Manuel Antonio to San José: Private Transfer with Local Stops

Summary

Private transfer from Manuel Antonio to San José with local stops and flexible timing

You’ll travel from Manuel Antonio to San José or SJO Airport in comfort, with hotel pickup and your own local driver. Stop at Tarcoles River for crocodile spotting or grab lunch at a typical restaurant along the way. It’s an easygoing ride that feels more personal than just getting from A to B — you might even pick up some local stories.

What’s the experience like?

“You want to see the crocodiles? We can stop — no rush,” our driver, Mario, grinned in the rearview. I’d barely finished my coffee when he pulled up outside our hotel in Manuel Antonio, right on time. The van was cool inside (thank god), and he had a little cooler of water bottles ready. I didn’t expect much from a transfer — just get me to San José Airport — but this felt more like a road trip with someone who actually knew every bump and story along the way.

The drive out of Manuel Antonio was slow at first, winding past bright houses and sleepy dogs. Mario pointed out a fruit stand where he said the pineapples are “the sweetest in Costa Rica.” We stopped at the Tarcoles River bridge — you could hear the birds before you saw anything, then suddenly there they were: huge crocodiles sunning themselves below. I tried to get a photo but honestly just stared for a while. There’s something about seeing those animals up close that makes you feel small (in a good way?).

We kept going, windows down for a bit because it smelled like rain on hot pavement — that earthy, sticky scent. Mario chatted about his family in San José and laughed when I tried to pronounce “guanábana.” He offered to stop for lunch at a roadside soda if we wanted; no pressure. Wifi worked well enough for me to check my flight time (paranoid as usual). It’s about three hours total, but it didn’t feel long with all the little stories and breaks.

I still think about that view over the river and how easy it was not having to worry about anything — bags stashed safely, cool air blowing, someone else handling the roads. Sometimes transfers are just dead time between places, but this one felt like part of the trip itself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San José

• Drive from Manuel Antonio to San José Airport
• Stop at Tarcoles River to see crocodiles
• Optional stops at restaurants or souvenir stores

Top questions

How long is the drive from Manuel Antonio to San José?

The private transfer takes about three hours by car.

Is hotel pickup included in Manuel Antonio?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Manuel Antonio is included.

Can we stop along the route during the transfer?

Yes, your driver can stop at places like Tarcoles River or restaurants without extra charge.

Is this transfer suitable for families with kids?

Yes, infants seats are available and strollers can be accommodated.

Does the van have air conditioning and wifi?

Yes, all vehicles are air-conditioned and offer wifi onboard.

Are there extra charges for additional people?

The price covers up to 4 people; each extra person is $10 more.

Can service animals join this private transfer?

Yes, service animals are allowed on board.

Is this transfer wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible for travelers who need it.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup in Manuel Antonio, all fees and taxes covered, an air-conditioned vehicle with wifi onboard, cold bottled water in a cooler provided by your driver, plus flexible stops at scenic spots or restaurants along the way before arriving in San José or SJO Airport.