How long is the trip from San José airport (SJO) to Santa Teresa?
| Distance | About 127 miles (205 km) by road plus the ferry: 52 mi (84 km) to the Puntarenas dock, then 27 mi (43 km) from Paquera. About 184 miles (296 km) around by road. |
|---|---|
| Drive time | 5½ to 6 hours via the ferry (7 hours or more on holiday weekends); 6 to 6½ hours around by road |
| Road surface | Paved to within a few miles of the coast. The last stretch into town and the beach road are dirt and gravel. |
| Ferry | Puntarenas to Paquera, about 70 minutes. The road route over the La Amistad bridge skips it. |
| Private van | From $385 per vehicle via the ferry; from $675 around by road |
| 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 Puntarenas (about 52 miles / 84 km, around 2 hours): west out of the Central Valley and down to the Pacific, to the ferry dock at the tip of the Puntarenas peninsula.
- The ferry to Paquera (about 70 minutes): eight sailings a day each way, at 4:00, 6:30 and 9:00 a.m., noon, 3:00, 6:00, 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. Details on our Puntarenas ferry page.
- Paquera to Cóbano (about 40 to 45 minutes): the paved, curvy road south past the Curú refuge entrance and Tambor. Paquera and Cóbano both have supermarkets, and Cóbano has the last gas station before the coast.
- Cóbano to the coast (about 8 miles / 13 km, 25 to 30 minutes): the pavement ends a few kilometers before town, and the last stretch is dirt.
- The Playa Carmen crossroads. At the Playa Carmen crossroads, turn left for Malpaís or right for Santa Teresa, Playa Hermosa and Manzanillo.
What to expect on the road
No ferry? Go around: northwest on Route 1, across the Tempisque River on the La Amistad bridge, south on Route 21 through Jicaral to Paquera, then on as above. It takes 6 to 6½ hours and runs any time of night. Heads-up: Route 1 at Cambronero, between San Ramón and Esparza, has been closed since September 9, 2026 for up to two months, so expect detours via Route 27.
With a normal wait at the dock, the ferry route is the quicker one. In high season (December to April) and on weekends, car lines at Puntarenas can take 1 to 2 hours. Nothing sails between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., so if you land late in the afternoon, the road route or a night near San José is the calmer plan.
Insider tip: Aim to arrive before dark. The streets of Santa Teresa and Malpaís are unlit dirt, and the sun sets between about 5:15 and 6:05 p.m. all year, so a morning or midday landing makes the last miles far easier.
Other private transfer routes
- San José airport (SJO) to Nosara (from $405)
- 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 Santa Teresa 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 Santa Teresa?
5½ to 6 hours via the ferry (7 hours or more on holiday weekends); 6 to 6½ hours around by road. About 127 miles (205 km) by road plus the ferry: 52 mi (84 km) to the Puntarenas dock, then 27 mi (43 km) from Paquera. About 184 miles (296 km) around by road. Paved to within a few miles of the coast. The last stretch into town and the beach road are dirt and gravel.
How much is a private transfer from San José airport (SJO) to Santa Teresa?
From $385 per vehicle via the ferry; from $675 around by road, 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.
Do we take the ferry or drive around?
Either works. The ferry route is usually quicker and costs less; the road route over the La Amistad bridge skips the ferry lines and isn't tied to the sailing times, which helps on late arrivals and holiday weekends. The price box shows the ferry route; the road route is priced separately.
Can we stop on the way?
Yes. Up to an hour of stops is included: groceries in Cóbano or Paquera, 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.