San Jose Airport - Manuel Antonio: Private shuttle with stops

Summary

From airport hellos to roadside mangoes on the way to Manuel Antonio

You’ll be met at San Jose Airport by your local driver for a comfortable private shuttle ride to Manuel Antonio. Along the way you’ll stop for fresh tropical fruit at local stands and watch for crocodiles or macaws near river crossings — small moments that turn a simple transfer into something you’ll remember long after arriving.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, I’ll spot you before you spot me,” our driver Marco grinned as he waved a sign with my name at the arrivals gate in San Jose Airport. He was right — somehow he looked like someone I’d trust to get us across Costa Rica, even before we’d left the terminal. The air outside was thick and warm, that kind of humid that sticks to your shirt but also smells faintly sweet, like wet earth and fruit. We piled into the minivan (air conditioning already humming) and Marco asked if we wanted music or just the sound of the road. I said both, which made him laugh.

The drive from San Jose Airport to Manuel Antonio is supposed to be about three hours, but honestly it felt like its own little trip. About an hour in, Marco pulled over at a row of fruit stands — not a tourist trap, just locals chatting and slicing up pineapples with machetes that looked older than me. He handed us slices of mango so ripe they dripped down my wrist. I tried saying “cas” (some kind of tart guava?) in Spanish and got a patient correction from one of the women selling fruit. There was this moment where everything slowed down: sticky fingers, sun on my face, the low hum of trucks passing by.

We stopped again by a bridge where people were leaning over the railings — crocodiles below, huge ones just lazing in the muddy water. Marco pointed out scarlet macaws flying overhead (“lapa roja,” he said), their colors almost too bright against the sky. I didn’t expect wildlife sightings on what’s technically just a private shuttle transfer, but there we were — camera out, everyone half-whispering even though the crocs couldn’t hear us anyway. The rest of the ride blurred into green hills and bits of rain tapping on the windows. I still think about that stretch between fruit stands and jungle bridges; it felt more real than most tours I’ve done.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Airport Pickup and Scenic Drive

• Meet at San Jose Airport arrival gate
• Stop at local market for tropical fruits
• Sightseeing stops for crocodiles and wildlife
• Drive to Manuel Antonio

Top questions

How long does the private shuttle from San Jose Airport to Manuel Antonio take?

The driving time is about 3 hours, not counting stops for sightseeing or snacks along the way.

Is pickup included at San Jose Airport?

Yes, your driver will meet you at the arrivals gate holding a sign with your name.

Are there any stops during the transfer?

Yes, there’s usually a stop at local fruit stands about an hour in and another for sightseeing wildlife like crocodiles or macaws.

Is this shuttle suitable for families or travelers with infants?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available and all fitness levels are welcome.

Are service animals allowed on this private transfer?

Yes, service animals are allowed during this transfer.

What kind of vehicle is used for this transfer?

An air-conditioned minivan is used for comfort during your journey.

Can I customize stops along the route?

You can request stops for sightseeing or snacks; drivers are flexible when possible.

What’s included

Your ride includes airport pickup at San Jose Airport by your local driver, all taxes and fees covered, transport in an air-conditioned minivan (with infant seats if needed), plus time to stop for fresh fruit or quick wildlife sightings along the way before reaching Manuel Antonio.