4 Ways to Travel from Santa Teresa to San Jose - by Minivan, Private Transport, Flight Via Cobano and Indirect Bus + Ferry

In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 185 kilometre distance from Santa Teresa to San Jose. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.

There are 4 ways to get from Santa Teresa to San Jose. You can choose between the minivan, indirect bus + ferry, flight via cobano, private transport. The most affordable option is by indirect bus + ferry, starting from $10. The fastest route is by flight via cobano (2h 20m).

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Transport	Duration	Price	Best For
Flight via CobanoFastest	2h 20m	($166)	--
Private Transport	4h 30m	($318)	--
Minivan	5h	($48)	--
Indirect Bus + FerryBudget	5h	($10)	--

Route Overview

Santa TeresaSan Jose185 km

Via Cobano

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Minivan

5h - 7h 15mFrom ~$48

Taking a combined minivan and ferry is a straightforward way to get from Santa Teresa to San Jose. The minivan company handles your ferry transfer, so you don’t have to worry about tickets or connections. With this option, you'll take a shuttle from Santa Teresa to Paquera Port. From there, you'll transfer to a ferry to cross the strait to Puntarenas. After the crossing, you will return to your shuttle, which will take you to San Jose. Minivan rates for the Santa Teresa to San Jose route start from $48 and the travel time is 5h - 7h 15m.

Ready to book your minivan?

From ~$48 · 5h - 7h 15m

Bookaway

Direct operator sites

Tropicaltourshuttles

Indirect Bus + Ferry

5hFrom ~$10

An affordable way to travel from Santa Teresa to San Jose is to take the indirect bus. Combined fares start from .

This option involves two separate buses and a ferry transfer. Travel time is around .

Ready to book your indirect bus + ferry?

From ~$10 · 5h

Bookaway

Direct operator sites

LaterminalCostaRica

Flight via Cobano

2h 20mFrom ~$166

Travelling from Santa Teresa to San Jose by flight will take just a little over 2h 20m. It’s definitely the fastest, but it’s also quite expensive with rates from $166. Santa Teresa doesn’t have its own airport so you’ll first have to travel by land to Cobano Airport, and then take a flight from there to San Jose.

Ready to book your flight via cobano?

From ~$166 · 2h 20m

KEY LOCATIONS

Departure & Arrival Stations

Santa Teresa

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Why Visit San Jose?

San Jose is a bustling urban landscape in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. Being the capital city, it may not be as pretty as the beach and jungle destinations that the country is known for. But if you are stopping by anyway, might as well explore for a few hours or a day before moving on to your next stop. You will find plenty of things to do in San Jose. Within the city, you can check out the colonial buildings turned museums at Barrio Amon, try out the famed restaurants at Barrio Escalante, or party the night away in El Pueblo. If you want to venture outside the city limits, the Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens are highly recommended!

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Ferry Schedule Notice

Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.

Carbon Footprint

This 185 km journey produces approximately 16 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.

Traveller Reviews

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4.36 reviews

Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
O
Oliver S.November 2025
Ferry

Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.

Jenny L.Jan 2026

Train

The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.

Carlos V.Oct 2025

Bus

Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.

Maya R.Dec 2025

Train

Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.

David H.Feb 2026

Bus

Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.

Sophie K.Jan 2026

Flight

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STAY

Where to Stay in San Jose

Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.

Treat Yourself

Barceló San José

Barceló Hotel blows most other city hotels out of the water. It has amenities usually only found in resorts, and for extortionate prices. Here you’ll find an outdoor pool, spa, gym, three squash courts and two tennis courts. Plus they offer a free airport shuttle. If you don’t fancy venturing out of the hotel to get some food, no worries! There are three restaurants and a bar on site offering a variety of different cuisines. The rooms are spacious and clean, providing comfortable beds for a good night’s sleep.

Outdoor swimming pool and spa
Tennis courts
Free airport shuttle
Three onsite restaurants and a bar

Double rooms start from $90 per night

View on Booking.com

Treat Yourself

Isla Verde Hotel

Isla Verde Hotel is a real gem within the urban jungle that is San Jose. They have so many extras that you wouldn’t expect for the price – a gym, free shuttle to the airport and a great breakfast every morning. The hotel is ultra-modern, boasting some beautifully designed rooms and seating areas. All of which are very clean and comfortable. If you don’t feel like venturing too far for food, their onsite restaurant serving Cantonese food is highly reviewed!

Free airport shuttle
Delicious breakfast included
Onsite gym
Modern and clean rooms

Double rooms start from $90 per night

View on Booking.com

Mid-Range

Eco Stay Hostel

Eco Stay Hostel starts to feel like home after a while, as it has a shared living room, communal kitchen, a lovely garden area, and even barbeque facilities. You can even spend your evenings at the hotel having a friendly competition of snooker or darts. The friendly hosts add to the welcoming atmosphere. Making sure that your room is clean and comfortable, whilst offering their help in any way that they can. The rooms are basic, but nicely decorated and have everything you could need whilst in San Jose.

Shared living room
Communal kitchen
Good location
Friendly hosts

Double rooms between $50-90 per night

View on Booking.com

How to Get from Santa Teresa to San Jose

Compare Your Options

Minivan

Ready to book your minivan?

Indirect Bus + Ferry

Ready to book your indirect bus + ferry?

Flight via Cobano

Ready to book your flight via cobano?

Departure & Arrival Stations

Why Visit San Jose?

How We Research

Traveller Reviews

Leave a Comment

Private Transport

Ready to book your private transport?

Where to Stay in San Jose

Barceló San José

Isla Verde Hotel

Eco Stay Hostel