Getting around
High
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: adventuretourscostarica.com, costaricawaterfalltours.com
Overall7.7/10Easier to get around than about 75% of cities
Good to know
Good to Know
- While many parts of town are walkable, some tours depart from locations outside the center, and certain beaches and natural attractions require wheels.
- The town is compact and flat, making it easy to get around on foot, and for most accommodations on the main strip, a car is optional for day-to-day living.
- Licensed taxis are available and should always be chosen over unlicensed ones; negotiate fares for longer trips beforehand to avoid being overcharged.
- Public transit options are limited in Jaco, so plan ahead if relying on buses for longer trips.
- Rideshare availability (Uber/DiDi) may be inconsistent; always check the app before relying on it and have backup transportation options ready.
Car Rental
- Details
- There are four rental car agencies in Jaco, and the process is streamlined, providing a hassle-free experience
- Availability
- Multiple rental agencies available
Walkability
- Getting Around Tier
- high
- Getting Around Tier Rationale
- Compact downtown with excellent walkability combined with available rideshare, public buses, and rental options for short excursions, though rideshare availability is limited and irregular outside the central area.
- Description
- Jaco's downtown is highly walkable, with well-maintained sidewalks lining the streets, and the town's layout and infrastructure are designed with pedestrians in mind. Most accommodations in the area are within walking distance to an array of amenities, including shops, banks, restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and the beachfront. The main strip (Pastor Díaz Avenue) runs parallel to the beach, and most restaurants, surf shops, grocery stores, and bars sit along a stretch that's easy to navigate on foot.
Bicycle Rental
- Availability
- Multiple providers
- Notes
- Well-maintained street or mountain bikes can be rented for about $20/day or $130/week. Biking is extremely popular in Jaco thanks to its mostly flat terrain and growing cycling culture
Public Transit
Buses
- Description
- Public transit is generally limited in Jaco, and most people walk or get around by bicycle. Local buses serve Route 34 along the main coastal highway and connect Jaco to nearby towns.
Key Routes
Approximately 2 Hours
- Fare
- CRC 2,860
- Route
- Jaco to San Jose (long-distance)
- Operator
- Transportes Jacó
- Frequency
- The total trip duration for this route is approximately 130 minutes, with multiple buses per day
- Notes
- The main Jaco bus station is at Plaza Jaco across from the Best Western hotel and near Banco de Costa Rica
Approximately 2 Hours
- Fare
- CRC 1,325
- Route
- Jaco to Quepos (local)
- Operator
- Local operators
- Frequency
- Buses run from 6am to 7pm
Taxis
- Typical Fares
- A taxi from one end of Jaco to the other should not be more than 2000-3000 colones (about $5-$6), and a taxi to Los Suenos should be around $14-$18
- Description
- Licensed taxis are available in Jaco, and always opting for licensed taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber is recommended. Licensed taxis can be recognized because they are red with a yellow triangle on the driver and passenger side door.
Scooter Rental
- Availability
- Readily available
- Notes
- Scooter rentals are available at $10 per hour or $50 per day
Motorcycle Rental
- Availability
- Readily available
- Notes
- Alternative transportation options like renting a motorcycle are readily available in town, with essential equipment like a helmet typically included in the rental fee. A motorcycle license (USA or Costa Rican) is technically required to operate a motorcycle, though rental agencies may rent without it
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this walkability & transport research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
- 1.adventuretourscostarica.com
- 2.costaricawaterfalltours.com
- 3.twoweeksincostarica.com
- 4.vacationscostarica.com
- 5.budgetyourtrip.com
- 6.mytanfeet.com
- 7.econaturalist.com
- 8.expat-tations.com
- 9.walkmyworld.com
- 10.specialplacesofcostarica.com
- 11.riderly.com
- 12.cuchitransfers.com
- 13.costaricavibes.com
- 14.tradingeconomics.com
More About Jacó
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.