Your driver will meet you at your address in Tamarindo.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
Trip
You’ll travel in comfort for 4 h 20 min.
Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly
Drop-off
Your driver will drop you off at your address in San Jose.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
In total
260 km4 h 20 min
Questions & Answers about Traveling from Tamarindo to San Jose
What is the fastest way to get from Tamarindo to San Jose?
The fastest way to travel to San Jose is with a private car or a flight. The travel time for either is around 4 hours and 20 minutes. During the rainy season, follow storm updates and check for flight delays often if you are flying.
Is there a bus from Tamarindo to San José?
Yes, the TIG (Transporte Inteligente Guanacaste) bus company has two departures a day from Tamarindo. You can leave at 5:30 AM or 3:00 PM and tickets can only be bought up to ten days in advance. The trip takes around seven hours.
How many days should I be in San Jose?
One day is usually enough for most visitors to see San Jose’s main attractions. Although it is the largest city, most of Costa Rica’s allure is the rich wildlife and beautiful scenery found on the coast and in the national parks.
How is the drive from Tamarindo to San José?
You’ll travel on paved roads with modern signage, however, the Costa Rican driving style can be a challenge for foreign drivers. The smaller state highways and the Interamericana Highway connect the country, but driving at night is not recommended, as long sections of the road are not lit.
Can I drink the tap water in San Jose?
Yes! Costa Rica has clean, safe drinking water in most areas, especially the larger cities and the resorts. If you travel to rural areas, however, drink bottled water if you are unsure of the source or have been advised by locals to do so.
What is the easiest way to get from Tamarindo to San Jose?
The easiest way to travel from Tamarindo to San Jose is to hire private transportation. Driving such a long distance in a foreign country can be dangerous and stressful, but a local private driver can take you door-to-door with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,600+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
As your last few days on the beach wind down, it’s time to plan your transfer from Tamarindo to San Jose! This drive across 160 miles (260 km) of Costa Rica’s lush countryside is your chance to experience the lesser-known areas that aren’t part of the coast or the capital.
Daytrip’s easy trip-planning tools allow you to add sightseeing stops you’d otherwise miss on a bus or flight. Dive into the fascinating and critical world of animal conservation at the Macaw Sanctuary Natuwa. This charity rehabilitates and houses animals that have fallen victim to exotic pet trafficking and habitat loss. Come see monkeys, jaguars, tapirs, and of course, macaws, during your sanctuary-led tour of their facilities.
When you approach San Jose, the peaceful rainforests give way to a bustling capital of 2 million people- just in time for dinner! Your driver will take you right to your hotel and you can begin your hunt for the best *gallo pinto *after a long day.
About San Jose
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica, a small Central American country nestled between Nicaragua and Panama. Of Costa Rica’s 5 million citizens, almost 2 million live in or around San Jose. Costa Rica has two coasts in the east and west, but San Jose is located in the center of the country. This makes it a convenient middle ground for transfers from coastal cities like Tamarindo to San Jose for flights home. For visitors to Costa Rica, San Jose is usually the first and last stop of their vacations, as it has two of the country’s international airports.
San Jose’s Origins
San Jose was initially a trading post for exporting tobacco during the Spanish colonization of Latin America in the 1730s. As the trade of agricultural goods became more lucrative, coffee was added to the country’s exports and San Jose became the capital of the colony. It is named in honor of Joseph of Nazareth, as Costa Rica is a very Catholic country.
On September 15, 1821, Costa Rica (and other Latin American countries) gained independence from Spain, but quickly became part of the Mexican Empire. This empire lasted 2 years before Costa Rica, along with El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala formed the Federal Republic of Central America. Costa Rica withdrew from the republic in 1838 and became an independent republic.
San Jose Today
Visitors to San Jose, and Costa Rica as a whole, have little to fear regarding violent crime. Costa Rica is consistently ranked highly for its political stability, high levels of education, low levels of crime, diplomatic neutrality, and environmental conservation efforts.
San Jose has a compact, walkable downtown and is organized on a grid pattern. It is easily navigable even for newcomers and offers many ways to learn more about Costa Rican culture and history. ¡Vamanos!
From Tamarindo to San Jose: travel tips
Packing for your next big adventure will be a breeze with these clever tips. If you’re scheduling your Tamarindo to San Jose transfer to catch a flight, don’t let an honest mistake get you in trouble!
Leave nature behind
The lush rainforests and wide biodiversity are the pride and joy of Costa Ricans. The country takes its environmental laws seriously and it is illegal to leave on flights with the following items:
Natural materials like sand, sticks, stones, and volcanic rock
Animal parts such as seashells, feathers, bones, and coral
When we take these items far from their homes, we disrupt the ecosystem and impact its beauty for the next hikers and beachgoers. It may also bring pests or diseases to your home country!
At airport security, your bag may be thoroughly searched and these items confiscated. Don’t risk missing your flight! Instead, support a local business by getting local products like coffee beans and hand-made souvenirs.
Stay in San Jose for one day before your flight
The trip from Tamarindo to San Jose is approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes of driving when there is little traffic and no accidents or road work. Coupling this drive with an international flight will result in a very long and stressful travel day! When planning your trip to San Jose, schedule your ride one day before your flight and stay the night in a hotel near the airport.
Keep your phone battery charged
Our phones are crucial, especially when traveling! Pack a charging cable and car charger for the drive, and have a fully-charged battery pack for your flight out of the San Jose Airport.
How to get from Tamarindo to San Jose
When planning your Tamarindo to San Jose transfer, remember that the sun sets in Costa Rica around 6:00 PM every day of the year. Costa Rica is only 10° north of the equator and has 12 hours of sunlight consistently throughout the year.
Traveling at night in Costa Rica is not recommended, especially when traveling so far and arriving in a large city that may be new to you. Expect 1 to 2-hour delays when traveling by bus or car during holiday weekends, Easter week, and the Christmas holidays.
Private driver from Tamarindo to San Jose
Hiring a private driver to take you door-to-door is the easiest and safest way to travel around Costa Rica. Daytrip makes it easy to book your transfer weeks ahead of time and visit enriching attractions like the Monkey Park Foundation. How you customize your trip is up to you! Your driver will pick you up from your address in Tamarindo on your schedule and drive you safely to San Jose.
We hand-select our English-speaking local drivers, screen for criminal and traffic records, and have strict vehicle safety and insurance standards. Our vehicles can accommodate children’s car seats, pets, and handicapped accessibility needs. Book your ride today for just $59 per seat.
Buses from Tamarindo to San Jose
There are no direct routes with public transportation, however you can use the TIG (Transporte Inteligente Guanacaste) bus company. They have departures at 5:30 AM and 3:00 PM. The ride takes approximately 7 hours and the buses are air conditioned. Your larger luggage is stored under the bus and you can only retrieve it if you hold onto the numbered ticket the driver gives you that matches your items.
Tickets can be bought at the ticket office in Tamarindo or online, but you can only purchase them up to 10 days before your trip. Tickets are 6,895 Costa Rican Colónes (₡ or CRC), or about $13, and should be bought in the local currency’s cash if you’re buying them in person.
Flights from Tamarindo to San Jose
Sansa Airlines has four daily departures from Tamarindo Airport (TNO) to San Jose’s Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). The Tamarindo Airport is very small and the San Jose Airport now has a separate domestic terminal just for local flights. Planes for this route are also much smaller than you may be used to. Tickets cost $160 or $170 per passenger, depending on the level of flexibility for cancellations you’d like.
The Tamarindo Airport is a 15-minute taxi ride inland from the city center. You may feel like you are going into the middle of nowhere, but that is exactly where this tiny local airport is! The flight is one hour long and due to the small size of the Tamarindo Airport, you can get away with arriving only one hour before your flight for check-in and security.
When you land in San Jose, the drive to the city center varies based on the time of day, traffic accidents, and road work. During rush hour, the drive is approximately one hour. The total time for this trip is three to four hours.
If you are traveling during the rainy season, flights may be delayed or canceled due to storms. Check flight updates frequently and keep your travel dates flexible.
Things to do when you get to San Jose
The downtown of San Jose is easily walkable, with many restaurants, museums, and parks close to your hotel. After your drive from Tamarindo to San Jose, unpack your bags, grab dinner, and map out tomorrow’s activities.
Central Avenue is the main thoroughfare for visitors. Here you will find a convenient grid system similar to New York City, with numbered avenues in one direction and numbered streets running perpendicular. It will be hard to get lost in this district!
Given the country’s heavy emphasis on eco-tourism in the forests and on the shores, San Jose is more administrative, however, you’ll find several museums highlighting the best of Costa Rica.
The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
The main reason for the Spanish colonization of Costa Rica was indeed for its “rich coast,” as its name implies. Gold was plentiful in the soil and used for jewelry and decorations by indigenous people for over 1,500 years. The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum tells the story of goldsmithing techniques and their symbolism alongside artifacts made of gold before the arrival of European forces. This museum is housed in the National Bank.
The Jade Museum
Costa Rica is incredibly green, all the way down to its gemstones! Jade is plentiful in Costa Rica’s rich soil and is a semi-precious gemstone used in making figurines and jewelry. Visit the Jade Museum in San Jose to see its collection of ancient jade artifacts.
The National Museum of Costa Rica
Come learn Costa Rica’s story from antiquity, through colonization, and into the modern era as an independent country. The National Museum of Costa Rica is located in the Bellavista Fortress, an impressive castle with a butterfly garden and many rooms dedicated to Costa Rican history. See historical timelines, archeological finds, and indigenous art told from a local perspective.
When is the best time to visit San Jose
As a tropical country, Costa Rica has two seasons: the rainy season from May to November and the dry season from December to April. The best time to visit is during the dry season when there is very little rain and less humidity. You’ll have the perfect weather for strolling around San Jose.
The rainy season can be challenging for travelers, due to tropical storms and the risk of flight delays and cancellations. However, it is cooler than during the dry season and the landscape is fully lush and tropical. You’ll also find cheaper flights and accommodation. If you visit during the rainy season, have a flexible schedule and check the weather reports frequently.
Visit these sights on the way
Monkey Park
This non-profit shares the plight of endangered species with visitors while rehabilitating sick and injured animals. Primates with Purpose
Macaw Sanctuary Natuwa
Colorful parrots and other at-risk animals are provided a safe-haven by this conservation charity. Jungle Gems
Crocodile Bridge
Dozens of crocs congregate on sunny river banks right below one of Costa Rica’s main highways. The Croc Stop
Los Chorros Waterfalls
Feel the rush of these two powerful cascades roaring in the lush jungle. The Jets
Museo Historico Cultural Juan Santamaria
Costa Rica’s history, and especially the life of its national hero, is detailed in this fascinating free museum. A Hero’s History
“I used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.”
“We were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, we’d especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.”
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traveler Daydream20046758137
“We absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. It’s worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. It’s 5 star rating is well deserved.”
“We traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortable”
“Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”
“We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”
“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”
“Used Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.”
“We did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.”
“We used the service twice while in Thailand. Extremely prompt and efficient customer service. Best rate being offered in Chiang Mai for the travels. Polite, punctual, professional and English speaking drivers. Clean, comfortable vehicles. Being a regular visitor to Thailand, this was hands down the best service. Most pleased with the company. I hope it sustains the excellence of service that was rendered to us.”
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Good to know
Children
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Tips
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Luggage
Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm
Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Payment methods
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.
For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.
Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!
Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
