How long is the trip from San José airport (SJO) to Nosara?
| Distance | About 144 miles (231 km) |
|---|---|
| Drive time | About 5 hours |
| Road surface | Paved most of the way via the La Amistad bridge and Nicoya. The last stretch into Nosara is potholed pavement and dirt. |
| Ferry | None |
| Private van | From $405 per vehicle |
| Last checked |
Prices are per vehicle for 1 to 6 travelers, taxes included. Groups of 7 or more ride in a larger vehicle.
The drive, stop by stop
- San José airport (SJO) to the Tempisque River: northwest on the Inter-American Highway (Route 1), then west on Route 18 to the La Amistad bridge.
- Across the bridge to Nicoya: onto the Nicoya Peninsula and on to Nicoya, the peninsula's main town.
- Nicoya toward the coast: Route 150 heads southwest toward Sámara. The Nosara road branches off at Barco Quebrado, near Playa Garza.
- Into Nosara: the last stretch is rough, with big potholes and dirt sections. Nosara village sits inland; Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada are on the coast. See our Nosara guide.
What to expect on the road
This is a long day after an international flight, so it pays to land by early afternoon: the sun sets between about 5:15 and 6:05 p.m. all year, and the last stretch is the roughest. Route 1 at Cambronero, between San Ramón and Esparza, has been closed since September 9, 2026 for up to two months, which can add time until it reopens.
Flying into Liberia instead? It's only about 2 to 2½ hours from Liberia airport (LIR) to Nosara; our sister site covers the Liberia airport to Nosara transfer.
Insider tip: Aim to arrive before dark. Night driving on rural roads is best avoided, and the sun sets between about 5:15 and 6:05 p.m. all year, so a morning or midday landing is the easy plan.
Other private transfer routes
- San José airport (SJO) to Santa Teresa (from $385)
- San José airport (SJO) to Sámara (from $390)
- Santa Teresa to Sámara (from $385)
- Santa Teresa to Tamarindo (from $440)
- Santa Teresa to La Fortuna (Arenal) (from $545)
- Santa Teresa to Monteverde (from $465)
- Santa Teresa to Manuel Antonio (from $385)
- Santa Teresa to Nosara (quote on request)
- Santa Teresa to Jacó (quote on request)
- Cóbano airport (ACO) to Santa Teresa (from $65)
- Cóbano airport (ACO) to Montezuma (from $40)
Compare every way in, including the ferry, flights to Cóbano airport (ACO) and the water taxi, on getting to Santa Teresa, or see all private transfers.
Your driver to Nosara 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
How long does it take to get from San José airport (SJO) to Nosara?
About 5 hours. About 144 miles (231 km). Paved most of the way via the La Amistad bridge and Nicoya. The last stretch into Nosara is potholed pavement and dirt.
How much is a private transfer from San José airport (SJO) to Nosara?
From $405 per vehicle, for 1 to 6 travelers, taxes included. Enter your date and group size in the box at the top of this page to see the price for your trip.
Is it quicker to fly to Nosara?
Yes. Sansa and Green Airways fly from San José airport (SJO) to the Nosara airstrip in about 45 minutes, in daylight only. Small planes have tight baggage limits (a 10 lb personal item on Sansa), so pack light or send big bags by road.
Can we stop on the way?
Yes. Up to an hour of stops is included, for groceries, cold drinks, photos or lunch. Just tell your driver.
We're traveling with kids. What about car seats?
Costa Rica's law requires a car seat for children 12 and under who are shorter than 145 cm (57 in) or lighter than 36 kg: rear-facing under 1, forward-facing from 1 to 4, a high-back booster from 4 to 6 and a booster from 6 to 12. Ask about seats when you book, or bring your own if you'd rather use what your kids know.
Where will the driver meet us?
At arrivals, holding a sign with your name. Your driver is English-speaking, with tourist-transport credentials, and our in-country team is on call 24/7 by phone, text and WhatsApp if anything changes.