$13 
San José ⇄ Sámara
💵 From $8.50
⏱️ ~4.5h
🏢 Terminal TIG, Paseo Colón
One direct TIG bus a day from the TIG terminal on Paseo Colón: 12:00 noon, arriving around 4:30 PM. Return from Sámara at 4:00 AM. Fare ₡4,350 (~$8.50); tickets can be bought online.
Sámara is one of the calmest beach towns in Guanacaste: a sheltered bay, gentle waves for beginners and Isla Chora just offshore. Since November 2023 the San José–Nicoya–Sámara–Carrillo route is run by TIG (Transporte Inteligente de Guanacaste) from its own terminal on Paseo Colón, 150 m west of the Hospital Nacional de Niños. There is one direct departure a day; with more time you can also bus to Nicoya and connect to a local bus.
📅 Bus Schedule
| Departure | Est. Arrival | Company | Terminal | Days | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 PM | ~4:30 PM | TIG (Transporte Inteligente de Guanacaste) | Terminal TIG, Paseo Colón | Daily | ~$8.50 |
⚠️ Schedules are verified but may change. Always confirm at the terminal. Company/terminal last verified: September 2026.
🎟️ Buy Your Ticket Online↗️ You'll leave costaricabusguide.com — this opens TIG (Transporte Inteligente de Guanacaste)'s own official website to complete your purchase directly with them. We don't process payments or handle your booking.
↩️ How to get from Sámara to San José
The Return Bus Journey
If you are searching for the bus schedule from Sámara back to San José, you will generally use the same bus company listed above. Return buses typically depart from the main local terminal in Sámara in the morning and afternoon.
- Departure Point: The main bus station in Sámara. Ask your hotel receptionist for the exact walking directions.
- Tickets: Buy them at the local terminal at least 30 minutes before departure.
- Duration: The travel time back to San José is roughly the same as the inbound trip.
Note: Schedules change frequently. Always confirm your return ticket time when you first arrive in Sámara.
💡 Traveler Tips for This Route
Pack light — overhead bins are small and luggage sometimes goes in the hold (free).
Buy your ticket with Costa Rican colones (₡). USD may not be accepted.
Arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure, especially on Fridays and holiday periods.
During rainy season (May–Nov), carry a light rain jacket — buses can be cold with AC and it rains at destinations.
Download maps.me or Google Maps offline for your destination before you go — cell signal can be spotty in rural areas.
Watch your bags at bus terminals in San José. Keep your backpack in your lap during the journey.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
⭐ Traveler Reviews
Be the first to share your experience on this route! 👇
