How long is the trip from Santa Teresa to Tamarindo?
| Distance | About 121 miles (194 km) |
|---|---|
| Drive time | 4½ to 5 hours |
| Road surface | Paved via Paquera, Jicaral and Nicoya, apart from the dirt stretch out of Santa Teresa. A few sections are bumpy. |
| Ferry | None |
| Private van | From $440 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 route also runs the other way, Tamarindo to Santa Teresa.
The drive, stop by stop
- Santa Teresa to Cóbano (about 8 miles / 13 km, 25 to 30 minutes): the dirt road out of town, then pavement from Cóbano. Cóbano has the last gas station for the trip, plus supermarkets and banks.
- Cóbano to Paquera (about 40 to 45 minutes): the paved, curvy road east past Tambor and the Curú refuge entrance. Paquera has larger grocery stores, an ATM and a gas station.
- Paquera to Nicoya: north on Route 21 through Jicaral, up the Gulf side of the peninsula to Nicoya town.
- Nicoya to Tamarindo: on through Santa Cruz and west to the coast at Tamarindo.
What to expect on the road
It runs both ways, so it works whether Tamarindo is your first beach or your second. GPS apps sometimes suggest a shorter way up the coast. The coastal road is mostly dirt, with river crossings and some beach driving. In the dry season (roughly December to April) it's doable in a high-clearance 4x4; from May to November the rivers can make it impassable. Rental insurance doesn't cover water damage from river crossings, and there have been reports of crime against tourists on the stretch near Santa Teresa, which is why Costa Rica road guides recommend the paved loop.
Insider tip: Leave Santa Teresa after an early breakfast. The dirt stretch out of town is slow, and you want the long part of the drive done in daylight: the sun sets between about 5:15 and 6:05 p.m. all year.
Other private transfer routes
- San José airport (SJO) to Santa Teresa (from $385)
- 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 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.
A private driver from Santa Teresa to Tamarindo
- 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 Santa Teresa to Tamarindo?
4½ to 5 hours. About 121 miles (194 km). Paved via Paquera, Jicaral and Nicoya, apart from the dirt stretch out of Santa Teresa. A few sections are bumpy.
How much is a private transfer from Santa Teresa to Tamarindo?
From $440 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.
Why not drive up the coast?
The coastal road north of Santa Teresa is mostly dirt, with river crossings that can close it in the rainy season. The route via Paquera and Nicoya is longer on the map but paved and reliable all year.
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 does the driver pick us up?
At your hotel or rental in Santa Teresa, at the time you set when you book. Our in-country team is on call 24/7 by phone, text and WhatsApp if your plans change.