Are you planning a visit to the Santa Teresa or Mal Pais areas in Costa Rica but are confused about the best route from the airports? Don't worry; we've got all the options mapped out for you. Whether you touch down in San Jose or Liberia, here's your ultimate guide:

There are 4 options to get to Santa Teresa from the airports in either San Jose or Liberia. They include:

1. Bus
2. Shuttle
3. Domestic flight
4. Rent a car

San Jose → Santa Teresa

Direct Bus

The bus leaves the San Jose bus terminal 7-10 at 6am and arrives in time for the 9am ferry in Puntarenas. Be sure to hold onto your receipt to show the bus driver that’s awaiting your arrival at the ferry in Paquera. You can reserve your ticket at the station or via this link. (It’s recommended that you buy your ticket ahead of time because direct bus tickets can sell out).

• Cost: $20
• Duration: 6-7 hours

Indirect Bus

This is the cheapest option, but you’re responsible for coordinating multiple bus schedules and changing buses. It consists of a total of 3 buses and one ferry and you’ll have to walk or taxi to get from where the bus drops you off in Puntarenas to the ferry. You need to catch a bus from San Jose to Puntarenas, then take the ferry to Paquera, then take the bus from Paquera to Cobano and another bus from Cobano to Santa Teresa. Here’s information for the ferries.

• Cost: $7-15
• Duration: 7-8 hours

Shuttle

You can book a shared or private shuttle that will take you directly to your destination. There are various shuttle companies to choose from including: Pantera Shuttles, Tropical Tour Shuttles, Zuma Tours, or Interbus. Be sure to reserve your shuttle ahead of your arrival date to ensure you secure a spot. Show your Planet.Surf booking receipt to get 10% off your shuttle when booking with Pantera (leave a comment in the "special requests" section while booking).

• Cost: $55-$75 shared or $280 private
• Duration: 5 hours

Domestic Flight

Take a mini plane adventure with views of the Costa Rican mountains and ocean with either Costa Rica Green Airways or Sansa. You’ll then need to take a 30 minute taxi to Santa Teresa or take a 5 minute taxi to the bus stop in Cobano and take that bus to Santa Teresa.

• Cost: $130-$180
• Duration: 30 minute flight

Rent a car

There are Budget, Alamo, and Enterprise offices in the Santa Teresa and Mal Pais area. Check out their websites and other car rental websites to reserve the best car for you.

• Cost: $110-$250
• Duration: 5 hours

Liberia → Santa Teresa

Indirect Bus

There is no direct bus that leaves from Liberia to Santa Teresa. You’ll have to either catch a bus from the Liberia Airport to the town center (the buses leave about every 30 minutes) or take a taxi for about $20. Once you arrive at the Municipal Station, you’ll need to catch the bus heading to Puntarenas. Once you arrive, you’ll need to either walk 15 blocks or pay a taxi driver about $5 to get to the ferry. Once you land in Paquera, you can catch a bus to Cobano. Once you get to Cobano, you can catch your last bus headed towards Santa Teresa. 

• Cost: $7-30
• Duration: 6-7 hours

Shuttle

You can book a shared or private shuttle that will take you directly to your destination. There are various shuttle companies to choose from including: Tropical Tour Shuttles, Zuma Tours, Interbus, or Pantera Shuttles. Be sure to reserve your shuttle ahead of your arrival date to ensure you secure a spot.

• Cost: $55 shared or $280 private
• Duration: 4-5 hours

Domestic Flight

Take a mini plane adventure with views of the Costa Rican mountains and ocean with Sansa. You’ll then need to take a 30 minute taxi to Santa Teresa or take a 5 minute taxi to the bus stop in Cobano and take the bus to Santa Teresa.

• Cost: $130-$180
• Duration: 30 minute flight



Rent a car

There are Budget, Alamo, and Enterprise offices in the Santa Teresa and Mal Pais area. Check out their websites and other car rental websites to reserve the best car for you.

• Cost: $110-$200
• Duration: 4 hours

Be sure to plan ahead, especially if you're coming during the high season months of December-May, as tickets can sell out. And hey, whichever route you choose, your adventure in Santa Teresa awaits! You can complete your Santa Teresa experience by reserving a surf lesson with Planet.Surf. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or just catching your first wave, we’ve got the perfect lesson to make your Santa Teresa stay truly unforgettable.