Private Shuttle: San José Airport (SJO) to Manuel Antonio

The route to Manuel Antonio runs down the Pacific coast on Route 27 and the Costanera highway — modern, paved, and fast.

2.5–3 hoursDoor to door
170 kmDistance
From $195Private · 1–4 travelers

About this route

The route to Manuel Antonio runs down the Pacific coast on Route 27 and the Costanera highway — modern, paved, and fast. Most travelers are toes-in-sand within three hours of landing. Your driver can time a stop at the Tárcoles River bridge, where dozens of wild crocodiles gather below — the most famous five-minute stop in Costa Rica.

Route notes: Fully paved highway route. Optional crocodile-bridge stop at Tárcoles. Beach arrivals before sunset are very doable on afternoon flights.

How it works

Your driver is waiting in arrivals with a sign before you clear customs — or at your hotel lobby at the agreed time. Luggage goes straight into the vehicle and you're moving within minutes. We track flight numbers, so delays never strand you. Where routes allow, we run electric vehicles.

What's included

  • Private vehicle and licensed bilingual driver — never shared with strangers
  • Flight tracking and free wait time for delayed arrivals
  • Door-to-door service: any hotel, lodge or rental on the route
  • Child seats and boosters at no charge
  • Short comfort, photo and coffee stops along the way
  • Bottled water on board

Frequently asked questions

How long is the drive from San José Airport (SJO) to Manuel Antonio & Quepos?

Around 2.5–3 hours door to door (170 km), depending on traffic and stops. Your driver tracks conditions and picks the best departure window with you.

Can we stop along the way?

Yes — that is the point of going private. Rest rooms, coffee, photo lookouts, a supermarket run before a remote lodge: just tell your driver. Short stops are included.

What if my flight lands late at night?

We monitor your flight number and adjust pickup automatically — delays included. Your driver waits in arrivals with a sign, at any hour, at no extra charge.

Do you have car seats for kids?

Yes. Infant seats and boosters are available at no charge — just tell us ages when you book so we install the right ones before pickup.

Can I book the return trip at the same time?

Yes — and it pays to: book both legs together and we take 10% off the full round trip. One WhatsApp message covers both pickups, and your return driver is confirmed before you even land.

Plan the rest of your trip

Read our local guide to Manuel Antonio & Quepos, or pair this transfer with the most popular tour in the area. Arriving fresh? See when to visit Costa Rica.

Other popular routes

San José Airport (SJO) → La Fortuna & Arenal2.5–3 hours · from $200 private San José Airport (SJO) → Monteverde3–3.5 hours · from $195 private San José Airport (SJO) → Jacó1.5–2 hours · from $120 private San José → Puerto Viejo & the Caribbean4–4.5 hours · from $230 private