How to Get to Jaco. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

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

Routes & Fluctuations

Many direct flights are can be rented from main cities in the USA, Canada, plus European cities. This allows for 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), that could have 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 the time period is approximately two hours. This option balances the price and ease.
Pre-booked private taxis or vans provide door-to-delivery service, faster travel, and flexibility, albeit at a higher cost.

Self-Drive & Public Transit

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

Getting Around by Land

Long-Distance Buses

Express Buses from San José: Transportes Jacó (Empresarios Unidos) operates direct public coaches 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 the time period 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 permission for standardized translation. A 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 streets 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 From Costa rica 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 kilometers per hour 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 may be limited, especially in the middle of the urban area. Some hotels and businesses offer private parking. Always secure your car. Avoid leaving valuables visible inside your car, as break-ins can occur.

Safety Measures

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

Border Crossing & Sea Arrivals

What you need to know to cross the border does not apply to 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).
Water 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 while reserving. If it is not part of the price, you need to pay it at the airport prior to 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 entails a quick passport check and stamp by an immigration officer.

Airport Facilities on Departure

After clearing protection and immigration at SJO, you will find a range of facilities for departing travelers. The the airport has various shops, duty-inclusive-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.

How to Get to Jaco