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San Jose (Heredia) to Tamarindo from $8: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Jose (Heredia), Costa Rica
to
Tamarindo, Costa Rica

How to Get from San Jose to Tamarindo: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$8 by busBest price
198 kmDistance
1h 51m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Jose (Heredia) to Tamarindo with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
1h  51m
Estimated price
$144-542
Recommended
Company
Transporte Inteligente de Guanacaste
Bus
Average Duration
4h 
Estimated price
$8-15
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 198 km
Duration: 1h 51m

See more options

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  19m
Estimated price
$172-1440
Company
various
Plane
Taxi
Average Duration
3h  47m
Estimated price
$227-623
Company
various
Taxi
Plane
Average Duration
4h  45m
Estimated price
$391-729
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
4h  9m
Estimated price
$1441-1442
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
4h  31m
Estimated price
$1443-1444
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  30m
Estimated price
$1445-14450
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  44m
Estimated price
$1446-1447
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Traveling From San Jose (Heredia) to Tamarindo

Traveling from San Jose (Heredia) to Tamarindo offers a striking contrast between the bustling urban atmosphere of the capital and the laid-back beach vibes of this coastal paradise.

Best Neighbourhoods in Tamarindo

Tamarindo boasts vibrant neighborhoods, each offering distinct attractions for visitors.

Playa Tamarindo
• Central beach access with lively nightlife.
• Various dining options from local to international.
Langosta
• Quieter atmosphere, ideal for relaxation.
• Serene beach perfect for surfing and sunbathing.
Hacienda del Mar
• Upscale accommodations with stunning views.
• Close proximity to nature reserves and wildlife.

Best Times To Visit Tamarindo's Attractions

Timing your visits to Tamarindo's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

Playa Tamarindo
Visiting early in the morning or late afternoon avoids the midday heat and crowds.
Las Baulas National Marine Park
The best time to view nesting turtles is from October to March, during low tourist seasons.
Tamarindo Night Market
Fridays offer less foot traffic, making it easier to browse local crafts and food.

Tamarindo Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Tamarindo enjoys a tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures and a distinct rainy season from May to November, with the driest weather typically from December to April. This variation impacts your travel experience, as sunny days are perfect for beach activities, while the rainy season offers lush landscapes and fewer crowds.

Dining in Tamarindo: A Culinary Escape

When in Tamarindo, don’t miss the chance to try ceviche at a local beachfront restaurant, where fresh seafood shines with zesty lime and local cilantro. The casual, oceanfront atmosphere and the vibrant flavors reflect a relaxed lifestyle that sharply contrasts with the more traditional dining scene in San Jose (Heredia), bringing you a taste of coastal culture.

San Jose (Heredia) - Tamarindo operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Jose (Heredia) and Tamarindo, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus
Contact phone
+506 4404 0505
Website
tiguanacaste.com

Bus from San José to Tamarindo

Average Duration
4h
Estimated price
$8-15
Contact phone
+506 2223 5876
Website
facebook.com

Bus from San José to Tamarindo

Average Duration
5h
Estimated price
$8-84
Contact phone
+506 2222 2666
Website
empresaalfaro.com

Bus from San José to Tamarindo

Average Duration
3h 30m
Estimated price
$8-85
Shuttle
Contact phone
1 800 715 1970
Website
ridecr.com

Shuttle from San José to Tamarindo

Average Duration
3h 30m
Estimated price
$1445-1449

Shuttle from Alajuela to Tamarindo

Average Duration
2h 30m
Estimated price
$1445-1449
Contact phone
+506 2750 0626
Website
caribeshuttle.com

Shuttle from San José to Tamarindo

Average Duration
5h
Estimated price
$86-14450
Contact phone
+506 6050 6500
Website
interbusonline.com

Shuttle from San José to Tamarindo

Average Duration
5h 30m
Estimated price
$1445-88
Contact phone
+506 2640 0093
Website
zumatours.net

Shuttle from San José to Tamarindo

Average Duration
5h 30m
Estimated price
$840-81
Plane
Website
flysansa.com

Plane from San Jose (SJO) to Tamarindo (TNO)

Average Duration
1h 51m
Estimated price
$144-542
Website
worldticket.com

Plane from San Jose (SJO) to Tamarindo (TNO)

Average Duration
1h 51m
Estimated price
$172-1440

San Jose to Tamarindo: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between San Jose (Heredia) and Tamarindo offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a picturesque road trip from bustling San José to the laid-back beach town of Tamarindo, covering 159 miles of scenic beauty. 💰 Explore flexible pricing options ranging from $30 to $50 for the journey by car, making it an affordable and enjoyable adventure. 🏖️ Spend approximately 4 hours and 31 minutes behind the wheel, soaking in the diverse landscapes before reaching the sandy shores and vibrant atmosphere of Tamarindo.
Average price
$30 - $50
🛫 Experience a quick and convenient journey from San Jose Airport to Tamarindo Airport in just 30 minutes with a direct flight offered by SANSA and World Ticket. ✈️ The total travel time of flying from San Jose to Tamarindo is approximately 1 hour and 51 minutes, allowing you to reach your destination efficiently. 💸 Flight prices between Tamarindo and San Jose range from $144 to $542, providing travelers with a variety of options to suit their budget and preferences.
Departure Point
San Jose Airport
Arrival Point
Tamarindo Airport
🚌 Experience the convenience of a direct bus journey from San Jose to Tamarindo with services departing every three hours and operating daily. The trip typically takes around 4 hours to complete. 🌴 Arrive at Tamarindo station after a pleasant 4-hour bus ride from San Jose. With ticket prices ranging from $8 to $15, this journey offers an economical and efficient transportation option for travelers heading to the popular beach town.
Departure Point
San José station
Arrival Point
Tamarindo station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Arrive at the San José bus terminal early, as the location can be crowded and confusing; aim for at least 30 minutes before departure to navigate the terminal and check your ticket with Transporte Inteligente de Guanacaste.
• During your bus journey, keep an eye out for natural landmarks such as the Rincón de la Vieja volcano, as these scenic views can provide a glimpse of Costa Rica's lush landscapes and biodiversity, adding to your travel experience.
• Upon arriving at the Tamarindo station, note that most buses drop off at the main station on the coastal road; from there, you can easily walk to nearby beaches, restaurants, and accommodations, making it convenient for your first exploration of this popular destination.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Jose (Heredia) to Tamarindo.

Or choose the category:
The distance between San Jose and Tamarindo is approximately 198 km by road. Travel times by various modes of transportation are as follows: it takes around 2 hours and 11 minutes to reach Tamarindo from San Jose by plane, 3 hours and 30 minutes by ferry, 4 hours and 31 minutes by car, and 4 hours by bus.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Jose to Tamarindo is by bus, with prices ranging from $8 to $15. Although it takes 4 hours, it offers a affordable and scenic journey. If time is a priority, the fastest option is to fly, which takes approximately 2 hours and 11 minutes and costs between $140 and $550.
When traveling from San Jose to Tamarindo, the price for a bus ticket ranges from $8 to $15. Alternatively, the cost of taking a ferry between the two locations can range from $45 to $600.
To get from San Jose to Tamarindo without using public transportation, your best option would be to rent a car. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 255.9 km and it takes around 4 hours and 31 minutes to drive. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore other attractions along the way and the prices vary from $30 to $50 depending on the rental company and vehicle type.
The best way to travel from San Jose to Tamarindo without a car is by bus. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and costs between $8 and $15.
Yes, there is a direct bus service linking San Jose and Tamarindo. The bus, operated by Transporte Inteligente de Guanacaste, departs from San Jose every three hours and the journey takes approximately 4 hours.
The flight between San Jose and Tamarindo typically takes around 50 minutes. The prices for this flight can vary, ranging from $143 to $541.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Tamarindo. With over 790 hotels to choose from, you have a wide range of choices to suit your budget and preferences. Prices for hotels in Tamarindo start at $82 per night, offering a variety of options for every traveler.