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!
This post has affiliate links which we may earn a small commission from if you choose to purchase, at no extra cost to you. Listed prices are quoted in USD and are estimates. More info: Disclosure
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.
Mari says
I will be with a group of 3 traveling from Jaco to San Jose after a tour. So I won’t be able to purchase tickets the day before in Jaco. Since I will be beginning my trip in SJ, would I be able to purchase tickets in advance for Jaco to SJ a week prior from the SJ terminal/ticket office? Or do they only sell SJ departures? Also, I was searching line and saw this site … https://www.transportesjacoruta655.com/nuestra-flota/
it shows the Garabito buses, would I be able to just purchase tickets online in advance? ~ Thanks!
Sammi says
Hi Mari, I’ve never tried it personally but I have seen some people use it and worked fine so you can be able to purchase tickets online in advance. They can only sell SJ to Jaco from Terminal 7-10 so if you can’t buy the Jaco-SJO tix beforehand, you can get them online in advance which is highly recommended because this bus is always full.
Sammi says
Hi Joni, there is a Denny’s Restaurant across the street from the airport that is 24 hours. I do not recommend going to the 7-10 bus station at 1 in the morning, it’s not open and it’s actually in kind of a sketchy area so it’s not safe to be sitting outside the station with all your luggage. I actually recommend booking a cheap hostel/hotel because there isn’t much you can do at Denny’s for 6 hours and you can’t sleep in the restaurant. The airport is not in the city, it’s in Alajuela about 20-30 minutes from San Jose downtown so besides the Denny’s and the nearby hotels, there isn’t a whole lot. I’d recommend staying in a cheap hostel/hotel nearby as well since it’ll be safer and less stressful since all you can do is hang out in the arrivals area of the airport and there is pretty much nothing to do at the airport. I wrote a list of cheap places to stay near SJO, it’ll be worth having a bed and shower instead of sitting at the Denny’s for hours.
Joni says
Quick question – we are arriving on a flight around 1:00am in the morning to San Jose and are traveling to Jaco for our resort. Any ideas what we can do between the time we land and the first bus leaving from 7-10? Same question about the way back – our flight leaves at 2am… so we’ll need to be at the airport around midnight. Any places around the airport where we can hang out until our flight?
Thank you!
Joni
Solomon says
This was a really great guide and definitely a cheap and easy way to get from San Jose to Jaco!
Unfortunately I learned the hard way: Keep a VERY close eye on your carry-on baggage. I had my bag stolen (which had my passport, wallet, laptop, clothes, etc) somewhere between San Jose and Jaco beach. Apparently on one of the stops along the way, someone grabbed my bag from the overhead bin and exited out the back of the bus.
By the time I was in Jaco, there wasn’t much I could do about it except schedule a trip to the American embassy for an emergency passport.
In the end, it wasn’t such a cheap trip for me. Don’t make the same mistake and keep your essential items ON YOU at all times! There are definitely thieves on the bus with you looking to take advantage of tourists.
Sammi says
Hi Solomon, I’m so sorry to hear that! Unfortunately there are thieves who specifically target people on the bus and I’m so sorry that your bag got stolen. I hope you had a good time in Costa Rica otherwise though and thank you for leaving your feedback.
T.Johnson says
Thanks so much for your post. It was extremely helpful and thorough!
Sammi says
You’re welcome!
Marcela says
Hi Sammi I just wanted to tell you how helpfull was your information, I knew exactly were I was going and what to excpect because of the pictures.
Thank you so much, it made my trip much easier.
Sammi says
Hi Marcela, I’m so glad to hear that! Have a great time in Costa Rica
John says
Thanks so much for this guide! I plan to use it when I go to Costa Rica soon. I was wondering, how hard is it going to be to navigate at the bus station if I don’t speak a lick of Spanish? Will I buy the ticket and then have to sit somewhere and wait for them to call the Jaco bus over a loud speaker in Spanish? I know the bus leaves every hour, but how do I know I’m on the right bus if everything is in Spanish? Thank you!
Sammi says
Hi John. There are a lot of other travelers there as well but keep an eye on the tv screen with buses and listen for the loud speaker for “JACO” when it is about time. A lot of Costa Ricans speak English as well and you can ask the attendant “Este bus es para Jaco” or even point and ask “Jaco?” But most COsta Ricans speak very good English and they are always very helpful. Just make sure to go down to the loading area about 15-20 minutes before just in case so you don’t miss the boarding time.
jason says
Thanks for the great blog post Sammi, it was very helpful to me and I made it to Jaco and back with no problems thanks to you. One thing I wanted to point out to the readers is that there are taxi drivers outside terminal 7-10 who will tell you that all of the buses for that day are full but they can take you straight to Jaco with no stops. They will ask for something like $100. They will also say the bus takes 3 hours to get to Jaco when it actually takes a little over 2. Make sure you go to the ticket window and see how full the buses are before dealing with them. Also, I was overcharged by the taxi from the airport to terminal 7-10 ($30) so I would recommend Uber if you are coming from the airport.
Sammi says
Hi Jason, glad the post helped and thanks for the tips! Good to know about the taxis (I already don’t like them but that’s just crossing the line). I will make sure to add that into the post.
Johan says
Hi! Im planning to take the bus from San Jose to Jaco in couple of weeks. Do you think is a better idea to buy the bus tickets online ahead of time or should I just purchase them the day before at the actual bus terminal?? Please help!
Sammi says
I would buy them at the bus terminal the day before, I don’t believe you can buy the bus tickets online (I think some companies are offering it but I’m not sure if this one is)
Jasmine Collings says
Hi! I would be traveling with myself and a two almost three year old. I need to get from San Jose to possibly the Los Suenos Marriot. Can I take the bus to Jaco and then taxi to los suenos? Do you think the taxi to los suenos would be expensive? Is there a bathroom on the bus?
Sammi says
Hi Jasmine, you can definitely do that. The last stop the bus makes is at the bus station in Jaco and you can grab a taxi to Los Suenos, there are usually taxi drivers at the station. It’s not very far so I think it may be like… $10? I am not positive since I have never taken a taxi there but it’s not a long ride. There isn’t a bathroom on the bus so make sure they go before you get on.