Driving routes, distances and day-trip ideas nearby.
A ready week, day by day: highly rated places, lunches, tours and trips out of town. Ratings and opening hours come from Tripadvisor, distances are real driving distances.
An unhurried first day: the centre on foot, one landmark and a quiet dinner near where you're staying. Don't plan anything far — after travelling, getting your bearings matters more.
All day
A free day — the market, the waterfront, the next neighbourhood over.
Hotel check-in is usually from 2pm — if you arrive earlier, most places will store your luggage.
The fullest day: two or three key places back to back. Start early — queues build by midday at the popular ones, and the light is better for photographs after lunch.
All day
A free day — the market, the waterfront, the next neighbourhood over.
Carry some cash for markets and small cafés — cards are not taken everywhere.
A day for what needs time and attention: museums, historic quarters, and lunch somewhere locals actually go.
Afternoon
Ebano Waterfalls and Rainforest Safari Tour
5.0· 72from €76
Ebano Waterfalls and Rainforest Safari Tour — rated 5 from 72 reviews.
Many museums close on a Monday or Tuesday — check the opening hours before you set out.
Get beyond the city: the nearby towns and countryside are usually what stays with you. A rental car is the practical way — public transport on these routes is slow and infrequent.
All day
Alajuela
Alajuela is 136 km from San Jose, about 2h 21m by car. Leave in the morning so you're back before dark.
Book the car ahead: in season there is little left and the counter price is higher.
Rent a car in San JoseA free day. Go back to wherever you wanted to linger, and add one or two places from the list you haven't reached.
Afternoon
Rafting Sarapiqui River Class II-III Costa Rica
5.0· 57from €54
Rafting Sarapiqui River Class II-III Costa Rica — rated 5 from 57 reviews.
Carry some cash for markets and small cafés — cards are not taken everywhere.
A good day for a guided tour: a guide tells you what the signs don't, and takes the driving off your hands.
All day
Liberia
Liberia is 211 km from San Jose, about 3h 27m by car. Leave in the morning so you're back before dark.
Book the car ahead: in season there is little left and the counter price is higher.
Rent a car in San JoseA calm finish: a favourite spot once more, some shopping, a late lunch. Leave yourself room before the airport.
Afternoon
Horseback our Hacienda - 4 hours Coffee Tour
5.0· 48from €49
Horseback our Hacienda - 4 hours Coffee Tour — rated 5 from 48 reviews.
Allow twice what the map says for the airport run — it is never the quiet hour when you need it.
Where you can drive from San Jose.
Tap a place for photos, opening hours and reviews
Top attractions
Restaurants and cafés
Ebano Waterfalls and Rainforest Safari Tour
€76
Rafting Sarapiqui River Class II-III Costa Rica
€54
Horseback our Hacienda - 4 hours Coffee Tour
€49
Special Private Waterfalls and Jungle Safari Tour
€107
Hyatt Place San José/Pinares
from €93 / night
Hotel Presidente
from €96 / night
Residence Inn by Marriott San Jose Escazu
from €127 / night
Grano de Oro Hotel
from €190 / night
Source — Tripadvisor
Very good and located hotel
Went for a 4 dah stay on a business tfip. Very well located with plenty of good options for food next to it. Safe area go go out gor a walk and a big mall at a walking distance. Excellent breakfast. Very nice and polite personal.
Exceptional experience
The service was exceptional! The food was very flavorful and prepared well. We had the burrata salad, tuna toast and sea bass ceviche. The atmosphere included a modern design, music was upbeat-we will be coming back here!
My Costa Rica experience
Everything from hotels to transport was comfortable and enjoyable. Their suggestions and planned itinerary were perfect. No matter when I needed them they responded within minutes. Would definitely recommend and use again
Terrible!
I received an email on 8/5 that my prepaid 8/6 roundtrip transport from the airport was cancelled. No refund in sight and left scrambling at the last minute. I had made the reservation only about a week prior, so the company should have seen this coming. Sad all around!