Rome2Rio

How to get fromSan José to Santa Martaby bus, plane, or ferry

Find Transport to Santa Marta

See all options

There are 5 ways to get from San José to Santa Marta by bus, plane, or ferry

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, fly to Simón Bolívar International Airport

    best
    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 Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR)plane plane SJO - SMR
    3. Take the bus from Ruta 15 - Parada 01 to Ruta 15 - Parada 39bus bus
    8h 25m

  2. Bus, fly to Cartagena

    cheapest
    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 Cartagena (CTG)plane plane SJO - CTG
    3. Take the bus from Oficina Transportes Marsol to Terminal Santa Martabus bus
    11h 29m
    $224–465

  3. Bus, ferry

    1. Take the bus from Terminal Tica Bus to Terminal Albrookbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Panama City to Sabanitasbus bus
    3. Take the ferry from Portobelo to Cartagenaferry ferry
    4. Take the bus from Oficina Transportes Marsol to Terminal Santa Martabus bus
    7d
    $802–834

  4. Bus, fly to Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport

    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 Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ)plane plane SJO - BAQ
    3. Take the bus from Terminal Metropolitana de Barranquilla to Terminal Santa Martabus bus
    9h 21m
    $270–486

  5. Bus, ferry via Paso Canoas

    1. Take the bus from San José to Paso Canoasbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Frontera to Albrook - Panamabus bus
    3. Take the bus from Panama City to Sabanitasbus bus
    4. Take the bus from Sabanitas to Puerto Lindobus bus
    5. Take the ferry from Puerto Lindo to Cartagenaferry ferry
    6. Take the bus from Oficina Transportes Marsol to Terminal Santa Martabus bus
    7d 1h
    $786–794

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR) flights

Calendar26Weekly Planes
Duration5h 9mAverage Duration
Ticket$63Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from San José to Santa Marta.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,297.6 km
  • Duration: 8h 25m

What companies run services between San José, Costa Rica and Santa Marta, Colombia?

There is no direct connection from San José to Santa Marta. However, you can take the bus to 50 m este Del Aeropuerto, walk to San-Jose-Airport-SJO airport, fly to Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR), walk to Ruta 15 - Parada 01, then take the bus to Ruta 15 - Parada 39. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Terminal Tica Bus to Terminal Santa Marta via Terminal Albrook, Panama City, Sabanitas, Portobelo, Portobelo, Cartagena, and Oficina Transportes Marsol in around 7d.

Airlines
Bus operators
Ferry operators

Want to know more about travelling around the world?

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Read our range of informative guides on popular transport routes and companies - including Travelling Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast by boat, bus, car and train, 4 stunningly beautiful Philippines islands you need to visit, and Is ride-sharing platform BlaBlaCar right for you? - to help you get the most out of your next trip.