How to Get From Playas del Coco to Monteverde
Minivan · Bus · Private Transfer
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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 150 kilometre (93 miles) distance from Playas del Coco to Monteverde. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Monteverde 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 3 ways to travel from Playas Del Coco to Monteverde?
There are three ways to travel the 150 km distance from Playas del Coco to Monteverde. You can choose between the minivan, bus, and private.
The journey takes between 3h–3h 30m and the quickest way is by private (3h). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by minivan with tickets starting at 20,000 CRC ($44).
3h 15m - 4h
20,000 CRC ($44)
3h 30m - 4h
48,000 CRC ($105)
3h
103,000 CRC ($230)
Where to stay in Monteverde?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Monteverde at the bottom of this page.
Already in Monteverde?
Onward from Monteverde
Once you're in Monteverde, here's where to next — 5 researched onward routes to pick from.
Playas del Coco to Monteverde by Minivan
The minivan shuttle is a direct and convenient way to get from Playas Del Coco to Monteverde. You won’t have to worry about any transfers because you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotels. Ticket prices start from 20,000 CRC ($44) for the journey that takes 3h 15m - 4h.
You can choose from at least three minivan operators: Tropical Tours Shuttles, Transportes Varela Monteverde CR and Interbus.
There are not a lot of companies operating on this route, so buy your tickets online beforehand through BookAway for a better chance of getting a seat.
Minivan schedule from Playas Del Coco to Monteverde
Ready to book your minivan?
From 20,000 CRC ($44) · 3h 15m - 4h
Direct operator sites
Playas del Coco to Monteverde by Bus
Looking for a cheaper transport option from Playas Del Coco to Monteverde? It’s possible to take an indirect bus — specifically, two buses plus a taxi. Combined fares start from 48,000 CRC ($105) when travelling solo.
Note that unless you’re in a group of at least three people, you won’t save on costs by taking the indirect bus. While the bus rides are cheap, the taxi ride for the last leg of the journey is expensive.
For that reason, we don’t recommend taking a bus for this route. Sure, you might get to save a few bucks, but is it worth the hassle? You can decide for yourself through the step-by-step guide below.
Step 1: Bus from Playas del Coco to Liberia
First, you’ll have to take a bus to Liberia, a transport hub 35 km northeast of Playas del Coco. The bus ride takes around 1 hour and a ticket costs 840 CRC ($1.90).
Pulimitan de Liberia operates on this route, with buses running every 20-30 minutes from 04:30 to 20:00. To secure a seat, it’s best to arrive at the bus station about 15 minutes before departure time.
Buses depart from Pulmitan Bus Stop in Playas del Coco, some 1.3 km south of the main beach. They arrive at Pulmitan Bus Station in Liberia, from where you can also get your connecting ride to Cañas.
Step 2: Bus from Liberia to Cañas
Reina del Campo is the main bus operator from Liberia to Cañas. Its buses depart every 30 minutes to an hour from 04:30 to 21:30. A ticket costs 1,820 CRC ($4.00).
Travel time is about 1 hour.
Buses park at Cañas Bus Terminal.
Step 3: Taxi from Cañas to Monteverde
From Cañas, the best way to travel the remaining 65 km southeast to Monteverde is by taxi. This is why we think you won’t get to save much by taking the bus for this route.
A taxi ride from Cañas to Monteverde takes 1h 30m - 2h and costs around 45,000 CRC ($100).
You can still save on costs if you’re in a group of 3 or 4. But if you’re travelling solo or with just one other person, then we highly recommend taking a more convenient and direct shared minivan instead.
Playas del Coco to Monteverde by Private Transfer
Are you travelling with family or friends? If you’re in a group of 4 to 5 people or even more, then taking a private transfer might be cheaper than a shared minivan when you split the cost.
Rates start from 103,000 CRC ($230) for a 5-seater private transfer from Playas del Coco to Monteverde. Divide the cost and that’s about 21,000 CRC ($46) per person.
You can book a private transport through your hotel or you can book your ride online. Below, we’ve listed some of the best private transfer options to Monteverde from Playas del Coco.
Private Transfer options from Playas del Coco to Monteverde
Ready to book your private transfer?
From 103,000 CRC ($230) · 3h
Direct operator sites
Our favourite places to stay in Monteverde
Here are our favourite places to stay in Monteverde for every budget.
Treat YourselfHotel & Spa Poco a Poco
This place is a real treat. You can even book a room that has its own private jacuzzi. If you don’t want to splash out too much, you can still enjoy their covered heated pool, spa and beautiful gardens.
After a long day of exploring, head to their onsite restaurant which offers super tasty dishes. They combine both local products from Monteverde and exotic ingredients to create exciting and delicious flavours. The rooms, as well as their staff, are both fabulous too.
- Heated outdoor swimming pool
- Health and wellness spa
- Amazing breakfast included
- Onsite restaurant
Double rooms start from $100 per night
Mid-RangeCalathea Lodge Monteverde
If you’re looking for complete relaxation, Calathea is the perfect place for that! It’s situated slightly further from the main town, but still only a walk away from the main town. That means ultimate peace and quiet.
The rooms are bright, open and comfortable. All with a private patio or balcony where you can sit back and watch the wildlife. The staff are super friendly and will help to organise your activities in Monteverde. They also provide a superb breakfast to set you up right for the day.
- Superb breakfast included
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Bright and comfortable rooms
- Private balconies and patios
Double rooms between $60-$100 per night
BudgetEddy’s Place
Eddy’s Place in a unique and unforgettable place in Monteverde. This small family-run hotel only has 4 rooms, with Freddy the main host, making you feel at home immediately. His breakfast every morning is delicious, very filling and an experience.
The rooms are nice and big, with exceptionally comfortable beds. You’ll definitely be getting a good night’s sleep here. In the morning you’ll wake up to an array of wildlife in the jungle around the hotel.
- Delicious breakfast included
- Exceptionally friendly and helpful host
- Large and clean rooms
- Small, family-run feel
Double rooms between $15-$60 per night
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Playas Del Coco to Monteverde. 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 Playas Del Coco to Monteverde is 150 km.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Monteverde?
Monteverde is a nature lover’s paradise in the Cordillera de Tilarán mountain range. Up in the clouds is where you'll find one of the Seven Wonders of Costa Rica, Monteverde Cloud Forest, one of the most popular things to do here.
With its lush mountains forever touching the clouds, Monteverde is rich in flora and fauna — 2,500 species of plants, 400 types of birds, and 100 varieties of mammals! This district is green, moist, and beautiful all year round. But if you want to enjoy all the best things to do in Monteverde with a bit of sunshine, visit during the dry season (December to April).
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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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