ticket online, the website tacks on some fees so the total will be a bit more.

If you’re visiting during the slower tourism season months like May, June, August, September, October and November, 30 minutes before should be fine. You don’t necessarily need to buy your ticket online beforehand either.

Remember, the bus terminal is ~30 min without traffic from the airport (can be 45 min or over an hour during rush hour) and you have to go through immigration and customs. Also account for any flight delays.

Schedule

From San Jose to Jaco: 7 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM and 7 PM.

From Jaco to San Jose: 430 AM (M-F), 5 AM (S-S), 7 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM and 5 PM

If you buy your bus ticket online, you’ll see that there is an option to choose your “parada” or bus stop. You will see various stops for both directions.

Getting on the Bus

About 15 minutes before the departure time, line up for the bus. Listen to the speaker because it will start announcing when you can begin loading onto the bus.

As soon as you hear your bus being called and you see people beginning to walk through, that’s a good indication you can start getting on the bus.

Also make sure to keep an eye on the monitors around the terminal as they’ll tell you the status of the bus and other important information.

Make sure you present your ticket to the attendant before you get on the bus – they will ask you for it. If you have luggage, there is someone who will put it in the storage area underneath for you.

Keep the luggage ticket if they give you one. You will need to show this luggage ticket when you get off.

Get on the bus, find your seat and relax. We’ve found these buses to be fairly punctual which is nice.

The Bus Ride from San Jose to Jaco

The bus ride from San Jose to Jaco takes approximately 2 hours. The bus makes several stops along the way to pick up more people.

The very last stop will be at the Jaco bus station. From there, you can walk or grab a Uber/taxi to your hotel in Jaco.

This bus station is also where you will purchase your bus ticket in person and where you’ll get on the bus to go back to San Jose.

Taking the Bus from Jaco to San Jose

Now let’s talk about taking the bus from Jaco to San Jose or San Jose International Airport.

If you need to get dropped off at the airport, you HAVE to let the driver know or else he will not go to the airport.

Jaco Bus Station Location

The Jaco bus station is near the north end of Jaco across the street from the Best Western hotel and near the Banco de Costa Rica.

This place is called “Centro Comercial Plaza Jaco.” You can find it on Google Maps and Waze.

Buying Tickets

Like buying your ticket from San Jose to Jaco, you can purchase your bus ticket in person or online on the same website.

If you are not staying close to the bus station, you can buy your ticket online and select the stop closest to you in Jaco (Calle Bohio, Mas X Menos, Municipalidad, Los Madrigales, etc.).

The ticket station is right around the corner to the left where you see the sign for the ATM in the photo. It is a small window with a couple signs posted.

Show your ticket to the attendant and you will get a ticket if you need to store luggage. Keep it because you’ll need to show it to get your luggage.

The bus ride is about 2 hours as well and many people get off in various spots along the way. You can choose your stop when purchasing tickets online.

Things to Know About Taking the Bus from San Jose to Jaco

• These buses do not have air conditioning. Windows open.
• This bus doesn’t have a mandatory bathroom stop. If you need the bathroom, you need to let the driver know and he will try to find a place to stop, but it is not guaranteed.
• We found seats to be small and a bit cramped.
• Do NOT leave your backpack under your seat or in the over head compartment. Theft is not super uncommon on the public bus. Put your backpack/purse/bag in your lap the entire time. Always have an eye and hand on your stuff.
• If you have luggage in the compartment, do not accept anyone’s offer to help you with your luggage. Some people may offer to watch it or store it, do not accept their offer. The only person who can help you with your luggage is the bus driver who will store it in the luggage compartment and give you your ticket.
• As you get off the bus, be attentive of your surroundings. Thieves have snatched belongings from sleepy and unaware travelers as they get off the bus.
• They allow foot passengers.

If you have little ones or are traveling with senior citizens, we strongly recommend renting a car or booking a private shuttle instead.

More Tips

Taking the bus somewhere else? We have a post for taking the public bus in Costa Rica so you can know what to expect.

Going to Manuel Antonio National Park from Jaco? Here’s our guide to get to Manuel Antonio from Jaco by bus.

If you’re visiting Jaco and traveling on a budget, taking the bus from San Jose to Jaco is a great way to save money.

Tickets are cheap, you can bring luggage and even if it’s not the nicest bus, it still gets you from Point A to Point B.

I hope this post helps you in planning your trip to Costa Rica!

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