San José ⇄ Tamarindo — Costa Rica

San José ⇄ Tamarindo

🏢 Terminal TIG, Paseo Colón

Official TIG (Transporte Inteligente de Guanacaste) departures 8:00 AM, 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM from Terminal TIG, Paseo Colón. From $12.50 USD.

Travel direct to one of the most famous surf and sunset beaches in Guanacaste with TIG from the Terminal TIG on Paseo Colón, San José. Perfect for beach lovers and surfers. Note: this route moved here after Terminal 7-10 permanently closed in April 2025.

📅 Bus Schedule

DepartureEst. ArrivalCompanyTerminalDaysPrice
8:00 AM~1:30 PMTIG (Transporte Inteligente de Guanacaste)Terminal TIG, Paseo ColónDaily$12.50
11:30 AM~5:00 PMTIG (Transporte Inteligente de Guanacaste)Terminal TIG, Paseo ColónDaily$12.50
3:30 PM~9:00 PMTIG (Transporte Inteligente de Guanacaste)Terminal TIG, Paseo ColónDaily$12.50

⚠️ 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 Tamarindo to San José

The Return Bus Journey

If you are searching for the bus schedule from Tamarindo back to San José, you will generally use the same bus company listed above. Return buses typically depart from the main local terminal in Tamarindo in the morning and afternoon.

  • Departure Point: The main bus station in Tamarindo. 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 Tamarindo.

💡 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

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