San Jose to Manuel Antonio: Private Transfer

Travel at your own pace from San Jose to Manuel Antonio

A private minibus transfer from San Jose or Juan Santamaria International Airport to any hotel in Manuel Antonio, with bilingual drivers, air-conditioned vehicles and the option to stop for coffee or lunch along the way. Groups of 4 or 10 passengers travel together. Rates adjust per person based on group size. The journey takes approximately 3 hours through Costa Rican countryside.

The experience

San Jose to Manuel Antonio is roughly 3 hours by road, and a private minibus gets you there without the hassle of arranging your own transport or waiting for a shared shuttle. You're picked up at your San Jose hotel or directly from Juan Santamaria International Airport at no extra charge, then driven in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle by a professional bilingual driver. The route itself is the journey. You'll pass through the Central Valley and down toward the coast, and the driver can pull over for coffee, lunch or a quick stretch without adding to your bill.

The minibus comes in two sizes: one for 4 passengers or one for 10, so you choose based on your group. Fares are calculated per person and drop as your group grows, meaning a family or small party pays less per head than a solo traveler would. Bottled water is included, and the vehicle is wheelchair accessible. If you're traveling with an infant or small child, specialized seats are available. Tips are optional and handled at checkout.

What’s included

• Private minibus transportation.
• pickup from any San Jose hotel or Juan Santamaria Airport at no extra charge.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water.
• bilingual driver.
• complimentary stops for coffee, lunch or rest breaks.
• all fees and taxes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Minibus accommodating 4 peopleUp to 4 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · No fixed timePickup is included with the 4-person vehicle

Minibus accommodating 10 peopleUp to 10 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · No fixed timePickup is included with the 10-person vehicle

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Summer Travel Costa Rica

Is this one for you?Choose the 4-person minibus if you're traveling solo or as a couple and want the lowest per-person rate. Pick the 10-person option if you're with a larger group and want to spread the cost further. Either way, you control the stops and the pace: no fixed schedule, no other passengers to wait for.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I be picked up from Juan Santamaria Airport instead of a hotel?

Yes. Juan Santamaria International Airport pickups are included at no extra cost. The driver will meet you after you clear arrivals and take you directly to your Manuel Antonio hotel.

How long does the drive from San Jose to Manuel Antonio take?

The journey takes approximately 3 hours. You can use the time to rest, take photos or chat with your group. Stops for food or drinks don't add to the total travel time.

Do I have to book the 4-person or 10-person minibus?

You choose at checkout. The 4-person minibus suits couples, small families or solo travelers. The 10-person minibus works for larger groups. Either way, you're traveling privately: no strangers are added to your booking.

What's included in the transfer price?

Private transportation, bottled water, air conditioning and all fees and taxes are included. Pickup from your San Jose hotel or the airport is also included. Tips are optional.