Santa Teresa and Mal País, two neighboring beach communities on the southern tip of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, have become a magnet for travelers seeking beautiful beaches, world-class surf, and a laid-back vibe. Commonly labeled as Santa Teresa for the whole area, these communities blend into one long stretch of shoreline, offering visitors a perfect mix of natural beauty and bohemian charm.
Part of that charm is its remote location. Put simply, this isn’t the easiest part of Costa Rica to reach. Especially in comparison with beach and surf communities on the Central Pacific or Guanacaste. The Nicoya Peninsula, sticking out of the Pacific side of Costa Rica like a large crooked thumb. It might as well be an island if you’re traveling from San José or the Central Valley. And Santa Teresa is on the far side of that “island”. As the crow flies, the distance from Costa Rica’s capital to Santa Teresa is about 115 miles (185 km ) but that includes a stretch of water called the Gulf of Nicoya. It takes a minimum of five hours to get to Santa Teresa by road, assuming you get the ferry connection just right.
So Santa Teresa isn’t a place you stumble upon by accident. It requires some effort to reach. And once you figure out how to get to Santa Teresa from SJO Airport, you know you’re starting your journey on the right foot. Whether you prioritize speed, budget, or scenic routes, there’s an option to suit your needs.
Fastest and Most Convenient Options: Flying Private
Private Charter Flights with Fly Adventure Air
For travelers who value time, comfort, and flexibility, Adventure Air offers private charter flights from SJO to Santa Teresa. This option provides a swift and luxurious start to your Costa Rican adventure.
The flight from SJO to Santa Teresa takes about 30 minutes, a significant time-saver compared to the drive and ferry. Adventure Air flies to two airports near Santa Teresa: Tambor Airport (TMU) and the newer Cobano Airport. From Tambor, it’s a 45-minute drive to Santa Teresa, while Cobano is just 25 minutes away. While in the air, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Costa Rican coastline and island of the Gulf of Nicoya.
Adventure Air offers a range of aircraft to suit different group sizes and preferences. The Cessna 206, a single-engine plane, seats up to five passengers and is ideal for small groups with more luggage. For larger groups or those wanting more speed and comfort, options like the twin-engine Piper Navajo (six passengers) or the King Air small jet (seven passengers) are available. The Cessna Caravan, seating up to 12 passengers, is perfect for large groups or those with extensive luggage.
One of the key benefits of flying with Adventure Air is the personalized service. If you’re arriving off an international flight, we offer a meet-and-greet service at the immigration area. We’ll guide you through the process and transfer you directly to your plane. This attention to detail extends to our flexible scheduling, and ability to arrange ground transfers from the runway to your hotel or vacation rental.
While the upfront cost of a private charter is higher than other transportation options, many travelers find the time saved and added convenience well worth the investment. You’ll arrive in Santa Teresa relaxed and ready to enjoy your vacation, while others might still be navigating traffic on Ruta 27, the ferry crossing, or the bad roads of the southern Nicoya Peninsula.
Pros of Using a Private Charter Flight:
- Fastest travel option, you’ll be in Santa Teresa within one hour of clearing customs in SJO
- Flexible scheduling to suit your travel plans
- Variety of aircraft options to accommodate different group sizes and luggage needs
- Personalized meet-and-greet service at the airport
- Direct flights to Tambor or Cobano, closer to Santa Teresa
- Privacy and comfort of traveling only with your group
Cons of Using a Private Charter Flight:
- Higher upfront cost compared to other transportation options
- Some weight restrictions on excessive luggage (not usually applicable for smaller groups)
- Need for ground transfer from Tambor or Cobano airports to Santa Teresa
- Possibility of flight changes due to weather conditions
- Smaller aircraft may not be suitable for travelers with fear of flying
Helicopter Transfers with Fly Adventure Air
Helicopter transfers offer another premium option for reaching Santa Teresa from SJO. This service takes about 45 minutes, a touch longer than fixed-wing charter flights, but provides unique advantages.
The main benefit of helicopter transfers is their ability to land directly at hotels or properties with helipads in Santa Teresa. This eliminates the need for lengthy ground transportation upon arrival, saving time and increasing convenience for travelers. At the SJO end, travelers come off their international flights and receive the same personalized meet-and-greet service to get them on board their helicopter outlined above for charter flight passengers.
Helicopters cater to groups of up to six people. These flights provide a private, VIP-style travel experience, allowing you to journey with only your group or family.
Pros of Flying to Santa Teresa by Helicopter:
- Direct landing in town
- Enjoy the ride! Helicopter transfer is a sightseeing tour in itself
- Private travel experience
- Bilingual pilots providing journey information
Cons of Flying to Santa Teresa by Helicopter:
- Expensive
- Weight restrictions on luggage
- Slightly slower than a charter flight
- Possibility of flight changes due to weather conditions
Flying privately, whether by plane or helicopter, is by far the quickest and easiest way to get from SJO to Santa Teresa. There’s no comparison with any other method. And the larger your group is, the more reasonable the price per person – certainly comparable to regular flights or private transfers.
One thing to consider, though, is the timing of your arrival into SJO if you’re on an international flight.
If you arrive later in the day, after around 4:30 PM, flying straight to Santa Teresa may not be an option. While we can speed up your way through immigration and customs and get you to your flight, we can’t do much about it getting dark. It gets dark at around 6:00 PM in Costa Rica, and the regional airstrips around the country are only equipped to handle flights during the day. So if you arrive late, we recommend staying near SJO airport for a night and flying to the beach in the morning.
An advantage of morning flights, especially during the rainy season, is the weather. Flights in the morning are less likely to be affected by weather conditions, so that’s also something to consider when flying to Santa Teresa.
Scheduled Domestic Flights to Tambor/Cobano
For travelers seeking a balance between cost and speed, scheduled domestic flights offer a viable option to reach Santa Teresa. These flights operate from SJO to two nearby airstrips: Tambor Airport (TMU) and Cobano Airport (ACO).
Domestic airlines Sansa and Green Airways provide daily flights on these routes to Cobano and Tambor. The flight time is approximately 30 minutes to either destination.
When booking your scheduled flight, allow enough time between your international arrival and the domestic departure. Once you’re through immigration, customs, and baggage collection, you’ll leave the airport and then head to the departure entrance of the domestic terminal to check in for your flight to Cobano (or Tambor). You need to check in at least an hour before.
We recommend at least two or three hours between your international flight arriving and your domestic flight departing. To fly domestic on the same day as arriving on an international flight, ensure that your flight arrives by 1:30 PM at the latest. That gives you an hour or two to enter the country, plus an hour to check in for your new flight.
Upon arrival, you need ground transportation to Santa Teresa. Many hotels offer shuttle services, or you can take a taxi or rent a car for the remaining journey. Taxis arrive at both airports when a plane comes in to take people to their destinations.
Another factor with scheduled flights is luggage. These are small planes, known as “puddle-jumpers”, not larger jets. That means your luggage allowance is minimal. Domestic airlines generally allow you to check up to 35 lbs of luggage per person with 10 lbs carry on. That’s not a great deal, so packing smart and packing light is the way to go. Note that one of the main reasons to visit Santa Teresa is for the surf. Domestic airlines can carry surfboards, but they don’t count as check luggage and there’s an extra charge. And crucially – they can’t guarantee your surfboard will travel with you. Worth thinking about.
While not as flexible as private charters, scheduled flights offer a good compromise between convenience and cost. They’re particularly suitable for solo travelers or small groups who don’t require the full capacity of a charter flight.
Pros of Using Scheduled Flights:
- More affordable than private charters or helicopters (for singles, couples, and small groups)
- Regular daily schedules
- Still much faster than driving
Cons of Using Scheduled Flights:
- Fixed schedules may not align perfectly with your plans
- Potential for delays or cancellations
- Strict luggage restrictions
We get it. Flying isn’t for everyone. It’s fast and convenient to get around Costa Rica on a plane, of course. But they can get a little bumpy sometimes and nervous fliers might prefer to get to Santa Teresa from SJO by land instead. And even if you’re not nervous, maybe your international arrival time doesn’t work with flying. Or maybe you have too much luggage and a bunch of surfboards. Maybe you want to see more of the country at ground level. Perhaps you just want to save money. Whatever your reasons, it’s possible to reach Santa Teresa by land (and sea) from San José:
How to Get from SJO to Santa Teresa by Land/Ferry
Private Transfers
For travelers who prefer a comfortable ground journey without the hassle of driving themselves, private transfers from SJO to Santa Teresa are a popular option. This service provides a door-to-door experience with a professional driver familiar with the route. How it works is that if you’re arriving into SJO on an international flight, you’ll be met by your driver in a luxurious and comfortable transfer van, who’ll load you and your luggage on board and start the journey.
Once away from the airport, you’ll eventually get onto Highway 27 to the Pacific coast, where you’ll swing north to the city of Puntarenas. Here, you’ll board a ferry for the 80-minute journey across the Gulf of Nicoya to Paquera. Once on the Nicoya Peninsula, you’ll drive south through Cobano to reach Santa Teresa.
Overall, in ideal conditions, you can expect it to take about an hour and a half to get from SJO to Puntarenas, two hours or so on the ferry (allowing for minimum of 30 min loading time before departure), and then another hour and a half from the ferry dock at Paquera on the Nicoya Peninsula to Santa Teresa. That’s about five hours in total, assuming ideal conditions (minimal traffic, no waiting around for the ferry, and good weather for optimal driving on the peninsula). In reality, you can expect to add at least another hour to the travel time.
Private transfers are ideal for families or groups with substantial luggage, including surfboards. Your driver will handle navigation, ferry tickets, and can even make stops for meals or breaks if requested. It’s quite normal to see your driver as a personalized guide.
Another advantage is the ferry itself. It’s actually great fun crossing the Gulf of Nicoya on the ferry. The scenery is beautiful, there’s a store on board to buy food and drink, and it’s nice to get out on the top deck in the breeze and sunshine to take everything in. It’s definitely part of the whole adventure if you enjoy that type of thing. That all said, ferry schedules can significantly impact travel time, especially during high season or holidays. Your transfer company will plan around these schedules, but delays are possible. The last ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera departs at around 10:00 PM. It’s possible to travel from SJO to Santa Teresa at night, meaning your international flight can arrive later than if you were flying and don’t want to stay in San José.
Once on the Peninsula, it’s a pretty drive from Paquera to Santa Teresa, and although the roads are getting better there are still a couple of unpaved stretches. This can make for some slow going during the rainy season or at night. Once you finally arrive in Santa Teresa and your driver/guide drops you off at your hotel, you’ll be ready to relax!
Private transfer costs depend on group size. The smaller the group, the more expensive it is and the per person cost might not be too different from chartering a plane. Larger groups will find themselves paying, per person, similar prices to scheduled flights. At the end of the day, whether you fly or take a private transfer depends on your travel style regarding the amount of luggage and whether you want to see some of Costa Rica along the way.
Car Rental
Renting a car for the journey from SJO to Santa Teresa offers maximum flexibility and independence. This option is ideal for all of you who want to explore Costa Rica at your own pace. When renting, choose a 4×4 vehicle. The roads on the Nicoya Peninsula, especially around Santa Teresa, are often unpaved and can be challenging, particularly during the rainy season or at night. There are also plenty of remote beaches around Santa Teresa only accessible by 4×4, especially if you’re lookin to surf.
Car rental allows for more luggage flexibility compared to flying, which can be advantageous for surfers or those planning an extended stay. However, be prepared to navigate on your own and handle ferry ticketing yourself. This involves arriving at the ferry dock in Puntarenas, getting your car into line, and going to the nearby office to buy the ticket. An easier alternative is to buy your ticket online in advance through QuickPayCR (Spanish only, no refunds or reschedules). If you buy online, you still need to be at the ferry dock at least 30 minutes before departure.
Your journey from SJO to Santa Teresa is the same as outlined above for private transfers. We recommend using a navigation app like Waze to guide your way. One main difference between driving yourself and using a private transfer is night driving. If you’re arriving at SJO and renting a car, we strongly recommend arriving before around 11:00 AM in order to make the whole journey during daylight. The 3:00 PM ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera is the latest we recommend if you’re renting a car.
Shared Shuttles from SJO to Santa Teresa
Shared shuttles offer an affordable and convenient option for traveling from SJO to Santa Teresa. Two main companies operate this route: Interbus and Tropical Tours. Both services use comfortable, air-conditioned medium-sized buses that typically seat up to nine passengers. They offer a door-to-door service, picking you up from your starting point (generally a hotel) and dropping you off at your exact destination in Santa Teresa. In the case of SJO Airport pickups, they use the Malinche restaurant right outside the airport on the right side of the arrivals area.
Unless your international flight arrives into SJO in the early morning, though, you’ll probably stay in San Jose the night before to use the Interbus service, as this shuttle from San Jose to Santa Teresa departs once daily in the morning, at around 9:00 AM. Tropical Tours has two pickup times: 7:30 AM and 3:15 PM.
The cost for this type of transfer starts at around $50 per adult. Each passenger is allowed one carry-on bag and one large suitcase. On Interbus, extra luggage or surfboards up to six feet may be accommodated for an additional fee, subject to space availability. Tropical Tours will carry your surfboard for free. You want to book these shuttles well in advance, especially during high season, as they are a popular option among tourists.
Another option from Tropical Tours is to take you from San José to Jacó on the Central Pacific coast. From there, they operate a boat-taxi service direct to Santa Teresa, thus avoiding the ferry and the trek across the southern Nicoya Peninsula. It’s a creative and fun way to get from SJO to Santa Teresa, but feasible if you’re able to get to Jaco in time for their 9:00 AM departure.
Public Bus
For budget-conscious travelers or those seeking a local experience, public buses offer the most affordable way to reach Santa Teresa from San José. There are two main options: a direct bus and an indirect route.
Transportes Cobano operates a direct bus service from San José to Mal Pais/Santa Teresa twice daily. The bus departs from Terminal 7-10 in downtown San José at 6:00 AM (arriving around 12:30 PM) and 2:00 PM (arriving around 8:30 PM). This service costs approximately $15 USD one way, including the ferry ticket, and takes about 6 hours. The bus takes you directly to the ferry, travels with you on the ferry, and continues the journey on the other side. Remember to keep your receipt to re-board in Paquera. The bus drives through Santa Teresa, so inform the driver where you want to get off.
An alternative option involves multiple connections— which is a drag if you have a lot of luggage, but offers more flexibility with your time. You can take a bus from the Puntarenas terminal in San José to Puntarenas. These buses run every hour – often every 30 minutes during high season – so waiting around for ages isn’t really an issue. Once in Puntarenas, take a taxi or walk to the ferry terminal and buy a foot passenger ticket for the ferry to Paquera. You’ll cross the Gulf of Nicoya on the ferry and then take the waiting bus (there’s always a bus waiting in Paquera for the ferry to arrive) on the other side.
This bus tends to go to Montezuma, not Santa Teresa, so you’ll need to get off in Cobano, and take another bus to Santa Teresa. The route is longer but allows for breaks in the journey and the opportunity to explore Puntarenas or Cobano. Costs are a little cheaper than the direct bus service, at around $12 (slightly more expensive if you get a taxi in Puntarenas from the bus station to the ferry terminal).
If you’re taking the public bus, we would recommend staying in San José the evening before and not attempting to travel directly after your flight. Technically it’s possible to get downtown for either the afternoon direct bus or any of the Puntarenas buses (the direct bus passes through Alajuela, close to the airport, so you don’t even need to go to San José in this case), but it’s really easier to relax and make the journey the following day.
Returning from Santa Teresa to San Jose
All good things come to an end, including vacations in Santa Teresa. When it’s time to peel yourself away from the beach and head back to San José, you have essentially the same options as your journey to Santa Teresa, but in reverse. Here’s what you need to know about getting back to SJO:
Flying from Santa Teresa (Cobano) to SJO
Private charters and scheduled flights remain the fastest way back. Adventure Air offers return charter flights, while Sansa and Green Airways operate daily scheduled flights from Tambor and Cobano to SJO. Remember that flights typically only during daylight hours, so plan accordingly if you have an early international departure from SJO. Private Transfers
These operate in reverse, picking you up from your accommodation in Santa Teresa. Be sure to allow plenty of time for the journey, especially if you need to catch an international flight. It’s often wise to return to San José the day before your departure to avoid any stress from potential delays.
Driving or Taking the Land and Ferry Route
If you rented a car, simply reverse your route. Remember to book your ferry ticket in advance, especially during high season. Aim to arrive at the ferry terminal in Paquera at least 30 minutes before departure. For Shared or private shuttle option, same companies as above offer return services to San José. These usually depart Santa Teresa in the early morning to ensure arrival in San José by late afternoon.
Finally, public bus from Santa Teresa to San José operates twice daily, departing at 6:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Just wait on the main road and it will pass – you’ll see other people waiting for the bus, too. The indirect route via Cobano, Paquera, and Puntarenas is also available but a little more complicated than arriving. Basically, there are two local buses from Santa Teresa to Cobano and then two buses from Cobano to Paquera, aimed at commenting with the 9:00 AM or 3:00 PM ferry back to Puntarenas. Oftentimes people get a taxi from Santa Teresa to Cobano to ensure catching that bus. Once in Puntarenas, buses to San Jose depart every 30 to 60 minutes.
Regardless of your chosen method, plan your return journey in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. If you have an international flight to catch, return to San José a day early to avoid any potential complications. Note that you should be at SJO Airport three hours in advance of your flight.
Traveling from SJO to Montezuma
When you arrive in Cobano, whether by plane or any of the other methods we’ve described, you have a choice. The town of Cobano is basically a crossroads and you can head straight on to Santa Teresa or turn left to Montezuma. If you turn left, you’ll find a funky little community with a hippy vibe and access to beautiful beaches. Santa Teresa is more “happening” nowadays, with better hotel and vacation rental options, but Montezuma retains its charm and is well worth staying in.
Again, feel free to use this guide to get here, or from SJO to Cabuya or other spots around Montezuma.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the fastest way to get from SJO to Santa Teresa?
The fastest option is a private charter flight, which takes about 30 minutes.
How long does it take to drive from SJO to Santa Teresa?
The drive, including the ferry crossing, takes about 5-6 hours under ideal conditions.
Is it possible to take a public bus from SJO to Santa Teresa?
Yes, there’s a direct public bus service that takes about 6-8 hours. It’s the most affordable option but also the longest.
Can I bring my pet on domestic flights to Santa Teresa?
Yes! There’s no extra charge for this service when flying private.
Can I take a surfboard on domestic flights to Santa Teresa?
Yes, but it may incur an extra charge and isn’t guaranteed to travel on your flight. Charter flights offer more flexibility for surfboard transport.
Do I need a 4×4 vehicle to drive to Santa Teresa?
Yes, a 4×4 is highly recommended due to unpaved and challenging roads, especially during the rainy season.
What’s the latest I can arrive at SJO to travel to Santa Teresa the same day?
For scheduled flights, aim to arrive by 1:30 PM, or 4:30PM for private, on-demand flights. For driving or taking a shuttle, you can arrive later, but it’s often recommended to stay in San José and travel the next day.
Can I fly directly from the United States to Santa Teresa?
No. There are only two international airports in Costa Rica, Juan Santamaria Airport in San José (SJO) or Guanacaste International Airport in Liberia (LIR).
Are there any direct flights from SJO to Santa Teresa?
There are no large commercial flights, but there are charter flights and scheduled small plane services to nearby Tambor and Cobano airports.
How much luggage can I take on domestic flights to Santa Teresa?
Typically, you’re allowed up to 35 lbs of checked luggage and 10 lbs of carry-on per person on scheduled flights. Charter flights offer more flexibility.
Is it safe to drive from SJO to Santa Teresa at night?
Night driving, especially on the Nicoya Peninsula, is not recommended unless you’re very familiar with the roads. It’s safer to drive during daylight hours.
How often does the ferry run from Puntarenas to Paquera?
The ferry runs eight times per day, with the first departure at 4:00 AM and the last at 10:00 PM. It’s advisable to check the current schedule and book in advance during the high season.
How to get from SJO to Santa Teresa Comparison Chart
Travel Option | Travel Time | Flexibility | Luggage | Cost | Comfort level |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Private Charter Flights | ~60 minutes (30 min flight + 25 min ground transfer) | High | Varies by aircraft, generally more luggage flexibility | $$$$ (High) | High |
Helicopter Transfers | ~45 minutes (flight) | High | Varies by aircraft (More limited, due to weight restrictions) | $$$$ (Very High) | Very High |
Scheduled Domestic Flights | ~ minimum two hours (60 min check-in, 30 min flight + 25 min ground transfer) | None (fixed schedule) | 35 lbs checked, 10 lbs carry-on, extra charge for surfboards | $$ (Moderate) | Moderate |
Private Transfers (Land & Ferry) | 5-6 hours (incl. ferry) | Moderate | Unlimited (depending on vehicle) | $$$ (Moderate-High) | High |
Car Rental | 5-6 hours (incl. ferry) | High | Unlimited (depending on vehicle size) | $$-$$$ (Moderate) | Moderate |
Shared Shuttles | 6-7 hours (incl. ferry) + wait times | None (fixed schedule) | Limited (smaller luggage space) | $ (Low) | Low |
Public Bus | 7-8 hours (incl. ferry) | None (fixed schedule) | Limited (smaller luggage space) | $ (Very Low) | Low |
Adjust your transportation choice based on your arrival time, trip length, and travel style for the best experience on how to get from SJO to Santa Teresa!