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San José, San José to San Juan del Sur, Rivas Region from $45: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San José, Costa Rica
to
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

How to Get from San José to San Juan del Sur: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$45 by busBest price
246 kmDistance
4h 21m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San José to San Juan del Sur 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
Trans Nica
Bus
Average Duration
4h  21m
Estimated price
$45-53
Recommended
route map
Distance: 246 km
Duration: 4h 21m

See more options

Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
5h  9m
Estimated price
$40-65
Company
various
Bus
Drive
Average Duration
9h 
Estimated price
$49-102
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
4h  54m
Estimated price
$163-573
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
6h  21m
Estimated price
$182-450
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
5h  54m
Estimated price
$451-452
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
7h 
Estimated price
$453-454
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Traveling From San Jose (Heredia) to San Juan del Sur

The journey from San Jose (Heredia) to San Juan del Sur reveals a shift from the cool, mountainous landscapes of Costa Rica to the vibrant, sun-soaked beaches of Nicaragua.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur offers diverse neighborhoods, each with distinct charm.

Downtown San Juan del Sur
• Bustling with restaurants, shops, and beach access.
• Great nightlife options and local cultural experiences.
Pelican Eyes
• Scenic views and luxury accommodations on the hillside.
• Quiet atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and unwinding.
La Talanguera
• Family-friendly beach is ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
• Easy access to surf spots for beginners and experts.

Best Times To Visit San Juan del Sur's Attractions

Timing your visits to San Juan del Sur can enhance your experience and help you avoid crowds.

San Juan del Sur Beach
Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer tourists and stunning sunsets.
Maderas Beach
Weekdays are ideal to enjoy the surf and tranquility without crowds.
Christ of the Mercy
Early mornings offer cooler temperatures and a serene atmosphere for hiking.

San Juan del Sur Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Juan del Sur enjoys a warm, tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, making it a year-round destination. The dry season from November to April is the best time to visit for sunny beach days, while the rainy season can bring lush landscapes and quieter spots to explore.

Dining Recommendation in San Juan del Sur

Be sure to try the fresh ceviche at El Timón, where the ocean's catch comes alive with zesty lime and local spices, offering a refreshing contrast to the hearty casado typically found in San Jose (Heredia). The laid-back beachfront atmosphere and vibrant flavors reflect the coastal culture of San Juan del Sur, creating a truly memorable dining experience.

San José - San Juan del Sur operators

Explore transport companies operating between San José and San Juan del Sur, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus
Contact phone
+506 4404 0500
Website
transnica.com

Bus from San José to La Virgen

Average Duration
4h 3m
Estimated price
$459-530
Contact phone
+506 2222 0610
Website
facebook.com

Bus from San José to Peñas Blancas

Average Duration
6h
Estimated price
$493-493
Contact phone
+506 2222 0610
Website
caribeños.com

Bus from San José to Peñas Blancas

Average Duration
11h
Estimated price
$494-495
Shuttle
Contact phone
+506 6050 6500
Website
interbusonline.com

Shuttle from Peñas Blancas to San Juan del Sur

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
$40-496

Shuttle from Liberia to San Juan del Sur

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
$497-496
Contact phone
+506 2750 0626
Website
caribeshuttle.com

Shuttle from Liberia to San Juan del Sur

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
$498-499

Shuttle from San José to San Juan del Sur

Average Duration
7h
Estimated price
$453-454
Plane
Website
flysansa.com

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

Average Duration
30m
Estimated price
$531-4550

Plane from San Jose (SJO) to Liberia (LIR)

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$532-533

Plane from San Jose (SJO) to Nosara Beach (NOB)

Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$534-535
Website
worldticket.com

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

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$536-537

Plane from San Jose (SJO) to Liberia (LIR)

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$459-537

Plane from San Jose (SJO) to Nosara Beach (NOB)

Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$45-538
Website
klm.com

Plane from San Jose (SJO) to Liberia (LIR)

Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$539-490
Website
flyedelweiss.com

Plane from San Jose (SJO) to Liberia (LIR)

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$491-492

San José to San Juan del Sur: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between San José and San Juan del Sur 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.

San Jose to San Juan del Sur by plane offers a convenient and quick option for travelers. The quickest flight from San Jose Airport to Liberia Airport is a direct 45-minute flight. Airlines such as KLM, Edelweiss Air, and World Ticket offer flights from San Jose Airport to Liberia Airport, providing a variety of options for travelers. Once in Liberia, travelers can easily arrange ground transportation to San Juan del Sur, which is approximately a 2-hour drive from the airport. With multiple flight options and relatively short travel times, flying from San Jose to San Juan del Sur is a practical and efficient choice for those looking to explore Nicaragua.
The journey from San Jose to San Juan del Sur by bus involves a transfer at Peñas Blancas. The trip takes approximately 5 hours and 48 minutes, and is operated by Trans Nica. The bus departs from San Jose and arrives at San Juan del Sur via the transfer point at Peñas Blancas. The ticket prices range from $24 to $29 for this route. Travelers can expect a seamless and convenient transfer between the two stunning destinations.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San José to San Juan del Sur.

Or choose the category:
The cheapest way to travel from San Jose to San Juan del Sur is by taking a bus. The bus ride typically costs between $24 and $29, and the journey takes approximately 5 hours and 48 minutes.
The fastest way to travel from San Jose to San Juan del Sur is by driving. It takes approximately 5 hours and 9 minutes to drive from San Jose to San Juan del Sur.
The distance from San Jose to San Juan del Sur is approximately 246 kilometers. The road distance is slightly longer at 328 kilometers. The journey typically takes around 5 to 7 hours, depending on the mode of transportation and any potential delays at the border crossing.
To travel from San Jose to San Juan del Sur without a car, the best option is to take a bus. There are several bus companies that operate this route, and the journey typically takes around 5 hours and 48 minutes. The cost of a bus ticket ranges from $24 to $29, making it the most affordable option for traveling between the two destinations.
To get from San Jose to San Juan del Sur the cheapest option is to take a bus. The bus journey takes approximately 5 hours and 48 minutes and costs around $24 to $29.
There are many options for accommodation near San Juan del Sur. From budget hostels to luxury resorts, you will find something that suits your needs. Some popular choices include Hotel Alcazar, Hotel Victoriano, Hotel Colonial, and Villa Isabella. Prices vary depending on the location and amenities, but you can find options starting from as low as $10 per night.
Yes, you can drive from San Jose to San Juan del Sur. The driving distance is approximately 328 km and it takes around 5 hours and 9 minutes to complete the journey by car.
Yes, there is no direct bus from San Jose to San Juan del Sur. However, there are bus services available that depart from San Jose and arrive in San Juan del Sur via Peñas Blancas. The total journey time, including transfers, typically takes around 5 hours and 48 minutes.
To catch the bus from San Jose to San Juan del Sur you will need to go to the San José station. This is where the bus services, operated by Trans Nica, depart from.
The San Jose to San Juan del Sur bus arrives at Peñas Blancas station. This is the border crossing point between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. From there, passengers can go through the immigration process and continue their journey to San Juan del Sur. It is important to have all the necessary travel documents and follow the instructions provided by the immigration officials at Peñas Blancas.
To get to San Juan del Sur from the airport, you first need to take a taxi or bus from the airport to San José. From there, you can take a direct bus to San Juan del Sur. The bus ride takes approximately 5 hours and 48 minutes and costs between $24 and $29.
There are no direct flights between San Jose and San Juan del Sur. The closest airport to San Juan del Sur is Liberia Airport in Costa Rica, which is approximately a 2-hour drive away. Some airlines that offer flights from San Jose Airport to Liberia Airport include KLM, Edelweiss Air, and World Ticket. From Liberia Airport, you can then take a bus or taxi to San Juan del Sur.
The fastest way to get from San Jose to San Juan del Sur is by taking a flight. You can book a direct flight from San Jose Airport to Liberia Airport, which takes approximately 45 minutes. Airlines like KLM, Edelweiss Air, and World Ticket offer flights on this route. From Liberia Airport, you can then take a taxi or arrange for a shuttle service to San Juan del Sur, which is approximately a 3-hour drive away.
The flight from San Jose to San Juan del Sur does not have a direct route, as there are no airports in San Juan del Sur. The closest airport is located in Liberia. From San Jose Airport to Liberia Airport, the quickest direct flight takes approximately 45 minutes. From Liberia, you will then need to arrange ground transportation to San Juan del Sur, which can take approximately 2-3 hours depending on traffic and border crossings.
The cost of a bus ticket from San Jose to San Juan del Sur ranges from $24 to $29. The exact price may vary depending on the bus company and any additional services included. It is advisable to check with different bus companies to compare prices and choose the best option for your budget. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and 48 minutes, so it is a relatively affordable and convenient way to travel between the two destinations.
The ferry journey from San Jose to San Juan del Sur can be quite expensive. The prices range from $410 to $700. It is important to check with the ferry operators for the most up-to-date pricing and schedule information. Alternatively, taking a bus is a more affordable option, with fares ranging from $24 to $29 and a travel time of approximately 5 hours and 48 minutes.
The cost of driving from San Jose to San Juan del Sur can vary depending on the type of car and the current gas prices. On average, you can expect to spend between $40 - $65 for this journey.

Trips from San José