There are two stations in Nicoya which you will likely use in your travels. The Traroc is a main hub for several destinations and the other is where the bus heads back to Liberia (see map). The two stations are only about 5 blocks apart and connected to the same street. This means, for instance, if you are arriving from Liberia and heading to Samara or Nosara(Playa Guiones) you will need to walk those five blocks to the other station.
Nicoya to San José
Have a look at the schedule photo below to see when this bus heads to San José. As of 2016 the cost is 4000₡ and it takes about 5.5hrs.
Nicoya to Liberia
Make sure you are at the right station (see map). This bus leaves every 30min from 4:30am to 8pm.
Nicoya to Nosara
From Nicoya to Nosara the bus leaves at: 4:45am (not Sunday), 10:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:30pm (Sunday only), 5:30pm (not Sunday).
From Nosara to Nicoya the bus leaves at: 5:00am (not Sunday), 5:30am, 7:00am, 12:00pm, 3:00pm.
See photos below.
TIP: If you are heading to Nosara (Playa Guiones) from Liberia be aware that the bus from Liberia to Nicoya can be anywhere from 1.5hrs to 2hrs+. To make the 12:30pm bus leaving Nicoya to Nosara it is recommended to leave from Liberia no later than 10am, or you will risk sitting in Nicoya waiting for the 3:30pm bus. Note that the station you arrive at and the station you leave from are different. Only 5 blocks apart but you need to factor that in along with bathroom breaks.
Nicoya to Samara
There are several buses every day to Samara from Nicoya. Have a look at the photo of the schedule below to check the times. As of 2016 this bus was about 1800₡ and took about 1.5hrs.
Samara to Nicoya
For buses heading back to Nicoya you can wait at a covered bus stop right at the exit of town – about 20 meters away from the Alfaro office. Check the Samara page for the schedule. This bus will pass La Bomba – which is where you need to get off for buses to Nosara, see below. As of 2016 this bus was about 1800₡ and took about 1.5hrs.
Nicoya to Playa Naranjo
Check out the Transportes Arsa website for the schedule.
Liberia Airport to Nicoya
You are in luck! The bus from Liberia to Nicoya will pass right in front of the airport. It passes very frequently and you can have a look at the Liberia Airport page for more info.
Help your fellow traveller
If you have taken any of the buses on this page, please drop us a comment below about how the trip went, what time you left, how long it took and what it cost. And, definitely let us know if we have anything wrong.
Lets help each other in our travels!
Thank you again for the great information on this site.
I just took the white bus from Liberia Airport to Nicoya (you can catch it right in front of the airport or out on the highway in front of the airport). It was 1,920 colones and took just over 2 hours. When you get to Nicoya (called Estacion de Buses on Google Maps), there are no signs or maps, but the bus terminal is just a few blocks away. Find the main road called 150, and follow it down the hill, past streets Av. Justo A. Flores, Av 2, and Av 4, and it’s just before the river and just past Av 4 on your left (called Estacion de Buses ALFARO on Google Maps). You pay on the bus and I believe it was 1,200 colones. Stood most of the way, but it was an easy ride. Took about 2 hours in early October from Nicoya to Guiones/Nosara.
Hi, anyone know how to get from Nicoya to Puntarenas as we are going to attempt tomorrow to do the mammoth Sámara to Santa Teresa trip with about 4-5 buses and a ferry!
I am trying to get from Santa Elena to Sámara. Do you know the best way please? Thanks
What is the best way to get from Nicoya to Playa Hermosa?
Hey there, which Playa Hermosa are you trying to get to?
Hey, I just thought I’d let you know that you can buy tickets online at mibus.cr, it’s super convenient and haven’t seen you post about it, and as someone traveling I found it more convenient than finding out where do they sell the tickets in town, they charge a 590 colones fee, but is totally worth it and it works in all Guanacaste and San Jose busses
Thank you!
Is there a way to go by bus from San Jose to Nambi de Nicoya? Does Nambi even have a bus station ?
Hi Susan, I don’t know if Nambi has a bus station but I am guessing the bus just stops along the main road in town somewhere. There are buses that go from the 7-10 Terminal to Nicoya each day. Have a look at the schedule and info on this page https://centrocoasting.com/costarica/san-jose-7-10/ I can’t say for 100% sure if the bus will pas Nambi, but if it doesn’t you could always get the bus to Nicoya and then taxi to Nambi (15mins) or get a local bus from Nicoya headed that way. Have a great trip!
Are large suitcases allowed on the bus from Nicoya to Samara? I’m hearing different things… Thanks!
Hi Melissa, that always depends on size and which bus, larger buses originating in San Jose and passing Nicoya to Samara will have a luggage compartment below. You can also try asking the Samara Info Center https://www.samarainfocenter.com/local-bus-schedule. I personally have taken some larger bags (and a surfboard) on buses between Nicoya and Samara and it hasn’t been a problem. Though, it doesn’t mean the rules are the same as my experience. Costa Rica is always changing! https://centrocoasting.com/costarica/samara/
Hi!
Also would love to know if there is a bus from the San Jose airport to Nicoya? Trying to get to Norasa and know there is a bus line from Nicoya to Norasa.
Thank you in advance:)
No bus from SJO to Nicoya. You will have to go into the city to get a bus that way. There is a bus from San Jose city (7-10) station that goes all the way to Nosara. Check both the 7-10 page and the Nosara page for more info.