MonteTours Blog

How to Get From Monteverde to San Jose

Hundreds of thousands of tourists travel from Monteverde to San Jose every year. And you might be planning on going this route, but you’re probably not sure whether or not you should rent a car, hire a private transportation service, or use the Costa Rican public transportation system to make it, right?

Don’t worry. I got you. Many people have come to me with this question, and I’ve helped them find the best ways to get from Monteverde to San Jose in the most appropriate way. People have different backgrounds and needs. Thus, what may work for some might not work for others.

Therefore, this article will discuss the main ways to get from Monteverde to San Jose, from using public buses to hiring a private transportation service. Let’s dive in and find out which option is best for you.

Disclaimer: I’m not too fond of ads on educational pages like this one because it ruins the reader experience. Therefore, I keep my website ad-free. However, I still need a way to make a living. Thus, this article contains affiliate links to book transportation, from which I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. After reading this post, if you decide to book a tour, please consider using the links on this post so that I can continue sharing unbiased, helpful information with your support. 

The Best Ways To Get From Monteverde To San Jose

1. Public Transportation
2. Group Shuttles
3. Private Car Service
4. Driving (Car Rental)

Let’s dive right in:

There are four ways to get from Monteverde to San Jose. You can take the public bus, go on a group shuttle, hire a private transportation service, rent a car, and drive. Generally, the first two options are more affordable, but the latter is more convenient.

Riding the public bus is the cheapest way to get from Monteverde to San Jose, while driving is the fastest way to travel there. On the other hand, getting a private transportation service is the easiest option, while going on a group shuttle gives you the best balance between cost-effectiveness and time efficiency. 

Keep scrolling to find out how each option ranks against each other based on its pros and cons, and learn a few tips and recommendations to help you make the best out of your trip from Monteverde to San Jose. 

The Cheapest Way To Get From Monteverde To San Jose

As mentioned above, there are four ways to get from Monteverde to San Jose, and the price for each of these options varies substantially, which begs the question; what’s the cheapest way to get from Monteverde to San Jose?

The cheapest way to get from Monteverde to San Jose is to use the public bus.

How Much is the Bus From Monteverde To San Jose?

The bus from Monteverde to San Jose is 3,000 Costa Rican colones, which is approximately $6 per person. This price includes the entire trip from the bus station in Monteverde to the terminal in San Jose, as well as a 15-minute bus stop halfway through to use the restrooms or grab something to eat. 

Here is a comparison chart to see how affordable it is to ride the public bus compared to all the other ways to get from Monteverde to San Jose. 

Most Affordable Ways to Get from Monteverde to San Jose

Notes:

• The above rates do not include the 13% IVA tax.
• These prices assume there is a minimum of two travelers.
• Renting a car consists of the base rate, insurance, and fuel.
• Prices can fluctuate throughout the year based on the market conditions and demand.

Keep scrolling for more detailed information on each service and how they work.

How To Get from Monteverde to San Jose by Bus

Riding the public bus from Monteverde to San Jose is the perfect option for low-budget trips, backpackers, and solo travelers. If this is your case, here is how to get from Monteverde to San Jose by Bus;

There are three steps to get from Monteverde to San Jose by bus. First, you must look for the current bus schedule to plan your trip. Next, you need to purchase the tickets online as soon as possible. And then, you need to check in at the bus station at least 15 minutes before the departure time. 

Bus Schedule and Tickets From Monteverde to San Jose

As mentioned above, checking the bus schedule ahead of time is essential to plan your trip accordingly. Checking the bus schedule is vitally important as it changes from time to time based on user demand, tourism season, and holiday schedules.

Below is the current bus schedule from Monteverde to San Jose, which my team updates whenever the bus company announces a change through their social media channels. If you notice a discrepancy, please let us know to update it to help other fellow travelers.

Once you have planned your trip, you can purchase the tickets at transmonteverde.com.

Public Bus Schedule From Monteverde to San Jose

Where is the Bus Station in Monteverde?

As mentioned above, arriving at the public bus station 15 minutes before the departure time is essential so you can check in.

The bus station in Monteverde is at the entrance of the Monteverde Shopping Mall, called “Centro Comercial Monteverde.” You will quickly see the bus station on the right-hand side of the shopping center when you come from Santa Elena, right next to the pharmacy and the local bakery.

Here is the map to get to the bus station at the Centro Comercial Monteverde:

Monteverde to San Jose Public Bus Cons

Even though riding the bus from Monteverde to San Jose is inexpensive, there are a few significant disadvantages of using this means of transportation to get to San Jose. 

The Bus From San Jose to Monteverde Takes a Long Time

The main disadvantage of using the public bus from Monteverde to San Jose is how long the process takes. The ride on the public bus to San Jose takes between 5 and 6 hours. 

The morning bus leaves Monteverde at 5:30 am and gets to San Jose at around 10:30 am, while the afternoon bus leaves at 2:30 pm and arrives at around 8 pm. The afternoon bus usually takes more time because the traffic on the road is significantly heavier. The bus takes Route 1 (Autopista General Cañas) from Monteverde to San Jose, which is generally pretty busy. 

The Bus From Monteverde to San Jose Can Be Uncomfortable

Another disadvantage of using the public bus from Monteverde to San Jose is the discomfort you can experience during the trip. There can be babies crying, people talking, and even kids throwing up in the seat in front of yours (I have been in that position twice). And what is probably worse, you may end up traveling standing for the entire time. 

The bus to San Jose can hold up to 70 people, out of which only 50 passengers can go seated, while the other 20 passengers will need to travel standing. Now, the bus doesn’t always get full. Almost everyone will get a seat on an average bus ride, but a few users will need to travel standing from time to time. For example, it’s common to see people traveling standing on weekends during the high tourism season, from December through April.

I experienced what it’s like to travel standing for 5+ hours on the way to San Jose a few times when I was working for IBM back in 2015, and I had to travel to San Jose 2 to 3 times per week. It’s not dramatic, but it is pretty uncomfortable. 

Warning: You can buy the Monteverde bus tickets online, but that will not guarantee a seat. Purchasing your tickets online guarantees you will get one of the 70 spots, but it will not ensure you get a seat. The online reservation system the bus uses does not show real-time availability. It only lets 70 people purchase a ticket. Then the administration needs to check who booked first and assign a seat to the first 50 people.

That’s why I recommend you call the terminal before buying the tickets to check on seat availability. 

Bus From Monteverde to San Jose – Quick Summary

• The public bus is the cheapest way to get from Monteverde to San Jose. 
• The bus from Monteverde to San Jose is $6 per person.
• Link to Purchase Tickets for the Bus from Monteverde to San Jose
• Buying the tickets online does not guarantee you will travel seated. 
• You need to call the office to find out if they have seats available. 
• Number to Call the Office (They only speak Spanish): +506-2645-7447. 

Driving is The Fastest Way From Monteverde to San Jose

Driving is the fastest way to get from Monteverde to San Jose, which will take between 2.5 and 3.5 hours. You can use a combination of route 27, route 1, and route 606, which will take about 3 hours. Or you can take only routes 1 and 606, which will take approximately 4 hours. 

Unlike all the other ways to get from Monteverde to San Jose, driving is the fastest way, as shown in the below comparison table. 

Fastest Ways to Get from Monteverde to San Jose

*Going on a Private Transfer will be faster than Driving if you’re not used to driving in Costa Rica.

Cons of Driving from Monteverde to San Jose

Even though driving is the fastest way to get from Monteverde to San Jose, it also has challenges you should consider before you decide on renting a car.

There Are No Car Rentals Based in Monteverde

The main problem with driving from Monteverde to San Jose is that no car rental agencies exist in Monteverde. There are car rental agencies in other touristy destinations nearby like Arenal, but that will not be helpful if you are in Monteverde because it can take up to three hours to get to Arenal, even though it’s less than 30 miles away.

Keep the above in mind when planning your trip to Monteverde. If you decide that you want to drive a vehicle from Monteverde to your next destination, you will need to have come to Monteverde by car in the first place. And in that case, I recommend using the Rental Car Comparison Tool. You can find the best car rental deals in one place. Choose the city or airport where you plan to pick up a rental car, and the tool will instantly show you the best deals across the major rental car companies in Costa Rica. 

If you are already in Monteverde and don’t have a car, go ahead and skip the rest of this section, as it will not apply to you.

Driving is Not Always the Fastest Way to Get from Monteverde to San Jose

Driving is not always the fastest way of getting from Monteverde to San Jose. As mentioned above, driving from Monteverde to San Jose takes between 3 and 4 hours. However, these averages are more realistic and applicable to those used to driving in Costa Rica. They do not necessarily apply to foreigners. 

The Google Maps average time from Monteverde to San Jose uses real-time traffic speed to calculate the estimated travel time. However, most tourists drive at a significantly slower pace than locals. You will experience this if you decide to rent a car for your trip to Costa Rica. More likely than not, you will drive more slowly than Costa Ricans, and that’s because you will probably want to enjoy the incredible scenery, while the average local will be rushing to get home from work. 

As a general rule, I recommend adding 30 to 60 minutes to the estimated driving time the GPS device/app gives you. I recommend using Waze, the most popular GPS traffic system in Costa Rica. I drive approximately 50,000 kilometers per year (about 31,000 miles), and in my experience, Waze tends to be more accurate than Google Maps. The only drawback is that you need internet data to use Waze, so you will want to buy a chip with internet data if you want to use it.

Driving From Monteverde to San Jose Can Be Tricky

Driving from San Jose to Monteverde is simple, but it’s not always easy. There are crazy local drivers, unpredictable and harsh weather conditions, and narrow roads in bad shape. 

As mentioned above, Costa Ricans drive significantly faster than foreigners. In addition to this, since we know the roads, as locals, we can make risky moves that might scare someone who has never driven in our country. 

For example, on highway 1, one of the main routes from San Jose to Monteverde, you might see someone going at full speed, passing multiple vehicles on a relatively narrow road. If you live in Costa Rica and have been through that route thousands of times, you will not see anything particularly wrong with this. But if you come from a developed country where the roads are much broader, and there are usually multiple lines on all the highways, you might see such a move as imprudent. 

On the other hand, you have the unpredictable weather conditions of Costa Rica. You might be driving with a clear sky when suddenly a cloud forms ahead, pouring rain all over the place. Driving under changing weather conditions might not be such a big problem during the summertime from December through April, but it can get extremely challenging during the rainy season. 

In Costa Rica, the rainy season is not so bad from May through August. However, it can get scary sometimes during September and October, especially if you stumble upon a storm while driving. These are the top 2 rainy months and the top months for accidents on the road. 

The rain also causes a lot of damage to the roads, which worsens during the rainy season. Many potholes come to life during this time of the year, and it takes a couple of months for the government to repair the cracks. 

A tourist’s main problem with potholes is that they can make a vehicle’s tire explode. Exploding tires do not usually cause many accidents in Costa Rica. However, they can easily create a trip very stressful for a tourist, who will need to phone in the car rental to get another vehicle and then file the insurance paperwork. It’s not dramatic, but it can ruin a few hours of your dream vacation time. 

Over the last few years, the problem with the road condition, specifically the main road that leads to Monteverde, route 606, has gotten much better after the government paved the road back in 2019. However, even though that road is much better, it still has potholes threatening your driving experience. 

The Easiest Way to Get from Monteverde to San Jose

Hiring a Private Transportation Service, or a “Private Shuttle,” as locals call it, is the easiest way to get from Monteverde to San Jose. With a private shuttle, you can arrange a specific time and place, and a transportation company will pick you up there and take you to your lodge in San Jose. 

Compared to all the other ways to get from Monteverde to San Jose, hiring a private transportation service, also known as a private transfer, is the easiest way. You don’t need to worry about carrying your luggage or catching a bus in the middle of the public road, compromising your safety and belongings. 

You also don’t need to worry about driving in a foreign country with roads that might differ significantly from the streets you’re used to riding back home. Instead, you arrange the time and place, and a local professional driver will pick you up with a modern vehicle to take you from your departure place in San Jose to your destination in Monteverde. 

The only disadvantage of hiring this type of transportation service is the price. Going on a private transfer is the most expensive way to get from Monteverde to San Jose. It’s the most comfortable, convenient, and straightforward option but also pricey. 

Depending on the pickup place, getting from Monteverde to San Jose on a private transfer will cost between $160 and $200 for 1 to 6 passengers. The pickup time can also influence your pricing. For example, if you arrive at the SJO Airport late at night (usually after 10 pm), the prices for this service might get $20+ higher. 

Prices for private transfers are also subject to increase as demand rises, especially during the busiest days, so I recommend booking ahead of time. 

There is one scenario where hiring a private transfer will not be the most expensive option to get from Monteverde to San Jose. That’s when your party is four or more passengers. For example, if you have four adults in your party, you are heading to the SJO Airport, and you book ahead, most of the time, the price will likely be $200 for the four of you. That comes to approximately $50 per person, less than riding a group shuttle, which I will explain in the next section. 

Group shuttles charge a per-person price, while private transfers charge a per-trip fee. Using a shared shuttle will cost $67 per adult, so the total for four adults would be $268. In contrast, the same trip with a private shuttle might cost you around $200. 

So, in this scenario, it’s not only more comfortable and convenient to hire a private transfer, but it’s also more economically efficient. You can use this link to see availability and prices in real-time if this is your case.  

Group Shuttle From Monteverde to San Jose

Getting a group shuttle from Monteverde to San Jose is an excellent choice for solo travelers and couples. A group shuttle is a daily shared transportation service from Monteverde to San Jose. A modern Van with A / C will pick you up at your lodge in Monteverde and take you to your destination in San Jose. 

Generally, taking a group shuttle, or a “shared shuttle,” as the locals call it, is the most recommended door-to-door way to get from Monteverde to San Jose for most travelers. Group shuttles are convenient and provide the best balance, saving time and money for travelers in most cases.

On a group shuttle, you share the shuttle service with fellow travelers and the cost, which is usually the best option for solo travelers and couples. Using this option to get to San Jose will be far more convenient than riding the public bus and significantly less expensive than hiring a private transfer. 

Using a group shuttle is also more manageable and less stressful than renting a car and driving. The price can change depending on the seasonality and demand, but it’s usually around $67 per person per way. 

Be Careful When Looking for a Shuttle Company

Beware of scam companies. Check out the following TripAdvisor review:

TripAdvisor Review of Monteverde Shuttle Bus CR Company

As I wrap up this article, I’d like to share some good advice on avoiding getting scammed when looking for a shuttle company to take you from Monteverde to San Jose.

A few companies offer meager prices for shared shuttled services, but they’re a scam. They give you a price and ask you to wait and pay in cash to the driver, but when you meet your driver, they will ask you to spend more. And if you don’t obey and deliver the new price, they unilaterally decided you should pay, they will throw you out of the shuttle.

Here is an example:

Scam website asking tourists to pay cash.

These companies ask you to pay directly to the driver, and they change their price at the last minute because they know you have no option but to either pay for their “out-of-the-blue” extra cost. Otherwise, you will be in the middle of the road with incredibly slim chances of finding another transportation company to help you get to your destination.

In this scenario, you will spend more than you had anticipated, and your trip will be horrible as you feel they ripped you off.

That’s why I recommend you find a reputable company that is transparent about the actual price of your service right when you make your reservation.

Here at MonteTours Costa Rica, we have served thousands of customers for a long time, and we’re back with more than 600 online reviews with an average of 4.6 out of 5 (see our Google Profile here).

We offer Private Shuttles and Group Shuttles from Monteverde to San Jose. You can easily book your service online, pay ahead with a 24-hour flexible cancelation policy, and get an instant confirmation in your email with no hidden costs and no last-minute “extra” charges.

The links to book either one of those services with us are below this article (keep scrolling).

Here’s the end of this article. Thank you for reading this far, and feel free to share this info with fellow travelers as you deem appropriate. Happy travels and ¡Pura Vida, amigos!

Related Articles: 

• The Best Times to Visit Monteverde
• Getting Around in Monteverde
• Going From San Jose to Monteverde
• Going From Tamarindo to Monteverde
• Going From Manuel Antonio to Monteverde
• Going From Monteverde to Tamarindo

About the Author

Daniel Lalinde

I am the founder of MonteTours Costa Rica. I live in Monteverde and love nature, adventure, and Mountain Biking. My partner and I love spending time outdoors and dining in Monteverde. We have more than 30 years of combined experience in the area, and there is no park, coffee shop, or restaurant we haven’t tried at least once!

We love helping visitors and connecting them with the different tours and activities to have a memorable experience in Monteverde.

If you need help planning things to do in the area, send us a message, and we will happily assist you!