How to get from San Jose to San Isidro de El General
HOW DO I GET FROM SAN JOSÉ TO SAN ISIDRO DE EL GENERAL?
You can travel to San Isidro de El General by public bus, rental car, or SEPA’s private transportation (for students of SEPA Spanish Language School and Environmental Protection Center only). Whether you are coming to San Isidro as a SEPA Spanish language student, or as a friendly traveler, here are some helpful directions to get you to San Isidro.
PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION FOR SEPA STUDENTS:
(For students of SEPA Spanish Language School and Environmental Protection Center only)
Your journey to SEPA Spanish Language School and Environmental Protection Center starts at the San José International Airport (or your hotel) where we gladly pick you up. From there, SEPA Spanish Language School transports you to San Isidro de El General, which is approximately a three hour drive through soaring mountains and breath-taking scenery. One of the advantage of traveling this way, is that you can stop whenever you want.
The cost for SEPA private transportation is $200 per one-way trip, which can be shared amongst the other travelers in the van if you are coming with a group.
How to get from San Jose to San Isidro by bus:
Although it sounds tricky, travel to San Isidro de el General by bus is a simple process, involving only two modes of travel: taxi and bus.
Step One – Take a taxi to the Musoc Bus Station: After you arrive at the San José Airport, step outside the only exit/entrance. You will see a full fleet of red taxis with yellow triangles on the side, who are eager to drive you to your destination. These are the legitimate Costa Rican taxis and you will want to go with one of them, even if a different- colored taxi (referred to as a ‘pirate’ taxi) offers you a lower price.
TAXI ADVICE: Before you get in the taxi, ask the driver how much for transportation to the MUSOC Bus Station. Most drivers speak enough English to know what ‘How much’ means. The price should be no more than $40 (or 20,000 colones) one way. If he asks for more, just politely step away and head for the next taxi. Your driver may re-negotiate the price when he sees you leaving, or you might just have to ask the next taxi in line.
Your taxi ride from San José Airport to the MUSOC Bus Station will last approximately twenty-five to forty-five minutes, depending on the traffic.
Step Two – Take the bus to San Isidro de El General: You will want to get to the bus station an hour before your bus trip. It works best if you buy the ticket one day in advance so you are assured of getting the time that you want, but of course, that is not always possible.
Once you arrive at the bus station you purchase a ticket to San Isidro de El General. The ticket will cost approximately $6.50 (around 3,300 colones). If you prefer to sit at the front, ask for seat 1, 2, 3, or 4. Make sure that you get a ‘directo’ ticket – that means it goes straight through without making a bunch of stops. Call us after you buy your ticket so you can tell us what time you will get to San Isidro and we can have your host family to greet you. Here is the schedule:
MUSOC Bus Schedule:
Buses leave from San José at the following times: 5:30 am, 7:30 am, 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:00 pm, 5:30 pm.
The bus schedule to return to San José is: 5:30 am, 7 :30 pm, 8:30 am, 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 4:30 pm.
Ticket cost: Approximately $6 one way
Office hours: 6:30 am to 5:00
MUSOC Phone numbers: San Jose: 222-2422 / San Isidro: 2771-3829
Getting on the bus: When your departure time arrives, follow the other travelers to the bus area. You will see more than one bus. If your bus doesn’t say ‘San Isidro de El General’ in large letters on the front windshield, just show your ticket and people will help you to the right bus. Take care of that ticket. You will need it to get back on, if you get off the bus at the rest stop.
If you have luggage, go to the side of the bus where there is a large luggage compartment, and give your luggage to the driver. Watch as it is safely deposited, then get on the bus. Make sure you sit in the correct seat number. Just like on an airplane, the numbers are marked above each row of seats.
Once you get on the bus and find your seat, just settle back and enjoy your ride through the old-world mountains of Chirripó. If you have carry-on luggage, such as a backpack, it’s better to keep it by your legs, or on your lap, instead of storing it overhead.
Half-way to San Isidro, you will have a welcome, but brief stop, at a modern facility, where you can stretch your legs, purchase a snack, and use the bathroom. It’s a good idea to take your personal carry-on items with you. Be alert to when your driver re-boards the bus. If you’re not on the bus, it will leave without you.
Once you arrive at the MUSOC Bus Station in San Isidro de El General, retrieve your luggage from the luggage bin at the side of the bus, the same as when you loaded it. Then, just as you did at the airport, you will see another fleet of red taxis waiting to make this last leg of your trip pleasant and quick.
If you are coming to join us in one of our Spanish language programs at SEPA, your homestay family will be there to pick you up.
How to get from San Jose to San Isidro by car:
If you are traveling by car you need to take the Panamerican Highway from San José heading South for 135 km. After 3 hours you will arrive at San Isidro de El General.
Regardless of the travel option you choose, you will enjoy a pleasing mountain journey filled with stunning scenery!
