Which routes do you cover, and how long do they take?
From San José airport (SJO)
| Route | Drive time | Ferry |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| San José airport (SJO) to Nosara | About 5 hours | No |
From Cóbano airport (ACO)
| Route | Drive time | Ferry |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Between beach towns and inland stops
| Route | Drive time | Ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Teresa to Sámara | 4 to 4½ hours on the paved loop; 2½ to 3½ hours on the coastal road, dry season only | No |
| Santa Teresa to Tamarindo | 4½ to 5 hours | No |
| Santa Teresa to La Fortuna (Arenal) | 6 to 7 hours | Ferry or road |
| Santa Teresa to Monteverde | 5 to 5½ hours | Puntarenas–Paquera |
| Santa Teresa to Manuel Antonio | 6 to 6½ hours by road and ferry | Ferry or 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 |
| Santa Teresa to Jacó | 4½ to 5 hours by road and ferry; about 2½ to 3 hours by water taxi via Montezuma | Puntarenas–Paquera |
Priced per vehicle for 1 to 6 travelers, never per person. Message us for a quote to your exact route. 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 driver work?
- Tell us your date and party size for a route above, or message us on WhatsApp.
- Airport meet & greet. Your English-speaking driver waits at arrivals with a sign bearing your name and helps with your bags. From a hotel, pickup is at your door.
- Ride direct in a modern, air-conditioned van with a 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.
Meet your drivers
Anywhere Costa Rica's Nicoya drivers are English-speaking and stay with you for the whole crossing (road, ferry and all). A few of the trips they've made:
“Our drivers, who stayed with us from Monteverde, on the ferry, then on to Montezuma were fantastic. We stopped at a nice place for coffee and a snack. They were warm and lots of fun to chat with. A BIG shout out to Wade and Cynthia - the BEST drivers ever!!”
John B., Monteverde → ferry → Montezuma
“I had a great experience getting picked up at SJO airport from driver Christopher, who took me to the ferry port. He waited at the ferry for over 2 hours with me until the boat arrived and then informed me that driver Dumani would pick me up on the other side and take me to my hotel in Santa Teresa.”
Carlene M., SJO → ferry → Santa Teresa
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.
Plan your whole Nicoya trip with a private driver
- 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. A private van covers 1 to 6 travelers, taxes included; groups of 7 or more ride in a larger vehicle. Message us for a quote to your exact route.
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.
Should we take the ferry or drive around?
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. Ask your insider which suits your flight and dates.
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.