Which routes do you cover, and how long do they take?
From San José airport (SJO)
| Route | Drive time | Ferry | Private van |
|---|---|---|---|
| San José airport (SJO) to Santa Teresa | 5½ to 6 hours via the ferry (7 hours or more on holiday weekends); 6 to 6½ hours around by road | Ferry or road | from $385 (ferry) / $675 (road) |
| San José airport (SJO) to Nosara | About 5 hours | No | from $405 |
| San José airport (SJO) to Sámara | About 4½ hours | No | from $390 |
From Cóbano airport (ACO)
| Route | Drive time | Ferry | Private van |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cóbano airport (ACO) to Santa Teresa | 25 to 30 minutes to Playa Carmen and Santa Teresa; about 30 to 35 minutes to Malpaís and 40 minutes to Playa Hermosa | No | from $65 |
| Cóbano airport (ACO) to Montezuma | 10 to 15 minutes | No | from $40 |
Between beach towns and inland stops
| Route | Drive time | Ferry | Private van |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Teresa to Sámara | 4 to 4½ hours on the paved loop; 2½ to 3½ hours on the coastal road, dry season only | No | from $385 |
| Santa Teresa to Tamarindo | 4½ to 5 hours | No | from $440 |
| Santa Teresa to La Fortuna (Arenal) | 6 to 7 hours | Ferry or road | from $555 (ferry) / $545 (road) |
| Santa Teresa to Monteverde | 5 to 5½ hours | Puntarenas–Paquera | from $465 |
| Santa Teresa to Manuel Antonio | 6 to 6½ hours by road and ferry | Ferry or road | from $385 (ferry) / $560 (road) |
| Santa Teresa to Nosara | 4½ to 5 hours on the paved loop; 3 to 4 hours or more on the coastal road, dry season only | No | quote on request |
| Santa Teresa to Jacó | 4½ to 5 hours by road and ferry; about 2½ to 3 hours by water taxi via Montezuma | Puntarenas–Paquera | quote on request |
Prices are per vehicle for 1 to 6 travelers, taxes included. Beach-to-beach routes run both ways. Last checked .
Flying into Liberia airport instead?
Liberia airport (LIR), in Guanacaste, is about 4½ to 5½ hours from Santa Teresa by road, with no ferry, and only about 2 to 2½ hours from Nosara and Sámara. Our sister site covers those routes, starting with the Liberia airport to Santa Teresa transfer.
How does a private transfer work?
- Get your price in the box above: pick the route, your date and the number of travelers.
- Meet your driver. At the airport, your driver waits at arrivals with a sign bearing your name. From a hotel, pickup is at your door.
- Ride direct in a modern, air-conditioned van with an English-speaking driver who holds tourist-transport credentials.
- Stop when you like. Up to an hour of stops is included, for groceries, lunch or photos.
- Stay in touch. Our in-country team is on call 24/7 by phone, text and WhatsApp.
What about the ferry?
Anything between San José, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Jacó or Manuel Antonio and the southern Nicoya Peninsula either crosses the Gulf of Nicoya on the Puntarenas–Paquera ferry (about 70 minutes, eight sailings a day) or drives around it over the La Amistad bridge. Our Puntarenas ferry guide has the schedule, and getting to Santa Teresa compares every way in, including flights to Cóbano airport (ACO) and the water taxi to Jacó.
Insider tip: Coming from Arenal or Monteverde? Most Anywhere travelers finish their trip on the Nicoya Peninsula, so the drive from the mountains to the beach is often the longest day. Book it for a morning start and you'll be at the beach for sunset.
Your driver is waiting at arrivals
- Your driver meets you at arrivals, or at your hotel, with a sign bearing your name.
- Safe, friendly, English-speaking drivers with the credentials for tourist transport, arranged by Anywhere Costa Rica (IATA and ASTA accredited).
- Modern, spacious, air-conditioned vans.
- Up to an hour of stops is included: groceries, cold drinks, photos or lunch on the way.
- 24/7 in-country support by phone, text and WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Is the price per person or per vehicle?
Per vehicle. Prices cover a private van for 1 to 6 travelers, taxes included. Groups of 7 or more ride in a larger vehicle, priced when you book.
Where does my driver meet me?
At the airport, your driver waits at arrivals with a sign bearing your name. From a hotel or rental, pickup is at your door at the time you set when you book.
Can we stop on the way?
Yes. Up to an hour of stops is included: groceries in Paquera or Cóbano, cold drinks, photos or lunch. Just tell your driver.
What if we land in San José late in the day?
The last ferry from Puntarenas leaves at 10 p.m. and the first the next morning at 4 a.m., and the streets of Santa Teresa are unlit dirt. For a late landing, the road route over the La Amistad bridge or a first night near San José is the calmer plan. Our insiders can work out which suits your flight.
Why do some routes show two prices?
Routes that cross the Gulf of Nicoya can go two ways: on the Puntarenas ferry, or around by road over the La Amistad bridge. The ferry route is usually quicker; the road route skips the ferry lines and the sailing times. You'll see both prices in the table.
Can you plan the rest of our trip too?
Yes. Anywhere Costa Rica's insiders plan the whole route, from the airport to Arenal, Monteverde and the beach, and our in-country team is on call 24/7 by phone, text and WhatsApp while you travel.