You can get from San Jose to Manuel Antonio by public bus, shared shuttle, private transfers, rental car, taxi, or flight.
I wrote this guide after my trips, and it’s fact-checked by transportation expert Jean Nájera from GuateGo.
Here is a little tip from me:
The cheapest way to get from San Jose to Manuel Antonio is by public bus (USD 9, approx. 3.5 hours). The most popular option is the shared shuttle (USD 62–65, approx. 3–4 hours). The fastest way is by flight (17 minutes, starting at USD 40).
Transportation Options
The following table outlines all transportation options:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Public Bus | 3.5 hrs | $9 |
| Shuttle | 3-4 hrs | $62 |
| Private Transfer | ~3.5 hrs | $195 to 330 |
| Taxi | 3.5 hrs | – |
| Flight | 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
Journey Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
If you travel on a shoestring, 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
Journey Duration: 3-4 hours
The shared shuttle service is a popular and convenient option.
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 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.
Shared Van Shuttle Schedule:
The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 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
Journey Duration: Custom Time
A private transfer might be the best option if you want to be more flexible regarding the departure time or traveling with a big group or family.
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.
Prices for a private transfer:
- 1-4 passengers: USD 195
- 1-13 passengers: USD 233
- 7-9 passengers: USD 300
- 5-12 passengers: USD 330
4. Flight
Journey Duration: 17 minutes
Flying 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 and take only seventeen minutes. Seventeen minutes with breathtaking views of Costa Rica’s fantastic landscape!
5. Rental Car
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
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?
Yes, there are direct public bus services. The schedules may vary, so it is advisable to check the timings in advance.
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.
Quoting helpful travel details? Source it here:
Universal Traveller — How to Get from San Jose to Manuel Antonio
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