Arriving by Air: Jaco

Flight Details

Major Airports & Airlines

Juan Santamarían International Airport (SJO): Near Alajuela and San José, SJO sits approximately 1.5 to 2 hours drive from Jacó. This airport serves as the main international entry point to Costa Rica for Pacific coast travelers.

Airline Information

SJO hosts numerous international airlines. From North America, major carriers include American Airlines, Delta, United, Spirit, Southwest, and JetBlue.
Copa Airlines connects SJO to other Latin American countries. Avianca, Aeroméxico, and Wingo also operate here.
European carriers like Iberia and Air France provide direct flights from Europe.

Routes & Fluctuations

Many direct flights are available from major cities in the USA, Canada, and European cities. This makes reaching Costa Rica straightforward for many international travelers.

Seasonal Pricing

Flight prices are highest during peak dry season (December-April), especially around Christmas, New Year's, and Easter.
Prices are generally lower during the wet season (May-November), with potential dips in September and October.
Book well in advance for peak season travel.

Flight Deals

Consider using services like Dollar Flight Club to track low-cost flight alerts.

Flight Search

Utilize aggregators such as Skyscanner for comparing flight options and finding the best routes.

Airport Facilities

SJO provides duty-free shops, restaurants, car rental agencies, ATMs, currency exchange, and local SIM card purchase points. Wi-Fi is also available.

Transfers to Jacó

Shuttle Services

Shared shuttles like Interbus and Caribe Shuttle offer daily scheduled services directly from SJO to Jacó. Travel time is approximately two hours. This option balances cost and ease.
Pre-booked private taxis or vans provide door-to-door service, faster travel, and flexibility, albeit at a higher cost.

Self-Drive & Public Transit

Car rental agencies at SJO offer vehicles. Driving to Jacó on well-maintained highways (Route 27, then Route 34) takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. This option gives maximum independence. Look for deals on DiscoverCars.com.
Public bus: Take a local bus or taxi from SJO to the 7-10 terminal in San José, then a direct public bus to Jacó. Total travel time is longer, usually three to four hours.

Getting Around by Land

Long-Distance Buses

Direct Buses from San José: Transportes Jacó (Empresarios Unidos) operates direct public buses from the Coca-Cola terminal (Terminal 7-10) in San José to Jacó. Buses run frequently throughout the day, providing an affordable and practical option. Travel time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Intercity Connections

Connections exist from other major towns like Puntarenas and Quepos to Jacó via local bus services.
These routes are usually less direct than the San José line but offer flexibility for exploring the coast.
Schedules for intercity routes are generally fixed. Check the Transportes Jacó website or inquire at the bus stop for current times.

Self-Driving Considerations

Requirements: A valid foreign driver's license applies for up to 90 days in Costa Rica. An International Driving Permit accompanies your home license for standardized translation. A credit card is needed for a security deposit. Companies: Major international car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo, National) and local agencies have offices in Jacó or offer delivery services from SJO. Book in advance, especially during peak season.

Vehicle Choices & Insurance

For travel beyond paved roads or during the wet season, a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is suggested. The main route to Jacó is paved and in good condition, but side roads can be rough.
Mandatory liability insurance (TPL/SLI) is a requirement by Costa Rican law and must be purchased locally. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) often comes highly recommended.
Understand what your home insurance or credit card covers, but expect to pay for local mandatory insurance.

Road Conditions & Driving Rules

Route 27 (Autopista del Sol), the main highway from San José, is a well-maintained toll road. Route 34 (Costanera Sur) also runs in good condition. Side roads to remote areas are unpaved or have potholes, sometimes flooding in wet season. Drive with caution.

Driving Facts

Drive on the right side. Seatbelts are mandatory. Speed limits are enforced (40 km/h in towns, 80-100 km/h on highways).
Expect tolls on Route 27; have small denominations of Colones or a credit card ready.
Be aware of aggressive drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, speed bumps (reductores), and domestic animals on roads.

Parking & Safety

Street parking is available in Jacó, but it can be limited, especially in the town center. Some hotels and businesses offer private parking. Always secure your vehicle. Avoid leaving valuables visible inside your car, as break-ins can occur.

Safety Measures

Avoid night driving on rural roads due to poor lighting and unpredictable conditions.
Do not leave valuables in plain sight inside parked vehicles.
Utilize secure hotel parking when possible.

Border Crossing & Sea Arrivals

Border crossing information is not applicable for direct travel to Jacó, as it is not near any international land borders.
Sea or river arrivals are not main modes for tourists directly to Jacó, as it has a beach, not a deep-water port.
The nearest significant port is Puntarenas, approximately one hour north, which serves as a ferry terminal and cruise ship stop.

Travelers arriving by cruise ship in Puntarenas arrange land transport to Jacó (taxi or shuttle).
Boat tours and fishing charters operate from Herradura (Los Sueños Marina) just north of Jacó; these are for activities, not main transport.
Confirm specific entry requirements if entering Costa Rica via a land border from Nicaragua or Panama.

Departure Guide

Exit Fees & Procedures

As of 2019, the $29 USD departure tax is almost always included in the price of airline tickets. Verify this with your airline or ticket provider when booking. If it is not included, you must pay it at the airport before check-in. Look for signs for "Impuesto de Salida" or "Departure Tax."

Departure Timing & Steps SJO

Arrive at SJO at least three hours before your international flight.
Proceed to your airline's counter for check-in; present tax receipt if paid separately.
Standard airport security procedures apply.
Exit immigration involves a quick passport check and stamp by an immigration officer.

Airport Facilities on Departure

After clearing security and immigration at SJO, you will find a range of facilities for departing travelers. The airport offers various shops, including duty-free stores for last-minute souvenirs.

Passenger Amenities

Duty-free shops for souvenirs.
Numerous restaurants and cafes for dining.
Lounges are available for eligible travelers, offering comfortable spaces.
Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the terminal.

Final Travel Tip

Confirm your airport transfer from Jacó to SJO the day before your departure. Account for potential traffic, especially during peak hours or holidays, to arrive at the airport with ample time.

Arriving by Air