Tamarindo to San José
257 km (160 miles)
Tamarindo
A lively Pacific beach town with reliable surf, sunset bars, and easy access to quiet coves nearby.
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San José
Costa Rica's capital and cultural hub — markets, museums, and the country's best food scene.
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Rental Car
From Tamarindo, take Nicoya Peninsula Highway (Route 21) for 34 km, then Tempisque Bridge (Route 18) for the final 49 km into San José.
Highways used
- Rt 21 Nicoya Peninsula Highway 34 km · 38 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.
Shuttle
Multiple daily departures. Book in advance during peak season.
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
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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