# Public bus to Santa Teresa: from San José and around the peninsula > Public buses run from San José to Santa Teresa and Mal País, crossing on the Puntarenas to Paquera ferry, and the trip takes about 6 hours or more. Local buses link Paquera, Cóbano, Montezuma and Santa Teresa and are timed around the ferries. It's the cheapest way to travel, but carry cash and confirm times locally, because schedules change. Source: https://www.santa-teresa.com/public-bus/ Last checked: 2026-10-20 Route: San José to Puntarenas, ferry to Paquera, then road via Cóbano Journey time from San José: about 6 hours, often more Ferry: Naviera Tambor, Puntarenas to Paquera, about 1 hour 15 minutes Local links: Santa Teresa, Mal País, Cóbano, Montezuma and Paquera Payment: bring cash in colones ## The short answer Yes, you can get to Santa Teresa by public bus. Direct buses run from San José to Santa Teresa and Mal País, and the bus itself rides the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera, so you stay with your luggage the whole way. Plan on about 6 hours, often more. Once you're on the peninsula, local buses connect Santa Teresa, Mal País, Cóbano, Montezuma and Paquera, with departures timed around the ferries. It's the cheapest way to travel, and a good one if your plans are flexible. Just accept that times change and things run on local rhythm. ## San José to Santa Teresa The direct service leaves from a bus terminal in central San José, heads west to Puntarenas, boards the Naviera Tambor ferry to Paquera, then continues through Tambor and Cóbano to the coast. It typically drops passengers along the main road at Playa Carmen, Santa Teresa and Mal País. A few things to know: - **Departures are limited**, usually just a handful a day. Morning buses are the safest bet if you want to arrive in daylight. - **Seats can sell out** in high season and on holiday weekends. Buy your ticket at the terminal in advance if you can, or arrive early. - **The ferry is part of the trip.** Passengers usually leave the bus during the crossing and go up to the passenger deck. Check whether the ferry ticket is included in your bus fare or bought separately at the dock; practice can vary. - **Terminals and operators change.** Bus companies and departure points in San José shift from time to time, so ask your hotel or check the current schedule at the terminal before you go. If no direct bus suits your timing, you can do it in steps: bus from San José to Puntarenas, walk onto the ferry to Paquera, then catch a local bus on to Cóbano and Santa Teresa. ## Local buses on the peninsula Local buses are how many residents get around, and they're handy for visitors too. - **Paquera to Cóbano:** buses pick up passengers at or near the Paquera ferry dock, generally timed to meet arriving boats. They run down Route 160 through Tambor to Cóbano. - **Cóbano to Santa Teresa and Mal País:** buses run from Cóbano over the hill to the Playa Carmen junction, then along the coast road. - **Cóbano to Montezuma:** Montezuma is about 8 km south of Cóbano, and buses link the two. - **Santa Teresa to Montezuma:** the usual way is to change in Cóbano. Cóbano is the hub. It's the district town, where most of the area's services are, so it's a natural place to change buses. Many local buses are timed to meet the ferries in Paquera, which means you can often go from the Puntarenas ferry to Santa Teresa with one change. If you miss the connection, the next bus may be a few hours later. ## Practical tips - **Bring cash.** Pay in colones, ideally in small bills. Don't count on paying by card on local buses. - **Ask, then ask again.** Schedules posted online go out of date. Your hotel, the driver, or someone at the stop will know the current times. - **Arrive early.** Give yourself a buffer, especially for the last bus of the day. - **Watch your luggage.** Keep valuables with you, not in the hold or overhead rack, and keep your bag in sight at stops. - **Surfboards:** policies vary by driver and how full the bus is. A board bag helps, and a shuttle may be easier if you have several. - **Stops:** along the coast road, buses often stop when flagged down. Tell the driver where you're going. - **Rainy season:** expect slower journeys on the unpaved roads, especially in September and October. ## Bus vs shuttle | | Public bus | Shared shuttle | |---|---|---| | Cost | Lowest | Higher | | Time from San José | About 6 hours or more | About 6 hours | | Pickup | Terminal and roadside stops | Usually your hotel | | Booking | At the terminal or on board | In advance, online | | Flexibility | Limited departures | Usually one or two set departures a day | If you're on a tight budget and have time, the bus is great. If you have lots of luggage, arrive late, or prefer door-to-door service, look at our [shuttle guide](/shuttle-services/). ## Getting around once you're here Santa Teresa stretches along several kilometers of coast road, from [Mal País](/mal-pais/) in the south through [Playa Carmen](/playa-carmen-costa-rica/) to [Playa Santa Teresa](/playa-santa-teresa/) and beyond. The local bus helps for longer hops, but many visitors walk, cycle, or rent a scooter or ATV. For a day at the [Montezuma waterfall](/montezuma-waterfall/), the bus via Cóbano works if you start early. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a direct bus from San José to Santa Teresa? Yes. Direct buses run from San José to Santa Teresa and Mal País via the Puntarenas to Paquera ferry. Departures are limited, so confirm the current schedule before you travel. ### How long does the bus take? About 6 hours, sometimes more depending on traffic and ferry timing. ### Can I take the bus from Santa Teresa to Montezuma? Yes. The usual way is to change in Cóbano. ### Do I need cash for the bus? Yes. Bring colones in small bills.