You can get from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio by public bus, shared shuttle, private transfers, rental car, or taxi.
The cheapest option to travel from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio is by bus, which costs about USD 8. The journey takes about 6 hours, and you must take the first bus from the nearby town of Santa Elena.
The most popular option is the shared shuttle, which offers direct transportation from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio at a very affordable price.
The fastest way to travel to Manuel Antonio from Monteverde is by private transfer, rental car, or taxi, which takes about 4 hours.
Monteverde and Manuel Antonio are two popular travel destinations in Costa Rica, making it easy to travel between them. Having explored the path from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio multiple times, I’ve mastered the ins and outs of the journey!
Depending on your budget and time, there are many ways to get from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio.
Dive into this guide for a hassle-free trip packed with insights only experience can provide!
Transportation Options from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
The following table outlines all transportation options from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio | ~ 6 hrs | ~$8+ |
| Shuttle from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio | ~ 5 hrs | $61 to 75 |
| Monteverde to Manuel Antonio Private Transfer | 4.5 hrs | $245 to 305 |
| Taxi from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio | ~4 hrs | – |
| Rental Car | ~ 4 hrs | – |
How far is Monteverde from Manuel Antonio?
The distance from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio is about 185 kilometers or 115 miles by car. Here, you can find more information about transportation in Costa Rica.
Getting to Manuel Antonio from Monteverde
1. Bus from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Journey Duration: ~6 hours
The cheapest way to travel from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio is by public bus; however, it is also the most extended trip, as you can imagine.
The bus doesn’t depart from Monteverde itself but from its neighboring town, Santa Elena.
From Santa Elena, you will first have to take a bus to Puntarenas, where you have to take another bus to Quepos. From Quepos, a third bus will take you in around 20 minutes to Manuel Antonio.
The whole trip will last a bit over 6 hours, meaning you have to begin your journey from Monteverde early.
It’s essential to secure your bus tickets a day or two in advance. While the Transmonteverde website offers online purchasing options, be cautious as it may not always reflect up-to-date ticket availability.
The most reliable method is to obtain your tickets directly from the Transmonteverde Office.
Ensure you book tickets for Route 625 Monteverde – Guacimal – Puntarenas. Initiate your journey from Monteverde and set Puntarenas as your endpoint.
Multiple departure times will be available, but it’s advisable to opt for the 5:30 am slot. Though it’s a very early start, it guarantees your timely arrival at Manuel Antonio.
On the day of your journey, make it a point to reach the bus terminal a minimum of 5 minutes before the departure. The bus adheres to its schedule and departs at 5:30 am sharp. You can find the exact location of the Bus Terminal in Monteverde online.
Your journey from Monteverde to Puntarenas will include brief halts in small towns like La Lindora, La Guaria, Fernandez, and Guacimal. Ensure you get off only at the final stop: the Monteverde Terminal in Puntarenas.
Once you reach Puntarenas around 8:00 am, as you exit the bus, kindly request the bus driver to guide you to the bus stop for Manuel Antonio. Once you reach the bus stop, be prepared for an hour’s wait for the Quepos bus.
The bus service from Puntarenas to Quepos is scheduled for a 10 am departure and is priced around $5. While the ride is relatively direct with minimal stops, it spans about 2.5 hours, placing your arrival at the Quepos Terminal roughly at 12:30 pm.
Your final leg of the journey is from Quepos to Manuel Antonio. Conveniently, the Route Quepos – Manuel Antonio bus departs from the very terminal you alight at in Quepos.
The trip is budget-friendly at $1, and the travel time is brief approximately 15 to 20 minutes. If all goes as planned and you catch the 1 pm bus, you should find yourself in Manuel Antonio just before 1:30 pm!
2. Shared Van Shuttle from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
Journey Duration: ~5 hours
A popular choice among travelers, the shared shuttle service offers a balanced mix of affordability and comfort when journeying from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio.
Unlike public buses, shared shuttles present a more streamlined experience, often picking up passengers directly from their hotels or designated pickup points in Monteverde and dropping them off in Manuel Antonio.
There are daily shared shuttles from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio. The price for a one-way trip on a shared shuttle typically ranges between USD 61 and 75 per person.
Though more expensive than the public bus, this option saves transit time and offers added convenience. Shuttles usually operate twice daily.
You can expect the journey to last roughly 4 to 5 hours, with one or two short breaks en route for refreshments and restroom stops.
For those keen on a hassle-free experience and don’t mind paying a bit more for added comfort, the shared shuttle comes highly recommended!
Monteverde to Manuel Antonio Shared Van Shuttle Schedule:
The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable for trips from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00am | 01:00pm | 5h | $61 |  |
| 08:00am | 12:00pm | 4h | $75 | |
3. Private Transfer from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
Journey Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
If you want to be more flexible regarding the departure time or traveling with a big group or your family, a private transfer from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio might be the better option.
These services are perfect for those valuing privacy, flexibility, and a door-to-door experience.
A private transfer for up to 13 people costs 245 USD. If you travel with at least five people, you will save money if you book a private transfer!
You decide the pickup time from Monteverde and the preferred route, making it the fastest option with a travel time usually under 4 hours.
Vehicles used for private transfers are well-maintained, air-conditioned sedans or SUVs, offering a comfortable journey for small groups or families. Larger groups might find themselves in spacious vans, ensuring every passenger enjoys a comfortable ride.
Notably, private transfers also provide flexibility in terms of stops. Whether you wish to pause for a scenic photograph, a local meal, or a quick stretch, the choice is yours.
Prices for a private transfer from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
- 1-13 passengers: USD 245
- 7-9 passengers: USD 305
4. Monteverde to Manuel Antonio Flight
There are no flights from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio. However, you could travel from Monteverde to San Jose and take a flight from there to Quepos.
Flights from San Jose to Quepos start at 40 USD, and the flight time is only seventeen minutes. Seventeen minutes with breathtaking views of Costa Rica’s fantastic landscape!
Another option is to travel from Monteverde to La Fortuna and take a flight from there.
5. Driving with a Rental Car from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
Journey Duration: ~4 hours
If you have your car or are considering renting one, you can also drive to Manuel Antonio on your own. The journey takes around four hours, depending on the traffic.
Please note: The first few kilometers after leaving Monteverde town are not paved. Depending on the road conditions, you might need a four-wheel drive.
6. Uber or taxi from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
Journey Duration: ~4 hours
I recommend taking an Uber instead of a taxi. It is cheaper, the cars are usually way better, and your trip is GPS-tracked. So it’s safer, and your driver cannot rip you off.
Best day tours in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
Here, you can find some of the best tours in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct bus service between Monteverde and Manuel Antonio?
No, direct buses do not operate between these two destinations. You’ll typically have to change three different buses to get to Monteverde.
Is it safe to travel from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio?
Yes, it’s generally safe. However, always follow travel advisories and use reputable transportation providers. If using a bus, keep your belongings close, especially in crowded terminals.
Should I book in advance, or can I get on-the-spot transportation?
While you might find on-the-spot options, especially for buses, it’s highly recommended to book shared shuttles and private transfers in advance, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio?
The cheapest option to travel from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio is by bus, which costs about USD 8.
What is the fastest way to travel from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio?
The fastest way to travel to Manuel Antonio from Monteverde is by private transfer, rental car, or taxi, which takes about 4 hours.
More Routes from Monteverde, Costa Rica
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AnaMaria is a dedicated SEO specialist and content strategist with profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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Jean Nájera is the CEO of GuateGo, an online marketplace to buy transportation tickets in more than 200 cities. He has profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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