Santa Teresa is where the road turns to dust, the surf is world-class and every sunset feels like a party. Getting there by bus is a small adventure: one long ride that includes a ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya. It’s very doable — you just need to know one early departure and one rule on the boat. Here’s the 2026 guide.
This guide covers the direct Transportes Cóbano bus from San José, the ferry crossing, the do-it-yourself route through Puntarenas, and when a shuttle-plus-boat is worth it. Santa Teresa is part of our Pacific coast coverage; for the other side of the gulf see our San José ⇄ Tamarindo schedule.
San José to Santa Teresa by Bus: The Short Answer
🚌⛴️ The direct bus at a glance
- Company: Transportes Cóbano
- Terminal: the TIG terminal on Paseo Colón, San José (shared with the Guanacaste buses)
- Departure: 6:00 AM daily (in some periods there’s also an afternoon bus — check before you go)
- Ride time: about 5.5–6 hours including the ferry
- Price: about $17–19
- The bus rides the Puntarenas–Paquera ferry with you
My Take: Take the 6:00 AM bus. You’ll be in Santa Teresa early afternoon — in time for a dip and the sunset.
Where the Bus Leaves From
Like many Pacific routes, the Santa Teresa bus moved when Terminal 7-10 closed permanently in April 2025. It now leaves from the TIG terminal on Paseo Colón, west of downtown San José. Take a taxi or Uber straight there — for a 6:00 AM departure, book it the night before.
Flying into SJO? The bus passes close to the airport area in Alajuela after leaving San José, and some travelers arrange to board there — ask Transportes Cóbano when you book. If you’re landing the same day, read our guide to getting from SJO into San José and plan a night near the airport or in the city.
My Take: Arrive 30 minutes early and buy or collect your ticket at the window. This bus fills up in high season.
The Ferry: One Rule You Can’t Forget
After about two hours the bus reaches the port of Puntarenas and drives onto the ferry to Paquera, on the Nicoya Peninsula. Passengers leave the bus and ride up on deck for the crossing, which takes a bit over an hour.
⚠️ The rule: when the ferry announces arrival in Paquera, go straight back down to the bus. It drives off the boat as soon as the ramp opens, and it won’t wait while you’re in the bathroom or finishing your coffee.
- Remember your bus number and where it’s parked on the car deck
- Take your small bag (passport, phone, cash) up with you
- Ask the driver whether you need a separate passenger ferry ticket; it’s inexpensive
- The upper deck has snacks, coffee, and great views of the gulf and its islands
My Take: The ferry is the best part of the trip. Just set a mental alarm for the last ten minutes.
From Paquera to Santa Teresa
After the ferry, the bus crosses the peninsula through Cóbano and continues to Santa Teresa and Mal País. The last stretch is dusty in the dry season and muddy in the rains. The bus stops along the main road through town; tell the driver your hotel or the nearest landmark.
My Take: Santa Teresa is a long strip along one road. Know roughly where your hotel is so you get off at the right point.
The DIY Route (If You Miss the Direct Bus)
Missed it? You can still get there the same day in pieces:
- Bus to Puntarenas from San José (frequent departures, about 2 hours)
- Ferry to Paquera — several crossings a day; tickets at the dock or online with the ferry company
- Bus from Paquera to Cóbano, then a local bus from Cóbano to Santa Teresa
It’s cheap but slow — plan on eight hours or more with the connections. Don’t do the last connection after dark if you can avoid it.
My Take: DIY works, but only when you have no other choice. The direct bus is simply better.
Getting Around Santa Teresa
- Walking works for short hops; the main road is long and dusty
- Bikes and scooters are everywhere; ATVs are popular too
- Taxis exist but are pricier than in the rest of the country
- Bring a buff or sunglasses in the dry season — the dust is real
- ATMs sometimes run out on busy weekends; carry some backup cash
My Take: Rent a bike for the week. Sunset at Playa Carmen, dinner on the main road, bike home under the stars.
Bus vs Shuttle-and-Boat vs Flying
| Option | Time | Approx. cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Cóbano bus | ~5.5–6 h | ~$17–19 | Budget travelers |
| Shared shuttle (via ferry) | ~5–6 h | ~$60–80 per person | Hotel pickup, luggage |
| Shuttle + fast boat from Jacó | varies | ~$60–80 per person | Travelers coming from Jacó or Manuel Antonio |
| Domestic flight to Tambor | ~30 min flight + transfer | well over $100 | Short trips, bigger budgets |
Shuttle, boat and flight figures are typical 2026 market ranges, not fixed prices.
Coming from Jacó? The shuttle-and-boat combo across the gulf saves a big detour — see our Jacó bus guide for that side. For the general comparison, read bus vs shuttle vs Uber.
My Take: From San José, the direct bus is great value. From the central Pacific, book the boat. Pura vida.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct bus from San José to Santa Teresa?
Yes. Transportes Cóbano runs a direct bus that leaves San José around 6:00 AM daily and crosses on the Puntarenas–Paquera ferry. It takes about 5.5–6 hours.
Where does the Santa Teresa bus leave from in San José?
From the TIG terminal on Paseo Colón. The old Terminal 7-10 closed permanently in April 2025.
How much is the bus to Santa Teresa?
About $17–19 per person. Check whether a passenger ferry ticket is included when you buy.
What happens on the ferry?
The bus drives onto the Puntarenas–Paquera ferry and passengers ride on deck. Return to the bus before the ferry docks in Paquera — it leaves the boat immediately.