Nestled along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Nosara beckons travelers with its pristine beaches, lush jungles, and laid-back vibe. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, getting to this enchanting destination from San Jose or the San Jose airport (SJO) is an adventure in itself. In this guide, we'll explore various transportation options, ensuring you find the right option for this 238km journey to Nosara.
Need other useful information? We have a complete travel guide dedicated to the town of Nosara: the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do in the area.
What is the best way to get to Nosara from San Jose or SJO Airport?
Pura Vida Traveling Recommendations:
- On a Budget: Shared Shuttle, Public Buses
- Singles, Couples, or Small Groups: Taxi or Rental Car, Shared Shuttle
- Families or Large Groups: Private shuttle
To Nosara from San Jose by Private Shuttle
Best for groups - 6hrs - Around $380
If you’re looking for comfort and convenience, a private shuttle is a great choice. You’ll get door-to-door service, plenty of space to relax, and the flexibility to make stops along the way. It’s especially ideal for groups or families, and often includes a friendly local driver who can share insights about the region.
Our Tips:
- Ask your driver to pull over at one of the many fruit and souvenir stands for some fresh seasonal fruit.
- Ask the driver for the wifi details, as most shuttles come with free wifi.
- If you're traveling in a group, the cost of a private shuttle can be divided among passengers, making it a more economical option. Plan to pay an extra $15 per extra person you add after 6.
- Click here for detailed information about shared and private shuttle services in Costa Rica.
To Nosara from San Jose by Shared Shuttle
Solo or couples - 5-7hrs - Around $99.80
If you enjoy traveling with others and don’t mind a set schedule, a group shuttle to Nosara is a great budget-friendly option. These shared rides pick up passengers from various locations in San José and offer a relaxed, social way to reach the coast, perfect for solo travelers or anyone looking to save without sacrificing comfort.
Our Tips:
- Ensure you book your seat ahead of time, particularly during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot.
- Shared shuttles come with air conditioning, comfortable seating, and wifi for your convenience.
- Take note of any luggage restrictions. Additional charges may apply for surfboards and extra suitcases.
- Click here for more detailed information about Group and Private shuttles
To Nosara from San Jose By Rental Car or taxi
Easiest - 5-6hrs - $250
Renting a car or hiring a taxi provides travelers with the freedom to explore at their own pace. From San Jose, the journey to Nosara by car offers the opportunity to discover hidden gems along the way. Renting a car can be extremely expensive during the summer season (Dec-March) and very reasonable during the "winter" season (Aug-Nov). The driving is about 238 kilometers long and can take 5-6 hours depending on the traffic.
Driving this route normally includes taking a ferry across the Nicoya Peninsula (recommended). The ferry can transport you and your rental car for around $24. Tickets can be purchased in advance, but ferries leave on a regular schedule and are rarely filled.
For more information, check out our blog article Taking the Tambor Ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera, Costa Rica: the complete guide.
Writers Tips:
- Use our Pura Vida Traveling exclusive link to receive up to 10% off and additional rental benefits.
- Get a 4x4 if you want to get close to nature!
- To easily pass the highway tolls, be prepared and have some Colónes with you or use tap to pay with your credit card or phone.
- Book well in advance to save money.
- Contact your credit card company to see if your car is insured as a benefit to your card (this is very common)
- Negotiate the fare in advance and make sure the taxi is insured (red or orange cabs are registered cabs and will be insured)
To Nosara from San Jose By Bus
Budget-friendly - 6–9 hrs - $10 – $13
Nosara is a peaceful beach town known for surfing, yoga, and wellness retreats. While there's no direct flight or train service, traveling by bus from San José is an affordable and scenic way to reach this Pacific gem. There are three public bus options depending on your schedule and preference for direct vs. transfer routes.
Option A: Direct bus from San José to Nosara ($9.75) (7 hrs)
San José to Nosara (direct)
Operated by: Transporte Inteligente de Guanacaste
No transfers required — buses run twice daily. Booking isn't required, but advance purchase is available at tiguanacaste.com
Daily departures (Mon–Sun): 5:30 AM, 3:00 PM (Extra trips may be added during high season or holidays)
Option B: San José to Nosara via Nicoya ($11.80) (6.5–7 hrs)
San José to Nicoya ($7.90) (5 hrs)
Operated by: Transporte Inteligente de Guanacaste
More frequent departures compared to the direct bus.
Daily departures (Mon–Sun): 6:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 7:15 PM(Extra trips may be added during peak times)
San Jose to Nicoya Bus Terminal
Nicoya to Nosara ($3.90) (1 hr 40 min)
Operated by: Traroc
Buses connect with arrivals from San José.
Mon–Sat departures: 5:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM
Sunday departures: 10:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM
Option C: San José to Nosara via Liberia and Nicoya ($12.70) (8–9 hrs)
San José to Liberia ($8.70) (4.5 hrs)
Operated by: Pulmitan de Liberia
High-frequency service with online booking available at mibus.cr
Daily departures (Mon–Sun): 6:00 AM, 7:15 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM
San Jose to Liberia Bus Terminal
Liberia to Nicoya ($3.45) (2–2.5 hrs)
Operated by: Transportes La Pampa
Choose between direct and indirect options throughout the day.
Direct buses (Mon–Sun): 5:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM
Indirect buses: Run every 30–60 min from early morning to evening
Nicoya to Nosara ($3.90) (1 hr 40 min)
Same as in Option B — operated by Traroc
Our tips:
- This is one of Costa Rica's longer voyages to do by public bus. Opting for a shared shuttle is recommended to significantly cut down your travel time.
- We recommend taking a taxi to get around in downtown San Jose or to find the bus terminal, especially at night.
To Nosara from San Jose By Air
Fastest - 45min - $150
For those seeking the quickest route to Nosara, flying is the most time-efficient option. Several domestic airlines operate flights from San Jose to Nosara's domestic airport, with short flight durations of approximately 45 minutes.
Private charter flights
If you're short on time and don’t mind splurging, private charter flights offer one of the most convenient and scenic ways to travel around Costa Rica. You can charter a single-engine plane (typically seating up to 12 passengers) between any domestic airports in the country. These flights often feel like a private aerial tour, offering incredible views of Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes, from coastlines to volcanoes, all in under 45 minutes. It’s a fast, effortless, and unforgettable way to get from one destination to another. For this journey, you could take a private plane directly from San Jose to Nosara in around 30 minutes.
Find a private flight to Nosara
Our Tips:
- Luggage: Be aware of your airline's luggage restrictions or costs. It can get expensive if you have additional luggage.
- Arrive early: You must arrive for check-in one hour before your flight, or they won't let you fly, and you will not get a refund for your original flight.
To Nosara from San Jose by Private Vehicle
Best for extended visit - Purchase and resell
If you plan to spend an extended visit in Costa Rica and want to travel the entire country in the comfort of a private vehicle, consider renting a car or van upon arrival and returning it when you leave. Buying a vehicle is both legal for tourists and pretty easy to do. You would have to pay the initial lawyer's fees to transfer ownership, and then you would have to sell the vehicle on time before leaving the country. However, this hassle could end up being worth it if you can recoup most of your investment before departure.
Do not hesitate to read our specific article on this subject: How to buy a car in Costa Rica?
Our Tips:
- Give yourself time to resell the vehicle. It can be fast and easy, but in Costa Rica, there always tend to be delays.
- The car buyer is normally responsible for paying lawyers' fees for the transfer of ownership
- Buying a new scooter or motorcycle is fast and easy, and you can normally resell it easily and only lose a few hundred dollars in resale value.
Choosing your ideal route
Whether you’re taking the bus, driving, or flying, the journey from San José to Nosara offers a taste of Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes, from mountain roads to beachside jungles. While it may take some time to get there, the laid-back surf town of Nosara is well worth the trip. Choose the option that best fits your time, comfort, and travel style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Traveling by air is fastest but also most expensive. Driving is a 5-6 hour journey and can be done via taxi, rental car, shared shuttle or private shuttle. A private shuttle is recommended for any group of 3 or more.
The trip to Nosara is a bit shorter from Liberia airport and does not include taking a ferry across the Nicoya peninsula. If you plan to fly domestically, we recommend flying into San Jose beacuase San Jose will have the most domestic flights available . If you plan to drive, we recommend flying into Liberia airport.
Liberia is a lot closer to Nosara and is the preferred airport to fly into if you are going to drive from the airport to Nosara.
A private shuttle should cost around $447.48 for 1-6 passengers. A Shared shuttle should cost around $99.80 per person.
The scenery and jungle are absolutely incredible with viewpoints that are well worth stopping for. The trip via ferry across the Nicoya Peninsula is beautiful and a fun experience.
Yes, domestic flights are available daily and cost around $150+tax.
Yes and No. Taking the ferry (with or without your vehicle) is recommended to cut your travel time down, however, it is possible to drive around the Nicoya Peninsula instead. Driving the whole way will add an extra hour or two to your journey.
