How to get to Manuel Antonio from Quepos, Costa Rica? (and vice versa)

One of the best things about visiting Manuel Antonio is how easy it is to reach from nearby Quepos. Whether you’re heading to the Manuel Antonio National Park for the day, checking into a jungle hotel, or just chasing sunset views by the beach, this short trip is simple and stress-free.

These two neighbors are only a short ride apart, and travelers have a couple of great ways to make the journey — whether you want something fast and private, or cheap and local. Below, we break down the two most popular ways to get there: by car or taxi and by local bus, so you can choose the one that fits your adventure.

Bus Quepos - Manuel Antonio

The bus to Manuel Antonio from Quepos

For travelers looking to save money and travel like a local, the public bus between Quepos and Manuel Antonio is hard to beat. This route runs frequently throughout the day and is one of the most reliable bus services in Costa Rica.

The first bus of the day is scheduled for 5.45 AM, but we recommend arriving at the bus station (maps) by 5.30 AM.

The next departure is at 6.45 AM, which will be perfect to get you to the park for the first entrance slot of the day from 7.00 - 7.40 AM. Then every hour and a half from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM. Buses depart roughly every 20 to 30 minutes. In the evenings, it's usually every hour from 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 9:30.

The fare is very affordable: 380 colones, or less than $1 USD per person, paid directly to the driver in Costa Rican colones. 

Buses leave from the Quepos bus terminal and make multiple stops along the main road, including near hotels, beaches like Espadrilla Norte beach (maps), and from there you simply have to walk along the small beach trail (maps) for two minutes until you arrive at the main entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park (maps). This makes it a convenient option even if you’re not staying directly in town.

The bus is perfect for budget travelers, solo adventurers, and anyone who doesn’t mind a slightly slower pace in exchange for an authentic local experience.

Tips:

• This bus has a seating capacity of approximately 50 people, and becomes very crowded in the late morning and afternoons with travellers. Choose your time slot well.

• Be sure to carry small bills or coins, as drivers may not have change.

Bus from Manuel Antonio to Quepos

If you’re heading from Manuel Antonio back to Quepos, or returning to your hotel somewhere along the hill, catching the local bus is easy once you know the routine — and trust us, we’ve taken this bus more times than we can count.

The main pickup point is just outside Supermercado Super Joseth de la Playa (maps), right next to Restaurant Marlin. That’s where most people wait, and it’s a convenient spot to grab a drink or a snack while keeping an eye on the road. Sometimes you’ll see the bus stop briefly on the opposite side of the street to drop people off first. If that happens, don’t stress. You can cross over and hop on there, but the bus will usually continue for a minute and loop back to the supermercado anyway.

Buses generally run into the evening, but the last bus from Manuel Antonio to Quepos is around 9:30 PM, and on some nights it runs closer to 10:00 PM. If you miss it, taxis are still available, but it’s good to plan ahead if you’re staying out late.

On the way back, remember this is a very local bus. There are no automated stop buttons, so you’ll need to call out or ring the bell when your stop is coming up. We always recommend having your phone GPS on, with your accommodation pinned, especially after dark. If you’re not sure exactly where to get off, just tell the driver where you’re staying when you board — they’re used to helping travelers and will often give you a heads-up.

It’s all part of the experience — simple, local, and very pura vida once you know how it works.

Tips:

• The road between Manuel Antonio and Quepos can be busy, and some stretches are very dark at night. If you’re walking from the bus stop back to your hotel, take it slow, stay alert, and use your phone flashlight so passing cars can see you. An extra caution goes a long way here.

• Unless your accommodation is right at the end of the Manuel Antonio side of the hill, we do not recommend walking along this road or between the two locations. It's pretty unsafe and irresponsible to walk it for any great distance.

Taxis or a car from Quepos to Manuel Antonio (and vice versa)

Traveling by rental car or taxi is the fastest and most comfortable way to get from Quepos to Manuel Antonio. The distance is short, about 7 kilometers (4 miles), and the drive usually takes 10 to 15 minutes along a scenic coastal road lined with ocean views and tropical greenery.

If you’re driving a rental car, this option gives you total freedom. You can stop at viewpoints, visit hidden beaches, or continue exploring the area beyond Manuel Antonio. Daily rental rates in Quepos typically start around $45 to $65 USD for a basic vehicle, with prices increasing during high season. Parking near Manuel Antonio National Park and popular beaches is available but can fill up quickly, especially mid-morning, so arriving early is key. (Be also careful to scams that will try to charge you)

Taking a taxi is a great alternative if you don’t want to drive. A one-way taxi ride from Quepos to Manuel Antonio generally costs between $8 and $12 USD and takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Red taxis are easy to find in Quepos, and many hotels are happy to call one for you. Note that drivers here won't use the meter, so it's always a good idea to negotiate and agree on the final price before getting in the car. If travelling with luggage, it’s definitely worth confirming that it’s been factored into the final price.

Taxi Headquarters phone numbers:

• +506) 2777-0425

• +506) 2777-3080

• WhatsApp: + 506 8799-7663

Our Tips:

• Use our Pura Vida Traveling exclusive link to receive up to 10% off and additional rental benefits.

• Always check with your credit card company to see whether international car insurance is an added benefit for cardholders. This can save you some money on your rental.

• Waze is the most used direction application in Costa Rica so it normally has the most up-to-date road conditions.

• "Taxistas" are generally honest and friendly, but be careful. Bring cash, and don't expect the taxi driver to have change for larger bills. Most of them don't speak English very well.

Conclusion

Getting from Quepos to Manuel Antonio is as much a part of your Costa Rica experience as the destination itself. If you want simple, fast, and flexible travel, renting a car or taking a taxi will get you there comfortably in about 10–15 minutes. If you’re after local vibes and ultra-low costs, the public bus is a charming and reliable option with frequent departures and easy access to beach and park areas.

No matter how you choose to go, the journey between Quepos and Manuel Antonio is short, scenic, and filled with pura vida energy, helping set the tone for your Costa Rica adventure.