Getting to Uvita from San José or other parts of Costa Rica is straightforward once you understand your options. As someone who’s been based in Uvita for years running dive operations, I’ve helped hundreds of travelers figure out the best way to reach this South Pacific coastal town. I’ve also made the journey countless times myself.
Uvita sits about 175 kilometers (110 miles) south of San José along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. The journey typically takes 3.5 to 5 hours depending on your transportation method and traffic conditions. While Uvita doesn’t have its own airport or train station, multiple reliable options connect you to this beautiful beach town.
This guide covers every practical way to reach Uvita, with current 2026 prices, schedules, and insider tips I wish someone had told me before my first trip here.
Before diving into details, here’s a snapshot of your main options:
From San José:
From Other Destinations:
Each option has trade-offs between cost, convenience, flexibility, and travel time. Let me break down each one so you can choose what works best for your trip.
Most international travelers arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José. From there, you have several options to reach Uvita.
The Route: Public buses operated by Tracopa run direct service from San José to Uvita daily. This is the most economical option and the one most backpackers and budget travelers choose.
Departure Point: Tracopa Terminal in San José, located at Calle 5, Avenida 18-20 (not the main bus terminal). If you’re coming from the airport, you’ll need to take a taxi or Uber to the Tracopa terminal (about $20-30, 20-30 minutes depending on traffic).
Schedule & Frequency:
Tracopa operates multiple daily departures:
Important: Schedules can change. Always verify current times on the Tracopa website or by calling ahead before planning your trip.
Duration: 4-5 hours depending on traffic and number of stops. The bus makes several stops in towns along Route 34 (Coastal Highway), including Jacó, Quepos, and Dominical.
Cost: Approximately $10-12 USD one-way. You can pay in colones or US dollars at the terminal.
Booking: You can buy tickets at the terminal counter. During high season (December-April) and on weekends, buses can fill up, so arriving 30-45 minutes early is smart. Some travelers report being able to buy tickets online, but the Tracopa website can be unreliable. Your safest bet is purchasing in person.
What to Expect: Comfortable air-conditioned buses with reclining seats. The buses aren’t luxury coaches, but they’re perfectly adequate. Bathrooms may be available on some buses, but plan on making a stop or two where you can use facilities. The route follows the scenic Coastal Highway with ocean views for much of the journey.
The Bus Stop in Uvita: The bus drops passengers along the main highway (Route 34) in Uvita. There’s no formal bus station, just a bus stop near the main intersection. From there, you’ll need a taxi to reach your accommodation (typically $5-15 depending on location).
Luggage: Standard luggage is fine. Surfboards and oversized items may require extra fees (usually $5-10). Check with the driver when boarding.
Pros:
Cons:
Local Tip: The 5:00 AM or 6:00 AM departures are your best bet for avoiding traffic leaving San José and arriving in Uvita with the full day ahead of you. The later departures often hit afternoon traffic and arrive after dark.
The Service: Private shuttle companies offer door-to-door transportation from San José (including SJO airport) directly to your Uvita accommodation. This is the sweet spot between cost and convenience for most travelers.
How It Works: You book online in advance, provide your pickup location (airport or hotel) and drop-off address in Uvita. The shuttle picks you up at the scheduled time and drives directly to your destination with minimal stops.
Shared vs Private:
Major Companies:
All are reliable, though Easy Ride is particularly popular for South Pacific routes and we’ve had good feedback from our diving clients who’ve used them.
Duration: 3.5-4 hours for shared shuttles (may be slightly longer with multiple drop-offs). Private shuttles can be 3-3.5 hours with no stops.
Cost:
Booking: Reserve online at least 2-3 days in advance, especially during high season. Last-minute bookings may be possible but aren’t guaranteed.
Pickup Times: Most companies offer 2-3 departure times daily, typically morning (7-8 AM) and afternoon (1-2 PM). Private shuttles offer more flexibility.
What to Expect: Modern, air-conditioned minivans with comfortable seating. Professional drivers who speak at least basic English. WiFi is sometimes available but don’t count on it working the entire journey.
Luggage: Standard luggage included. Surfboards and oversized items usually cost extra ($15-25). Confirm when booking.
Pros:
Cons:
Booking Tips: Book directly through company websites rather than third-party booking sites to avoid extra fees. Read cancellation policies carefully. Some companies offer discounts for round-trip bookings.
The Route: Renting a car gives you maximum flexibility to stop where you want, explore at your own pace, and have transportation throughout your Uvita stay. This is what I did on my first trip, and it’s still how I recommend traveling if you plan to explore the area.
The Drive: From SJO Airport or San José, take Route 27 (San José-Caldera Highway) west toward the Pacific coast. After about 60 km, merge onto Route 34 (Costanera Sur/Coastal Highway) heading south. Follow Route 34 all the way to Uvita. The route is well-marked and straightforward.
Duration: 3.5-4 hours without stops. Add time if you want to stop for meals, photos, or beach breaks along the way.
Distance: Approximately 175 km (110 miles)
Road Conditions: Route 27 is an excellent modern highway. Route 34 (Costanera Sur) varies. The section from Jacó to Uvita has been significantly improved in recent years with fresh pavement and is generally in good condition. However, expect some potholes, occasional rough patches, and construction zones. A regular sedan handles the main route to Uvita just fine. You only need 4WD if you plan to explore mountain roads or very remote beaches.
Rental Car Companies:
Major international companies (Budget, Enterprise, Alamo) operate at SJO Airport. Local companies like Adobe Rent a Car and Wild Rider often offer better rates and have excellent service. Adobe has a location in Uvita, which is convenient if you want to pick up or drop off locally.
Cost:
Insurance: Costa Rica requires liability insurance by law. Your credit card or home insurance likely doesn’t cover you here. You’ll need to purchase insurance from the rental company. This is often the biggest surprise cost for travelers.
Navigation: Google Maps works well in Costa Rica. Download offline maps just in case you lose signal. Waze is also popular and often shows better real-time traffic updates.
Gas Stations: Multiple gas stations along Route 34. Fill up in Jacó or Quepos to be safe. Uvita has one gas station (BM Supermarket station).
Parking in Uvita: Most hotels and accommodations offer free parking. Street parking exists but watch for signs. Don’t leave valuables visible in your parked car.
Pros:
Cons:
Driving Tips:
Local Insight: I highly recommend having a car in Uvita if you want to explore properly. Uvita itself is spread out along the highway, and the best beaches, waterfalls, and restaurants require short drives. Taxis exist but aren’t abundant. Having your own wheels makes everything easier.
Read our detailed car rental in Uvita guide for more information on 4WD vs regular cars and local rental options.
The Route: Fly from San José (SJO) to Quepos (XQP), then drive or shuttle 1.5 hours south to Uvita. This is the fastest option but also the most expensive.
The Flight: Two domestic airlines serve this route:
Flight Duration: 30-35 minutes
Flight Cost: $80-150 per person one-way, depending on season and how far in advance you book.
Flight Schedule: Multiple daily departures, typically morning and afternoon flights. Book at least 2-4 weeks ahead for better prices.
Baggage: Strict weight limits (usually 13-15 kg checked, 5-7 kg carry-on). Surfboards and dive gear cost extra ($25-50). Confirm limits when booking.
Quepos to Uvita Ground Transfer:
Once in Quepos, you need to cover the remaining 45 km to Uvita:
Total Cost: $100-180+ depending on flight price and ground transfer choice.
Total Duration: Including check-in, flight, and ground transfer: 3-3.5 hours minimum.
Pros:
Cons:
When This Makes Sense: If you’re short on time, combining Manuel Antonio with Uvita, or really don’t want to do the long drive. Otherwise, the cost premium over shuttles is hard to justify.
Many travelers visit Uvita as part of a larger Costa Rica itinerary. Here’s how to reach Uvita from other popular destinations.
Distance: 45 km (28 miles)
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
By Car: Simple, straight shot south on Route 34. Beautiful coastal drive.
By Bus: Tracopa and other bus companies run frequent service from Quepos to Uvita. Buses depart every 1-2 hours throughout the day. Cost: $3-5. Duration: 1-1.5 hours.
By Shuttle: Easy Ride and other companies offer daily shared shuttles. $25-35 per person. Book online.
By Taxi: $50-70 for the entire car.
Local Tip: This is one of the easiest connections in Costa Rica. If you’re visiting both Manuel Antonio and Uvita, I recommend Manuel Antonio first (more touristy, good warm-up) then Uvita (more relaxed, authentic).
Distance: 17 km (11 miles)
Duration: 15-20 minutes
By Car: Extremely easy. Just drive 15-20 minutes south on Route 34.
By Bus: Frequent buses pass through Dominical heading to Uvita. Flag down any southbound bus. Cost: $1-2. Duration: 15-20 minutes.
By Taxi: $15-25 for the car.
Local Perspective: Dominical and Uvita are so close that many travelers base themselves in one and easily visit the other for surfing, dining, or different beach vibes. I often grab lunch in Dominical when I want a change of scenery.
Check our Uvita vs Dominical comparison to decide which town to base yourself in.
Distance: 280 km (175 miles)
Duration: 5-6 hours
By Car: Take Route 1 (Interamericana) south toward Puntarenas. Near Puntarenas, merge onto Route 27, then Route 34 south to Uvita. Long but straightforward drive through varied landscapes.
By Shuttle: Several companies offer Guanacaste (Tamarindo, Nosara, etc.) to Uvita shuttles, but they’re long journeys with potentially multiple stops. $75-100 per person. Book well in advance.
By Bus: You’ll need to take a bus from Guanacaste to San José, then transfer to the Uvita bus. Time-consuming and not recommended.
By Flight: No direct flights. You’d fly Liberia to San José, then follow the San José to Uvita options above.
Local Recommendation: This is a long haul. If doing this journey, I’d suggest breaking it up with a stop in Manuel Antonio or taking two days to enjoy the drive and stop at beaches along the way.
Distance: 200 km (125 miles)
Duration: 4-5 hours
By Car: From Paso Canoas border, take Route 2 (Interamericana) north toward San Isidro. Near San Isidro, take Route 243 west to Dominical/Uvita area, connecting with Route 34. Continue north on Route 34 to Uvita.
By Bus: Tracopa operates buses from Panama border to San José that pass through Uvita. Verify schedule at the border or online.
Local Note: This route takes you through the mountains (San Isidro area) rather than along the coast. Beautiful scenery but winding mountain roads. Allow extra time and drive carefully.
Nearest International Airport: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José – 175 km away (3.5-4 hours drive)
Nearest Domestic Airports:
Alternative International Airport: Liberia (LIR) in Guanacaste – 280 km away (5-6 hours drive). Only use this if your primary destination is northern Costa Rica and you’re ending in Uvita.
Which Airport to Choose:
Once you arrive in Uvita, you’ll need a way to get around. Uvita is spread along several kilometers of highway rather than a compact town center.
Rental Car: The best option if you want to explore beaches, visit waterfalls, and access activities easily. Adobe Rent a Car has a Uvita location for convenient pickup/dropoff.
Taxis: Available but not abundant. You’ll find them near the main intersection and at larger hotels. Always agree on price before getting in. Typical rides within Uvita area: $5-15.
Bicycle: Several shops rent bikes ($10-15/day). Good for short trips to beaches or town, but the highway has hills and no bike lane. Be cautious.
Walking: Possible for areas immediately near your accommodation, but Uvita isn’t walkable as a whole. The highway isn’t pedestrian-friendly.
Tour Operator Pickup: Most tour operators (including our dive center) provide pickup and dropoff at Uvita accommodations for their activities. This eliminates need for transportation if you’re mainly doing organized tours.
Read our complete getting around Uvita guide for detailed local transportation information.
Choose the Bus if:
Choose a Shuttle if:
Choose a Rental Car if:
Choose Flight + Transfer if:
My Recommendation: For most travelers, I suggest either a shared shuttle (convenient, reasonable price) or a rental car (maximum flexibility to explore). The bus works great for budget travelers, and the flight option makes sense if you’re doing Manuel Antonio too.
Book Transportation in Advance:
Best Travel Days:
Pack Smart:
Dive Center Pickup:
If you’re coming to Uvita specifically for diving with us, let us know your arrival details. We provide pickup service from Uvita accommodations for all dive trips and courses, so you won’t need transportation for those days.
Local insider tip: If driving from San José, leave before 6 AM to avoid city traffic. Stop in Jacó for breakfast (about 1.5 hours into the drive). This breaks up the journey perfectly and you’ll arrive in Uvita by late morning with the full day ahead. My favorite breakfast stop is Soda Garabito just past the Jacó turnoff.
Popular Routes Summary:
San José → Uvita:
Quepos → Uvita:
Dominical → Uvita:
Getting here is just the beginning of your South Pacific adventure. Once you arrive, you’ll discover why this coastline remains one of Costa Rica’s most authentic and beautiful destinations.
Need help planning your Uvita trip beyond transportation? Check out these resources:
Essential Uvita Guides:
Planning Your Trip:
Activities & Adventures:
Questions about getting to Uvita or planning your diving adventure? Contact us – we’re here to help!
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