You can get from San Jose to Manuel Antonio by public bus, shared shuttle, private transfers, rental car, taxi, or flight.
The cheapest transportation option from San Jose to Manuel Antonio is by public bus, which costs USD 9. The journey takes about 3.5 hours.
The most popular option is the shared shuttle, offering convenience and direct transportation from San Jose to Manuel Antonio at a very affordable price.
The fastest way to travel to Manuel Antonio from San Jose is by flight, which takes about 17 minutes.
I’ve learned all the shortcuts and must-sees from my many adventures across Costa Rica.
Dive into this guide, and I’ll tell you all the secrets and best ways to get around to ensure your trip from San Jose to Manuel Antonio is smooth and packed with unforgettable moments!
Here, you can find more information about Costa Rica transportation, and don’t forget to check out our detailed Costa Rica travel guide.
Transportation Options from San Jose to Manuel Antonio
The following table outlines all transportation options from San Jose to Manuel Antonio:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Public Bus from San Jose to Manuel Antonio | 3.5 hrs | $9 |
| Shuttle from San Jose to Manuel Antonio | 3-4 hrs | $62 |
| San Jose to Manuel Antonio Private Transfer | ~3.5 hrs | $195 to 330 |
| Taxi from San Jose to Manuel Antonio | 3.5 hrs | – |
| Flight from San Jose to Manuel Antonio | 17 min | – |
| Rental Car | 3.5 hrs | – |
How far is Manuel Antonio from San Jose?
The distance from Manuel Antonio to San Jose is about 174 kilometers or 108 miles by car.
Getting to Manuel Antonio from San Jose
1. Public Bus from San Jose to Manuel Antonio Costa Rica
Journey Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
If you travel on a shoestring from San Jose, Costa Rica, to Manuel Antonio, the bus is the cheapest option.
Tracopa buses serve the route throughout the day from Tracopa Bus Station in San Jose.
Take a direct bus (directo) rather than a collective (collectivo).
The direct bus only takes 3.5 hours and costs around 9 USD.
The collectivo, however, takes at least two hours long because it constantly stops to pick up more people on the way.
2. Shared Shuttle from San Jose to Manuel Antonio
Journey Duration: 3-4 hours
The shared shuttle service is a popular and convenient option for travelers journeying between San Jose and Manuel Antonio.
This mode of transport offers a middle-ground between the affordability of public buses and the convenience of private transfers. Interbus and Grayline offer a shared shuttle bus service between San Jose and Manuel Antonio daily!
The air-conditioned busses have between ten to fifteen seats and an English-speaking driver.
Most of these shuttles provide door-to-door service, picking up passengers from their accommodation in San Jose and dropping them off at their desired location in Manuel Antonio.
The buses depart in the morning and the afternoon and cost between USD 62 and 65 per person, one-way.
San Jose to Manuel Antonio Shared Van Shuttle Schedule:
The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable for trips from San Jose to Manuel Antonio, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00am | 11:30am | 4h 30m | $62 |  |
| 01:30pm | 05:30pm | 4h | $62 | |
| 07:00am | 10:00am | 3h | $62 | |
| 02:00pm | 05:00pm | 3h | $62 | |
| 07:50am | 12:45pm | 4h 45m | $65 | |
A helpful tip: Keep a small snack and a bottle of water with you while on the journey. Since the drive is a few hours long, this will ensure you remain hydrated and comfortable throughout the trip!
3. Private Transfer from San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park
Journey Duration: Custom Time
If you want to be more flexible regarding the departure time or traveling with a big group or family, a private transfer from San Jose to Manuel Antonio might be the best option.
This transportation mode is tailored to your schedule, allowing you to depart when it suits you without the constraints of predefined timetables.
Depending on the group size, private transfers primarily operate using well-maintained sedans, SUVs, or larger vans. The vehicles are air-conditioned, providing a comfortable environment for the trip.
Plus, being private means traveling only with your selected companions, ensuring a more personalized experience.
The schedule is based on your preferences, so you can determine the departure time. However, remember that the journey typically lasts between 3 to 3.5 hours. It’s beneficial to factor in potential traffic or any desired stops when planning your departure.
Click here to book a private transfer from San Jose Airport to Manuel Antonio.
Prices for a private transfer from San Jose to Manuel Antonio
- 1-4 passengers: USD 195
- 1-13 passengers: USD 233
- 7-9 passengers: USD 300
- 5-12 passengers: USD 330
4. San Jose to Manuel Antonio Flight
Journey Duration: 17 minutes
Flying from San Jose to Quepos Airport is the fastest and most spectacular way to travel to Manuel Antonio.
Quepos is a small town next to Manuel Antonio, just 7 kilometers (about four miles) away.
Flights from San Jose to Quepos start at 40 USD; the flight time is only seventeen minutes. Seventeen minutes with breathtaking views of Costa Rica’s fantastic landscape!
5. Driving with a Rental Car from San Jose to Manuel Antonio
Journey Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
You can also rent a car and drive to Manuel Antonio on your own. The journey takes around 3.5 hours, depending on the traffic.
From San Jose, you must first drive to Jaco, where you will cross the famous Tarcoles River Bridge.
Underneath the bridge, you can see dozens of crocodiles. Definitely a must-stop!
Once you arrive in Jaco, it’s only an easy one-hour drive to Manuel Antonio.
6. Taxi from San Jose to Manuel Antonio
Journey Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
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 San Jose and Manuel Antonio?
Yes, direct public bus services run from San Jose to Manuel Antonio. The schedules may vary, so checking timings in advance is advisable.
What is the cheapest way to travel from San Jose to Manuel Antonio?
The cheapest transportation option from San Jose to Manuel Antonio is by public bus, which costs USD 9.
What is the fastest way to travel from San Jose to Manuel Antonio?
The fastest way to travel to Manuel Antonio from San Jose is by flight, which takes about 17 minutes.
Are rental cars a viable option for this route?
Yes, car renting provides flexibility and the freedom to explore at your own pace. However, be prepared for Costa Rican driving conditions and ensure proper insurance coverage.
Are there any nighttime transportation options?
While private transfers can be scheduled anytime, shared shuttles and public buses typically operate during daylight hours for safety reasons. It’s always best to check specific service providers for available timings.
Are there any scenic spots or stops along the way that travelers recommend?
The journey between San Jose and Manuel Antonio passes through beautiful landscapes, including mountainous regions, palm plantations, and coastal views. Tarcoles River Bridge, where you can spot crocodiles, is popular among travelers.
More Routes from San Jose, 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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