Getting to Manuel Antonio

Driving Direction on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/P4N7UuGmVucVg2f98

The quickest option is a 20 minute flight from the San Jose airport domestic terminal (right beside the international terminal) to Quepos/Manuel Antonio airport. You fly in smaller planes with stunning views. There are flights only during daylight hours as smaller airports in CR don't have night time runway lights. Sansa Airlines and Costa Rica Green Airways fly into Quepos/Manuel Antonio several times a day from San Jose and can also take you to all major destinations around Costa Rica. The cost 1 way is between $75 and $100. 

Costa Rica has many shared and private van shuttle services or private taxi to choose from. Travel in modern vans with A/C,  and professional drivers. Van pick ups occur from various hotels in San Jose and in Manuel Antonio while private taxis can take to right from the international airport. The trip takes about 3 hours on an excellent and picturesque highway.  The cost is around $65US each way for a shared van and about $130 to $150 for a private taxi. Your hotel of vacation villa should be able to book either for you. If wanting a private taxi we recommend only connecting thru your hotel or villa.

Safe reliable comfortable public buses run every hour from Tracopa Station in central San Jose to Quepos/Manuel Antonio for about $10US. The trip takes about 4 hours. This is a good option if your staying in central San Jose before coming to Manuel Antonio and/or are on a budget.

The drive from San Jose to Quepos is 170 km and takes 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, depending on the traffic. Expect a slow drive, the maximum speed limit in Costa RIca is 80km/hr. 

There are a wide variety of rental car companies. Basic personal liability insurance is required to be purchased at the rental car company in Costa Rica, and is usually not included in the quote you may have received. Car damage insurance may be purchased separately, but your credit card, if used to pay for the car rental, likely will cover this. Check with your credit card and bring a copy of the policy - saving you from buying this additional insurance at a significant cost.

If you are coming to Manuel Antonio you don't need a 4x4, as the highways are good. A costly 4x4 is only needed if traveling off the beaten track. Cars can also be rented in Quepos/Manuel Antonio from all the major car rental companies, which saves you from having to drive thru the busy/confusing San Jose area traffic. 

DO YOU NEED A CAR FOR GETTING AROUND MANUEL ANTONIO?

While in Manuel Antonio you don' really need a car if you don't mind walking, using the good and cheap local bus system (really one route along the 5 kilometer road between Quepos and the national park), using 1 of the many cabs, or using hotel vans from the larger hotels.