How to Get from Manuel Antonio to San Jose

Are you planning on driving around Costa Rica in your own rental car? If yes, you’ll be happy to know that the roads between Manuel Antonio and San Jose are some of the best you’ll find in the country. They offer scenic views and safe roads for driving, even for foreigners.

Car rental rates start from per day. Add the expenses for gas and tolls and it will still be cheaper than taking a shared minivan or private transfer when you’re travelling in a group.

The only downside here is that if you’re the designated driver, driving for can be tiring.

Driving directions from Manuel Antonio to San Jose

There are two routes you can choose from when driving from Manuel Antonio to San Jose: along the coast or through the mountains.

Route 1: Along the coast

For coastal views, find your way to Route 34 from Manuel Antonio. This will lead you to the coast and eventually, the vibrant surf town of Jaco. You can take a break here, grab a bite, take a dip, or even ride the waves.

Once you’ve had your fill of Jaco, go back to Route 34 and follow the road until you reach Coyolar. Turn right to Route 27 and drive for about 60 km until you reach San Jose.

The coastal drive from Manuel Antonio to San Jose takes around 3.5 hours, excluding breaks. Despite being the longer route at 170 km, this way is faster because you’ll be taking the highway. Prepare some cash for tolls that cost around 5 USD.

Route 2: Through the mountains

Alternatively, you can take the route through the mountains (110 km). It’s shorter, but the travel time is longer because of heavy traffic. On the good side, the lush mountain views will keep you entertained throughout the 4-hour journey.

From Manuel Antonio, head to Route 34. Follow the road until you drive past the town of Palo Seco and then turn right to Route 301. Continue until San Ignacio and then turn a slight right to Route 209. Drive straight until you reach a fork in the road at San Rafael Arriba. Here, turn left to Route 214, which will lead you to San Jose.

Where to rent a car in Manuel Antonio

We don’t recommend renting a car in Manuel Antonio if you’re not going back here. Rental prices are significantly more expensive if you’re dropping off the car in another town, with rates starting from 150 USD on the first day.

There are also not a lot of choices for car rental around the national park. Instead, you'll need to go to the adjacent town of Quepos, where you will find a number of reputable car rental shops.

Alternatively, you can book your rental car online through Skyscanner, which offers cars in many tourist destinations in Costa Rica, including San Jose and Quepos.

A one-day car rental costs about per day if you're returning the car to Quepos. This includes the mandatory daily car rental insurance, which is required by law in Costa Rica.

When taking a flight from Manuel Antonio to San Jose, you’ll have to fly from Quepos. Travel time (including transfers) is around 2h 15m, plus the waiting time at the airport. We don’t see the advantage of flying for this short journey that only takes 4 hours by van.

Also, flights between Manuel Antonio and San Jose are available only during the peak tourist season from mid-October to late April.

Are you travelling in a big group? A private transfer from Manuel Antonio to San Jose is the easiest and most convenient option. Rates start from $198 for a -seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about per person.

You can choose from a variety of vehicles, depending on your preference and the number of people in your group. We recommend booking your ride through BookAway, which offers comfortable cars with trusted drivers.