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!
Costa Rica Vacation Checklist
- First time to Costa Rica? Read our First Time in Costa Rica guide.
- Not sure how to move around Costa Rica? Read our How to Get Around Costa Rica guide to find the best transportation method for you.
- Click the link to get our detailed Costa Rica Packing List so you know what essential items to bring.
- Check our Costa Rica destinations map and Costa Rica restaurant map
- Do not forget to purchase Travel Insurance for your trip to Costa Rica.
- Stay connected by purchasing a prepaid SIM Card in Costa Rica.
- Save money with Mytanfeet Deals for tours and hotels and our Costa Rica Car Rental Discount.
LeeH says
“Look for the Garabito sign on the bus” You don’t state why or what this sign means. Can you explain?
Sammi says
Garabito is the name of the bus company that runs this route.
Jeremy Clark says
Great information, many thanks! Just got my ticket to Jaco/return for 2395 each way.
Sammi says
Nice! You’re very welcome!
Traveling Ted says
This was very helpful. Thank you! Getting back to San Jose from Tortuguero late in the afternoon and needed to know the schedule. Thanks!
Sammi says
Glad it helped! You’re very welcome!
JJ says
Thanks for this post, quite helpful. My return flight is at noon and I wonder if I take the bus from Jaco Station to San Jose (Terminal 7-10), does it make a stop at the airport? thanks in advance 🙂
Sammi says
Hi JJ, if I remember correctly it didn’t stop at the airport but once you get to the 7-10 terminal, you can take a taxi or Uber to SJO airport which is not very far.
Mel S says
Hello, My friend and I will be traveling to Costa Rica, arriving at SJO and our destination is Jaco. The bus information was very helpful. My concern is that when it is time to leave, my flight leaves at 545am and I’m wondering if there will be transportation services early enough to make sure I do not miss my flight or if it will be best to just say the night in San Jose where I will be closer to the airport? Any feedback would be very helpful. Thanks in advanced!!
Sammi says
I recommend staying the night in San Jose. You have to be at the airport at least 2 hours prior so 3:45 AM and from Jaco, it’s still an hour drive and a shuttle costs $100 (there is no bus at that time). It’s a lot easier to stay the night in San Jose.
Manuel says
Excellent post! I’m traveling to CR in a month, Playa Jaco actually so this is very helpful.
Sammi says
Thanks Manuel, glad it is helpful! Have a great time in Costa Rica!
April says
Thank you for your guide. I traveled from San Jose to Jacob on 12/10/16. Upon exiting the airport, I was curious and asked one of the dozens of men how much for a transfer from the airport directly to Jacob and they were waiting $100 USD. I’ve seen shuttles online for about $45. I took the public bus from SJO airport to downtown San Jose, walked 12 minutes to Terminal 7-10 and then caught the 4:00 pm bus. My Spanish is not good so I didn’t know how to ask if seats were still available for the 3:09 pm bus. Since I arrive at Terminal 7-10 around 2:42 and got to the front of the line around 2:52 I didn’t want to risk 1.) Missing the bus and 2.) Being stuck standing. So I decided to just wait for an hour. It was take by the time I got to Jacó. I missed the stop for MásXMenos so I ended up getting off at Terminal Jacob and had to take a taxi to my hostel which costs an additional C1,300. So in total of cost me C4,105 or $7.50 USD
Sammi says
Hi April! Yeah many taxi drivers charge $100 and because it’s a taxi, they always charge more. I’m glad everything worked out for you taking the bus, even if you missed your stop by a little bit. Luckily Jaco is not too big and it’s easy to walk a couple of stops or grab a taxi. Hope you have a good time in CR!
Grace says
Info very helpful thank you a little tip seats are assigned I did not know and when I moved seat driver was not happy I had no Issa why so that’s good to know . I’m staying in jaco can I take trips to Caribbean side on bus or do I have to go to San Jose grace
Sammi says
Hi Grace, yes for pre-paid tickets they assign seats since those routes get super full. From Jaco to Caribbean it’s best to go back to San Jose and then grab the Caribeno bus to Puerto Viejo.
Leonard says
Hi April,
Do you know which bus was that and where it stops at SJO and 7-10 Terminal?
Noelle Dames says
Hello,
Are there extra buses around the holidays, or would it be crazy to try to catch one of the last 2 buses to Jaco after flying in on the 23rd?
Thanks,
Noelle
yeison says
Hi, They do have some extra buses but still you will see lots of people from the capital going to Jaco, I recommend you to go early and buy your ticket hours before you travel.
Sammi says
We have a post for taking the bus in Costa Rica that will be really helpful here: Public transportation in Costa Rica. In the post, there is a picture of how the buses look from the front (fare, destination). They will stop all over town depending on where the passengers stop so you can ask other people if they’re going to the terminal as well. If not, you can ask the bus driver in Spanish, you can just say “Va a terminal siete – diez?” since most don’t speak English.
Once the bus leaves San Jose, it goes straight to Jaco. Once it gets to Jaco, it’ll stop throughout town since people get off at different locations. You can get off at Mas X Menos if that is closest to your hotel, you don’t have to wait all the way to the end. You’ll see that a ton of people will get off by the supermarket since that is right in the middle of town. If you miss the supermarket, just get off at the next one, the bus literally stops like every 50 meters and you can press the stop button.
Mark says
Awesome article. Thank you.
Sammi says
Thank you! 🙂