Overall4.4/10Harder to reach than about 65% of cities
Good to know
Good to Know
- San Jose Airport (SJO) is the main entry point; roughly 90 minutes from Jaco by car. Pre-book private transfers if you prefer comfort and convenience over DIY bus options.
- No direct airport-to-Jaco bus exists. If using public transport from airport, you'll need a taxi/Uber to Terminal Atlantico Norte, then take the Transportes Jaco bus.
- Bus tickets from San Jose to Jaco are very affordable (~$13) but require booking in advance online, especially during peak season.
- Jaco town is compact and best navigated on foot; taxis within town are cheap ($2-4) and plentiful. Bike rentals are popular for exploring.
- Shared shuttle services require 48 hours' advance booking and are a comfortable middle-ground option between budget bus and private transfer.
- Day trips to Carara National Park (15 min), Manuel Antonio (1 hour), and Tortuga Island (45 min by boat) are all easily accessible and popular with nomads.
- Colones (CRC) is accepted everywhere, but USD is also widely accepted for tourism-related transport. Exchange rate is approximately 455-456 CRC per USD.
- Both Uber and taxis operate in Jaco; Uber is available from San Jose Airport for transfers to bus terminals.
Airports
San Jose Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
- Distance Km
- 88
- Distance Miles
- 55
- Travel Time Minutes
- 90
Bus Connections
Transportes Jaco S.A.
- Route
- San Jose to Jaco
- Frequency
- Multiple daily departures (approximately 4-6 per day)
- Distance Km
- 99
- Cost Per Person
- CRC 5,911
- Departure Times
- 07:00 to 19:30
- Origin Terminal
- Terminal Atlantico Norte (MEPE)
- Travel Time Minutes
- 120
- Destination Terminal
- Jaco Bus Terminal (Centro Comercial Plaza Jaco)
- Notes
- Air-conditioned; luggage policy 44 lb/20 kg bag + one handbag; book online or at terminal
Easy Ride Shuttle
- Route
- Jaco to Manuel Antonio
- Travel Time Hours
- 3
- Notes
- Daily service available via shuttle operators
Easy Ride Shuttle
- Route
- Jaco to Dominical
- Travel Time Hours
- 3
- Notes
- Daily service available via shuttle operators
Easy Ride Shuttle
- Route
- Jaco to Uvita
- Travel Time Hours
- 3.5
- Notes
- Daily service available via shuttle operators
Airport Transport
Private Transfer
- Travel Time Minutes
- 90
- Cost For Up To 4 Passengers
- CRC 59,360
- Notes
- Meet-and-greet service, direct door-to-door, no shared stops
Shared Shuttle
- Cost Per Person
- CRC 26,753
- Travel Time Minutes
- 130
- Notes
- Multiple passengers, set schedule, hotel pickups available, 48-hour advance booking required
Public Bus (SJO to San Jose, then transfer)
- Travel Time Minutes
- 180
- Notes
- No direct airport-to-Jaco service; requires taxi to Coca-Cola Terminal in downtown San Jose (~$15-25), then bus from Terminal Atlantico Norte to Jaco
Taxi from Airport
- Travel Time Minutes
- 90
- Notes
- Variable pricing; 24/7 available; most drivers speak English; accept colones and USD
Ground Transport City
Walking
- Notes
- Jaco town center is very compact and walkable; most shops and restaurants on main drag
Taxi
- Cost Per Short Ride
- CRC 910
- Cost Per Longer Ride
- CRC 1,820
- Notes
- Easily found throughout town; typical fares $2-4 for in-town trips
Bicycle Rental
- Cost Per Day
- CRC 4,555
- Cost Per Day Max
- CRC 9,110
- Notes
- Beach cruiser bikes available; popular for local exploration
Day Trips And Nearby Access
Carara National Park
- Distance Km
- 15-20
- Travel Time Minutes
- 15
- Description
- Rainforest with 400+ bird species, crocodile viewing at Tarcoles River, Bijagual Waterfall
Manuel Antonio National Park
- Distance Km
- 60
- Travel Time Minutes
- 60
- Description
- Beaches, wildlife, hiking; one of Costa Rica's most biodiverse areas
Tortuga Island
- Distance Km
- Off coast near Los Suenos Marina
- Travel Time Minutes
- 45
- Description
- White-sand island accessible by boat from Los Suenos Marina; snorkeling and beach day tours available
Tarcoles River Crocodile Bridge
- Distance Km
- 25
- Travel Time Minutes
- 30
- Description
- Viewpoint to see large crocodiles; boat tours available for closer encounters
Bijagual Waterfall
- Distance Km
- 25
- Travel Time Minutes
- 30
- Description
- 600-foot waterfall; horseback and hiking access through rainforest
Nauyaca Falls
- Distance Km
- 60
- Travel Time Minutes
- 90
- Description
- Near Dominical; large two-tier waterfall with swimming pools
Rail Ferry Connections
- Rail
- Not applicable
- Ferry
- Not applicable
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this getting there & away research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Jacó
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.