The trip from San Jose 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.
To Manuel Antonio, Quepos from San Jose
by private shuttle
Perfect for groups <> 2-3hrs <> $249
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 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 6 passengers.
To Manuel Antonio, Quepos from San Jose
by shared shuttle
Solo travelers or couples <> 3-4hrs <> $59
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 tips:
Book in advance as these shuttles can fill up
Shared shuttles from San Jose with 3 general departure times (9 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m.)
Be aware of baggage restrictions. Surfboards and additional suitcases may cost extra.
To Manuel Antonio, Quepos 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 up to 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic. 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 tips:
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, Quepos from San Jose
by public bus
The cheapest <> 2.5-4hrs <> $9
If you're traveling by bus, it might seem a little more confusing. Don't worry, it's much simpler than it seems. When you land at San Jose Airport, you're not quite in San Jose yet; the airport is in a nearby town called Alajuela. That being said, the bus you will need to take to get to Manuel Antonio/Quepos leaves from the Tracopa Bus Terminal, which is in the actual city of San Jose. So, you will have to commute from the airport to get there.
To get to the Tracopa bus station in San José, you can either take a local bus from the airport, a taxi, or an Uber. We recommend taking an Uber; it's more cost effective than a taxi (which can cost you $15-20 more) and much easier than taking the bus after a day of flying. An Uber will usually cost less than $10.
If you decide to take a local bus to Tracopa, you will need to find the bus stop (which is on the street below the terminal as you leave the airport) and board the correct bus. You will need to ask the driver if they are heading to San Jose to ensure you get on the correct bus. You can pay the bus driver directly in colones or USD – it costs around 665 colones. The drive to San Jose will take approximately 30-45 minutes. However, when you get off the bus, you still won't be at the Tracopa bus terminal and will probably want to take an Uber to get there if you have luggage. Taking an Uber directly from the airport will save you time and hassle for a slightly higher cost - it will take, depending on traffic, around 25-45 minutes and will drop you off directly at the Tracopa bus terminal.
At the Tracopa bus terminal, go to one of the ticket offices and ask for the next bus to Quepos/Manuel Antonio. Keep in mind that there are both direct buses and "collectivos" which stop frequently throughout the journey and therefore take longer. It's best if you can take a direct bus, but if the "collectivo" is the next bus to leave, it might be better to settle for that. The ride will cost you around US$9 and the journey will take around 3.5 hours (including a 15-minute snack/toilet break halfway through, as there are no toilets on the bus). Keep in mind that the journey may take longer during the rainy season due to road conditions. This bus will make two final stops. One in downtown Quepos and another in Manuel Antonio 10 minutes later. If you are staying at Villas Jacquelina, be sure to stay at Quepos. The last bus leaves Tracopa bus station around 5 p.m., although it may say on their website that there are later buses.
The bus ride is very beautiful and if it is your first time in Costa Rica, you will have hours to admire the splendor of the country. Taking the bus at sunset is fantastic if the timing is right; the ride will be cooler than during the heat of the day, and you can relax and enjoy the sunset while settling behind the mountains
To Manuel Antonio or Quepos from San Jose
by plane
The fastest <> 30 min <> $80-$240
Quepos has a small airport ideal for traveling between Quepos and San Jose. Sansa and Nature Air are the two domestic airline options. A flight will likely cost between $100 and $140 USD. 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.
Writer tips:
Make sure to arrive at the domestic airport at least one hour before your flight for check-in. If you arrive within the hour, you will lose your original ticket and will have to purchase a new ticket for the next flight. This is why we recommend a private shuttle for this route.
Always buy your tickets directly from these companies and avoid using any type of third party, as Costa Rica air travel scams exist.
Be sure to read their baggage policies, as you may often be charged additional baggage fees, especially if your luggage is heavy.
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 regularly comes into play. 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.
Sanza Airlines offers discounts to locals.
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?
How easy is it to drive from San Jose to Manuel Antonio?
How much does a shuttle cost from San Jose to Manuel Antonio?
Is the drive from San Jose to Manuel Antonio a good experience?
How much does the bus from San José to Quepos and Manuel Antonio cost?
Do I need a 4x4 vehicle to get from San Jose to Quepos or Manuel Antonio?