What is the best way to get to tamarindo? should i go thru san jose?

Question

i am flying in from san francisco to go surfing. don't really feel the need to stop at san jose. should i consider going thru liberia? is it easy to get a bus or an inexpensive taxi to tamarindo from san jose? from liberia?

thanks in advance

Answer 1

The other answers all have good information.  However, they may have missed a point.  Are you bringing a surfboard with you?  If so, it may be problematic to take public transportation, on many occasions there will not be room--so you may have to take a cab and that is not cheap, but probably cheaper from Liberia.

Answer 2

Costa Rica Public Bus Schedule

Destination

Departing from

Frequency

Timetable

Journey Time

Acosta San José, Av. 12/14 Calle 8 100 mts. south of la Castellana Gas Station. Tel. [phone] / 0235 Every 30 min. 5:20 to 22:30

Ret 4:10 to 21:00 1.20 hrs.

34 km

Alajuela-Aeropuerto San José, Calles 12/14 Ave 2 Tuasa Tel. [phone]. Every 10 min. 4:20 to 23:00, after 23.00 every 30 min. 35 min. 19 km

San José, Calles 12 /14 Ave 4 Station Wagon Tel. [phone]

Atenas San José, Calle 16, Av. 1-3 Terminal Coca Cola Coopetransatenas Tel. [phone] Hourly 5:50 to 22:00

Ret. 4:30 to 20:30 1.15 hrs. 41 km

Atenas Alajuela, antigua estación al Pacífico Hourly 6:00 to 22:00.

Ret. 5:00 to 22:00 1hr. 24 km

Bejuco / Playa Coyote San José, Calle 12 Ave. 7-9, Terminal Atlántico Norte. Empresa Arsa Tel. [phone] Daily 6:00, 15:30

Ret. 4:45, 14:30 4 hrs.

Boca Tapada Pital de San Carlos Daily 9:30, 16:30

Ret. 5:30, 12:30 2 hrs. 25 km

Bribrí San José, Calle Central Ave. 13. Terminal del Caribe Transportes Mepe. Tel.: [phone] Daily 6:00, 10:00, 13:30, 15:30

Ret. 6:00, 8:00, 10:00, 15:00 6 hrs.

Bribrí Limón, Opposite Radio Casino. Transportes Mepe Tel. [phone] Daily

7:10, 7:30, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 11:30, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 16:30, 19:00, 20:00

Ret. 6:00, 6:30, then hourly

3 hrs. 56 km.

Buenos Aires San José, Ave. 5, calles 14-16 Tracopa. Tel. [phone] Daily 8:30, 14:30

Ret. 7:30, 9:30, 16:00 4.30 hrs. 201 km

Cahuita San José, Calle central Ave. 13. Terminal del Caribe Transportes Mepe Tel.: [phone] Daily 6:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00.

Ret. 7:00, 8:00, 9:30, 11:30, 16:30. 4 hrs. 195 km

Cahuita Limón, Opposite Radio Casino Transportes Mepe Tel. [phone]

Hourly 6:00 to 19:00

Ret. 6:30 to 20:00 3 hrs. 56 km.

Cañas San José, Calle 14 Ave.1-3, Empresa La Cañera Tel. [phone] ext. 106, 222-3006, 669-0227, 695-5154 Daily 8:30, 9:20, 11 50 12:20, 13:40, 16:45, 18:15

Ret. 4:00,4:50 5:40, 9:00, 12:15, 13:30

Sunday 17:00 3.30 hrs.

185 km

*Cañas Liberia. Terminal de buses local, Empresa Reina del Campo Tel. [phone] Daily 5:30, 6:45, 7:30, 12:00, 13:30, 16:30, 17:30 Ret.

Caño Blanco Siquirres, Hermanos Calvo Aguilar Tel.[phone] Daily 4:00, 13:00

Ret. 6:00, 15:00

(Sat & Sun 7:30, 15:00 Ret 9:00 17:00) 1.30 hrs.

Caño ***** Upala, Terminal de buses 2562248, 470-0743 Daily 11:00, 15:00

Ret. 6:30, 13:00, 15:00 1 hr.

Caño ***** Los Chiles, terminal de buses Daily 5:00, 14:00, 5:00 (Sun)

Ret. 7:00, 12:00, 18:00 1 hr.

Cariari San José, Calle Central. Ave 13, Gran Terminal del Caribe. Tel: [phone] Daily 6:30, 9:00, 10:30, 13:00, 15:00, 16:30, 18:00, 19:00.

Ret. 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, 11:30, 13:00, 15:00, 17:30 2 hrs. 85 km.

Cariari-Pavona Cariari. Terminal de Buses Coopetraca Tel. [phone] Daily 6:00, 12:00, 15:00.

Ret. 7:30, 13:30, 14:30 1:30 hrs.

Cartago Calle 3 Av,.4, y Ave 2, Calle 7. Empresa Lumaca. Tel. [phone] Daily Every 10 minutes from 5:00 to 24:00

Ret. every 10 minutes from 4:45 to 23:00 45 min.22 km

Charrarra Cartago centro, frente al convento de los Capuchinos (Parada de Cachí). Tel. [phone] Daily 8:45

Ret. 16:30 25 min. 9 km.

Ciudad Colón San José, Calle 20 Av. 3-5 Tel. [phone] Daily 5:00 to 22:30 every 30 minutes

Ret. the same 40 min.

Ciudad Cortés San José, Ave. 5, calles 14-16 Tracopa. Tel. [phone] Daily 8:30, 14:30

Ret. 5:00, 7:30 7 hrs.

Ciudad Cortés Dominical. Transportes Térraba 783-4293, 788-8734 Daily 4:30 10:30

Ret. 830 17:00 2 hrs 50 km

Ciudad Neilly San José, Ave. 5, calles 14-16 Tracopa. Tel. [phone] Daily 5:00, 10:00, 13:00, 16:30, 18:00

Ret. 4:30, 5:00, 8:30, 11:30, 15:30 8 hrs.

Ciudad Quesada San José, Ave. 7-9 calle 12. Auto transportes San José San Carlos 255-4300 Daily 5:00, 5:30, 6:15, 7:40, 8:40, 10:15, 11:30, 12:45, 14:00, 15:30, 16:40, 18:15, 19:30 Ret. 5:00, 6:00, 7:10, 8:15, 9:20, 11:40, 13:00, 14:20, 15:30, 17:30, 18:00.

Express 7:30, 17:30, Ret. 6:40, 18:15 2:30 hrs.

110 km.

Ciudad Quesada Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí. Transportes Linaco Tel. [phone] Daily 5:30, 8:30, 10:30, 12:30, 14:30, 16:00, 18:00, 19:00

Ret. 6:00, 9:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:30, 17:30 2 hrs

Cóbano Paquera Transportes Rodríguez Tel. [phone] Daily 6:00, 8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00

Ret. 5:30, 8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00 2 hrs

Costa de Pájaros Puntarenas, Empresa Roberto Campos Alfaro Tel. [phone] Daily 5:45, 10:45, 13:15, 16:00, 17:15

Ret. 5:30, 8:15, 13:15, 15:15.

Boat: 7:00, 15:30 Ret. 4:00, 12:00 1 hr

Coto 47 San José, Ave. 5 calles 14/16, Tracopa. Tel. [phone] Daily 10:00. Ret. 4:30 9 hrs.

*Cuajiniquil Liberia, terminal de buses locales (González García) Daily 5:30, 15:30 Ret. 1hr

Dominical y Uvita San José, Terminal Coca Cola. Ave. 3, Calle 16 Transportes Delio Morales Tel. [phone] Daily 5:30, 15:00.

Ret. 5:00, 13:00 7 hrs. 240 km

Dominical Ciudad Nelly, Transportes Térraba Tel.[phone], passes through Río Claro, Palmar & Ciudad Cortes Daily 6:00, 15:30

Ret. 10:30, 15:30 5 hrs 139 km

Filadelfia San José, Calle 14, Ave. 5. Empresa Alfaro Tel. [phone] Daily 6:30, 10:00, 13:30, 15:00, 17:00

Ret. 6:00, 8:00, 10:20, 13:00, 15:00 5 hrs.

Finca de Mariposas La Guácima Alajuela, 75 este de Palí del Pacífico Tel. [phone] Daily 8:30, 9:00, 10:30, 12:30, 13:00, 14:30, 15:00.

Ret. 9:10, 9:40, 11:10, 11:40, 13:10, 13:40, 15:00, 15:40, 17:05 40 min. 22 km

Finca de Mariposas La Guácima

San José, Calle 10-12. Ave.4 Daily 7:00, 8:00, 11:00, 14:00

Ret. 8:25, 12:25, 15:25, 17:25, 15:15 50 min.

Fortuna San José, Ave. 7-9 calle 12. Auto transportes San José San Carlos Tel. [phone] Daily 6:15, 8:30, 11:30.

Ret. 12:30, 14:30 4.00 hrs.

Fortuna Ciudad Quesada. Terminal de buses Auto transportes San José San Carlos. Tel. [phone] Daily 6:00, 10:30, 13:00, 15:30, 17:00, 18:00

Ret. 5:00, 8:00, 12:00, 15:00 1 hr.

Fraijanes Alajuela, 100 al sur de Terminal de Tuasa. Coopetransasi. Tel. [phone] Hourly 6:00 to 22:10

Ret. 4:30 to 21:00 50 min.17 km

Golfito San José, Calles 14-16, Ave 5. Tracopa Tel. [phone] Daily 7:00, 15:00

Ret. 5:00, 13:30 8 hrs.

Grecia San José, Calle 20, Costado Oeste Abonos Agro Transportes Grecia San José. Tel. [phone] Every 30 min. 5:35 to 22:10

Ret. 4:30 to 20:30 1 hr.

Guácimo San José, Ave. 13 Calle Central. Empresarios Guapileños Tel.[phone] Daily 5:30, 7:00, 11:30, 14:00, 15:30, 17:00, 19:00

Ret. 5:45, 6:30, 8:00, 9:45, 11:15, 14:15, 17:00, 18:30

(Sun) Ret. 6:45, 8:15, 9:45, 11:15, 14:15, 15:30, 17:00, 18:00 2 hrs.

Guápiles San José, Ave. 13 Calle Central. Empresarios Guapileños Tel. [phone] Hourly 5:30 to 22:00. (Sat & Sun) until 21:00

Ret. 5:30 to 19:00 1.30 hrs.

75 km

Guatuso San José, Ave. 7-9 calle 12. Auto transportes. San José-San Carlos 256-8914, 460-5032 Daily 5:30, 8:30, 11:30

Ret. 8:00, 11:30, 15:00 5 hrs.

Guatuso Tilarán Empresa Jiménez Villalobos Daily 12:00 Ret. 3 hrs.

Guayabo de Turrialba Turrialba, 100 al sur terminal buses. Transtusa Tel. [phone] Monday to Saturday

11:15, 15:10, 17:20

Ret. 5:15, 7:00, 12:30 16:00

(Sun) 9:00, 15:00. Ret. 7:00, 12:30, 16:00.

1 hr. 19 km

Heredia San José, calle 1, ave. 7-9. Every 10 min. 5:00 to 23:00 Ret. the same 30 min. 15 km.

San José, calle 12-14 Ave. 4 Tel. [phone] (busetas)

San José, calle 4 Ave 5-7. Tel: [phone]

Hojancha -Quebrada Honda-Mansión San José, Ave 5 calles 14-16, Tracopa Tel. [phone] Daily 14:30. Ret. 7:30 5 hrs.

Horquetas de Sarapiquí San José, Calle Central Av. 13. Terminal Caribe Tel. [phone] Daily 6:30, 7:30 10:00 11:30 13:30 16:30 18:00 Ret. 11:00 13:30 15:00 17:30 1.15 hrs.

Jacó San José, Terminal la Coca Cola. Calle 16. Ave. 1 y 3 Tel. [phone] Daily 7:30, 10:30, 13:00, 15:30, 18:30.

Ret. 5:00, 7:30, 11:00, 15:00, 17:00 2.30 hrs. 119 km.

Jacó Puntarenas, terminal de buses. Transportes Quepos Tel.[phone] Daily 6:30, 9:30, 12:30, 16:00, 18:00 Ret. 6:00, 9:00, 12:00, 16:30 1.30 hrs.

Jacó Quepos, Terminal de Buses. Transportes Quepos. Tel.[phone] Daily 4:30, 7:30, 10:30, 12:30 15:00

Ret. 6:30, 9:30 12:30, 16:00, 18:00 1.30 hrs

Jardines Lankaster (Bus a Paraíso) Cartago, del costado sur este de las Ruinas 100 mts este y 50 mts sur Coopepar. Tel. [phone] Every 5 min. 4:30 to 22:00 Ret. the same. Desde Cartago. Bajarse en Campo Ayala y caminar 800m 20 min. 8 km

Jicaral San José, Calle 12, Ave. 7/9 Empresa Arsa S.A. Tel. [phone]. Daily 6:00, 15:30

Ret. 4:45, 14:30 4 hrs.

Juan Viñas de Turrialba Ave. Central Calle 17. Costado Sur Corte Transtusa. Tel. [phone] Daily 9:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00

Ret. 4:40, 5:50, 8:30, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00 1.00 hrs.

45 km.

Juntas de Abangares San José. Calle 12, Ave. 7-9 Daily 8:40, 10:30, 15:00 Ret. 6:00, 11:00 2 hrs.

La Cruz y Peñas Blancas From Terminal Liberia. Empresa Arrieta Daily 5:30, 8:30, 9:00, 11:00 2 hrs.

La Cruz Santa Cecilia. Parada de buses Transp. Cañas Tel: [phone] Daily 6:40, 14:45

Ret. 4:00, 14:30 5 hrs.

Liberia San José. Calle 24, Ave. 5-7. Pulmitan Liberia .Tel.: [phone] Hourly 6:00 to 18:00

Ret. 4:00 to 20:00. All buses pass through Bagaces 4.30 hrs.

217 km

Liberia Puntarenas, Opposite the bus terminal. Empresa Reina del Campo Tel.[phone] Daily 4:50, 5: 30, 7:00, 8: 30, 9:50, 11:00, 12:15, 15:00, 8:30

Ret 5:00, 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 14:30, 15:30 3 hrs.

150 km

Limón San José, Caribeños. Calle central Ave. 13 Tel: [phone] Hourly 5:00 to 19:00 Ret. the same 2.30hr.

162 km

Los Chiles San José, Ave. 7-9 calle 12. Auto transportes San Carlos Tel. [phone] Daily 5:30, 15:30

Ret. 5:00, 15:00. 5 hrs. 215 km.

Los Santos San José, Barrio Luján Calles 19 y 21 Ave.16 Tel. [phone] Daily 6:00, 7:15 (D) 9:00, 12:30, 14:30 (via Frailes), 15:00, 17:00, 19:30 (no feriados). Ret. 5:30, 6:00 (Frailes), 7:30, 9:30, 13:00, 15:15, 18:30 2 hrs. 70 km.

Mal País San José, Terminal Coca Cola Transp, Hnos Rodríguez Tel. [phone] Daily 7:00 (Mon-Sat), 15:30 (Sun)

Ret. 4:30, 14:30 (Mon-Sat), 8:00 (Sun) 5.15 hrs

Mal País Cóbano Tel. [phone] Daily 10:30, 14:30

Ret. 7:00, 12:00. 15 min

Manzanillo San José, Calle Central, Ave 13. Terminal Caribeños Transportes Mepe Tel.[phone] Daily 12:00 Ret. 7:00 4.30 hrs.

Manzanillo Limón, frente a Radio Casino Mepe. Tel. [phone] Daily 6:00, 10:30, 1500 18:00

Ret. 5:00, 8:30, 12:30, 17:00 1.40 hrs.

Matina San José, calle central Ave. 15 Terminal Caribe Tel: [phone] Daily 9:00, 12.00, 14:00, 16:00. (Mon-Sat)

7:30 (Sun)

Ret: 5:00, 6:15, 7:00, 12:00, 15:00 (Mon-Sat) 17:00 (Sun) 2 hrs.

Miramar San José, Calle 12, Ave. 7-9. Auto Transportes Miramar. Tel: [phone] Daily 7:00 (Mon-Sat), 8:00 (Sun) 12:30, 16:15, 17:40

Ret. 4:30, 5:30, 7:30, 12:30, (Sun) 5:30, 7:30 12:30, 15:00 2.30 hrs.

105 km

Moín Limón, Opposite Estadio Juan Gobán Daily Every 30 minutes from 5:00 to 23:00 30 min

Monteverde San José, Calle 12 Ave. 7-9 Tel. [phone] Transportes Tilarán Daily 6:30, 14:30. Ret. the same 5 hrs. 167 km

Monteverde Puntarenas. Frente al paseo de los Turistas. Transmonteverde. Tel. [phone] Daily 14:15, 15.15 Ret. 6:00 3 hrs.

Monteverde Tilarán Daily 12:30 Ret. 7:00 2.30 hrs.

Montezuma San José, Terminal Coca Cola. Tel. [phone] Daily 7:30, 15:30

Ret. 4:45, 14:45 (Mon-Sat), 8:15 (Sun) 5 hrs .

Montezuma Paquera, Tel.[phone] Daily 6:00, 8:00, 10:00, 14:00, 16:00 18:00

Ret. 5:30, 8:15, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00 2 hrs.

Nandayure San José, Calle 12, Ave. 7/9 Daily 7:40, 15:00

Ret. 6:30, 14:30 5 hrs.

Nicoya por Liberia. San José, Calles 14-16, ave. 5 Tracopa-Alfaro Tel. [phone] Daily 6:30, 10:00, 13:30, 15:00, 17:00

Ret. 5:30, 7:30, 9:30, 12:30, 15:00 6 hrs.

Nicoya por Tempisque San José, Calles 14-16, ave. 5 Tracopa-Alfaro Tel.: [phone] Daily 6:00, 8:00, 10:30, 12:30, 14:00, 16:00 18:15

Ret. 3:45, 4:30, 5:20, 9:45, 12:00, 14:30, 17:20 5 hrs.

Nicoya Liberia Terminal. Empresa de Transportes La Pampa Tel. [phone] Every 30minutes 4:30 to 20:20

Ret. 3:50 to 20:20 1.40 hrs.

Nosara y Garza por Tempisque San José, Calles 14, ave. 3-5 Tracopa-Alfaro Tel. [phone] Daily 6:00 Ret. 12:30 6 hrs.

Nosara Nicoya, Empresa Traroj Tel.[phone] Daily

5:00, 10:00, 12:00, 15:00

Ret. 5:00, 7:00, 12:00, 15:00

1 hrs

Orosi Cartago, de la esquina S.O Ruinas 100 este y 25 sur. Auto transportes Mata. Tel. [phone] Daily From 4:30 to19:00 every half hour. Then 19:00, 20:00, 21:00, 22:00.

Ret. the same. (Sat) & (Sun) 21:00. 45 min.

Orotina San José, Terminal de la Coca Cola. Calle 16, Ave. 1-3, Tel. [phone] Daily 8:00, 9:30, 11:15, 12:30, 13:45, 14:45, 16:50, 17:50, 18:25, 21:00

Ret. 5:00, 5:30 6:00, 7:15, 10:00, 13:00, 14:50,16:00, 18:00 2 hrs. 72 km

Ostional y Mabella Santa Cruz, Mercado municipal Daily 12:30 Ret. 5:00 2 hrs

Palmar Norte San José, calles 14-16, Ave 5. Tracopa Tel.: [phone] Todos los días 5:00, 7:00, 8:30, 10:00, 13:00, 14:30, 18:00

Ret. 5:00, 7:00, 8:15, 7:00, 10:00, 13:00, 14:30, 16:45 6 hrs.

Palmares (Alajuela) San José, Terminal de la Coca Cola. Calle 16, Ave. 1-3, Transportes Palmareños Tel. [phone] Hourly 5:00 to 18:30

Ret. 5:00 a 18:30 1.15 hrs

Paraíso Cartago, del costado sur este de las Ruinas 100 mts este y 50 mts sur Coopepar. Tel. [phone] Every 5 min. 4:30 to 22:00 Ret. the same 15 min. 8 km

Paso Canoas-Palmar-Neily San José, Calles 14-16, Ave 5. Tracopa Tel. [phone] Daily 5:00, 7:30, 11:00, 13:00, 16:30, 18:00 Ret. 3:30, 8:30, 11:30, 15:00 6.30 hrs.

Paso Canoas San José, Tracopa. 771-0468 (San Isidro) Tel. [phone] (Paso Canoas) Daily 8:30, 10:30, 14:30, 19:30, 21:00.

Ret. 4:00, 8:00, 9:00, 15:00 6 hrs.

Pavones Golfito centro, cerca del muelle Daily 10:00, 15:00 Ret. 5:00, 12:30 2 hrs.

Peñas Blancas San José, 1 cuadra norte de la Terminal Coca Cola. calle 14, Ave. 3-5. Transp. Deldú Tel. [phone] Daily 4:30 5:00, 7:00, 7:45, 10:30, 13:20, 16:00 Ret. 5:00, 7:00, 9:30, 10:30, 12:00, 13:30, 14:45, 15:30 6 hrs. 293 km

Pital San José. Ave. 7-9 calle 12. Auto transportes San José San Carlos, 460-5032 255-4300 Daily 7:40, 12:45, 15:00, 19:30

Ret. 6:30, 7:30, 11:00, 13:00, 17:00 4 hrs.

Pital Ciudad Quesada, del Liceo de San Carlos 200 mts sur y 150 mts. Oeste. Tel. [phone] Daily Cada hora desde 5:30 a 20:30 Ret. 4:30 19:00 1.10 hr. 30 km

Pital Boca Tapada Daily 5:00, 12:00

Ret. 9:30, 16:00 2.30 hrs.

Playas del Coco San José, Calle 24, ave. 5-7. Pulmitan Tel.[phone] / 3781 Daily 8:00, 14:00, 16:00

Ret. 4:00, 8:00, 14:00 5 hrs. 253 km.

Playas del Coco Liberia, Terminal de buses. Pulmitan

Tel. [phone] / 3781 Daily Every hour until 11 & then every 2 ½ horas until 18:30 Ret. the same 1 hr

Playa Flamingo, Conchal, Brasilito & Potrero San José, Calle 20, Ave. 1-3. Tralapa Co.

Tel.: [phone] 654-4203 Daily 8:00, 10:30, 15:00, 11:00

Ret. 2:45, 9:00, 14:00 6 hrs.

Playa Flamingo Liberia Terminal. Transportes La Pampa

Tel. [phone] Daily 6:10, 8:10, 10:00, 11:10, 12:45, 16:00, 18:00

Ret. 6:00, 9:30 12:00, 13:30, 15:30, 17:30 1 hr

Playa Flamingo, (Matapalo) y Potrero Santa Cruz, Terminal en el Mercado Municipal. Empresa El Folclórico.

Tel. [phone]. Daily 4:00, 6:00, 9:00, 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 14:30, 16:00, 17:00, 19:00

Ret. 6:00, 8:00, 11:00, 14:00, 16:00, 17:00, 19:00, 22:00 2.00 hrs to Flamingo & 2.30 to Potrero

Playa Junquillal Santa Cruz, Mercado municipal Daily 5:00, 10:00, 14:30, 17:30

Ret. 6:00, 9:00, 12:30, 16:30 1.30 hrs

*Playa Hermosa y Panamá Liberia, Terminal de buses. Transportes La Pampa Tel. [phone] Daily 5:30, 7:30, 11:30, 13:00, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30

Ret. 6:00, 7:30, 10:00, 14:00, 17:00, 19:00 1 hrs

Playa Naranjo Jicaral Centro, Terminal de buses Arsa

Tel. [phone] Daily 6:00, 10:30 14:30, 19:00.

Ret. 7:30, 12:30, 17:00 21:00 1.30 min

Playa Panamá y Hermosa San José, Calle 20, Ave. 1-3. Traslapa Tel.: [phone] Daily 15:25 Ret. 5:00 6 hrs.

Pocora San José, Calle 13, Ave. Central. Terminal del Caribe

Tel. [phone] Daily 5:30, 8:30, 11:30, 14:00, 17:00,19:00

Ret. 5:30, 6:15, 7:45, 11:00, 14:00, 17:00 2.15 hrs.

Puerto Jiménez San José, Calle 14, avenidas 9-11 Transp. Blanco Tel. [phone] Daily 6:00, 12:00

Ret. 5:00, 11:00 8 hrs.

Puerto Jiménez San Isidro del General, 1 block south of Tracopa General. Daily 6:30 Ret. 13:00 5 hrs.

Puerto Jiménez-Carate-Corcovado Puerto Jiménez, 50 mts south of the last stop of Transportes Blanco.

Tel. [phone]. Daily

6:00, 13:30

Ret. 8:30, 16:00

(Shared taxi and jeep)

2 hrs.

Puerto Viejo de San José, Calle Central, Ave 13. Terminal Caribeños Daily 6:00, 10:00, 12:00 14:00, 16:00

Ret. 7:00, 8:00, 4.30 hrs.

Talamanca Transportes Mepe

Tel.[phone]:30, 11:30, 16:30

Puerto Viejo de Limón, Frente a Radio Casino Transp. Mepe Daily 5:00-18:00.

Ret. 6:45, 7:30, 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 2.30 hrs.

Talamanca Tel. [phone] Hourly 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30, 19:30

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí San José, Terminal del Caribe. Calle central, Ave. 13 Tel.: [phone] Daily 6:0 0, 7:30, 10:00, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, 18:00

Ret. 5:30, 7:00, 8:00, 11:00, 13:30, 15:00, 17:30 2 hrs. 97 km.

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí Guápiles, terminal de buses. Transportes Guapileños

Tel. [phone]

Daily 4:40, 6:00, 7:30, 10:00, 15:00, 16:30, 18:30

Ret. 5:30, 7:00, 8:00, 11:00, 13:30, 15:00, 15:30, 17:30 2 hrs.

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí por Heredia Cataratas La Paz San José, terminal del Caribe. Calle Central Ave. 13

Tel. [phone] Daily 6:30, 13:00, 17:30

Ret. 5:00, 7:30, 11:30, 16:30 4 hrs.

Puntarenas San José, Calle 16, ave. 12. Empresarios Unidos Tel. [phone] Every 40 minutes 4:00, 6:00 to 19:00

Ret. 4:15 5:30 to 19:00. 2.20 hrs.

110 km

Puntarenas Monteverde (Santa Elena) Next to Catholic Church

Tel. [phone] Daily 6:00 Ret. 14:15 3 hrs.

Puntarenas Liberia, Opposite the bus terminal. Empresa Reina del Campo

Tel.[phone] Daily 5:00, 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 14:30, 15:30

Ret. 4:50, 5: 30, 7:00, 8: 30, 9:50, 11:00, 12:15, 15:00, 8:30 3 hrs. 150 km

Puriscal San José, Calle 20 Ave. 3-5. Hourly 5:30 to 22:30. Ret. the same 1.30 hrs.

Quepos Puntarenas, opposite the bus terminal for buses to San Jose. Transportes Quepos Puntarenas

Tel. [phone] Daily (passing by Jacó) 5:00, 8:00 11:00, 14:30, 16:30

Ret 4:30, 7:30 10:30, 12:30 ,15:00 3 hrs. 145 km.

Quepos / Manuel Antonio San José, Calle 16, Av.1 y 3, Terminal Coca Cola. Tel. [phone] Transportes D. Morales Daily

6:00, 12:00, 18:00, 19:30 Direct.

Ret. 6:00, 9:30, 12:00, 17:00, (Sun) 15:00

3.45 hrs.

200 km

Quepos / Manuel Antonio San José, Calle 16, Av.1 y 3, Terminal Coca Cola.Transp. Morales

Tel: [phone] Daily (shared taxi) 7:00, 10:00, 14:00, 16:00, (Mon to Fri) 17:00

Ret. 5:00, 8:00, 14:00, 16:00

Via Puriscal 5:30 12:00 Ret. 4:30 13.00 4.30 hrs.

200 km

Quepos (via Dominical) San Isidro del General, Transportes Blanco, 200 sur de la Iglesia Tel. [phone] Daily 7:00, 9:00, 13:30, 16:00

Ret. 6:30, 7:30, 14:45, 15:30. 1 hr. Dominical 3 hrs. Quepos

Rancho Redondo, Goicoechea San José, Av. 5 Calle 0-1 Daily 8:20, 11:20, 13:20, 17:20, 18:20

Ret. 9:00, 12:00, 15:00, 17:30, 19:30 40 min

Río Jiménez de Guácimo San José, Calle Central, Ave. 13 Terminal del Caribe. Tel.[phone] Daily 7:00, 15:30 Ret. 9:15, 17:45 2.15 hrs.

Sámara San José, Calles 14-16, avenida 5, Tracopa-Alfaro Tel. [phone] Daily 12:30, 18:30 Ret. 4:00, 8:45. (D) 8:45, 13:00 5 hrs.

Sámara & Carrillo Nicoya, 300 mts. east of the park Empresa Traroj Tel.[phone] Daily 5:00, 6:00, 8:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:30, 18:30, 20:00, 21:45

Ret. 5:00, 6:30, 8:00, 10:00, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 15:00, 16:00, 17:45 45 min to Sámara 1 hr to Carrillo

San Ignacio de Acosta San José, Calle 8, Ave 10-12 Coopecaraigres Tel. [phone] Daily Every 15 to 30 min. from 5:20 to 22:30 (16:50, 17:10, 17:40 express) Ret. the same 1.30 hr. 30 km

San Isidro del General San José, Calles 14-16, avenida 5, Tracopa-Alfaro

Tel. [phone] Hourly 5:00 to 18:00 Ret. 5:30 to 19:30 3 hrs.

San Isidro del General San José, Calle central, Ave. 22-24 Musoc Tel: [phone] Hourly 5:30 to 17:30 Ret. 5:00 to 17:30 3 hrs.

San Gerardo de Rivas San Isidro del General, 150 meters south of the park.. Mercado Municipal.

Tel. [phone] Daily 5:30 from the park, 14:00 from the Terminal Ret. 7:00, 16:30 1.20 hr.

San Ramón San José, Calle 16, ave. 10-12. Empresarios Unidos

Tel. [phone] Every 30 min 5:50 to 22:00. Ret. the same 1 hr.

Santa Cruz San José, Calles 14-16, ave. 5 Tracopa-Alfaro

Tel. [phone] Daily 6:30, 13:30 15:00

Ret. 5:30 7:30 10:00 12:30

Via Tempisque 7:00, 10:00, 13:00, 17:00 Ret. 4:30, 8:00, 12:00, 15:00 5 hrs.

Santa Cruz San José, Calle 20, Ave. 3-5. Tralapa. Tel. [phone] Daily 7:00, 10:00, 10:30, 13:00, 14:00 via Tempisque;

Ret. 3:00, 5:00, 6:30, 10:30, 13:30 via Tempisque;

9:00, 12:00, 16:00, 18:00 via Liberia.

Ret. 4:30, 8:30, 11:30, 17:00 via Liberia. 4 hrs via Tempisque & 5 hrs via Liberia.

Santa Cruz Liberia Terminal, Transportes La Pampa

Tel. [phone] Every 30 minutes 4:30 to 20:30

Ret. 3:30 to 20:20 1.15 hrs

San Vito-Sabalito San José, Calles 14-16, avenida 5. Tracopa-Alfaro Tel: [phone] Daily 5:45, 8:15, 11:30, 14:45.

Ret. 5:00 7:30 10:00, 15:00 7 hrs 30min

San Vito de Coto Brus San Isidro del General, Tracopa Tel. [phone] Daily 5:45, 8:15, 11:30, 14:45

Ret. 5:00, 7:30, 10:00, 15:00 5 hrs.

Sarchí San José, Calle 18 ave.5-7 costado oeste Abonos Agro. Tel: [phone]

Daily 12:15, 17:30, 18:10, (Sat) 12:00

Ret. 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 13:30 1.30 hrs.

Calle 8 Ave. 0-1 en Alajuela Tel. [phone] Every 30 minutes 5:00 to 22:00 Ret. the same 1 hr

*Sierpe Palmar Norte, terminal de buses Daily 4:30, 7:00, 9:30, 11:00, 13:30, 14:30, 17:00 Ret. 5:30, 8:30, 10:30, 12:30, 15:30, 18:00 40 min. 15 km

Siquirres San José, Calle Central, Ave. 15. Transportes Caribeños Tel. [phone] Hourly 6:30, 8:00, 9:30 to 18:00

Ret. from 5:30 to 18:00 (19:00 Sat & Sun.) 1.30 hrs.

Sixaola San José, Calle Central, Ave. 13. Transp. Mepe. Tel.[phone] Daily 6:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00.

Ret. 5:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:30, 15:00 6 hrs.

Sixaola Limón, opposite Radio Casino. Transportes Mepe Tel. [phone] Daily 5:00 to 18:00 Ret. the same 3 hrs. 70 km.

Tamarindo San José, Calle 14-16, Ave. 5 Tracopa-Alfaro

Tel: [phone], Daily 11:30, 15:30 via Liberia.

Ret. 3:30 5:45 D 5:45 13:00 5.30 hrs.

Tamarindo Liberia, mercado Municipal. Transportes La Pampa Tel. [phone] Daily 5:30, 6:10, 8:10, 10:00, 11:10, 12:45, 14:15, 16:00, 18:00

Ret. 5:30, 9:00, 11:30, 13:00, 17:00 1.30 hr.

Tamarindo Santa Cruz, terminal de buses en el Mercado Municipal Daily 5:30, 9:00, 10:30, 13:30, 15:30 17:00

Ret. 6:00, 8:30, 12:00 1.30 hrs.

Tilarán San José, Calle 20 Ave. 3 Tel. [phone] Daily 7:30, 9:30 (Mon-Sat), 12:45, 15:45, 18:30 Ret. 5:00, 7:00, 9:30, 14:00, 17:00 (Mon-Sat) 4 hrs. 190 km

*Tilarán Cañas, Centro. Transporte Villana S.A. Daily 5:00, 6:00, 9:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:45

Ret. 5:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:30, 15:30 30 min.

Tilarán Fortuna, terminal frente al Parque Transportes Tilarán-San Carlos S.A. Daily 8:00, 16:30

Ret. 7:00, 12:30 3.30 hrs.

100 km

Tilarán Monteverde center. Transportes Monteverde Herm. Soto S.A. Daily 7:00 Ret. 12:30 2.30 hrs.

*Tilarán Puntarenas, Empresa Maravilla S.R.L. Daily Ret. 6:00, 13:00 2.00 hrs

Turrialba San José, Calle 13 ave. 6. Transtusa Tel. [phone] Hourly 5:15 to 22:00

Ret. 5:00 to 21:00 2 hrs.

Turrialba Cartago, costado sur de la Corte Suprema de Justicia Daily 16:00, 17:45 (Mon to Fri), 8:30, 11:30, 13:30, 15:00, 17:45 (Sat), hourly (sun) 1 hr.

Siquirres Turrialba, Terminal de buses de Transtusa Transp. Rojas Cortés. Tel. [phone] Every 2 hours 5:45 to 18:15

Ret. 5:40 to 18:30 Mon, Fri, Sat & Sun 2 hrs.

  Tues - Thurs 6:00 to 19:00 hourly

Upala Transportes Upala Calle 12 Ave 3 y 5 221-3318 470-0743 Daily Vía Cañas 10:15 15:00 17:15 Ret. 4:30 5:15 9:30.

Vía San Carlos 15:45 Ret. 9:00 5 hrs.

Uvita y Dominical San José Ave. 3, Calle 16 Terminal Coca Cola Tel: [phone] Daily 6:00, 15:00.

Ret. 5:00, 13:00 6 hrs

Uvita San Isidro del General, 200 sur detrás Iglesia Transportes Blanco, Tel: [phone] Todos los días 9:00, 16:00 Ret. 6:00, 13:45 2 hrs.

Uvita Ciudad Cortés Daily 5:00 Ret. 5:30 45 minutos

Volcán Barva-Sacramento (San José de la Montaña, Paso Llano) Heredia, Costado Sur Mercado Nuevo. Bus arrives 10km short of Volcan Barva Mon-Fri 6:25, 11:45, 15:55

Ret. 7:30, 13:00, 17:00 1.45 hrs.

25 km

    Sundays 6:30, 11:00, 16:00

Ret. 7:30, 12:30, 17:00

Holidays 6:45, 11:00, 16:00

Ret. 8:30, 13:00, 17:00

Volcán Irazú San José, Calle 1-3 ave. 2. Daily San José 8:00 Ret. 12:00 2 hrs. 54 km

Cartago 75m norte de la antigua parada buses SACSA

Tel. [phone] Cartago 8:45 Ret. 12:00

Volcán Poás San José, Calle 12-14 Ave. 2. Tuasa Co.

Tel: [phone] Daily 8:00 Ret. 14:00 1.30 hrs.

55 km

Zancudo Ciudad Neilly, terminal de buses

Tel. [phone] Daily 14:15 Ret. 5:00 3 hrs.

Zarcero San José, Calle 12 Av.7/9 Terminal del Atlántico Norte, Daily 5:00-19:30 Ret. 5:00-17:35 1.30 hrs.

75 km

Auto transportes San José San Carlos

Tel.[phone] Every 30 min.

Zarcero San José, Calle 16 Av.3 Terminal Coca Cola Tel.[phone] Transportes Zarcero Daily 9:15, 12:15, 16:15, 17:15

Ret. 5:00, 5:30, 12:15, 14:45 1.30 hrs

• Unable to confirm o complete the schedule



FERRIES in Costa Rica

Bahía Drake by boat Daily From Sierpe. Shared taxi. $15, mínimo 4pax Sr. Edwin Uva Sonia Rojas. Tel: [phone] hr

Isla Chira by boat Daily 13:30 Ret. 6:00 Desde el Mercado central de Puntarenas

Puntarenas to Playa Naranjo Daily 6:00, 10:00, 14:20, 19:00

Ret: 7:30, 12:30, 17:00, 21:00. Muelle Puntarenas. CONATRAMAR Co.

Tel: [phone] hr.

Puntarenas to Paquera Daily 4:30, 8:30,12:30,16:30 20:30

Ret. 6:30, 10:30, 14:30, 18:30, 22:00 Muelle Puntarenas. Ferry Peninsular (ADIP) Tel: [phone] hrs

(Naviera Tambor)  

6:30,10:30, 14:30,18:30 Ret 4:30, 8:30, 12:30, 16:30 Naviera Tambor Tel: [phone]

11:00, 16:00 Ret: 7:30, 14:00 passengers only. Paquereña

Puerto Jiménez Daily 11:00 Ret. 6:00. Del muelle en Golfito. Sr. Chino Castro 1.30 hrs

Zancudo by boat Daily 12:00 Ret 7:00 Golfito  



International Bus Services

Destination

Timetable

Terminal

Journey Time

Changuinola, PANAMA 9:00 Ret 9:00 Transporte bocatoreños. Calles 14 – 16, Ave 5 frente al Hotel Cocorí (costado de Tracopa) Tel. [phone] hrs

DAVID, PANAMA 7:30 Ret. 8:30 Tracopa.. Ave. 5, calles 14-16 Tel: [phone] hrs. 400 km

HONDURAS 6:00, 7:30, 12:30. Ret. 6:00, 7:00, 12:00 To Tegucigalpa Tica Bus. Calles 9 y 11 Ave 4. Tel.: [phone]. One night in Managua 48 hrs. 900 km

NICARAGUA 6:00, 7:30, 12:30. Arrives 15:00 & 17:00.

Ret. the same. Through Granada Tica Bus. Calles 9 y 11 avenida 4. Tel.: [phone] hrs. 450 km

4:30, 5:30 y 9:00. 12:00

Ret. 5:30, 7:00 y 10:00. Transnica. Calle 22. Ave. 3-5. Tel: [phone] ext. 101

5:00. Ret. 5:00 Central Line. Calle 12, Ave 7/9 Tel. [phone]

3:00 Ret. 13:30 King Quality. Calle 12, Ave 3 y 5 Terminal de Transnorte de Upala Tel: [phone] y fax [phone]

6:00 Ret. 7:30 Nica Expreso. Calle 16, Ave 3/5 Tel. [phone]

GUATEMALA 6:00, 7:30, 12:30 Ret. 6:00, 7:30, 12:30 Tica Bus. Calles 9 y 11 Ave. 4. Tel.: [phone] One night in Managua and one night in El Salvador 60 hrs.

PANAMA (City) 22:00 Ret.11:00 Tica Bus. Calles 9 y 11 Ave. 4. Tel.: [phone] hrs. 900 km

13:00 Ret. 12:30 Panaline Co. Calle 16, ave. 3-5 Tel.: [phone]

EL SALVADOR 6:00, 7:30, 12:30 Todos los días Tica Bus. Calles 9 y 11 avenida 4. Tel.[phone]

3:00 Ret 3:30 Calle 12, ave 3 y 5 Terminal de Transnorte de Upala. King Quality Tel: [phone]

Answer 3

You do not need to go through San Jose in order to reach Tamarindo. You can catch a bus AT the Liberia airport that will take you directly to Santa Cruz (about one hour), and from there, buses run fairly regularly to Tamarindo. That's the way to go.

If you fly into the airport at San Jose, you MUST go into the city to buy your ticket in order to catch a bus going west to Tamarindo. You may need to stay overnight in San Jose in order to buy the ticket and catch an early bus, depending on what time your flight arrives.

Buses from Liberia airport to Santa Cruz and then on to Tamarindo are very inexpensive -maybe $2 at most.

Answer 4

Liberia is closer to your destination.  Bus cost would be pretty reasonable either airport.  I don't particularly like San Jose and if you can avoid it, do it.  I don't know the airfare difference in flying into Liberia but you may want to see how much the difference is and if the money is worth your time.  If you fly into SJO you will have to take ataxi either all the way around to the friendship bridge, or you will have to go to Puntarenas and catch teh ferry across.  If you catch the ferry, get their early as tickets are limited and there is a sort of cattle call for walk ons.  If you fly  into Liberia you will most likely catch a bus that takes you straight down the peninsula, saving time and it's probably easier.  

In regards to getting transportation, you will have to take a taxi from the airport to a bus stop and take a bus for the cheapest fare.  I recommend buying a travel book that has some of the times and bus stops listed so you can plan ahead.  Also if you have the extra cash you can arrange transportation.  It is private/semi-private and you have a van pick you up at the airport and take you directly to your hotel.  It may be worth it for the ease.

Pura Vida!