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