How to get to Manuel Antonio or Quepos from San Jose or SJO Airport?
- Esteban Acedo
- Dec 8, 2023
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 28
The trip from San Jose or SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio is a 2-3 hour 168km drive through the jungle with lots to see and enjoy. Taking this route may be the best option for this trip if the flights fit your schedule, but most people will find that driving or taking a shared or private shuttle is simpler and takes about the same time. Use this blog to help you choose the best option for you, and be sure to stop along the way to get the most out of this trip.
Need other useful information? We have a complete travel guide dedicated to the town of Manuel Antonio & Quepos: the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do in the area.
What is the best way to get to Manuel Antonio or Quepos from San Jose or SJO Airport?
Pura Vida Traveling Recommendations:
On a Budget: Shared Shuttle, Public Buses
Singles, Couples, or Small Groups: Airplane, Taxi or Rental Car, Shared Shuttle
Families or Large Groups: Private shuttle
To Manuel Antonio from San Jose by Private Shuttle
Perfect for groups - 2-3hrs - $250-$400
Traveling by private or shared shuttle is our most recommended means of transportation to get between San Jose and Manuel Antonio. If you choose this option, you can expect a large, air-conditioned van that is insured and duly licensed by the government. Shuttles can usually carry up to 12 or 15 travelers, and drivers generally speak basic English, while some are completely fluent. Click here for detailed information on shared and private shuttle services in Costa Rica.
Writer's tips:
Be sure to inform the carrier if you have a surfboard or several large suitcases.
If you take a private shuttle, stop along the way to buy souvenirs and fresh fruit.
Private shuttles are normally charged for 1-6 passengers. Plan to pay $15 more per additional person you add after six passengers.
To Manuel Antonio from San Jose by Shared Shuttle
Solo travelers or couples - 3-4hrs - $65
If you enjoy the company of other travelers, a group shuttle might be the ideal choice. Shared shuttles operate on fixed schedules and pick up passengers at different locations. Although you have less control over schedules, group shuttles are a cost-effective and social way to reach Manuel Antonio. Click here for more information on group and private shuttles
Writer's tips:
Book in advance, as these shuttles can fill up
Shared shuttles from San Jose with three general departure times (9 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m)
Be aware of baggage restrictions. Surfboards and additional suitcases may incur an extra cost.
To Manuel Antonio from San Jose by Car or Taxi
Easiest - 2-3hrs - $80-$180
If you can afford to rent a car, it is highly recommended, as it will give you the freedom to travel at your own pace and allow you to travel off the beaten path to some of the most popular and hard-to-reach places in Costa Rica. Renting a car can be extremely expensive during the summer season (December-March) and very reasonable during the “winter” season (August-November).
The easiest way to get to Quepos from San Jose is to rent a private car and make the trip yourself. The distance is approximately 177 kilometers, and the journey can take between 2 and 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions. To easily bypass highway tolls, be prepared and have a few Colones with you, or use the tap to pay with your credit card or phone.
Writer's tips:
Use our Pura Vida Traveling exclusive link to receive up to 10% off and additional rental benefits.
Opt for a 4x4 if you want to get closer to nature!
Book well in advance to save money.
Be sure to add a quick stop on the Tarcoles River to check out the famous Crocodile Bridge - you don't want to miss it!
Contact your credit card company to see if your car is insured as a benefit on your card (this is very common)
To Manuel Antonio or Quepos from San Jose by Public Bus
The cheapest - 4hrs - $10 US - 106 miles
If you're arriving at San José International Airport (SJO), note that the airport is located in Alajuela—not in San José proper. To catch the bus to Manuel Antonio, you'll need to first reach the Tracopa Bus Terminal in downtown San José.
Getting to Tracopa Bus Terminal from the Airport (25–45 min)
The easiest option is to take an Uber directly from the airport to Tracopa for under $10. It’s faster and less stressful than navigating local buses, especially with luggage. If you’re on a tighter budget, local buses to San José depart from the street just outside the airport terminal. The fare is around ₡665 (~$1), but you’ll likely need a short Uber ride afterward to reach Tracopa.
Tracopa Bus to Manuel Antonio / Quepos (~₡5285 / ~$10) (4 hrs)
Tracopa runs daily buses from San José to Manuel Antonio, with multiple departures throughout the day. The journey takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, with one 15-minute break. There are direct buses and "collectivo" buses (which stop more frequently). Direct buses are faster and recommended.
Final stops: Quepos (first), then Manuel Antonio (10 minutes later). If you're staying in Quepos, get off at the first stop.
Daily Schedule (Mon–Sun): 6:00 AM · 9:00 AM · 10:30 AM · 12:00 PM · 1:15 PM · 2:30 PM · 4:45 PM · 7:30 PM
To Quepos from San Jose by Plane
The fastest - 30 min - $80-$240
Quepos has a small airport, making it an ideal option for traveling between Quepos and San Jose. Pura Vida Traveling can organize your flight at no additional cost to travelers. A flight will likely cost between $100 and $140 US. When you fly on one of these national carriers, you fly on fun and exciting small single- or twin-engine planes. Flying this way feels more like a trip than an airline flight, and it's quite easy. Flight times change regularly, so it's best to visit one of their tourist sites to purchase your trip directly.
Private charter flights
If you're short on time and don’t mind splurging, private charter flights offer one of the most convenient and scenic ways to travel from San Jose to Quepos or Manuel Antonio. You can charter a single-engine plane (typically seating up to 12 passengers) between any domestic airports in the country. These flights often feel like a private aerial tour, offering incredible views of Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes—from coastlines to volcanoes—all in under 45 minutes. It’s a fast, effortless, and unforgettable way to get from one destination to another. Fly privately from San Jose to Quepos in around 30 minutes.
Writer's tips:
Please arrive at the domestic airport at least one hour prior to your flight for check-in. If you arrive within the hour, you will forfeit your original ticket and will need to purchase a new one for the next flight. This is why we recommend a private shuttle for this route.
Be sure to read their baggage policies, as you may often be charged additional baggage fees, especially if your luggage is heavy.
To La Fortuna from Liberia by Private Vehicle
Best for extended visit - Purchase and resell
If you plan to spend an extended visit in Costa Rica and want to travel the entire country in the comfort of a private vehicle, consider renting a car or van upon arrival and returning it when you leave. Buying a vehicle is both legal for tourists and pretty easy to do. You would have to pay the initial lawyer's fees to transfer ownership, and then you would have to sell the vehicle on time before leaving the country. However, this hassle could end up being worth it if you can recoup most of your investment before departure.
Do not hesitate to read our specific article on this subject: How to buy a car in Costa Rica?
Writer's Tips:
Give yourself time to resell the vehicle. It can be fast and easy, but in Costa Rica, there always tend to be delays.
The car buyer is normally responsible for paying lawyers' fees for the transfer of ownership
Buying a new scooter or motorcycle is fast and easy, and you can normally resell it easily and only lose a few hundred dollars in resale value.
General tips:
Travelers should be aware that Uber is not entirely legal in Costa Rica. Although we recommend using Uber as a transportation option in this blog, you should do so with caution, as Uber is a controversial issue in the country, and the legality of its use is regularly debated. Drivers and passengers might get confused. See imposing fines or penalties for using UBER.
If you plan to stay in Costa Rica for an extended period of time, you may find that purchasing a SIM card at the airport will make your trip easier.
Choosing your Ideal Route
Whether you're traveling by bus, shuttle, or rental car, getting to Manuel Antonio is part of the adventure. Whichever option you choose, the journey is just the beginning, check out our full Manuel Antonio & Quepos travel guide to plan the rest of your stay.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best way to get from San Jose to Manuel Antonio or Quepos?
It's best to fly if you can afford it and the flight times fit your schedule. Private or shared shuttles are the other best way to travel between these two cities.
Is it OK to travel between San Jose and Manuel Antonio at night?
Although possible, it is not recommended to travel to Costa Rica at night. If something happens to your car late at night, you may be stuck on the highway until morning.
How easy is it to drive from San Jose to Manuel Antonio?
The drive from San Jose to Manuel Antonio takes approximately 3-3.5 hours without traffic or stops. Although the distance is not great, the roads are generally one lane, so you can only go as fast as traffic allows.
How much does a shuttle cost from San Jose to Manuel Antonio?
A private shuttle should cost around $210 for 1-6 passengers. A shared shuttle should cost around $55 per person.
Is the drive from San Jose to Manuel Antonio a good experience?
The landscape and jungle are absolutely incredible with multiple coastal viewpoints worth stopping for. It is recommended to stop to see crocodiles at Tarcoles Bridge or stop at Jaco for a meal.
How much does the bus from San José to Quepos and Manuel Antonio cost?
The bus from San Jose to Quepos or Manuel Antonio should cost around US$10.
Do I need a 4x4 vehicle to get from San Jose to Quepos or Manuel Antonio?
No, any type of vehicle will work.
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