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The Bus in Costa Rica

Don't worry and enjoy the view

From San José to Drake Bay

There are two options to go from San José to Drake Bay:

Skipping Palmar Norte: 1 bus and 1 boat.

Via Palmar Norte: 2 buses and 1 boat. Buses are more frequent.

Option A

Section 1: San José to Sierpe

Bus company:
Tracopa
Price:
₡7700
Estimated length:
7h-8h
Time schedule:

8:30am

3pm

8:30am

3pm

8:30am

3pm

Origin terminal:
Destination terminal:
Can you buy the ticket on the bus?:
No - Buy at ticket office in the bus terminal
Last update:
4 June 2026

Section 2: Sierpe to Drake Bay

Bus company:
La Perla Del Sur (boat)
Price:
₡10000 ($20)
Estimated length:
1h
Time schedule:

11:30am

3:30pm

11:30am

3:30pm

11:30am

3:30pm

Origin terminal:
Destination terminal:
Drop-off near your accommodation in Drake Bay center - Drop-offs outside Drake Bay center are subject to an extra charge
Can you buy the ticket on the bus?:
Yes, pay to the boat captain
Last update:
25 May 2026

Where to stay?

Image advertising Hostelworld company

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How to stay safe?

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SafetyWing is the travel insurance designed for travelers who want flexibility in both time and location, while still saving money. Starting at just $56.28 per 4 weeks, Nomad Insurance offers comprehensive worldwide coverage, protecting you against both medical and travel-related issues.

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Option B

Section 1: San José to Palmar Norte

Bus company:
Autotransportes Blanco Lobo
Price:
₡6500
Estimated length:
4h15min
Time schedule:

12pm

12pm

12pm

Origin terminal:
Destination terminal:
Can you buy the ticket on the bus?:
No - Buy at ticket office in the bus terminal
Last update:
24 April 2021

Section 2: Palmar Norte to Sierpe

Bus company:
Autolassa
Price:
₡350
Estimated length:
40min
Time schedule:

6:30am

8am

9:30am

11:30am

2:30pm

5:15pm

6:30am

8am

9:30am

11:30am

2:30pm

5:15pm

6:30am

8am

9:30am

11:30am

2:30pm

5:15pm

Origin terminal:
Bus stop next to Tracopa terminal
Destination terminal:
Can you buy the ticket on the bus?:
Yes
Last update:
24 April 2021

Section 3: Sierpe to Drake Bay

Bus company:
La Perla Del Sur (boat)
Price:
₡10000 ($20)
Estimated length:
1h
Time schedule:

11:30am

3:30pm

11:30am

3:30pm

11:30am

3:30pm

Origin terminal:
Destination terminal:
Drop-off near your accommodation in Drake Bay center - Drop-offs outside Drake Bay center are subject to an extra charge
Can you buy the ticket on the bus?:
Yes, pay to the boat captain
Last update:
25 May 2026

Where to stay?

Image advertising Hostelworld company

Hostelworld is one of the best places to find not just a great bed for the night, but the experiences that make your trip unforgettable.

Dive in now and find your next home away from home.

How to stay safe?

Image advertising SafetyWing insurance company

SafetyWing is the travel insurance designed for travelers who want flexibility in both time and location, while still saving money. Starting at just $56.28 per 4 weeks, Nomad Insurance offers comprehensive worldwide coverage, protecting you against both medical and travel-related issues.

Good news is that you can buy it now, even if you are already traveling!