How to Get From Manuel Antonio to San Jose
Minivan · Bus · Car Rental · Flight · Private
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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 172 kilometre (107 miles) distance from Manuel Antonio to San Jose. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach San Jose as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.
What are the 5 ways to travel from Manuel Antonio to San Jose?
There are five ways to travel the 172 km distance from Manuel Antonio to San Jose. You can choose between the minivan, bus, car rental, flight, and private.
The journey takes between 2h 15m–5h and the quickest way is by flight (2h 15m). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 4,320 CRC ($9.50).
3-5h
25,000 CRC ($55)
3h 30m - 5h 30m
4,320 CRC ($9.50)
3h 30m - 4h
27,000 CRC ($60)
2h 15m
55,000 CRC ($120)
2h 30m - 4h 30m
90,000 CRC ($200)
Where to stay in San Jose?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in San Jose at the bottom of this page.
Manuel Antonio to San Jose by Minivan
If you want the perk of being picked up and dropped off at your hotel, take the minivan from Manuel Antonio to San Jose. It's the most popular option among travellers, and is generallly safer than buses (from pickpockets and petty thieves).
Minivan prices start from 25,000 CRC ($55) for the journey that takes 3-5h.
You can choose among four minivan companies: Super Shuttle Costa Rica, Easy Ride, Interbus and Costa 24/7. All of these operators receive good reviews, so you can just choose depending on your schedule and budget.
Due to the pickup and drop-off times, it may look like this journey takes longer than the bus. But in reality, it’s quicker to travel by minivan. You can also save on the possible taxi ride going to and from bus terminals.
Minivan schedule from Manuel Antonio to San Jose
Booking Tip
Manuel Antonio to San Jose by Bus
Taking a direct bus is the cheapest way to travel from Manuel Antonio to San Jose, with fares starting at 5,600 CRC ($12).
Tracopa operates 9 daily trips. These are available from 04:00 to 17:00 daily. Travel time is around 3h 30m - 5h 30m.
You can only buy your tickets at the bus station, so we recommend arriving there around 30 minutes prior to departure time for a better chance of getting a seat. Alternatively, you can drop by the terminal at least a day before to buy your ticket.
It's worth noting that buses are not as reliable as minivans. Bus travel in Costa Rica has its downsides — petty theft is one to watch out for. If you’re not careful, the money you save on bus tickets might be lost to pickpockets.
Departure and arrival station
Buses depart from Tracopa Bus Terminal near the main beach in Manuel Antonio.
All buses stop at Tracopa Terminal San Jose in the city centre.
Bus schedule from Manuel Antonio to San Jose
Booking Tip
As beautiful and relaxing as Manuel Antonio is, try to be mindful of your luggage! The bigger ones will be stored in the luggage compartment. Make sure they’re in before boarding the bus and don’t forget to get your luggage ticket. As for your smaller bags, this is where you can keep your valuables, but put them somewhere you can see them all the time, instead of the overhead compartment.
Alternative: Bus from Quepos to San Jose
If you’re staying in Quepos, you can also take a bus from here to San Jose.
The route follows the highway on Route 27. Tickets cost 4,320 CRC ($9.50) for the bus journey that takes 3.5 to 4 hours.
Booking Tip
Manuel Antonio to San Jose by Car Rental
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 27,000 CRC ($60) 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 3h 30m - 4h 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 2,280 CRC ($5.00).
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 68,000 CRC ($150) 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 27,000 CRC ($60) 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.
Manuel Antonio to San Jose by Flight
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.
Step 1: Taxi from Manuel Antonio to Quepos Airport
Quepos Airport is only 15 minutes away from San Antonio when you take a taxi. We recommend this when you’re in a hurry and travelling in a group. Rates start from 6,800 CRC ($15).
An alternative option is to take the bus, although there are no direct buses from Manuel Antonio to Quepos Airport. You’ll first have to take one bus to Quepos city centre, and then another bus from there to Quepos Airport.
Travel time may take up to an hour, but the combined cost by bus is only around 1,370 CRC ($3.00).
Step 2: Flight from Quepos to San Jose
A flight from Quepos to San Jose takes only 30 minutes. Sansa Regional and Green Airways offer several flights daily, but only during the high season from mid-October to late April.
Ticket prices start from 48,000 CRC ($105).
Departure times vary depending on the day of your trip. Flights arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport, some 20 km from San Jose city centre.
Step 3: Bus from San Jose Airport to San Jose City Centre
The bus is a cheap way to get from San Jose Airport to the city centre. TUASA (coloured white and red) and Station Wagon (yellow and orange) offer comfortable rides for only 685 CRC ($1.50). Travel time is about 1 hour.
You can hail a bus from the main road just outside the airport. Before boarding the bus, confirm with the driver if it’s going to the city. Some buses go the opposite way to Alajuela. They are available every 10 minutes from 04:00 to 23:00. Buses park at TUASA Terminal in San Jose city centre.
Alternatively, you can take a 30-minute taxi. There are taxis inside the airport, but they come with extra fees. To avoid that, you can just hail a taxi from the main road. There’s also Uber, although they’re not 100% reliable. Rates start from 11,000 CRC ($25).
Important: Many locals still question the legality of Uber in Costa Rica. Although lots of tourists have had great experiences with them, every now and then there would be a case of a car being stopped in the middle of the journey. In this case, the passengers are forced to transfer to a regular taxi.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Manuel Antonio to San Jose by Private Transport
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 90,000 CRC ($200) for a 6-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about 15,000 CRC ($33) 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.
Our favourite places to stay in San Jose
Here are our favourite places to stay in San Jose for every budget.
Treat YourselfBarceló San José
Barceló Hotel blows most other city hotels out of the water. It has amenities usually only found in resorts, and for extortionate prices. Here you’ll find an outdoor pool, spa, gym, three squash courts and two tennis courts. Plus they offer a free airport shuttle.
If you don’t fancy venturing out of the hotel to get some food, no worries! There are three restaurants and a bar on site offering a variety of different cuisines. The rooms are spacious and clean, providing comfortable beds for a good night’s sleep.
- Outdoor swimming pool and spa
- Tennis courts
- Free airport shuttle
- Three onsite restaurants and a bar
Double rooms start from $90 per night
Treat YourselfIsla Verde Hotel
Isla Verde Hotel is a real gem within the urban jungle that is San Jose. They have so many extras that you wouldn’t expect for the price – a gym, free shuttle to the airport and a great breakfast every morning.
The hotel is ultra-modern, boasting some beautifully designed rooms and seating areas. All of which are very clean and comfortable. If you don’t feel like venturing too far for food, their onsite restaurant serving Cantonese food is highly reviewed!
- Free airport shuttle
- Delicious breakfast included
- Onsite gym
- Modern and clean rooms
Double rooms start from $90 per night
Mid-RangeEco Stay Hostel
Eco Stay Hostel starts to feel like home after a while, as it has a shared living room, communal kitchen, a lovely garden area, and even barbeque facilities. You can even spend your evenings at the hotel having a friendly competition of snooker or darts.
The friendly hosts add to the welcoming atmosphere. Making sure that your room is clean and comfortable, whilst offering their help in any way that they can. The rooms are basic, but nicely decorated and have everything you could need whilst in San Jose.
- Shared living room
- Communal kitchen
- Good location
- Friendly hosts
Double rooms between $50-90 per night
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Manuel Antonio to San Jose. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance from Manuel Antonio to San Jose is 172 km.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit San Jose?
San Jose is a bustling urban landscape in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. Being the capital city, it may not be as pretty as the beach and jungle destinations that the country is known for. But if you are stopping by anyway, might as well explore for a few hours or a day before moving on to your next stop.
You will find plenty of things to do in San Jose. Within the city, you can check out the colonial buildings turned museums at Barrio Amon, try out the famed restaurants at Barrio Escalante, or party the night away in El Pueblo. If you want to venture outside the city limits, the Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens are highly recommended!
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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
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Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
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