Overview Compare Minivan Taxi Bus To Stay
What to expect when visiting Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a popular surf town on Costa Rica’s northwest Pacific coast. This once quiet fishing village has risen to popularity thanks to the surf waves of Playa Tamarindo, Playa Langosta, and its many other beaches.
Tamarindo is where tourists come to play and party, but it’s never crowded enough to take away the fun.
There is also a quieter side for families. Watch leatherback sea turtles lay eggs at Playa Grande, go kayaking at Tamarindo Estuary, or just lounge on your beach of choice.
New to Tamarindo? Our compact Tamarindo guide shows you the best areas to stay, restaurants you don’t want to miss, and many more tips for your visit to Tamarindo!
How to travel from Monteverde to Tamarindo
You have 3 options when travelling the 160 km from Monteverde to Tamarindo: a 3-hour minivan, a 3-hour private transfer, or an 8-hour bus. Rates range from $11.00 (6,000 CRC) to $180.00 (99,000 CRC).
3 ways to get from Monteverde to Tamarindo (Sorted by popularity)
Where to stay in Tamarindo?
Still looking for accommodation? Don’t forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Tamarindo at the bottom of this page.
Monteverde to Tamarindo by Shared Minivan
We recommend taking the minivan from Monteverde to Tamarindo if you’re travelling with one or two people. The minivan is a direct option with fares starting from $45.00 (25,000 CRC), including free hotel pick-up and drop-off. Travel time is about 3 hours.
The rate of the minivan may look expensive compared to the low-priced bus ride, but comes with the advantage that you can travel door-to-door from Monteverde to Tamarindo. If you travel by bus, you’ll have to take 4 buses just to complete this supposedly short journey.
You can choose from two companies when travelling by minivan to Tamarindo from Monteverde, RideCR or Interbus.
Minivan schedule from Monteverde to Tamarindo
Because there are only 2 minivan trips available daily, we recommend buying your tickets online a few days in advance for a good chance of securing a seat. If you’re travelling during the busy season or on a weekend, it wouldn’t hurt to book at least a week ahead.
You can purchase your tickets via BookAway, which offers the best rates for minivans operating between Monteverde and Tamarindo.
Monteverde to Tamarindo by Private Transfer
When you travel in a group, a private ride can be more cost-efficient than a shared minivan. A 5-seater taxi costs $180.00 (99,000 CRC) from Monteverde to Tamarindo. Split the cost and it’s only $36.00 (20,000 CRC) if you are travelling in a group of 5 people.
You can ask your hotel to arrange a taxi or book a private transfer online. We recommend booking a ride with BookAway because they offer more spacious cars that come with professional drivers.
Book a Private Transfer with BookAway
Monteverde to Tamarindo by Bus
We don’t recommend taking the bus from Monteverde to Tamarindo unless you’re on a budget. You will need to take 4 buses and travel for around 8 hours (that includes the waiting time for your connecting transfers). But with combined fares from $11.00 (6,000 CRC), it is a more budget-friendly option compared to the minivan or taxi.
TIP: Be mindful of your luggage when taking a bus in Costa Rica. Don’t leave your bigger bags until they’re safely inside the compartment below the bus, and make sure to get your luggage ticket! Keep all your valuables in a smaller bag that you can put on your lap. Your bag’s safer where you can see it than on the overhead bin.
Still want to take an indirect bus from Monteverde to Tamarindo? Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Monteverde to Tilaran by Bus
First, you’ll take a bus from Monteverde to Tilaran, a town located 50 km northwest.
Transportes Monteverde Hermanos Soto operates only one trip for this route daily. This bus departs at 07:00 in the morning. Try to be at the bus station at least 30 minutes prior to departure time to make sure you can get a seat.
A bus ticket costs around $4.00 (2,000 CRC) and travel time takes around 2.5 hours.
Buses depart from Monteverde Bus Terminal and arrive at Tilaran Bus Station.
Step 2: Tilaran to Cañas by Bus
Next, you’ll travel further west to the town of Cañas. Buses depart from the same station you arrive at, which is Tilaran Bus Station.
Reyna del Campo is the sole bus operator for this route. Their buses are available almost every hour from 05:00 to 20:00. You shouldn’t have a hard time finding their blue and white buses at the terminal.
The bus journey from Tilaran to Cañas takes around 40 minutes. Ticket prices start from $1.00 (1,000 CRC).
Buses park at La Cañera Bus Stop in Cañas.
Step 3: Cañas to Liberia by Bus
From La Cañera Bus Stop, you will once again travel northwest, about 50 km to Liberia.
Reyna del Campo is also the main operator for this route. Their buses are available every hour from 04:30 to 19:30. A ticket costs around $3.00 (2,000 CRC) for the 1-hour journey.
You can also travel with Tralapa and Colorado de Abangares, although their buses do not depart as frequently as those of Reyna del Campo.
You are to get off the bus at Liberia Bus Terminal.
Step 4: Liberia to Tamarindo by Bus
Finally, from Liberia Bus Terminal, you’ll have to transfer to another bus bound for Tamarindo, located 80 km southwest.
Buses for this route are available every 2-3 hours from 05:00 to 18:10. You can choose from 3 bus operators: Transportes La Pampa, Tralapa, and Transporte Inteligente de Guanacaste.
You should arrive in Liberia around noon. This will be a good time to take a lunch break because the next bus will not be departing until 14:10. Make sure to confirm the schedule at the terminal before leaving to get food.
The bus trip from Liberia to Tamarindo takes around 1.5 hours. Fares start from $3.00 (2,000 CRC).
Buses arrive at Tamarindo Bus Station, which you can find in the town centre, just a few hundred metres from the beach.
Compare travel itineraries from Monteverde to Tamarindo
Bus
- Monteverde
- 2.5 hours
- Tilaran
- 40 minutes
- Cañas
- 1 hour
- Liberia
- 1.5 hours
- Tamarindo
Our favourite places to stay in Tamarindo
Les Voiles Blanches – Treating yourself
Tamarindo is full of luxury resorts, and Les Voiles Blanches is one of the top. Hence the hefty price tag. Throughout the paradise hotel, there are a number of beautiful pools, so you’ll be able to find your own private oasis away from the high energy of Tamarindo.
The hotel offers both normal hotel rooms and tent-style rooms. Don’t worry, there’s no slumming it, the rooms are more like luxurious wooden cabins. Every room has its own terrace, but there’s also stunning communal areas to relax in.
- Multiple swimming pools
- Unique style rooms
- Super attentive staff
- Home-made breakfast available
King rooms start from $80 per night
Ten North Tamarindo Beach Hotel – Treating yourself
If Les Voiles Blanches is too far out of your price range, Ten North is another great option. It has a huge array of room options, ranging from double rooms to two bedroom apartments. The pool is a spectacular highlight of the hotel, but it’s the staff that steal the show. They are incredibly friendly. and just love to help you with anything that they can.
The rooms boast a rustic and bright vibe that feels very homely. You won’t want to spend too much time in your room as there’s so many places around the hotel to chill and relax. All whilst being surrounded by nature.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Incredibly friendly staff
- Beautifully decorated rooms
- Range of room sizes to accommodate everyone
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Tee-K Lodge – Mid range
If you want to be close to the action of Tamarindo, but not too close, then Tee-K Lodge is a great solution. There’s so much nature and tropical gardens surrounding the hotel that you forget about the outside world. Especially when chilling in their lovely swimming pool!
The owners of the lodge will make your stay unforgettable. Going above and beyond to make sure that you’re happy and have the best time in Tamarindo. It’s so good that it’s not uncommon for guests to keep on extending their stay here.
- Incredible hosts
- Exceptional breakfast included
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Beautiful and spacious rooms
Double rooms start from $50-80 per night
Hostel La Botella de Leche – Budget Friendly
Offering both dorms and private rooms, you can pick the type of accommodation that suits your needs. As it’s classed as a hostel, you’ll find a fully-equipped shared kitchen, plus lots of places to hang out and meet people.
Hostel La Botella de Leche has its own swimming pool, outdoor lounge area, shared living room, library and plenty of hammocks. It’s also in a great location, only minutes from the beach.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Shared living room
- Sociable atmosphere
- Great location
Double rooms between $15-$50 per night
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About the author(s)
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
