If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, staying at Oceano Suites and Residence in Jaco Beach is the perfect choice for a relaxing and luxurious escape. Located in one of the most popular beach towns on the Pacific coast, Jaco is known for its lively atmosphere, stunning sunsets, and pristine beaches. Whether you’re traveling from within Costa Rica or from a nearby country, here’s your guide on how to get to Jaco Beach and explore this coastal gem.
Jaco Beach is located on Costa Rica´s central Pacific coast. Thanks to its convenient location, Jaco is easily accessible from many popular places including Guanacaste, Monteverde, La Fortuna, the Osa Peninsula, the Central Valley, and Puntarenas.
Its central location on the Pacific coastline means Jaco Beach is close to many popular beaches too. When staying at Oceano Suites and Residence, visit Herradura, Hermosa, Esterillos, Blanca, and even the world-renowned, Manuel Antonio beaches. Use Jaco Beach as your “base camp” and explore the Central Pacific Coast with ease and beautiful scenery along the way.
Jaco Transportation
Jaco from the Airport
The closest airport to Jaco Beach is the Juan Santamaria International Airport (Code: SJO) in Costa Rica´s Central Valley. From the airport, consider an 80-90 minute scenic drive that will take you down onto the Pacific Ocean coastline along a modern tolled highway called Route 27.
The Guanacaste International Airport (Code: LIR) in Liberia is a 3.5-hour drive to Jaco. Much of the route is along the Pan-American Highway before detouring to the coast where you will see glimpses of the Gulf of Nicoya and the Port of Caldera.
The local airport of Quepos (Code: XQP) is a 60-minute drive from Jaco and two domestic airlines offer commercial flights to and from this airport. They are:
Sansa Airlines – Has flights between San Jose, Drake, and Quepos. The flights depart and arrive at the Juan Santamaria International Airport at the Domestic Terminal.
Costa Rica Green Airways – Has flights between San Jose and Quepos. The flights depart and arrive at the Juan Santamaria International Airport at the Domestic Terminal.
How to Get to Jaco Beach from Different Parts of Costa Rica
Jaco Beach is about 70 miles (115 kilometers) from San José, making it easily accessible from the capital city. There are several options available to reach Jaco Beach depending on your preferences and budget.
By Car
- From San José: Driving from San José to Jaco Beach takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Take Route 27 towards Caldera and continue on the Costanera Sur Highway until you reach Jaco.
- From Manuel Antonio: If you’re coming from the Manuel Antonio area, the drive takes about 1.5 hours. Follow Route 34 north until you arrive at Jaco Beach.
Driving gives you the freedom to explore the beautiful scenery and stop along the way to admire the landscapes. Renting a car can also offer flexibility during your stay in Jaco.
Rental Car
Reputable, global, and local car rental companies have offices by international airports with shuttle services to pick up and drop off your rental car. This means you can start your Costa Rican adventure with a car from Day 1 and drop it off before departing on your international flight.
An alternative option is renting a Jaco Beach car and taking a shuttle service to and from the airport. Jaco Beach has many car rental options including Avis, Alamo, Enterprise, and Adobe. Feel free to rent a car during your stay at Jaco and do some beach hopping along the Central Pacific Coast and its numerous and diverse beaches.
By Bus
For travelers on a budget, taking the bus is a cost-effective option. Direct buses run from San José to Jaco Beach several times a day. The journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
From San José: Buses depart from the Terminal 7-10 in San José. Look for the bus heading to Jaco. Its destination is marked on the front.
From Manuel Antonio: While there are no direct buses from Manuel Antonio to Jaco, you can take a bus to Quepos, and then transfer to a bus heading to Jaco.
By Shuttle
Shared and private shuttles are available throughout Costa Rica to Jaco Beach. These shuttles offer a comfortable and convenient option, often picking you up from your accommodation and dropping you off directly at your destination in Jaco.
Some popular Shuttle Services include:
- Tico Shuttle: Provides Private Airport and Hotel Transportation and a VIP transport service all over the country including Jaco.
- Interbus: Has a network of about 180 routes with its fleet of small buses including shared shuttle services from Jaco to La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and San Jose. Interbus also offers private shuttle services.
By Taxi
You can also take a taxi from San José or other nearby areas directly to Jaco Beach. This is the most expensive option, but it provides door-to-door service and can be a good choice for groups or those with a lot of luggage.
Getting Around Jaco Beach
Once you’ve arrived at Oceano Suites and Residence, you’ll find that getting around Jaco is easy and convenient. While Jaco Beach is just a short walk from Ocean Suites and Residence, you may like to explore alternative ways to explore Jaco and its surroundings.
Walking
Jaco Beach is a compact town, making it perfect for exploring on foot. The main street, Avenida Pastor Diaz, is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, all within walking distance. The beach is just a short walk away, offering stunning views and easy access to the ocean.
Bicycle Rentals
Biking is a popular way to get around Jaco, with plenty of rental shops available. You can rent a bike for a few hours or the whole day to explore the town and nearby attractions. Ask at the Reception about the Oceano Suites and Residence bike rental services too.
Public Transportation
Jaco Beach has a local bus service that runs along the main street and connects you to nearby towns. This is a low-cost option for getting around and exploring the area.
Taxis
Taxis are readily available in Jaco Beach, providing a convenient way to get around if you’re carrying heavy bags or prefer not to walk or bike. Make sure the taxi uses a meter or agrees on a fare before starting your journey.
Getting to Jaco Beach is easy and you have several possibilities that adapt to your vacation needs and preferences. Whether you prefer the freedom of a rental car, the convenience of a shuttle, or the cost-effectiveness of a bus, you’ll find your way to Jaco Beach in no time. Once there, the walkable town and easy access to amenities make exploring the area a breeze. Enjoy your stay at Oceano Suites and Residence and take in all that Jaco Beach has to offer!
