Costa Rica route
Santa Teresa to San Jose Airport Shuttle Bus
Shared shuttle
$60 per person
Private shuttle
$240 per trip
Local Operator
Based in Santa Teresa
Certified Company
Insured and professional
Family Owned
Personal local service
Reliable Service
Door-to-door travel
Fleet Gallery
Route overview
Tropical Tours Shuttles: from Santa Teresa to San Jose Airport, we offer daily shared shuttle bus services and private minibus transportation. Price ranges starting at: $60 per person on shared shuttles departing at 06:30am and 12:45pm. $240 per trip for a private minibus. It’s a 5 hours 30 minutes (depending on the road conditions) ride from Santa Teresa beach in Puntarenas to San Jose Airport SJO in Costa Rica.
Select your service to San Jose Airport:
Private shuttle selection
$240 per trip
Door-to-door
- Departing time
- Flexible
- Travel time
- 5 hours
- Arrival time
- 5 hours later
Santa Teresa to San Jose Airport SJO options and details
Shared Shuttle from Santa Teresa to San Jose Airport SJO details:
- Bus departure time from Santa Teresa beach area: 06:30am and 12:45pm
- Departure place: at your location (hotel, hostel or rental house) in Santa Teresa
- Bus arrival time at SJO terminal: 12:00 pm or 6:15 pm
- Trip estimate duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Shuttle service frequency: daily service
- Vehicle: 10 to 15 passenger minibus
- Price per person: between $60 and $85
- Surfboard fees: $15 per board under 6 feet; $20 per board 6 feet or larger.
Additional information:
- This service is operated by Tropical Tours Shuttles. Normally our vehicles are branded with our logo.
- Bus stops are provided along the way in specific locations.
- Our door-to-door minibus shuttle service will take you safely and directly from your hotel, hostel or rental house in Santa Teresa beach to San Jose Airport in Costa Rica.
- Surfboards on shared shuttles are $15 each for boards under 6 feet and $20 each for boards 6 feet or larger.
- We set a departing time for each destination, however the minibus has to go through town picking everyone up and that takes a few extra minutes.
- Costa Rica is a beautiful country, but the infrastructure is uncertain and our geography does not help either, so some sections of the route may include bumpy and dusty roads on your way to San Jose Airport.
Private Shuttle from Santa Teresa to San Jose Airport SJO details:
- Private shuttle departure time from Santa Teresa beach area: Flexible pickup time
- Departure place: at your location (hotel, hostel or rental house) in Santa Teresa
- Private shuttle arrival time at SJO terminal: about 5 hours after departure
- Trip estimate duration: 5 hours
- Private service frequency: on request with advance reservation
- Private minibus price per trip: $240
- Optional ferry add-on: Add $100 if you want the same private minibus to travel with you on the ferry; otherwise we can arrange a second vehicle waiting on the other side.
- Surfboards: Included at no extra charge on private shuttles.
Additional information:
- Private driver and door-to-door transportation from Santa Teresa beach to San Jose Airport are included.
- Base price covers up to 4 passengers; additional passengers are $25 each.
- Late-night pickups may include a $50 after-hours charge.
- Advance reservation of at least 24 hours is recommended.
Great experience taking from Santa Teresa (6:45am) to SJO (12:30pm arrival). highly recommend for reliable shuttle service
Jonah Kupperstock
Tripadvisor
Incredible customer service.
We used Tropical Tours for a shuttle to Santa Teresa from San Jose airport. Everything with them was very efficient and everyone we dealt with was incredibly helpful, especially Leo who helped us out in so many ways over our stay in Santa Teresa. We were incredibly grateful for him and would definitely use this company again. Everyone we dealt with was highly professional and friendly!
Kim W
Tripadvisor
Great, safe, and efficient transportation
We had a great experience with Tropical Tour Shuttles. We took the shuttle both from Liberia to Santa Teresa and from Santa Teresa to San Jose Airport. Both rides were efficient and pleasant and all of the drivers are wonderful. We felt so taken care of by them.
Megan E
Tripadvisor
Recommend, but double check
Used them to get from Santa Teresa back to SJO airport. Their response was quick to my inquiry, but they failed to send my ticket/invoice before the ride the next morning. So, the driver did not think/want to pick me up (he also did not speak English which doesn’t help). In the end it was sorted, but it was a big scare in the morning of leaving, which makes it worse. So, in the end I would recommend, but double check and ask them if you have all you will need to board the shuttle the day of departure.
elimass760
Tripadvisor
Easy ride from Santa Teresa to SJO
I rode the shared shuttle back from Santa Teresa to SJO. I’ve used their door-to-door services for the past three years for my surf trip. It’s very convenient and comfortable.
umi nami
Tripadvisor
Excellent service
Everything went perfectly. They picked me up on time at 7:30am from my hostel in Santa Teresa. We drove 1.5h to Tambor where we boarded the boat which left from the harbor at 10am and arrived in Puntarenas at 11:15am where another shuttle bus was waiting for us. From there we drove to SJO airport and arrived by 1:30pm. Would highly recommend Tropical Tour shuttles! Thank you.
alenamoki
Tripadvisor
Great experience
Easy and affordable transportation from Santa Teresa to SJO! They picked us up right at 8am and got us where we needed to go even earlier than we expected. Price includes the ferry.
Michael
Tripadvisor
Good ride & great people
Took shuttle from Santa Teresa to San Jose airport. Left at 2:30pm and arrived at around 9pm (there was construction/traffic). But what was beautiful was that we got to take the ferry (shuttle to ferry, then another shuttle continued the drive on the other side) and the ferry ride was during sunset. What a way to leave Costa Rica! But the best part was meeting all the other people on the journey.
Mae Deevy
Tripadvisor
Only shuttle I use in Costa Rica!
I traveled from Santa Teresa to San José airport and it was such a pleasant experience! Fastest shuttle I have ridden and it was equipped with A/C and WiFi. The driver made me feel safe and answered any questions/concerns I had. I HIGHLY suggest you book your next trip in Costa Rica with Tropical Tours Shuttles!!
Nicky Cordero
Tripadvisor
Transfer to SJO airport from Santa Teresa
I booked a transfer from Santa Teresa to SJO airport. They were on time waiting for me next to my hotel gate. Trip was quick and comfortable. One thing that I didn’t expect was they left us on a ferry and another guy picked us up after it.
sylviaZaleska
Tripadvisor
Excellent! Clean, prompt and easy!
Libo, our driver, was very kind and professional. We were able to communicate just fine with me speaking very little Spanish and he speaking a little English. We communicated with Tropical Tours mostly via email and WhatsApp. They responded quickly to everything and were very accommodating! We asked for a 6am pickup for the 9am ferry and were there well ahead of time, first on and off, and made it to San Jose Airport with plenty of time for our 2:15pm flight. We hired private transportation — the van could fit many more, but we had just 4. It was clean, air-conditioned, and Libo drove very carefully. Roads were great! Highly recommend Tropical Tours!
Footprints558289
Tripadvisor
Shuttle to Airport
We used Tropical Tours Shuttle to take us from Santa Teresa to San Jose Airport. We got the private shuttle for our group of 5, and they were able to pick us up at 3:30am to get us to the airport. They were professional, responsive, and helpful. Thank you!
stephfischer9
Tripadvisor
On time, good driving, friendly people.
Had a great experience going from Santa Teresa back to SJO. We hired a private van for the 5 of us — reasonably priced. The driver picked us up exactly when we needed him to and drove us to the ferry. He asked us to remain in the air-conditioned van while he bought our tickets. On the other side another driver was waiting. The previous driver told us he would call and give our description to the new driver, so everything was easy. The second driver was beyond great. He pointed out things along the way, stopped when we needed him to, and was fun to talk to. We will definitely use Tropical Tours Shuttles again.
crestarica
Tripadvisor
Very well organized transportation
Everything went as planned. Three women needed transportation from Santa Teresa to San Jose airport. We ordered our own shuttle, it came on time, left us at the ferry and another driver was welcoming us on the other side. He drove us to the airport. Very well organized!
tuijakardin
Tripadvisor
Always glad to see Tropical Tours
I have had some health issues since coming to Costa Rica. Tropical Tours has been the most reliable shuttle service, bending over backwards to make sure I make appointment times in San Jose. Their attentiveness (carrying suitcase) and dropping me off where I want to go is appreciated more than they know. I also feel I have made some new friends with many of the drivers. Gracias…
T2084XKbonnieb
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FAQs
Santa Teresa to San Jose SJO FAQs
Please review the following questions and answers related to this Santa Teresa to SJO shuttle service. These are questions that we usually get from our clients, we hope you find the answers, if not please feel free to contact us.
Which Santa Teresa departure should I choose for my flight from San Jose Airport SJO?
The best departure depends on your flight time and your airline’s check-in requirements. Allow plenty of time between your estimated airport arrival and your flight, as traffic, ferry operations, weather, and road conditions can delay the journey. Share your flight details with our team so we can help you choose a suitable departure. If the schedule leaves a tight connection, consider traveling to the airport area the day before.
What transportation options do you offer for early-morning flights?
We offer private shuttles with flexible pickup times for travelers whose flights do not fit the shared shuttle schedule. An additional charge applies to early-morning service.
Does the shared shuttle include the Paquera–Puntarenas ferry crossing and ferry ticket?
Yes. Your shared shuttle fare includes your passenger ticket for the Paquera–Puntarenas ferry. The minibus does not travel aboard the ferry: you travel by shuttle to the ferry terminal, board the ferry as a passenger, and continue toward San José Airport SJO or nearby hotels in another minibus waiting on the other side.
Do I change minibuses at the ferry, and how do I meet my next driver?
Yes. Changing minibuses is a planned part of our shared shuttle service on this route. After the ferry crossing, your next driver will be waiting in Puntarenas with a Tropical Tours Shuttles sign or a branded shuttle. Follow the connection instructions provided for your journey, and look for our company name before boarding.
What happens to my luggage during the ferry crossing?
On shared shuttles, you are responsible for taking your luggage off the first minibus, carrying it onto the ferry, and bringing it to the next shuttle after the crossing. The same applies to private transfers that use a different vehicle on each side. If you prefer the same minibus to travel aboard the ferry, request that private-service option when booking; an additional charge applies.
Can you pick me up at my hotel or vacation rental in Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen, or Mal Pais?
Yes. We offer pickup from hotels and vacation rentals in Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen, and Mal País. Please provide your property’s exact name and location so we can check access. If your accommodation is on a steep or difficult-access road, we can arrange a 4x4 pickup for an additional charge or agree on a convenient meeting point accessible to the shuttle.
How much luggage can I bring, and how do I arrange extra bags?
Our standard allowance is up to two large bags, one small bag, and one carry-on per traveler, unless your selected service specifies otherwise. Include the number of bags and any oversized items in your reservation request. Additional luggage needs advance arrangement, is subject to available space, and may incur an extra charge. Our team will confirm the arrangements before your trip. General Policies
Can I bring surfboards, and what are the charges for shared and private shuttles?
Yes, you can bring surfboards for an additional charge. When requesting either a shared or private shuttle, tell us how many boards you are bringing, their lengths, and whether they will be packed together in a board bag. This helps us plan the space needed alongside your luggage. Our team will confirm the applicable charge for your selected service before you book.
Can you drop me off at a hotel near SJO instead of the airport terminal?
Yes. We can arrange drop-off at a hotel near San José Airport, which is convenient if you are traveling the day before your flight. Enter the hotel’s full name and location as your destination when booking so our team can arrange the correct drop-off.
Should I book a shared or private shuttle for my family or group?
We recommend a private shuttle for families and groups who want to travel together with more flexibility. Your vehicle is reserved for your party, and the pickup time can be arranged around your travel plans. Share your passenger count, children’s ages, luggage, and any surfboards with us so we can arrange a suitable vehicle and provide a quote for your group.
What pickup, flight, and luggage information should I provide when booking?
Our reservation form guides you through the information needed to arrange your transfer. Have your travel date, passenger details, exact pickup location, destination, flight information, and luggage details ready. Include any special requirements, such as surfboards or difficult access to your accommodation. Our team will review your request and contact you if anything needs clarification. Your booking is confirmed once our office issues written confirmation and the required payment conditions are met. Reservation policies
How can I contact your local team if I need help before or during my transfer?
Our local sales agents can help with your reservation, pickup arrangements, ferry connection instructions, and other questions about your transfer. Contact us through the WhatsApp, phone, or email options on our website. Include your booking name and travel date so we can locate your reservation and assist you with your specific journey.
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