Are you planning to stay in Jaco during your stay in Costa Rica? You may already be wondering how to get around. As a local provider of canyoning and waterfall experiences from Jaco, we have all the local tips and insights you need to make your time here seamless and hassle-free.
Jaco is one of Costa Rica’s liveliest beach towns. It’s a special place where golden sands, tempting waves, and rainforest adventures meet vibrant nightlife and mouthwatering dining options. Whether you’re here for a relaxing beach escape, exhilarating canyoning experiences, or any other Jaco adventure tours, knowing how to get around will make your trip much smoother.
Fortunately, Jaco transportation is simple, flexible, and suited to every style of traveler. This guide breaks down the best options for transportation in Jaco, Costa Rica, plus helpful tips and insights to make your stay memorable for all the right reasons.
Is Jaco Easy to Get Around? Absolutely!
Jaco may be one of Costa Rica’s busiest coastal towns, but its layout is compact and visitor-friendly. The main strip (Pastor Díaz Avenue) runs parallel to the beach, and most restaurants, surf shops, grocery stores, and bars sit along a stretch that’s easy to navigate on foot or with simple transportation.
However, while many parts of town are walkable, some tours depart from locations outside the center, and certain beaches and natural attractions require wheels. That’s where our town’s diverse transportation options come in handy, and why planning ahead can make getting around Jaco even easier.
Walking in Jaco: Simple, Safe, and Perfect for Short Distances
For many visitors, the best way to explore Jaco is simply by walking. If you’re staying near the main strip or along the beachfront, you’ll find everything from coffee shops to surf rental spots within a short stroll. With a layout and infrastructure designed with pedestrians in mind, walking is the perfect way to soak up the local atmosphere and culture. If this is important to you, we think you’ll appreciate our blog, How to Eat and Drink Like a Local in Costa Rica.
Walking in Jaco is especially ideal for:
- Hitting the beach
- Visiting restaurants or bars
- Shopping and browsing markets
- Exploring Jaco’s central neighborhoods
But as with any location that isn’t your home, it’s important to keep certain basic safety tips in mind as you walk around. Always use sidewalks when they are available, and only cross the street at designated crossings. And when you do cross, always stay alert to traffic, especially when on busy streets and intersections. If you’re walking at night, stick to well-lit areas and avoid going solo.
Walking is great for town life, and it’s a fantastic way to stumble on hidden gems that you might otherwise miss. But to reach adventure tour starting points, like waterfall hikes, canyoning, and other fun-filled day trips, you’ll likely rely on another option.
Bikes and E-Bikes in Jaco: A Fun, Eco-Friendly Way to Explore
Biking is extremely popular in Jaco thanks to its mostly flat terrain and growing cycling culture. Many local shops offer both traditional bikes and e-bike rentals, giving visitors an easy, affordable, and eco-friendly way to explore.
Bikes are ideal if you want to:
- Cover more ground along Jaco Beach
- Explore nearby neighborhoods
- Travel a little farther than walking distance
- Enjoy a scenic, relaxed way to get around
If choosing this option, there are some important things to keep in mind. Always wear sunscreen (the same applies to walkers!) because the sun gets very strong in the middle of the day. Always wear a helmet for added protection, and remain vigilant of traffic on the roads, especially during the busy hours of late afternoon and early evening.
Biking offers more freedom than walking while still keeping the laid-back vibe many visitors love. If you’re looking for more expert advice when you finish this blog, be sure to read our top tips for traveling in Costa Rica next!
Taxis in Jaco: Reliable and Readily Available
When you need quick, convenient transportation, taxis in Jaco, Costa Rica, are one of the best options. Official taxis are red with a yellow triangle on the door, and you’ll see them circulating throughout town day and night.
Jaco Taxis are ideal for:
- Journeys around town on rainy days
- Getting about on evening outings
- Traveling to destinations just outside town
- Getting to tour meeting points when transport isn’t provided
When you book with Costa Rica Waterfall Tours, we offer direct pick-ups from accommodations in Jaco, Herradura, Los Sueños, and Hermosa, so you don’t need to worry about taxis with us!
However, in instances where you need to take a taxi, we recommend confirming the fare before the journey begins or ensuring the driver uses the meter. You should also carry small cash bills, as drivers may not have change for large denominations. And most importantly, only use official, marked taxis!
For short trips within Jaco, taxis are a reliable, safe, and reasonably priced option.
Uber and Ride-Share Apps in Jaco: Occasionally Available but Not Guaranteed
Uber does operate in Costa Rica, including in Jaco, but coverage can be inconsistent. During busy periods, you might get a quick match, while in less populated hours, you may need to wait a little longer to find a driver.
While Uber can sometimes work for trips around Jaco, journeys to nearby towns, and airport transfers, it shouldn’t be your main transportation strategy when staying in Jaco. If you need something dependable, taxis or pre-arranged transport are far more reliable.
Public Buses in Jaco: Budget-Friendly Transport for Regional Travel
If you’re planning to travel from Jaco to nearby towns on a budget, the regional bus system is a useful, cost-effective option. Buses run between Jaco and destinations such as San José, Quepos, and Puntarenas. And the Jaco Bus Terminal is located on Pastor Díaz Avenue, right by the Best Western Resort and other popular accommodation options, so it’s easy to access.
So, what are the benefits of riding on Jaco buses? First and foremost, they’re very affordable, making them ideal for anyone traveling on a tighter budget and one of the best ways to save money when traveling in Costa Rica. Scheduled routes stop at major hubs, making longer-distance travel easier to plan.
However, these come with the drawbacks of having to work around schedules created by someone else, not to mention the slower travel times. Jaco buses also aren’t the best option for reaching remote areas, including tour starting points.
Rental Cars in Jaco: Best for Travelers Wanting Total Independence
For visitors who want complete freedom to explore beaches, viewpoints, off-the-beaten-track gems, and small coastal towns at their own pace, renting a car is tempting. You can make your own schedule and travel from place to place efficiently, giving you the ultimate flexibility. With your own wheels, you’re not tied down to pre-planned routes, allowing you to explore wherever you want! This includes making the most of easy access to nearby attractions like Playa Hermosa, Playa Mantas, or Carara National Park.
If you’re favoring car rental in Jaco, you should also keep in mind that Jaco’s downtown has limited parking, and some local roads can be narrow or unpaved. What’s more, mandatory Costa Rican insurance can increase costs.
For many visitors, guided tours and Jaco-based transportation options make a rental car unnecessary, but for independent explorers, it’s a strong choice. If you’re still tempted, don’t miss our guide, Everything You Need to Know About Driving in Costa Rica.
Private Transportation in Jaco: The Most Comfortable and Convenient Option
If comfort, reliability, and stress-free planning are priorities, Jaco private transportation is the best way to travel. At Costa Rica Waterfall Tours, we offer our own private transportation service, making it easy to get from San José Airport to Jaco or travel anywhere in the region.
Our comfortable, personalized service is perfect for:
- Transfers to and from Juan Santamaria Airport in San José
- Groups transferring from San José to Jaco, Herradura, Los Suenos, or Hermosa
- Travelers with early morning tour departures who want dependable transportation
- Visitors who prefer a safe, professional driver to take care of travel in a new country
Some of the benefits of traveling with us include the use of spacious, air-conditioned vehicles, prompt, friendly, and English-speaking drivers, and a complete door-to-door service. Our private transportation also pairs perfectly with our adventures, such as canyoning, waterfall tours, or Tortuga Island day trips, all of which can include convenient pickup arrangements.
This makes getting around Jaco for your adventure days incredibly easy. Simply be ready at your pickup location and enjoy the journey!
Book Your Adventure Activities in Jaco, Costa Rica!
No matter how you prefer to travel, transportation in Jaco is straightforward and flexible. Whether you’re here for relaxation, adrenaline-packed adventures, or a little of both, navigating town shouldn’t be a concern.
When convenience matters most, especially for tours and airport transfers, Costa Rica Waterfall Tours’ private transportation service is the safest and easiest way to get around. Combine this with any of our Jaco adventure tours or canyoning and waterfall experiences from Jaco, and you’ll have a seamless travel experience from start to finish!
Do you have any questions for our team? Please feel free to contact us for all the answers you need.
