Category: How to Go

Both San Jose and Monteverde perfectly represent Costa Rican culture in opposite ways, from the liveliness of the locals to the stunning nature, you can enjoy the best of both worlds, from the city to the jungle. San Jose is the cultural epicenter filled with museums, theatres, and impressive restaurants. 

Once you’re done with the hustle and bustle of city life, head to Monteverde to marvel at the naturally beautiful and vibrant rainforests, sure to transport you to paradise. With cloud forests and waterfalls you’ll be sure to find peace in the nature, or for a more adventurous escape there’s also the Sky Adventures Monteverde Park! But how do you get from San Jose to Monteverde?

How do I get from San Jose to Monteverde?

If you’re travelling from San Jose to Monteverde, you have several travel options. For travellers on a budget, the bus is the cheapest way to travel from San Jose to Monteverde. The fastest way to travel from San Jose to Monteverde is by car, therefore a car is of course the best way to travel from San Jose to Monteverde since it’s so convenient.

San Jose to Monteverde by bus

To travel from San Jose to Monteverde by bus, go to Terminal 7-10 and buy a ticket at the station to Monteverde. While you can buy your ticket at the station, it’s best to purchase them in advance. There are about 2 buses to Monteverde that depart from San Jose Terminal 7-10 every day at 6:30AM and 2:30PM. The earliest bus is at 6:30 AM, and the last bus is at 2:30 PM. The bus from San Jose to Monteverde is run by Transmonteverde with bus tickets from San Jose to Monteverde costing around 6 EUR  for the about 4.5 hour trip. The distance from San Jose to Monteverde is about 138 kilometers.

All options offer direct service from San Jose to Monteverde.

Time intervals	Two routes daily at at 06:30AM and 02:30PM
First/Last Departure	6:30 AM/2:30 PM
Avg. Price	€6
Distance	~138 km
Duration	~4.5 hr
Operating Companies	Transmonteverde

San Jose to Monteverde by Taxi

For speed and convenience, a private car transfer with Daytrip is the best way to travel from San Jose to Monteverde. You will be picked up at your accommodation in San Jose, and the driver will take care of your luggage. You’ll then be able to enjoy door-to-door service to your accommodation in Monteverde, and can even add sightseeing stops on the way! Some of the top sites to visit on your way from San Jose to Monteverde include…

• Museo Historico Cultural Juan Santamaria
  
• Los Chorros waterfalls
  
• Else Kientzler Garden
  
• Crocodile Bridge
  
• Punta Arenas
  
• Macaw Sanctuary Natuwa
  

With your comfort and convenience in mind, it is clear that a private transfer is the best option! To book a private transfer from San Jose to Monteverde, click here

Are you feeling fresh and revived after being at one with nature in Monteverde, Costa Rica’s natural playground? After a few days of fresh forest air and treks in the tropical terrain, it’s time to head to the Costa Rican capital San Jose to indulge in the vibrant lifestyle and experience Costa Rican culture. With museums and galleries, energetic nightlife and gastronomy galore in the city’s hundreds of top-notch eateries, you’ll be eager to explore the city’s charm. But what is the best way to get from Monteverde to San Jose?

How do I get from Monteverde to San Jose?

If you’re travelling from Monteverde to San Jose, there are a couple of ways to get there, though bear in mind there is no train, nor a local airport for domestic flights, so your options are limited. For travellers on a budget, the local bus will be the cheapest option. If you prefer a fast and convenient way to travel in comfort, then the best way to travel from Monteverde to San Jose will be by private transfer.

Monteverde to San Jose by bus

To travel from Monteverde to San Jose by bus, go to The Monteverde Bus terminal and buy a ticket to Terminal 7-10 (San Jose). While you can buy your ticket at the station, it’s best to purchase them in advance. The earliest bus is at 6:30 AM, and the last bus is at 2:30 PM, with 2 buses running at those two times. The bus from Monteverde to San Jose is run by Transmonteverde with bus tickets from Monteverde to San Jose costing about €5 for the 4.5 hour trip. The distance from Monteverde to San Jose is about 138 kilometers.

All options offer direct service from Monteverde to San Jose, though there will be stops along the way which is why the journey time is doubled when travelling by bus versus private car.

Time intervals	Two routes daily at at 06:30AM and 02:30PM
First/Last Departure	6:30 AM/2:30 PM
Avg. Price	€6
Distance	~138 km
Duration	~4.5 hr
Operating Companies	Transmonteverde

Monteverde to San Jose by taxi

Travelling from Monteverde to San Jose by private car is the recommended option for people looking for convenience, speed and comfort. You will be picked up from your accommodation in Monteverde and driven to your destination in San Jose, with an itinerary to suit your preferences should you wish to have more than just a door-to-door ride, since you can also add sightseeing stops along the way! Some of the highlights on the route from Monteverde to San Jose are…

• Macaw Sanctuary Natuwa

• Punta Arenas
  
• Crocodile Bridge
  
• Else Kientzler Garden
  
• Los Chorros waterfalls
  
• Museo Historico Cultural Juan Santamaria
  

With your comfort and convenience in mind, it is clear that a private transfer is the best option! To book a private transfer from Monteverde to San Jose, click here