Route Pura Vida

Santa Teresa to San José

314 km (195 miles)

Beach scene at Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
From

Santa Teresa

A bohemian surf town at the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, beloved for sunsets and yoga retreats.

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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: 314 km (195 mi)
Duration: ~6.5 hours

From Santa Teresa, take Ruta del Sol (Route 160) for 68 km, Nicoya Peninsula Highway (Route 21) for 47 km, then Tempisque Bridge (Route 18) for the final 49 km into San José.

Highways used

  • Rt 160 Ruta del Sol 68 km · 1 hour 30 min
  • Rt 21 Nicoya Peninsula Highway 47 km · 50 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: ~7 hours

Includes ferry crossing. Daily departures 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: TMU (Tambor) → SJO
Duration: 30 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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