How to get to Santa Teresa from Samara, Costa Rica?
Esteban Acedo- 6 days ago
- 9 min read
Santa Teresa and Samara are two of Costa Rica’s most beloved beach destinations, each offering its own slice of tropical paradise. While both towns lie along the Nicoya Peninsula, the journey between them isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. The distance is roughly 82 kilometers, but given the terrain, road conditions, and limited public transportation infrastructure, planning your travel is crucial. In this guide, we explore five different ways to get from Samara to Santa Teresa, covering key factors like travel time, costs, and tips to help you decide which option suits you best.
What is the best way to get to Santa Teresa from Samara?
Pura Vida Traveling Recommendations:
On a Budget: Shared Shuttle, Public Buses
Singles, Couples, or Small Groups: Airplane, Taxi or Rental Car, Shared Shuttle
Families or Large Groups: Private shuttle
To Santa Teresa from Samara by private shuttle
Perfect for groups - 4 hrs - $280
Private shuttles offer the same route as shared ones but are exclusively for your group. The main advantage here is flexibility. You can depart at your preferred time, take breaks as needed, and enjoy a door-to-door experience without multiple pick-ups or drop-offs.
Travel time is similar to that of a shared shuttle, approximately 4 hours, but it can be quicker depending on your preferences. Prices typically start at $280 per vehicle, depending on the number of passengers and the shuttle company.
This option is ideal for families, small groups, or travelers with lots of luggage. It’s more expensive than a shared shuttle but often worth the convenience and comfort, especially if you’re traveling with others and can split the cost.
Writer's Tips:
Private shuttles are great for groups of 4-12 people. Shuttles are priced for 1-6 passengers. Plan to pay an additional $15 per extra passenger.
Ask your driver to stop along the way. There is so much to see; your driver should know the area well.
Click here for more detailed information about Group and Private shuttles
To Santa Teresa from Samara by shared shuttle
Solo travelers & couples - 5 hrs - $60
Shared shuttles are a popular option for travelers seeking a balance between comfort and cost. The journey takes around 5 hours, depending on the route and traffic.
Prices start at $60 per person. Shared shuttles are air-conditioned and relatively comfortable, though you may need to wait for other passengers at pick-up points. They usually operate on fixed schedules, so you’ll need to plan your day around the service.
This is a great middle-ground solution, especially for solo travelers or couples who prefer not to navigate Costa Rican roads themselves but still want more comfort than the public bus system offers.
Writer's Tips:
Reserve in advance, as these shuttles can fill up.
Kids under ten years old might get a discount.
Be aware of luggage restrictions. Surfboards and extra suitcases can cost extra.
Click here for more detailed information about Group and Private shuttles.
To Santa Teresa from Samara by public bus
cost-effective - 12 hrs - $20 US - 5 bus transfers, 1 Ferry
The most budget-friendly way to get from Samara to Santa Teresa is by public bus. However, it’s also the most time-consuming and logistically complicated. There’s no direct bus between the two towns, so you’ll need to transfer at least two or three times, often in Nicoya, then in Paquera or Cobano.
The total travel time can range from 11 to 12 hours, and the cost is usually around $20. While this option is extremely affordable, it requires patience, a bit of Spanish, and a sense of adventure. Buses can get crowded, and air conditioning is not guaranteed.
If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind the long journey, this is a viable option. But for most travelers, the lack of convenience and comfort makes it a last resort.
Here’s our understanding of the best bus option to get to Santa Teresa: Please, if anyone knows of a better way, share in the comments section below.
Sámara to Nicoya (1.5 hrs)($3)
Start your trip by catching a bus from Samara to Nicoya with Traroc. No booking is required.
Bus Schedule:
Monday to Saturday - 5:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 8:00 PM
Sunday - 6:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 8:00 PM
Nicoya to Liberia (2 hrs)($3.5)
From Nicoya, take a Transportes La Pampa bus to Liberia. Direct buses are less frequent but faster, while indirect options run every 30 minutes.
Bus Schedule:
Direct - 5:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM daily
Indirect - 4:00 AM–6:30 PM (every 30 minutes), 7:10 PM, 10:15 PM daily
Liberia to Puntarenas (3.5 hrs)($7)
Once in Liberia, take a Reina del Campo bus to Puntarenas. This leg provides a comfortable journey through lush Costa Rican landscapes.
Bus Schedule: 5:00 AM, 5:30 AM, 7:00 AM, 7:45 AM, 8:45 AM, 9:45 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:45 PM, 3:15 PM, 5:00 PM daily
Puntarenas to Paquera (1 hr)($1.6)
In Puntarenas, board the Naviera Tambor ferry to Paquera. This scenic ferry ride offers beautiful views of the Gulf of Nicoya.
Ferry Schedule: 5:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM daily
Paquera to Cobano (1.5 hrs)($3)
From Paquera, take a Transportes Cóbano bus heading to Cobanos. These buses run multiple times daily, and tickets are available onboard.
Bus Schedule: 4:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 4:15 PM daily
Cobano to Santa Teresa (40 min)($3)
Start your trip by catching a bus from Cobanos to Santa Teresa with Transportes Malpaís. No advance booking is required.
Bus Schedule: 3:15 AM, 5:50 AM, 7:15 AM, 8:15 AM, 9:45 AM, 11:45 AM, 1:45 PM, 3:45 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 10:00 PM daily
Writer's Tips:
Most companies in Costa Rica provide services from early morning to late afternoon.
Leave as early as possible to make all your connecting bus transfers.
While taking a bus to Santa Teresa is the most cost-effective option, it is also the longest. Consider taking a shared shuttle or flight for this trip to reduce your travel time significantly.
Store large suitcases and bags under the bus, and keep a small bag with you for all your most valued items.
To Santa Teresa from Samara by car or taxi
Fast and Easy - 5 hrs - $220
Traveling by rental car gives you the most flexibility and a touch of adventure. The drive from Samara to Santa Teresa typically takes about 4.5 to 6 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. There are several routes you can take, but the most common involves passing through Nicoya, then heading south toward Paquera, before cutting across to Cobano and finally reaching Santa Teresa. Some segments, particularly between Paquera and Santa Teresa, may be unpaved or in poor condition, so a 4x4 vehicle is strongly recommended.
The cost of renting a 4x4 vehicle starts around $50 to $80 per day, not including gas or insurance. A taxi, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from $180 to $250 one way. While a cab offers a comfortable door-to-door experience, it can be significantly more expensive than renting a car.
Driving yourself gives you the freedom to stop at scenic viewpoints or detour to local attractions, but it does require confidence with Costa Rica’s rural roads. Be cautious during the rainy season, when road conditions can deteriorate quickly.
Writer's Tips:
Use our Pura Vida Traveling exclusive link to receive up to 10% off and additional rental benefits.
Always check with your credit card company to see if international car insurance is an added benefit for cardholders. This can save you some money on your rental.
Waze is the most-used direction application in Costa Rica, so it normally has the most up-to-date road conditions.
To Santa Teresa from Samara by airplane
Not a great option - 4 hrs - $240
There are no direct flights from Samara to Santa Teresa. The closest airport to Samara is in Nosara, where you can catch a flight to San Jose and then another flight to Cobano, a 30-minute drive from Santa Teresa. We don't recommend flying for this route as it involves multiple planes and also driving.
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 from Nosara to Cobano, which is only 30 minutes from Santa Teresa.
Writer's Tips:
Be aware that flying with extra or heavy luggage could come with an additional cost.
Be at the airport check-in at least 1 hour before your flight, or they won't allow you to fly.
To Santa Teresa from Samara by private vehicle
Best for extended visit - Purchase and resell
If you are planning an extended visit to Costa Rica and want to travel the entire country in the luxury of a private vehicle, consider buying a car or van when you arrive and selling 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 in time before leaving the country, but this hassle could end up being worth the hassle if you can get most of your investment back before you go.
For more information, check our article: How to buy a car in Costa Rica?
Choosing your ideal route
Getting from Samara to Santa Teresa involves navigating a relatively remote part of Costa Rica, but there are plenty of viable transportation options to suit different budgets and travel styles. Renting a car or taking a taxi offers flexibility and directness, but can be costly and challenging depending on the season. Shared and private shuttles strike a balance between convenience and price, while the bus provides an adventurous, low-cost alternative. Choose the option that aligns best with your travel priorities, whether it's comfort, cost, or time, and enjoy your journey across one of Costa Rica’s most scenic regions.
What is the best way to get to Santa Teresa from Samara?
0%By Private Shuttle
0%By Shared Shuttle
0%By Air Plane (domestic flight)
0%By Taxi or Rental Car
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Shuttle from Samara to Santa Teresa?
Yes, shared shuttles leave in the morning and can be reserved using this link:
How much is a taxi from Samara to Santa Teresa?
Is Samara closer to Liberia or San Jose?
What airport should I fly into for Samara, Costa Rica?
How far is it from Samara to Santa Teresa?
Is Samara or Santa Teresa better?
Is Samara close to Santa Teresa?
Why is Samara so popular?
What is the best bus route to take from Samara to Santa Teresa?
Are the Beaches Free in Samara?
Is there a national park near Samara?
Is Samara, Costa Rica, worth visiting?
How many days do you need in Samara?
Do you need a car in Samara, Costa Rica?
Comments