# Shuttles and taxis in Santa Teresa: getting here and getting around > Shared shuttles run to Santa Teresa and Mal País from San José, La Fortuna and Monteverde, taking about 5 to 6 hours. Private shuttles go anywhere, including straight from the airports, and local firms like Tropical Tours Shuttles know the area well. In town, use official red taxis or a ride your hotel trusts. Source: https://www.santa-teresa.com/shuttle-services/ Last checked: 2026-10-20 Shared shuttle time from San José: about 6 hours (Interbus timetable) Interbus routes: San José, La Fortuna and Monteverde to Santa Teresa, Mal País and Montezuma Local operator: Tropical Tours Shuttles, family-owned, based in Santa Teresa Official taxis: red, with a yellow triangle on the door Child seats: required under 12 on Interbus, free on request ## The short answer If you don't want to drive, a shuttle is the easiest way to Santa Teresa. Shared shuttles run on fixed schedules from San José and the main tourist towns, pick you up at your hotel, and handle the ferry crossing for you. Private shuttles cost more but leave when you want, from wherever you are, including the airports. Once you're here, taxis, hotel transfers and local shuttle companies cover rides to Montezuma, Cabo Blanco and the Cóbano airstrip. ## Shared shuttles Shared shuttles are minivans that carry several groups of travelers on a set route. Interbus, one of the big national operators, lists these routes on its timetable: | Route | Departs | Rough duration | |---|---|---| | La Fortuna to Santa Teresa | 6:45 | 6 hours | | Monteverde to Santa Teresa | 8:00 | 5.5 hours | | Santa Teresa to San José | 6:45 | 6 hours | | Mal País to San José | 6:45 | 6 hours | | La Fortuna to Montezuma | 6:45 | 6 hours | | Monteverde to Montezuma | 8:00 | 5.5 hours | | Montezuma to San José | 7:00 | 5 hours | Interbus also lists routes from San José, Liberia and several Guanacaste beach towns to Santa Teresa or Mal País without fixed times, so check availability when you book. Timetables change, so confirm on the operator's site. Good to know: - **Pickup and drop-off** are usually at your hotel or a central point. Confirm when you book. - **Luggage:** Interbus says extra bags and large items aren't included and must be arranged in advance. If you're bringing surfboards, tell the operator. - **Kids:** Interbus requires child seats for children under 12. There's no extra charge, but you must request them on your reservation. - **Early starts:** most shuttles out of Santa Teresa leave early in the morning. Other companies, including Zuma Tours in Montezuma, also sell shuttle seats and combinations with their Jacó water taxi. See our [water taxi guide](/water-taxis-from-jaco/). ## Private shuttles A private shuttle is a van and driver just for your group. It's the best choice if: - you're landing at SJO or LIR and want to go straight to the beach, - your flight arrives at an awkward time, - you're a family or group, where the cost per person evens out, - you have lots of luggage or surfboards. Book in advance, share your flight number, and ask the company to confirm the ferry plan. Private drivers know which sailings to aim for and can stop for food on the way. ## Tropical Tours Shuttles [Tropical Tours Shuttles](/tropical-tours-shuttles/) is a local, family-owned shuttle company based in Santa Teresa. Using a local operator has real advantages: drivers know the roads in rainy season, the ferry timing, and the quickest way to your hotel even if it's up a steep side road. Contact them directly for routes and availability. ## Taxis in town Official taxis in Costa Rica are red with a yellow triangle on the door showing the taxi's number. Around Santa Teresa you'll also find informal drivers, sometimes called piratas, who aren't licensed. - **Prefer official taxis** or drivers recommended by your hotel. They're licensed and accountable. - **Agree the price before you set off**, since meters aren't always used on rural routes. - **Carry cash in colones or small US dollar bills.** Don't count on paying by card. - **Save a couple of numbers.** At night or in quiet season, calling ahead is more reliable than waving one down. - **4x4 taxis** are common here because of the roads. Green Airways describes the trip from the Cóbano airstrip to Santa Teresa as about 15 minutes by 4x4 taxi. ## Rides to Montezuma and Cabo Blanco Day trips are easy to set up without a car: - **Montezuma:** the most direct road crosses the hills via Cóbano. A taxi or a hotel transfer is the simplest way, or take the local bus with a change in Cóbano. Combine the town with a visit to the [Montezuma waterfall](/montezuma-waterfall/). - **Cabo Blanco:** the [reserve](/cabo-blanco-national-park/) entrance is near Cabuya, south of [Mal País](/mal-pais/). A taxi can drop you in the morning and collect you at an agreed time, so set the pickup before the driver leaves, as phone signal can be patchy. - **Tours:** many local tour operators include transport, which can be easier than arranging it yourself. See our [day trips guide](/day-trips-from-santa-teresa/). ## Tips for any ride - **Book ahead in high season**, especially around Christmas, New Year and Easter. - **Allow for delays.** Ferry lines and rain can add an hour or more. - **Don't plan tight connections.** If you're catching a flight from SJO, leave a big buffer, or spend the night before near the airport. - **Confirm the day before.** Message your shuttle company to reconfirm pickup time and place. - **Keep valuables with you**, not in the luggage at the back. ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is the shuttle from San José to Santa Teresa? About 5 to 6 hours, including the ferry. Interbus lists its Santa Teresa to San José run at about 6 hours. ### Do shuttles go from Liberia airport to Santa Teresa? Private shuttles do. Interbus lists the route without a fixed schedule, so ask about availability. ### Are taxis in Santa Teresa safe? Official red taxis and drivers recommended by your hotel are the safest choice. Agree the fare before you go. ### Can I bring a surfboard on a shuttle? Usually, but tell the company when you book. Interbus says extra luggage and large items must be arranged in advance.