Getting here

Getting here (from the airport to San Pedro)

When you arrive at the Juan Santamaría airport (SJO), you have several transport options to reach San Pedro neighbourhood.in the metropolitan area of San José:

  • By taxi / private transfer (best option)
    • A taxi or private transfer from the airport directly to San Pedro takes about 20–30 minutes (depending on traffic) and covers ~ 20 km.
    • Pre-booking a private shuttle ensures you are met at the terminal and delivered directly to your destination.
    • This is the most convenient option especially if you have luggage or arrive late.
  • By public bus (not recommended)
    • From the airport you can catch the red TUASA bus (or similar) heading into San José city centre. The stop is just outside the terminal area.
    • From downtown San José you can then transfer or walk to San Pedro. The total journey takes around 1 h or more, depending on route and traffic.
    • This is the most budget-friendly option but may be less comfortable if you are carrying heavy luggage.
    • You will need to transfer to reach San Pedro, and you should also carry colones colones (the local currency), as bus fares are low and most buses do not accept card payments. Finding your way around by public bus can be challenging, since Google Maps does not always provide accurate information about routes and schedules.

 

The Faculty of Letters of the University of Costa Rica (UCR)

The UCR San Pedro — specifically the Facultad de Letras building is located on the San Pedro campus (in Montes de Oca, San Pedro).

From SJO airport the journey is essentially the same as going to San Pedro, since the campus is located there.

  • Use the taxi/private transfer or bus route described above, and ask to be dropped off at UCR San Pedro — specifically the Facultad de Letras building or the San Pedro campus.
  • On arrival by taxi you’ll drive through the San José metropolitan area to the Montes de Oca / San Pedro neighbourhood..
  • Once in the San Pedro area you may need to walk short distances on‐campus; allow a few minutes extra.
  • If travelling by bus, you might take a bus into San José or San Pedro and then a short local bus or walk to the campus.

 

From the airport to Hotel Ave del Paraíso & Apartotel Tairona (both in San Pedro)

Hotel Ave del Paraíso

Address: 50 meters north of the Law School entrance of UCR, San Pedro, San José.

  • Transport: From the airport, you can take a taxi or pre-book shuttle directly to the hotel. It’s in San Pedro so follows the same route from the airport as above.
  • Once you arrive in San Pedro campus / neighbourhood, inform the driver of the hotel name and they will know the general location (next to UCR).
  • Alternatively, if you come in by bus, get off in San Pedro near the UCR campus and walk or take a local taxi/ride share the final few minutes.

Apartotel Tairona

Address: Barrio Dent, San Pedro, Montes de Oca, 75 metres west of Taco Bell.

  • Similar transport guidance as above applies. A taxi/private transfer will drop you right close to the hotel.
  • If using the bus: come to San Pedro, then short walk/local taxi in Barrio Dent.

Note: For your safety and comfort, we recommend taking taxi or ride-share service if you need to get around after dark, as some streets may be quiet or have limited lighting at night.