Manuel Antonio to La Fortuna Private Transfer: 3-Hour Drive

Five hours door-to-door, with a driver who knows where to stop

A private transfer from Manuel Antonio to La Fortuna takes five hours in an air-conditioned van with a professional driver who speaks English or Spanish. Pickup happens at your accommodation. The driver carries bottled water and can stop at Tarcoles River to watch crocodiles from the bridge, or at restaurants and shops along the way, at no extra charge. The price covers up to four passengers. Additional travelers cost $10 each.

The experience

The drive itself is the journey. Your driver picks you up at your hotel in Manuel Antonio and heads north toward Arenal, stopping wherever you want to break the monotony. The Tarcoles River crossing is the standout moment, where you step out onto the bridge and watch massive crocodiles sunning themselves in the water below. It's the kind of stop that turns a transfer into something worth remembering, and it costs nothing extra. The van has wifi if you want to work or stream, and a cooler of cold water stays within reach the whole way.

The route itself passes through typical restaurants and souvenir shops if you want to eat or grab something to take with you. Your driver can arrange a tour during the drive if you decide you want one. Just let them know when you book. The van fits four people comfortably with their luggage. If you're traveling with more than four, each additional person is $10 on top of the base fare.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in Manuel Antonio.
• air-conditioned van.
• professional driver.
• bottled water.
• optional stops at Tarcoles River and roadside restaurants or shops.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day40 departure times: the first at 04:00, the last at 23:30

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Costa Rica Jade Tours

Is this one for you?Private transfers suit travelers who want to move between destinations without renting a car or joining a shared shuttle. This one works best if you're traveling with a small group (up to four people) and want flexibility to stop for photos or food along the way. The Tarcoles River crossing is built into the route, so you don't have to choose between speed and the one memorable moment on the drive.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

What's the actual drive time from Manuel Antonio to La Fortuna?

The transfer takes five hours total, including the drive and any stops you choose along the way. The Tarcoles River crossing is the main photo stop, and you can add time at restaurants or shops if you want.

Can the driver stop at Tarcoles River to see the crocodiles?

Yes. Tarcoles River is a standard stop on the route where you can get out, walk onto the bridge, and photograph the crocodiles in the water below. There's no extra charge for this stop.

What happens if I have more than four people traveling?

The base price covers four passengers. Each additional person costs $10 per person, and everyone travels in the same van with their luggage.

Where does the driver pick me up?

The driver picks you up directly at your accommodation in Manuel Antonio. You'll provide the hotel name and address when you book, along with your preferred pickup time.