Skip taxi stress with a shared shuttle ride from San José Airport to Jaco Beach — your surfboard rides free, pets are welcome, and you’ll meet a local driver who knows every curve of the road. Enjoy working WiFi and air conditioning as you watch Costa Rica’s landscape change outside your window… it’s an easy start you’ll remember long after arrival.
The first thing I noticed was the way the air changed as we left San José — heavier, warmer, almost sticky in a good way. Our driver, Mario, waved at me right outside the airport doors (I’d been squinting at every sign for ten minutes). He grinned when he saw my surfboard bag and just said, “No problem, goes free,” like it was the most normal thing in the world. There was this faint smell of coffee from his thermos in the front seat. I remember thinking: okay, this is already better than I expected.
The shuttle itself was clean and cool inside — thank god for air conditioning after that airport humidity. There were two other travelers and a sleepy golden retriever sprawled across their feet (Mario just laughed and said he’s seen everything on these rides). WiFi actually worked, which surprised me — I managed to text my mom a photo of the palm trees blurring past. The road out of San José is all winding hills and sudden glimpses of green valleys; at one point Mario pointed out a spot where he said sloths sometimes hang out, though honestly I didn’t see any. Still looked for them anyway.
I liked how there wasn’t any fuss about stops or detours — it really was just straight to Jaco Beach, no weird delays or pickups along the way. We talked a bit about Costa Rican slang (I tried saying “pura vida” right but probably butchered it), and Mario told us about his favorite soda in Jaco for casado plates. The ride felt quick somehow — maybe because I kept watching the light shift through the windows as we got closer to the coast. When we finally pulled up near my hostel, I could hear distant waves before I even opened the door. That moment stuck with me more than I thought it would.
Yes, this shuttle provides non-stop airport pickup and drop-off directly between San José Airport and Jaco Beach.
Yes, surfboards ride for free on this shuttle service.
Yes, this is a pet-friendly shuttle service.
Yes, there is WiFi available onboard during your transfer.
Yes, all vehicles used are air-conditioned for comfort.
Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.
Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; specialized infant seats are also available.
Your transfer includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with working WiFi onboard; airport pickup is arranged by local staff who greet you upon arrival; pets and surfboards are welcome at no extra charge; all areas are wheelchair accessible and infant seats can be provided if needed before heading straight to your chosen destination in Jaco Beach.
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