Route Pura Vida

Samara to San José

234 km (146 miles)

Beach scene at Samara, Costa Rica
From

Samara

A relaxed beach town with a calm, swimmable bay — great for families and first-time surfers.

See this destination
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.

See this destination

Transportation Options

Rental Car

Distance: 234 km (146 mi)
Duration: ~5 hours

From Samara, take Tempisque Bridge (Route 18) for the full 49 km into San José.

Open in Waze Open in Google Maps

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.

Rent a Car

Vamos Adobe Kayak
🚌

Shuttle

Duration: ~5.5 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.

Book a Shuttle

Interbus Costa Rica Shuttle Ride CR
🛩️

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.

Book a Flight

Sansa
Report incorrect information

Return trip

Continue from San José

Search Another Route