Route Pura Vida

Nosara to San José

256 km (159 miles)

Beach scene at Nosara, Costa Rica
From

Nosara

A wellness-focused Pacific beach community known for surf, yoga, and protected jungle.

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Cityscape of San José, Costa Rica
To

San José

Costa Rica's capital and cultural hub — markets, museums, and the country's best food scene.

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Transportation Options

Rental Car

Distance: 256 km (159 mi)
Duration: ~5.5 hours

From Nosara, take Ruta del Sol (Route 160) for 17 km, then Tempisque Bridge (Route 18) for the final 49 km into San José.

Highways used

  • Rt 160 Ruta del Sol 17 km · 25 min
  • Rt 18 Tempisque Bridge 49 km · 48 min

Note: Costa Rica traffic, weather and road conditions can greatly increase your drive time. It's always best to check with Waze before heading out. Read more on how to drive in Costa Rica.

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Shuttle

Duration: ~6 hours

Daily shuttle connections to San José. Private transfers available.

Note: Shuttles come in shared and private flavors with different costs and trade-offs. Read more on taking a shuttle in Costa Rica.

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Flight

Route: NOB (Nosara) → SJO
Duration: 45 minutes

Note: Domestic flights in Costa Rica are short hops on small turboprops, with strict baggage limits and early check-in. Read more on flying in Costa Rica.

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