How To Get From San Jose to Malpais Best Way – You can go by bus, van and private transfer.
What Is The Distance From San Jose to Malpais?
The distance from San Jose to Malpais is 190 kilometers. Click here to book online Costa Rica activities and Day Trips
The travel time from San Jose to Malpais is around 4 hours and 30 minutes by car plus ferry. The taxi fare from San Jose airport to Malpais is around $260 USD. Read here how to get from Malpais to San Jose airport the reverse way.
What Is The Cheapest Way From San Jose to Malpais?
The cheapest way from San Jose to Malpais is by bus for $15 USD. The bus travel time from San Jose to Malpais including the ferry boat will be around 6 hours and 30 minutes.
What Is The Best Way From San Jose to Malpais?
The best way from San Jose to Malpais is by shared van for $63 USD you can book online and 6 hours.
WHERE TO STAY IN MALPAIS
There are dormitory rooms where you can rent a bed for as low as $20 USD a night if you want the cheapest option in Malpais. Double-room hostels can cost up to $30-40 USD a night while mid-range hotels cost more or less $80 USD a night.
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BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
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HOW TO GET FROM SAN JOSE TO MALPAIS
SHARED VAN FROM SAN JOSE AIRPORT TO MALPAIS (BEST WAY)
The best way from San Jose airport to Malpais is by shared van direct to your hotel. The van travel time from San Jose airport to Malpais is 6 hours. The shared vans are leaving early morning at 7 am!
The van fare from San Jose airport to Malpais is $63 USD and you can book online.
BUS FROM SAN JOSE AIRPORT TO MALPAIS (CHEAPEST WAY)
The cheapest way from San Jose airport to Malpais is by bus plus ferry. First you will have to ride a local bus going to San Jose Terminal 7-10 where the buses are leaving to Malpais with Transportes Cobano.
BUS SCHEDULE FROM SAN JOSE TO MALPAIS
The bus from San Jose to Malpais is leaving from San Jose Terminal 7-10 with Transportes Cobano. Only one bus leaves from San Jose Costa Rica to Malpais at 6 am going to Santa Teresa. Check here Transportes Cobano schedule and route!
The bus fare from San Jose to Malpais is around $14 USD including the ferry crossing. The travel time from San Jose to Malpais by bus is around 6 hours and 30 minutes.
FERRY BOAT FROM PUNTARENAS TO PAQUERA
The bus from San Jose to Malpais will stop at Puntarenas Ferry Port after 2 hours. You will cross by ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera in around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Once you cross by ferry from Paquera Port you will ride a bus 1 hour and 45 minutes ride from Paquera to Malpais where you can go walking to most of the places for accommodation.
The total bus fare from San Jose airport to Malpais is $15 USD including the bus coming from the airport and the ferry too. And the total travel time is around 6 hours and 30 minutes depending on the traffic and the waiting time.
SAN JOSE AIRPORT TO TRACOPA BUS TERMINAL IN SAN JOSE CITY CENTER
There are two bus services running from San Jose airport to city TUASA (Red and white buses) and Station Wagon (Yellow and orange buses). The buses are running every 10 minutes starting from 4 am until 11 30 pm.
The total travel time from San José Juan Santamaría Airport to city is around 30-40 minutes. The bus fare is 675 CRC which is $1.10 USD for one way and you don’t have to pay extra for the luggage.
You will have to walk outside to get the buses leaving from the main road outside the airport. You can buy the ticket direct from the bus driver.
PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION FROM SAN JOSE AIRPORT TO MALPAIS
Hotel transfers are also very easy and convenient but can be a little bit pricey. The transfers are usually available 24 hours and are only ideal if you have the budget and you really want comfort. Prices are around $310 USD and you will be able to fit up to 5 people. It could be 65 USD per person.
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BEST WAY FROM SAN JOSE AIRPORT TO MALPAIS (SAN JOSE AIRPORT TO MALPAIS) BUS VS VAN PROS AND CONS
The best way from San Jose to Malpais is by bus for $15 USD if you go on a budget for a total of 6 hours and 30 minutes travel time.
The best way from San Jose airport to Malpais is by van for $63 USD and you can book online if you prefer comfort and get directly to your hotel and they will handle all the transfers for you.
The best way from San Jose to Malpais is by taxi, Uber or private transportation if you wish comfort for around $310 USD and 4 hours travel time.
Happy Travels!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.