SJO Airport to Samara Shuttle from $355

Your private transfer

Travel privately from San Jose Airport (SJO) to Samara with Travesia Costa Rica. Samara is a mellow, family-friendly beach town on the Nicoya Peninsula with a calm, reef-protected bay. The transfer takes about 4h 30min, door to door, with a professional local driver. One flat price per vehicle - taxes and tolls included, and no per-person fees.

What to expect on the San Jose Airport (SJO) → Samara drive

The private transfer from San Jose Airport (SJO) to Samara takes about 4h 30min, and your driver takes you straight there — no transfers, and no waiting on other passengers. Prefer to break up the trip? Quick courtesy stops for the restroom, a coffee or a photo are included — just ask your driver, and on the longer routes they can point out a scenic spot to stretch your legs. We track your flight, so a delay is never a problem, and free child seats are ready on request. First time booking a driver in Costa Rica? See exactly how a private shuttle in Costa Rica works — what is included, how the flat price is built, and what happens on the day. Planning the rest of your trip? Browse our Costa Rica travel guides.

What you’ll see between San Jose Airport (SJO) and Samara

Between San Jose Airport (SJO) and Samara we cross to the Nicoya Peninsula over the Amistad bridge on the Tempisque river for Nosara and Sámara. For Santa Teresa it can be either the Puntarenas ferry or the road around - whichever works better for your day.

The Tempisque river and its mangroves from the bridge
Nicoya and the dry hills of the peninsula
On ferry days, the Gulf of Nicoya and its islands from the water

Road conditions

Paved for most of the route, with slower going on the last stretch into some beach towns.

From your driver

On a ferry day the sailing sets the departure time. Naviera Tambor leaves both Puntarenas and Paquera at 4:00am, 6:30am, 9:00am, 12:00 noon, 3:00pm, 6:00pm, 8:00pm and 10:00pm - the schedule in force since April 2026, which we check again before your travel date. We plan your pickup around the sailing and get to the terminal with time to spare.

Prices for this route

Hyundai Staria

Up to 5 passengers

$355

Toyota Hiace

Up to 9 passengers

$400

Maxus V90

Up to 12 passengers

$485

Final price per vehicle · taxes & tolls included · not per person. For a group of 4 that works out to about $89 per person.

What’s included

Professional, friendly driver
Door-to-door, hotel to hotel
Flight monitoring for delays
Free child seats on request
Luggage included
Licensed & fully insured
Bottled water & free WiFi on board
USB charging & air conditioning
Free courtesy stops on the way

Frequently asked questions

How long is the transfer from San Jose Airport (SJO) to Samara?

The private shuttle takes about 4h 30min door to door, depending on traffic and any stops you request.

How much is a shuttle from San Jose Airport (SJO) to Samara?

From $355 per vehicle for up to 5 passengers (Hyundai Staria), with larger vehicles available. The price is per vehicle, not per person, and includes taxes and tolls.

Is the transfer private?

Yes. The vehicle is exclusively for you and your group - no strangers and no extra stops. Door-to-door, hotel to hotel.

What if my flight is delayed?

Just share your flight number when you book. We monitor it and adjust your pickup time at no extra cost.

Do you pick up at any address in San Jose Airport (SJO)?

Yes. The transfer is door to door: we collect you at your hotel, villa, Airbnb or airport terminal in San Jose Airport (SJO) and drop you right at the door of where you are staying in Samara.

How many passengers fit in the vehicle?

Up to 5 in the Hyundai Staria, up to 9 in the Toyota Hiace and up to 12 in the Maxus V90 - always with room for the luggage. Tell us how many bags you are carrying and we assign the right vehicle.

Are child seats included?

Yes, and they are free. Tell us the ages of the children when you book and the seats are installed and ready in the vehicle.

Can we stop along the way?

Yes. Courtesy stops for the restroom, a coffee, food or a photo are included on every transfer - just ask your driver. If you want a guided stop at a real attraction on the way, the VIP upgrade adds a guide, tourist stops and a welcome kit for $80 more.

How do I pay?

You can book and pay by card online on our secure payment page, or arrange it with us on WhatsApp. Payment is in full at booking, and the price you see is the final price - taxes and tolls included, with no hidden fees.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your pickup time. Within 48 hours of the pickup the booking is non-refundable.