San José ⇄ Uvita (Marino Ballena) — Costa Rica

San José ⇄ Uvita (Marino Ballena)

💵 From $13 ⏱️ ~4–4.5h 🏢 Terminal Tracopa

Tracopa buses via the Costanera Sur stop in Uvita: 14 daily departures from Terminal Tracopa in San José between 5:30 AM and 6:40 PM. About 4–4.5 hours, around ₡6,650 (~$13). Buy tickets in cash at the terminal.

Uvita is the gateway to Marino Ballena National Park and its famous whale-tail sandbar, on the Costa Ballena of the South Pacific. There is no dedicated San José–Uvita line: Uvita is a stop on Tracopa’s long-distance buses that run down the Costanera Sur (Route 34) toward Palmar, Sierpe, Golfito and Paso Canoas. They leave from Terminal Tracopa in San José and stop by Restaurante Flor de la Sabana on the highway in Uvita.

📅 Bus Schedule

DepartureEst. ArrivalCompanyTerminalDaysPrice
5:30 AM~9:45 AMTracopaTerminal TracopaDaily~$13
6:30 AM~11:00 AMTracopaTerminal TracopaDaily~$13
7:30 AM~11:45 AMTracopa (direct bus to David, Panama)Terminal TracopaDaily~$13
7:31 AM~11:00 AMTracopaTerminal TracopaDaily~$13
8:30 AM~12:30 PMTracopaTerminal TracopaDaily~$13
10:15 AM~2:30 PMTracopaTerminal TracopaDaily~$13
11:00 AM~3:00 PMTracopaTerminal TracopaDaily~$13
12:15 PM~4:30 PMTracopaTerminal TracopaDaily~$13
1:05 PM~5:20 PMTracopaTerminal TracopaDaily~$13
2:00 PM~6:15 PMTracopaTerminal TracopaDaily~$13
3:00 PM~7:30 PMTracopaTerminal TracopaDaily~$13
3:30 PM~8:00 PMTracopaTerminal TracopaDaily~$13
4:30 PM~8:30 PMTracopaTerminal TracopaDaily~$13
6:40 PM~10:55 PMTracopaTerminal TracopaDaily~$13

⚠️ Schedules are verified but may change. Always confirm at the terminal. Company/terminal last verified: September 2026.

💵 This company doesn't sell tickets online — pay in cash (colones) at the terminal before boarding.

↩️ How to get from Uvita to San José

The Return Bus Journey

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

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

💡 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.

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