How to Get Around in Jaco: The Best Transportation Methods

Discovering the vibrant town of Jaco requires efficient and convenient transportation to make the most of your stay. Whether you're a beach enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or someone eager to explore the local culture, planning how you'll navigate Jaco is key to have an amazing vacation. Since we get this question frequently here at Adventure Tours Costa Rica, we've curated a list of the very best transportation methods in the area to help you make informed decisions. Join us as we review the options!

Private Transport🛣️🚌

Even if you decide to forgo private in-country transport once you arrive in Jaco Beach, it’s hard to find a better way to get to Jaco or anywhere else you're going from the airport. Opting for private airport transfers provides a seamless and comfortable journey after dealing with the hustle and bustle of international travel. The approximately 50-mile distance is effortlessly covered, allowing you to transition from arrival to relaxation with ease. With the convenience of a private vehicle, the travel time is significantly reduced in comparison to more complicated transport methods, such as taking a public bus. Using private transport, you’ll arrive in Jaco in only about 1.5 to 2 hours on average. This mode of transportation not only ensures a swift transfer, but also provides the flexibility to appreciate the scenic landscapes as you travel from the airport to the beach. The best part is that it’s extremely affordable. The typical cost for a private transfer for up to four passengers with luggage comes in at around $120, with the cost of additional passengers only averaging about $10 extra per-person. It’s hard to beat the convenience and comfort at those prices.

Tour Transport 🚐👪

In Jaco, the allure of exploration extends beyond the town itself, with numerous captivating tours awaiting your discovery. What makes these experiences even more enticing is the fact that many tours in Jaco include transportation as part of the package, seamlessly connecting you with your adventures at no additional cost. For those seeking excursions located further away or wishing to do a tour that doesn’t include transport in the price, the option to add tour transportation is a practical and hassle-free choice that will not only streamline your logistics, it almost always saves you money. Free or added tour transportation is the best option for getting to your various adventures in a stress-free and affordable way.

Walking in Jaco 🚶👣

Exploring Jaco by foot is a delightful experience, as the town's layout and infrastructure are designed with pedestrians in mind. With well-maintained sidewalks lining the streets, strolling through Jaco is not only easy, but also a charming way to absorb the local atmosphere. Most accommodations in the area are within walking distance to an array of amenities, including shops, banks, restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and of course, the incredible beachfront. This ease of access gives Jaco a welcoming and laid-back vibe. Being able to walk from your hotel to a beachside café, take a few moments to enjoy the local shops, and then head to the sand for a stunning sunset stroll is one of the many reasons why Jaco is world-famous.

Rent a Bike 🚴‍♀️🏍️

Embracing the spirit of adventure in Jaco extends beyond its outstanding walkability. Alternative transportation options like renting a motorcycle are readily available in town. If you opt to rent a bike, essential equipment like a helmet is typically included in the rental fee, allowing you the freedom to explore the town safely and at your own pace. Jaco's flat terrain and well-established biking infrastructure make it an ideal setting for motorcycle riders or cyclists. For those seeking a more exhilarating experience, renting a motorcycle opens up a world of possibilities. This option provides the flexibility to venture beyond the town limits and explore the surrounding areas with the wind in your hair.

Rent a Car 🚗🚙

Renting a car in Jaco offers a convenient and flexible way to explore the diverse landscapes and neighboring towns at your own pace. While Jaco is easily navigable by foot or other means of transportation, having the option to rent a car for a day or two adds a layer of independence to your itinerary. With four rental car agencies in Jaco, the process is streamlined, providing a hassle-free experience for those looking to embark on short excursions beyond the immediate vicinity. Whether you're craving the scenic drive along the coast or planning a day trip to nearby attractions, having a rental car at your disposal allows you to customize your exploration of Jaco and its surroundings, ensuring you don't miss out on any hidden gems the region has to offer. If navigating a foreign car rental seems daunting, feel free to contact us for assistance. We can help streamline the process, providing you with the freedom you’re seeking without the worries.

Catch a Cab 🚖👋

Navigating Jaco through cabs is a convenient and widely-used mode of transportation, offering a quick and efficient way to move around town. If you’re craving a night of bar hopping in Jaco and the surrounding areas, this can often be your best bet. While there are unregulated cabs in the area, opting for a nationally registered cab - easily identifiable by their red color and yellow triangle door decals - will guarantee that your trip is both safe and regulated. If you are having issues communicating your needs with local dispatchers when calling a cab for yourself, most hotels and restaurants in Jaco are more than willing to assist you. As you navigate the town on foot, you’re certain to spot these cabs cruising the strip, ready to take you to your next adventure. With the amenities so close at hand in town, the average cost of a cab to get you anywhere in Jaco is between $2-$5 US Dollars.

Discovering Jaco's wonders is not only about its gorgeous beaches and vibrant culture but also the myriad of transportation options that enhance your stay. Whether you choose the simplicity of walking, the eco-friendly freedom of biking, the adventurous spirit of motorcycles, the flexibility of rental cars, or the convenience of national cabs, getting around in Jaco Beach couldn’t be easier.