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Monteverde sits about 123 kilometres (76 miles) from the Pacific beaches of Manuel Antonio. It's known for its misty cloud forest, hanging bridges and zip lines strung high through the mountains. The shared minivan covers the trip from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio in 3h 30m - 5h 30m. The bus is the cheapest at $14 (6,400 CRC), though it strings several legs together and runs long.
Distance from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
Monteverde and Manuel Antonio are about 123 km (76 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 189 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 3h 30m and 5h 55m.
3 ways to travel from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
There are three ways to travel from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio. You can choose between the bus, minivan, and private transport. The journey takes 3h 30m–5h 55m and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $14 (6,400 CRC).
3 legs — see itinerary
- Bus from Monteverde to Puntarenas2h
- Bus from Puntarenas to Quepos3h 30m
- Monteverde→Puntarenas25m
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Monteverde to Manuel Antonio by Indirect Bus
The bus is the cheapest way to get from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio, but keep in mind there are no direct routes. You’ll need to take three buses. And while the transfers are straightforward, there’s no guarantee that a connecting bus will be ready right when you arrive at each station.
With a combined fare from $14 (6,400 CRC), we leave it to you to decide if this 5h 55m journey is worth the savings.
Step 1: Bus from Monteverde to Puntarenas
The first step is to take a bus from Monteverde to Puntarenas.
Buses bound for Puntarenas depart from Transmonteverde Bus Stop beside Centro Commercial Monteverde in Santa Elena. Depending on where you’re staying around Monteverde, you can get here via a 10 to 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride.
Transmonteverde operates about 4 trips daily with a travel time of around 2h. Rates start at $6.70 (3,060 CRC). Keep in mind that most buses depart in the morning! Also, the 05:30 AM bus is not available every Sunday.
Bus tickets are available on Transmonteverde.
Booking Tip
Not all buses are available daily, so we recommend booking your tickets online at least a day before to be assured of a seat at your desired time.
You can buy your tickets through the Transmonteverde website for $6.70 (3,060 CRC). If you don’t mind taking the risk of tickets being sold out, then you can also buy your tickets at the bus station for about a dollar cheaper.
Buses park at Puntarenas Bus Terminal.
Step 2: Bus from Puntarenas to Quepos
From Puntarenas, you’ll then have to take another bus going to Quepos, 140 km southeast.
Transportes Quepos Puntarenas offers several trips from 04:30 to 17:30. Depending on the time of your arrival at Puntarenas, you may have to wait a few hours for the connecting bus.
Travel time from Puntarenas to Quepos takes around 3h 30m and a ticket costs $6.70 (3,050 CRC).
Important: As of December 2025, there have been reports saying Puntarenas Bus Terminal is closed, but you will still be dropped off in front of the terminal. Is buses to Quepos are not available here, you can find them around 200 metres away in front of the restaurant Soda La Esquina 2.
Booking Tip
Step 3: Bus from Quepos to Manuel Antonio
Quepos is a town and transport hub about 4km north of Manuel Antonio. There are plenty of hotels and guesthouses around town. And if you’re staying in Quepos, you may be able to simply walk to your accommodation.
But if your hotel is in Manuel Antonio, then you can take a short bus ride to get there. Buses from Quepos to Manuel Antonio depart every 30 minutes from 05:45 to 19:00 and then at 20:00 and 21:30. A ticket costs $0.70 (320 CRC) and the journey takes 25 minutes.
Alternatively, you can take a 15-minute taxi for around $10 (4,560 CRC).
Monteverde to Manuel Antonio by Minivan
The minivan is a convenient way to get from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio. You won’t have to worry about any transfers because it’s a door-to-door ride.
It’s a bit pricey, but well worth the convenience. Ticket prices start from $55 (25,000 CRC) for the minivan journey that takes 3h 30m - 5h 30m.
You have plenty of options for this route. We recommend booking your ticket online through BookAway. Tickets are often cheaper here, compare to when you book directly through the minivan company's website.
Minivan schedule from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway and Tropicaltourshuttles.
Booking Tip
Monteverde to Manuel Antonio by Private Transport
Are you travelling in a group? A private transfer to Manuel Antonio from Monteverde can be cheaper than a shared minivan when you split the cost.
Rates start from $200 (90,000 CRC) for a 5-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about $40 (18,000 CRC) per person.
Private Transport tickets are available on Bookaway.
Our favourite places to stay in Manuel Antonio
Here are our favourite places to stay in Manuel Antonio for every budget.
Treat YourselfMillenium Manuel Antonio
You can’t really ask for a better location in Manuel Antonio than this one. Millennium Hotel is only 100 metres from Manuel Antonio National Park! That also means that you’re super close to the beach.
The hotel has its own outdoor swimming pool, perfect for a refreshing swim after walking around the national park. The rooms are spacious and offer everything you could need during your stay. A delicious breakfast is also offered for free in a nearby restaurant.
- The best location
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Tasty breakfast included
- Friendly and helpful staff
Double rooms start from $90 per night
Treat YourselfTico Tico Villas
Tico Tico Villas tick all the boxes. Swimming pool, beautifully designed rooms and a cosy terrace area surrounded by nature. The location of the hotel is also great! All your needs will be fulfilled here.
Especially thanks to the friendly and helpful staff who will make your stay perfect. You can even enjoy a BBQ as there are facilities available in the hotel.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- BBQ facilities
- Amazing staff
- Close to Manuel Antonio National Park
Double rooms start from $90 per night
Mid-RangePeace of Paradise
Peace of Paradise feels exactly that. All you have to do to see wildlife is sit on your balcony and wait. Before long, you may be able to see monkeys, toucans, birds and maybe a sloth passing by.
The rooms are large and spacious, offering their own kitchen facilities. You can make yourself a coffee or cook a full-blown meal. The hotel has a great location in Manuel Antonio though, not far from bars and restaurants which may be more tempting than cooking your own meals.
- Lots of wildlife around the hotel
- Great location
- Private balconies
- Private kitchen facilities
Double rooms between $50-$90 per night
BudgetHostel Plinio
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or in a group, Hostel Plinio will suit your needs. There are both dorms and private rooms available, depending on what you’re looking for.
With the outdoor swimming pool and onsite Mexican restaurant, the place feels more like a mini-resort than a hostel. The breakfast in the morning will set you up perfectly for the day ahead, especially the delicious gallo pinto. And don’t forget to try out their tacos!
- Onsite Mexican restaurant
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Shared kitchen
- Delicious and filling breakfast included
Double rooms between $15-$50 per night
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Manuel Antonio?
Manuel Antonio is a popular national park and beach town in Costa Rica’s Puntarenas Province. It boasts a diverse rainforest, which is home to a great variety of flora and fauna. You'll find here white-faced capuchin monkeys, three-toed sloths, and a whole variety of wildlife.
You can spend days without running out of things to do in Manuel Antonio — from chasing waterfalls to going on a catamaran cruise. But the town's main draw is actually its beaches — white sand, turquoise waters — the perfect ending after hiking through its jungle.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio, roughly 123 kilometres (76 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $14 (6,400 CRC). The quickest trip takes 3h 30m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio?
The distance from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio is 123 kilometres (76 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio?
Journey times from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio overlap: indirect bus 5h 55m, minivan 3h 30m - 5h 30m, private transport 4-5h. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio?
The cheapest way to get from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio is by bus with ticket costs starting from 6,400 CRC.
About the Authors
Senior Travel Writer
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.
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
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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