Popular Routes In Costa Rica From San Jose

Scroll down to discover some of our favorite Costa Rica routes.

Imagine this: You’ve just touched down in San Jose, Costa Rica, and you’re ready for the vacation of a lifetime. Now the only question is… where to first?

Costa Rica might look small on a map, but it’s brimming with diverse adventures and spectacular scenery. Deciding where to go (and how to get there) can be a daunting task!

Don’t worry — that’s what we’re here for

Here are the best routes from San Jose to popular destinations around the country. Save this cheat sheet for later!

P.S. Flying into Liberia? REPLY to this email if you want our top routes from Liberia in a future email

San Jose to Arenal Volcano:

Travel Time: 3-4 hours
Routes: San Miguel or San Ramon
Pro Tip: If you arrive before 11 am, take the San Miguel route and stop at La Paz Waterfall Gardens for lunch, waterfalls, tropical gardens, and wildlife. La Paz is a great welcome to Costa Rica — and the largest animal sanctuary in Costa Rica!

San Jose to Monteverde:

Travel Time: 2-3 hours
Tip: Make a pit stop at the Orotina fruit stands to grab some exotic tropical fruits for the car ride. You’ll find them right on the highway about an hour outside San Jose.

San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park:

Travel Time: 3-4 hours
Tip: Stop at the Crocodile Bridge in Tarcoles to see massive crocodiles sunbathing in the river below. Then, head to Playa Hermosa for lunch at Bowie’s Point. Eat beachfront and watch world-class surfers in action!

San Jose to Tortuguero National Park:

Travel Time: 4-5 hours (plus boat transfer)
Tip: Opt for a local flight to save time and fully enjoy Tortuguero’s beauty by boat when you arrive. The flight usually costs around $120 per person, but it’s well worth it for the time you’ll save!

San Jose to Tamarindo:

Travel Time: 4-5 hours
Tip: Prepare for toll booths along the way. Private transfers will typically include toll costs.

San Jose to Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast):

Travel Time: 5-6 hours
Tip: Consider a quick 40-minute flight to Limon for a smoother journey. The road between San Jose and Puerto Viejo often has delays due to construction, and it is not a route we recommend driving at night.

San Jose to Santa Teresa:

Travel Time: 4.5 hours (plus ferry transfer)
Tip: While there are other routes, we suggest opting for the ferry for the quickest crossing. The ferry is also a nice way to break up the journey! You can pre-purchase tickets online here.