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How to get fromSan José to Playa Carmenby bus, taxi, car, plane, shuttle, or busferry

Find Transport to Playa Carmen

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There are 7 ways to get from San José to Playa Carmen by bus, taxi, car, plane, shuttle, or busferry

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Bus, taxi

    best
    1. Take the bus from Terminal Atlántico Norte to Jicaralbus bus San José
    2. Take the taxi from Jicaral to Playa Carmentaxi taxi
    3h 27m
    $118–138

  2. Drive 265.6 km

    cheapest
    1. Drive from San José to Playa Carmencar car 265.6 km
    4h 59m
    $36–52

  3. Bus, drive

    1. Take the bus from San José to Pozonbus bus Golfito – San José vía Costanera
    2. Drive from Pozon to Playa Carmencar car
    4h 40m
    $38–57

  4. Bus to Juan Santamaría International Airport, fly

    1. Take the bus from Terminal San José Av. 2, C12 Y 14 to 50 m este Del Aeropuertobus bus
    2. Fly from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to Cobano (ACO)plane plane SJO - ACO
    3h 33m
    $178–214

  5. Shuttle

    1. Take a shuttle bus from San José to Tamborshuttle bus Private
    4h 36m
    $365–669

  6. Bus and ferry

    1. Take the busferry from Terminal Atlántico Norte to Cóbanobusferry bus ferry San Jose
    5h 9m
    $45–54

  7. Shuttle to La Fortuna Arenal Airport, fly

    1. Take a shuttle bus from Alajuela to La Fortunashuttle bus
    2. Fly from La Fortuna Arenal Airport (FON) to Cobano (ACO)plane plane FON - ACO
    4h 21m
    $534–674

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to Cobano (ACO) flights

Calendar82Weekly Planes
Duration40 minAverage Duration
Ticket$144Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from San José to Playa Carmen.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 185.5 km
  • Duration: 3h 27m

What companies run services between San José, Costa Rica and Playa Carmen, Costa Rica?

Caribe Shuttle operates a shuttle from San José to Tambor on demand. Tickets cost $300 and the journey takes 3h. Two other operators also service this route.

Airlines
Bus operators
Other operators

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