Transportation Options

If you have booked your stay with us at any of our vacation rentals, the next thing you will need to plan out is how you will get here.

Please see the options below to decide which form of transportation is best for you. We have also provided info about getting around Manuel Antonio and where to go & what to do while you`re here!

*Special Note: We are able to help you book option 1 only (private van transfer). For public transportation services or rental cars, we have provided you with the websites / contact info you need to learn the logistics and make reservations on your own.

1. Private Van Transfer

This is the easiest and fastest option.

Our driver knows exactly where we are located so you don`t have to worry about directions and he can make quick stops along the way to pick up snacks, see the crocodiles at the Tarcoles bridge, take bathroom breaks, etc. The direct trip time is about 3 hours.

To book, please send us the date, number of people and your flight info (airline, flight number and arrival time) and we will confirm your transportation and send you details. You pay the driver in cash the day of your transfer (no credit card needed for booking).

Rates

San Jose Airport (SJO) – Manuel Antonio (MA): $220
MA – Monteverde: $310
MA – La Fortuna: $340
MA – Tamarindo: $410
MA – Liberia Airport (LIR): $340
SJO Airport – La Fortuna: $220
La Fortuna – Monteverde: $215
MA – Uvita: $155

*Rates are for up to 4 people. For groups larger than 4 or other destinations around the country, inquire for a quote here.

2. Public Bus

Cost: $20/$30 total per person

This is the cheapest option, but it is also the most complicated option (not trying to scare you, just want to give you realistic expectations)…

From the airport (SJO) you can take a taxi ($10) or a bus ($1.50 pp) to the San Jose bus station.
Then, take the bus from San Jose to Quepos ($10 pp).
Once you are in Quepos, you have to take another bus from Quepos to Manuel Antonio ($1) or a taxi ($8).
Get off at the bus stop by the soccer field in Manuel Antonio. To get to our place from there, please reference our detailed handwritten directions.

For more INFO and LOGISTICS about this, check or contact the bus company:

Tracopa

3. Rental Car

Cost: $60 to $120 per day depending on the car and the season

Things to know about renting a car:

Prices advertised on any rental car website normally don’t include mandatory insurance, so always be sure to ask them what your TOTAL will be after the insurance is included. Also, keep in mind renting a car requires a deposit / hold of $500/$1000 on your credit card.
Renting a 4×4 is ALWAYS recommended in Costa Rica- you never know where your adventures will take you and a good majority of the roads require 4×4.
Make sure you rent a car with a company that has an office where you`re going (for example, if you are traveling from San Jose to Manuel Antonio, make sure there is an office in Manuel Antonio). If something goes wrong with the car (you lose the keys, get in an accident, etc…), the rental car company needs to send someone from their office…so if you rent a car from San Jose and there is no office in Manuel Antonio, you will have to wait 3 hours or more for someone to drive here to take care of your issue. This has happened enough times to previous guests that it was worth mentioning!!!
Safety- always park your rental car in a paid parking lot when possible. Do not leave valuables in your car in secluded places and walk far away from your car, leaving it totally unattended…Costa Rica is a beautiful country, however petty theft is our number 1 crime…so use your best common sense to not put yourself in a vulnerable situation that would tempt theives from breaking into your car.

*We recommend Alamo, but in general all the rental car companies are relatively the same, so just go with whatever company you find a car you like that`s available during your stay (and has an office in Manuel Antonio).

Get Directions

Getting Around Manuel Antonio

Our vacation rentals are located within walking distance to supermarkets, restaurants, shops, the bus stop, yoga studio, gym, spa, bars / night life, souvenir shops, etc.

The bus stop is within a quick walk and goes back and forth between Manuel Antonio and Quepos every 20 minutes (about 50 cents per ride). Also, taxis are readily available ($8 one way for up to 4 people).

The national park and a couple different beaches are less than a 5 minute bus ride or drive!

You do not need a rental car while staying with us if you plan to stay mostly in Manuel Antonio / Quepos during your trip. A rental car is recommended if you want to explore other places within a couple hours of here.

Where To Go & What To Do

There`s a ton to do in this area (both paid tours and things you can do on your own). To learn more about the best things to do in the area, click on the button below:

Our Favorite Activities