The San José Tracopa Terminal is where you find buses heading South. Major destinations include: David (Panama), Paso Canoas, Golfito, Uvita, Dominical, Quepos and Manuel Antonio.
Tracopa Terminal is a nice, clean, open station with two spots for food and coffee, and has nice clean bathrooms. We have a recent photo of the schedule below (May 2017). If you want to double check times and prices, have a look at the Tracopa website. Although the website only shows you the main routes and times and wont break it down to when buses pass stops along the way. In general with Tracopa however, even if you are getting off half way enroute, you pay full fare.
Surfers, you will pay an extra 2000₡ for your board.
I have had it recommended to me in the past to purchase tickets one day in advance during the busy season. I have never done this and have always managed to get a ticket on my day of travel. But be warned – if it is a very busy time of year and you are taking a popular bus route then it is definitely a good idea to show up at least an hour early in the morning to make sure you get a seat. If seats are full, ask if you can stand.
Need help planning activities on your trip?
If you need some vacation inspiration, check out some of the activities and tours offered for the Manuel Antonio and Central Pacific area. If you are still planning for your upcoming trip, I am told this Trip Planner from Gecko Trail is quite useful to help you prioritize where you want to spend your time! Gecko Trail is a ICT certified Travel Agency that has great core values and gives back to the community. So much to see and do in this beautiful country!
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!
Hi,
Trying to get from Atenas or San Jose to Palmar Norte: my goal is Sierpe/boat to get to Drake Bay in January 2021. Which company goes? How do I find the schedule? I thought it was Trapoca, but your links don’t go there. Thank you!
Hello. Thanks for all the informations
Do you know if there is a way to cancel an open ticket (tracopa / David -> San Jose) and get refund, or change the ticket for another itinary?
Thank you
Hola! Quiero saber mismo día un tiquete de boleto a pagar? Y San José a David cuanto el precio? Y hora gracias
San Jose ——-> Quepos:
On Tuesday 4th of February, we took a bus from San Jose to Quepos at 13:30. There was also a bus at 12:30 however there were no seats left. The bus we took was also full so we recommend getting to the terminal an hour or so before you want to leave to get a ticket. We payed $8.54 each (inc bags).
Took approximately 3 hours.
Hope this helps =)
This web site really has all of the information and facts I needed concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
Hello!
Your help please, I have difficulties understand the timetable in Tracopa website. I need information about the bus schedule from San Jose to Golfito please and to Rio Claro. Much appreciated, this site is wonderful.
Have a look at the website and select SAN Jose to Golfito. It will give you the schedule. http://tracopacr.com/es/index_es.aspx
For all of you who want to travel from San Jose to Manuel Antonio and then the same way back: I recommend you, buy the ticket for the way back in San Jose too. Because in Manuel Antonio there’s nowhere where you can buy a ticket. I had to take the local bus to Quepos (335 Colones) to buy the ticket there.
Thanks very helpful
Hey – do you know the name of the first bus stop leaving San Jose where the Tracopa buses along the Costanera route take the 20 minute break? It’s just after Orotina. I would like to take an Uber/taxi there from the airport avoiding having to get into SJ Centre. But I would need an address/name. I know that there is no official Tracopa office there to buy a ticket, but I’m willing to take that risk and hope the find a spare seat going towards Quepos. Any pointers to give Uber/taxi directions would be very helpful. Many thanks
Hi Barbara, sorry I didn’t get back to you on this one. Hope it worked out.