How to Get from San José Airport to Jacó
The drive takes an hour and a half to two hours. Here is how to arrange it, whether someone else drives or you do.
The short version
- Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is an hour and a half to two hours from Jacó by road, depending on traffic.
- A private transfer is the simplest: add it to your reservation one way or round trip, and we book it for you.
- Driving yourself: Route 27 and then Route 34, with Waze on. There are a few tolls, and the toll booths take colones and US dollars.
- A rental car only earns its keep if you plan to drive beyond Jacó. Parking at the hotel is free.
The basics
Almost everyone who stays with us flies into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), outside San José. Costa Rica's other international airport, Liberia, is much farther north, so SJO is the one to look for when you book flights.
From the airport the drive to Jacó takes an hour and a half to two hours, depending on traffic. The road leaves the Central Valley, crosses the coastal mountains and comes down to the Pacific. There are a few tolls on the way, and the toll booths take colones and US dollars, so a little cash in either is worth having.
Private transfer, door to door
The easiest arrival: a private van meets your flight and brings you straight to the hotel gate. There is WiFi onboard and room for up to five passengers, and you can book it one way or round trip when you make your reservation, with the price shown at checkout. The transfer is run by an independent local operator and we book it for you, so tell us your flight number and landing time and it will be waiting.
Driving yourself
You do not need a car for Jacó itself. The beach is a two minute walk from the hotel, the town is walkable, guests get two hours of complimentary bicycle use, and the tours include transport from the hotel. A car earns its keep if you plan to drive on to other parts of Costa Rica. If you do bring one, secure parking on site is included at no extra charge.
The route is Route 27 out of San José and then Route 34, the coastal highway, down to Jacó. Drive it with Waze open: it is what everyone here uses, and it keeps you right on traffic and turns. Allow more time than the map suggests if you land in the afternoon.
Which one to choose
- Landing at night, or traveling with children and luggage: private transfer.
- Staying in and around Jacó the whole time: private transfer, and skip the car.
- Planning to drive on to other parts of Costa Rica: rental car.
Timing your arrival
Check-in is from 4 PM and check-out is at 11 AM. If your flight lands early in the day, send us a message and we will do what we can. For the trip home, count the drive back plus the time your airline asks you to be at the airport, then book the transfer for the hour that leaves you unhurried.
Once you are here, the things to do in Jacó guide covers what to book first.
Questions travelers ask
How long does it take to get from San José airport to Jacó?
An hour and a half to two hours by road, depending on traffic.
Can the hotel arrange an airport transfer?
Yes. Add a private transfer to your reservation, one way or round trip, or ask at the front desk once you are here. It is run by an independent local operator and the price is shown at checkout.
Do I need a rental car in Jacó?
No. The beach is a two minute walk, the town is walkable and tours include transport from the hotel. Parking is free if you do bring a car.
Which route do I drive from the airport?
Route 27 out of San José, then Route 34 down the coast to Jacó. Use Waze for traffic and turns.
Which airport should I fly into for Jacó?
San José (SJO). Liberia is Costa Rica's other international airport and is much farther from Jacó.
