Jacó is the closest real beach town to San José — about two hours on a direct bus — which makes it the easiest escape from the capital in the whole country. Surf lessons, sunsets, cheap sodas, and a bus that runs all day. Here’s exactly how to get there in 2026, now that the old terminal is gone.
This guide covers the Jacó bus from Terminal Atlántico Norte, the schedule and tickets, the ride, arriving in town, and the Sunday-return trap. Jacó is also a good stop on the way south to Manuel Antonio — see our San José ⇄ Manuel Antonio schedule for the next leg. For every departure time, see our San José ⇄ Jacó bus schedule.
San José to Jacó by Bus: The Short Answer
🚌 The Jacó bus at a glance
- Company: Transportes Jacó (Ruta 655)
- Terminal: Terminal Atlántico Norte, downtown San José
- Departures: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM — five a day Monday to Thursday, seven a day Friday to Sunday
- Ride time: about 2–2.5 hours
- Price: about $5.50–6
- Tickets: at the terminal, or online through Transportes Jacó’s official app
My Take: This is the easiest beach bus in Costa Rica. Morning departure, lunch in Jacó, surf in the afternoon.
Where the Bus Leaves From
Terminal 7-10 closed permanently in April 2025. Jacó buses now leave from Terminal Atlántico Norte, a few blocks north of the La Merced church area in downtown San José. It’s the same terminal used by several northern and Caribbean routes, and it can be busy and a bit chaotic.
- Search “Terminal Atlántico Norte” exactly in Uber, Waze or Google Maps
- Take a taxi or Uber straight to the door
- Look for the Jacó window and buses — they’re clearly marked
🧭 Local tip: The streets around the big downtown terminals are where most petty theft happens. Walk in, buy your ticket, sit down, keep your bag on your lap. Our San José terminals survival guide explains the common tricks.
My Take: Arrive 20–30 minutes early on weekdays, 45 minutes on Friday afternoons and holiday weekends.
Schedule and Tickets (2026)
Transportes Jacó runs departures throughout the day, starting around 7:00 AM with the last one around 7:00 PM. On Mondays, Fridays and weekends there are more buses — roughly every two hours — while Tuesday to Thursday has fewer departures spaced about three hours apart.
- Online: Transportes Jacó sells tickets through its official app — handy for Friday departures and holiday weekends
- At the terminal: cash in colones at the window
- Schedules change with the day of the week — check the times the day before you travel
My Take: Traveling Friday evening with every Tico heading to the beach? Buy online in the morning.
The Ride
The route heads west out of the Central Valley on the Route 27 highway, drops down toward the Pacific, and follows the coast to Jacó. It’s a quick, mostly straightforward ride with occasional traffic around San José and at the toll areas.
Honest pros and cons
- Short, cheap and frequent
- Online tickets available
- Weekend traffic leaving San José can add time
- Surfboards: ask before you travel; space in the hold is limited
My Take: Two hours, one podcast, one nap. Easiest ride on this whole site.
Arriving in Jacó
The bus stops near the north end of Jacó, close to the main street (Avenida Pastor Díaz) and a short walk from the beach. Most hotels, surf schools and restaurants are spread along that main street, so you can often walk to your hotel. If you’re staying at the far south end, take a taxi.
- Supermarkets, ATMs, pharmacies: all in town
- Beginner surf lessons all along the beach
- Swim where surf schools and other swimmers are; rip currents are common on Pacific beaches
- Don’t leave anything on the sand while you swim
My Take: Jacó isn’t the prettiest beach in Costa Rica, but for a quick escape from San José, nothing beats it. Tuanis.
The Sunday Return Trap
On Sunday afternoons half of San José drives or buses back from Jacó. The buses fill up, and the road back to the city gets slow.
⚠️ Buy your return ticket as soon as you arrive in Jacó — or online — especially for Sunday and holiday-Monday afternoons.
Return departures start very early (around 4:30–5:00 AM) and run through the afternoon. An early Sunday morning bus avoids most of the traffic.
My Take: Monday morning return if you can. You’ll have the bus half empty and the road clear.
Continuing South: Jacó to Manuel Antonio
Jacó sits on the way to Quepos and Manuel Antonio, so it’s a natural stop on a Pacific coast trip. Buses heading south to Quepos pass along the coastal highway; ask locally where they stop in Jacó and at what times.
Once you’re heading there, our San José to Manuel Antonio guide covers the park, where to stay and getting from Quepos to the beach.
My Take: Two nights in Jacó, three in Manuel Antonio, then back to San José with Tracopa. Easy Pacific week.
Bus vs Shuttle vs Uber
| Option | Time | Approx. cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public bus | ~2–2.5 h | ~$5.50–6 | Almost everyone |
| Shared shuttle | ~1.5–2 h | ~$45–60 per person | Hotel pickup, heavy luggage |
| Uber / taxi | ~1.5–2 h | varies; often $70+ per car | Groups at odd hours |
Shuttle and car figures are typical 2026 market ranges, not fixed prices.
On this route the bus is so cheap and frequent that shuttles only make sense with lots of luggage or small kids. See our bus vs shuttle vs Uber guide for the details.
My Take: Bus, al chile. Save the shuttle money for a surf lesson and a good dinner. Pura vida.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the bus to Jacó leave from in San José?
From Terminal Atlántico Norte in downtown San José. Terminal 7-10 closed permanently in April 2025.
How long is the bus from San José to Jacó?
About 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
How much is the bus to Jacó?
About $5.50–6, paid in colones at the terminal or online through Transportes Jacó’s official app.
How often do buses go from San José to Jacó?
Roughly every two hours on Mondays, Fridays and weekends, and about every three hours from Tuesday to Thursday, from around 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.