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So you’ve landed in San José, had an airport café coffee—which is the best airport coffee you’re ever going to find—and you’re wondering “What’s the best way to get from San José to this monkey beach and national park that’s so Instagram famous?”
From San José to Manuel Antonio – How Far Is It Anyway?
In short? About 170 kilometers (or 105 miles). In long? It depends—and it might change!
If you’re driving by car or shuttle, you should take between 2.5 to 4 hours—again, depending; on traffic, weather, construction (and let’s be honest—how many times you stop for empanadas).
From San José to Manuel Antonio – Option 1: Renting a Car
If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to go at your own pace (and perhaps stop to take a zillion palm tree pictures), then renting a car in San José is a great idea.
The drive is fairly easy—take Route 27 west out of San José and transfer to Route 34 (the Costanera) going south by the water.
It’s paved, lovely and passes a number of small towns where you can stop for snacks or fresh coconut water. Just be mindful of creative Costa Rican driving and don’t drive at night—and especially not on your first go here.
P.S. The Crocodile Bridge at Tarcoles is along this route too, so stop, stretch your legs and meet some giant reptiles. Just…don’t feed them.
Getting to Manuel Antonio – Option 2: Shared Shuttle
If you’re not up for driving, shared shuttles are a no-fuss, comfy way to get from San José to Manuel Antonio. Someone picks you up, someone else drives, and all you have to do is enjoy the views.
Most shuttles depart in the morning or early afternoon and take around 3.5 hours. You’ll be sharing the ride with a few other travelers — which, let’s be honest, is a great way to swap travel tips and maybe even find someone to grab a beer with later.
Option 3: Public Bus – Budget-Friendly (But Plan Ahead)
On a tighter budget? The public bus is a solid option.
Buses run daily from Terminal Tracopa in San José and head straight to Quepos and Manuel Antonio. The ride takes around 4–5 hours, with a short bathroom/snack stop along the way.
It’s cheap (around $10), relatively comfortable, and honestly part of the adventure. Just be sure to keep your bags close and get your ticket ahead of time, especially in high season.
From San José to Manuel Antonio – Option 4: Domestic Flight
Want to arrive in style and see Costa Rica’s jungles and coastline from above?
You can catch a domestic flight with Sansa Airlines from San José to Quepos. It takes just about 25 minutes, and from the tiny Quepos airport, it’s only a 15-minute drive to Manuel Antonio.
It’s a little more expensive (flights usually range from $70–120+), but if time is tight or you just love small planes, this one’s a vibe.
What’s Waiting for You in Manuel Antonio?
Once you arrive, you’ll understand the hype. Manuel Antonio has it all:
- A stunning national park packed with wildlife (sloths, monkeys, toucans – the full cast)
- Postcard-worthy beaches
- Great food, from beachfront tacos to fancy date-night spots
- A relaxed vibe that makes you forget what day it is
Trust me, Manuel Antonio is one of those places where even if you only planned to stay two nights… you’ll stay four. Or six. Or start looking at long-term rentals. No judgment.
Travel Smarter with a Local Touch
If you’re planning your trip from San José to Manuel Antonio, and you’re the kind of traveler who likes help from real humans (not just booking sites), check out our team at GoExploreWith.me.
We can help you arrange transportation, private tours, and even suggest places to stay that aren’t full of spring breakers. Whether you want a waterfall hike, a catamaran cruise, or a private wildlife guide — we’ve got the local know-how to make it happen.
Don’t Miss This Freebie Before You Go
And hey — while you’re here — grab our free eBook: “10 Hidden Gems in Costa Rica You’ve Never Heard Of.”
Because Manuel Antonio is just the beginning. There are waterfalls without names, jungle lodges off the grid, and beaches you’ll have all to yourself.
Download it on our site. Zero spam, just pura vida.
