Getting To Jaco
JACO TRANSPORTATION
JACO FROM THE AIRPORT
First things first, the airport you will want to fly into is San Jose Juan Santamaria International Airport. From there Jaco Beach is an 80 minute’s drive. If it’s your first trip we highly recommend you book a private transfer, where someone will be waiting for you to pick you up and take you to Jaco. This way you won’t have to worry about directions or picking up a car rental and can just relax and learn more about the area. You can always rent a car in Jaco and then explore the area once you are rested. Buses are also available, but are not the most comfortable and would leave that more for backpackers.
PRIVATE SHUTTLE
An air-conditioned van and driver will be waiting for you at the airport for a cost of $120 for up to 5 people. A charge of $20 extra per person for over 5 people.
*TIP – If you are renting a car at the airport, keep in mind, $20 in gas, $10 in tolls, $50-60 for the rental when you factor in taxes and insurance. We will say it again, go with a shuttle and if you want a car rent one in Jaco. Also, don’t be misled by low advertised rates with car rentals, often mandatory insurance and taxes aren’t charged till you show up to pay.
CAR RENTAL
A rental car will give you the flexibility to explore outside of Jaco and may also be convenient during the rainy season to get around. Be warned that you may get a low quote on the internet but insurance charges when you arrive may be high.
Here are some reputable rental agencies.
BUS
A public bus is an option but it’s difficult to take public transportation from the airport to Jaco. The reason is that no buses depart from the airport to Jaco. You first have to take a taxi to the bus terminal called the Coca-Cola station in downtown San Jose which is about 25 minutes away and that will cost between $15 & $25. Then you have to wait for the bus to Jaco that departs every 2 hours.
Need a ride from the airport?
GETTING AROUND IN JACO
Jaco Beach is a very small town which is very easy to get around. Most locals walk or use bicycles to get around, taxis are also easily found in all areas and run just $2-4 from one end of town to another. Bicycles can also be rented for around $10-20 per day. If it is your first time in Jaco Beach we recommend staying somewhere close to town so you can easily navigate and explore the town’s great shops and restaurants.
CAR RENTALS IN JACO
The beauty of visiting Jaco Costa Rica is the ease of exploring the country. Costa Rica has a lot to see, and while Jaco is the perfect spot for your home base you might want to venture a bit on your own. Most tours will pick you up in Jaco and you really don’t need a car while you are here, but we do recommend renting a car in the middle of your trip for a day or two so you can just steer off on your own, discover explore, it’s all part of the Jaco experience! There are many car rental companies to choose from in Jaco, plan on $40-60 a day.