You can get from Manuel Antonio to San Jose by bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, taxi, or rental car.
My frequent trips across Costa Rica, from the lush rainforests of Manuel Antonio to the bustling city life of San Jose, have allowed me to explore all the travel possibilities.
In this guide, I’ll outline the options available and provide you with the essential details to ensure a safe and convenient journey to the capital.
I’ve written this article from first-hand experience and had it reviewed by GuateGo CEO Jean Nájera for the latest transportation insights.
If you just want the answer:
The cheapest way to get from Manuel Antonio to San José is by public bus (USD 9, approximately 4 hours). The most popular option is the shared shuttle (USD 61–65, around 4.5 hours). The fastest way is by private transfer, taxi, or rental car (about 2.5 hours).
Transportation Options
The following table outlines all transportation options:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Public Bus | 4 hrs | $9 |
| Shuttle | 4.5 hrs | $61 to 65 |
| Private Transfer | 2.5 hrs | $233 |
| Taxi | 2.5 hrs | $110 to 140 |
| Rental Car | 2.5 hrs | – |
How far is San Jose from Manuel Antonio?
The distance from Manuel Antonio to San Jose is 167 kilometers or 103.8 miles.
Depending on your transportation choice and route, the journey will likely take between 3 to 6 hours.
1. Public Bus
Journey Duration: 4 hours
In terms of cost, the bus is the least expensive option at USD 9. It may not be the most comfortable, but nothing else can beat the price if your priority is to travel cheaply.
There are frequent buses to San Jose from 04:05 AM to 05:00 PM.
I recommend you travel with the Tracopa bus service from Manuel Antonio station. The journey will take about 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic.
2. Shared Shuttle
Journey Duration: 3.5 to 4.5 hours
The most popular way is by shared shuttle, which is always a good option if you want to travel economically.
The shared shuttle service from Manuel Antonio to San Jose provides a convenient and relatively swift journey to the Costa Rican capital. The trip typically takes about 4.5 hours.
There are also several services to choose from, all of which provide direct transportation from and to your hotel! This door-to-door service will pick you up from your hotel in Manuel Antonio, making it a hassle-free option.
The shuttles are scheduled to depart three times a day, and the cost of a one-way ticket ranges between USD 61 and USD 65.
I really recommend you to make your reservation in advance and ensure that your spot is secured!
Shared Shuttle
The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01:30pm | 06:00pm | 4h 30m | $61 |  |
| 08:00am | 12:30pm | 4h 30m | $65 | |
| 12:30pm | 05:00pm | 4h 30m | $65 | |
3. Private Transfer
Journey Duration: Custom time
Another slightly more expensive alternative is arranging a private transfer.
A private transfer is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach San Jose. The trip lasts about 2.5 hours, and you can completely customize your schedule, pickup time, and location.
You can even request that your driver make stops as you travel. This way, you won’t have to worry about bus and shuttle schedules and can have a carefree trip.
Our recommendation is that groups and families choose this option. As long as the number of people joining the trip is sufficient, the price per person will be comparable with a shared shuttle.
Prices for a private transfer:
- 1 to 13 passengers: USD 233
4. Rental Car
Journey Duration: 2.5 hours
In Manuel Antonio, car rental companies also offer affordable rentals for an enjoyable trip to San Jose.
Consider stopping along the way and arranging your own time and schedule when choosing this mode of transportation.
I always like to travel by rental car as I can stop along the way, visit cool places or have food whenever I feel like it. It’s the ultimate freedom!
5. Taxi
Journey Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Taxis and Ubers are the fastest ways to reach San Jose from Manuel Antonio. This option costs USD 110 to USD 140 and takes 2.5 hours.
Before you take the ride, though, negotiate a fixed price!
My Tip:
If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind a slower ride, I recommend taking the public bus. If you value comfort and hotel pick-up, go for the shared shuttle. For families or if you’re in a hurry, a private transfer or rental car is your best bet!
Best day tours in San Jose, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a car?
Unless you just like to go on the road and explore the area, you don’t need a car to enjoy Manuel Antonio. Taking a bus or a cab can take you to the beach, a park, a restaurant, a hotel, a bar, etc. You will usually be picked up and dropped off at your hotel if you are doing zip-lining, mangrove water safaris, and other activities during your stay there.
What airport do you fly into?
The nearest airport to Manuel Antonio is Quepos (XQP) Airport, which is 4.2 kilometers away. Additionally, there are airports in San Jose (66.7 km), Tambor (103.7 km), Puerto Jimenez (130.8 km), and Golfito (134.6 km).
Referring to this in your article? Mention:
Universal Traveller — How to Get from Manuel Antonio to San Jose
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