Private Shuttle from SJO Airport to Santa Teresa (with Ferry Crossing)
Need to get from the SJO Airport area to the Santa Teresa and Mal Pais area? Leave it up to our network of professional shuttle drivers. We’ve booked thousands of shuttle van transfers all around Costa Rica and would be happy to help you too. The drivers we use are reliable, friendly, and speak at least basic English. Read more about our shuttle booking service here.
Easy Pick-Up & Drop-Off
Pick-Up
From Airport: Your driver will be waiting outside the airport doors, holding a sign with your name on it. They will know when to wait based on your flight information. Once you meet up, they will help put your bags in the van.
The driver will be tracking your flight in case of any delays.
From Airport Area: If you are staying near the airport at a hotel or vacation rental, the driver will pick you up at the hotel reception or outside the vacation rental house.
Drop-Off
We can organize drop offs at hotels, vacation rentals, car rental agencies, boat docks, and more. All we need is your hotel name, vacation rental location, or other drop-off location.
Shuttle and Ferry Schedule
Departure times for the Puntarenas/Paquera ferry change through the year, so please check the current ferry schedule before choosing your pick-up time.
Plan to arrive at the ferry terminal at least 1 hour before departure to get in line, and work backwards from the sailing you want when selecting your pick-up time.
The driver will arrive a few minutes early and be waiting at the hotel reception or outside the vacation rental house. You will drive to the ferry terminal and get in line for boarding. The van and driver will accompany you on the ferry and then continue to your destination after the crossing.
Please include your exact flight arrival information (airline, flight number, and time) on the form so the driver can plan around it.
Note that late-night service (between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.) may be subject to extra charges. We will notify you of this by email before finalizing your booking.
Shuttle Duration and Included Stops
The ride from the SJO Airport area to the Santa Teresa and Mal Pais area is approximately 5 hours and includes a trip across the Gulf of Nicoya on a large ferry (approx. 70 minutes). During the ferry ride, you will be able to move freely around the boat. There are viewing decks, air-conditioned areas, restrooms, and snacks and refreshments available for purchase. For more on what to expect, see our post: Taking the Puntarenas-Paquera Ferry.
Up to 1 hour of additional time is included for stops to use the restroom, have a quick meal, pick up groceries, take pictures, etc. The driver will be happy to recommend somewhere along the way.
We can also help coordinate longer stops along the route to see an attraction. If you would like to make a longer stop, please let us know so that we can quote the additional hours of waiting time. Waiting time typically costs around $30-40 per hour. The driver can hold your bags securely in the van.
Shuttle Price/Cost
2026 – Private shuttle from the SJO Airport area to the Santa Teresa and Mal Pais area: $348 for 1-8 passengers; $574 for 9-16 passengers.
2027 – From December 15, 2026, this shuttle is $391 for 1-8 passengers; $633 for 9-16 passengers.
Our booking system will adjust the price based on the number of people. The total price is per shuttle, not per person. All rates are plus tax (13%). Prices are in US Dollars.
- Shuttle pricing includes a permit for the van and driver to cross on the ferry with you.
- $3 per person for ferry tickets will be automatically added to your total based on the number of passengers selected.
What to Expect
After you submit your private shuttle order, we’ll organize it with our favorite operator in that area, then send you an invoice. Once paid, you’ll receive a confirmation email and be ready to go!
A friendly, reliable driver will arrive on time and carefully transport you to your destination. This is a one-way service (not round-trip). Our drivers use modern, air-conditioned vans/minibuses for a comfortable ride. We also ensure that the drivers/companies are licensed by the Costa Rican government and insured.
Since this is a private shuttle service, only your group will be in the vehicle, no other passengers. The ferry itself is public, so there will be other travelers on board.
Luggage
Luggage is stored in the back. We size the van to account for 1 large suitcase and 1 medium carry-on bag per passenger (plus personal items). If you have more, just let us know so that we can send a larger vehicle.
Car Seats for Kids
Car seats and booster seats are free of charge and can be requested on the booking form.
Contact Information
Our contact and the shuttle operator’s contact will be on your final confirmation in case of any issues on the day of travel.
Still have questions? Read our FAQ or send us an email at bookings@twoweeksincostarica.com
Need the return trip? Find it here: Santa Teresa to SJO Airport
Two Weeks in Costa Rica, Inc. is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST41024.
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