SJO Airport to Puntarenas Transfer: Private Van with Stops

A van ride that doubles as a guided introduction to Costa Rica's Pacific coast route.

Private transfer from SJO Airport to Puntarenas cruise terminals, ferry docks or hotels in a comfortable van with air conditioning, WiFi and bottled water included. Your multilingual driver points out attractions along the 20-kilometer route and can arrange stops at restaurants or viewpoints to break up the journey. The service operates under Costa Rican tourism licensing with full passenger insurance.

Options for this experience

3 options

From US$ 145 per group, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

SJO-CAL for 1 to 2 passengers maximum No fixed time Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese Up to 2 per booking Duration of 1 hour 45 minutes: the trip takes 1:20 to 1:45 hours under normal driving conditions (stops, traffic jams, rush hours and weather not included). Bottled water is offered as a courtesy drink. Van for a private trip: only you and your group take part in this trip at this time, with 2 passengers maximum. Pickup is included.

SJO-CAL for 3 to 6 passengers maximum No fixed time Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese Up to 6 per booking Duration of 1 hour 45 minutes: the trip takes 1:20 to 1:45 hours under normal driving conditions (stops, traffic jams, rush hours and weather not included). A courtesy drink of bottled water is provided. Van with capacity for 3 to 6 passengers, with 2 bags per traveler. Any extra baggage may incur an additional charge. Pickup is included.

SJO-CAL for 7 to 12 passengers maximum No fixed time Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese Up to 12 per booking Duration of 1 hour 45 minutes: the trip takes 1:20 to 1:45 hours under normal driving conditions (stops, traffic jams, rush hours and weather not included). Bottled water is offered as a courtesy drink. Van for a private trip: only you and your group take part in this trip at this time, with 12 passengers maximum. Pickup is included.

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What’s included

• Private transportation for your group only.
• WiFi on board.
• bottled water.
• all fees and taxes.
• driver assistance with luggage at your destination.

Times

• Every day No fixed time

Before you book

Group Private

Live guide English, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refunds Free 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.

Good to know

Low physical effort Stroller-friendly Infant seats available Pets welcome Public transport nearby Not recommended with heart problems

Operated by Costa Rica Destiny Tours

Prices and times updated today

Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

The experience

The van picks you up at the SJO Airport arrival hall next to the brown sculpture, facing the street side. Your driver holds a sign with your name. From there, the route to Puntarenas runs about 20 kilometers and takes roughly an hour and a half, depending on traffic and whether you stop along the way. The van itself is the first comfort: air conditioning, reclinable seats, USB chargers at each seat, and WiFi on board so you can stay connected or just rest after your flight.

Your driver speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese and knows the route well enough to point out landmarks and talk about Costa Rican culture and nature as you travel. If the journey feels long or you want to stretch, the driver can stop for up to an hour at restaurants, gas stations or convenience stores along the road: no extra charge for the stop itself, though food and drinks are at your own expense. The driver also helps with luggage when you arrive at your destination: Caldera Port Cruises Terminal, Fiesta Resort Hotel, Puntarenas Cruises Terminal or the Puntarenas Ferry Terminal.

The van holds between one and twelve passengers depending on which option you book, and only your group travels at that time. Children under 12 or shorter than 1.45 meters need a car seat or booster, available at no extra cost if you request one when you book. The operator holds Costa Rican tourism licenses and carries full vehicle and passenger insurance.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

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.

What happens when the driver meets me at SJO Airport?

Your driver waits at the arrival passengers exit hall next to the brown sculpture facing the street, holding a sign with your name. Once you meet, you head straight to the van and begin the drive to Puntarenas.

Can we stop during the transfer to Puntarenas?

Yes, the driver can arrange stops of up to one hour at restaurants, gas stations or convenience stores along the route at no extra charge. Food and drinks are at your own expense, and stops depend on weather and business hours.

What's included in the van during the drive?

WiFi, bottled water, air conditioning, reclinable seats and USB chargers are included. Your driver also provides commentary about the landscape and Costa Rican attractions along the way.

Do I need to arrange a car seat for my young child?

Children under 12 years old or shorter than 1.45 meters must use a car seat or booster by Costa Rican law. Request one free of charge when you book, or the driver may need to delay or cancel the trip.

How far is it from SJO Airport to Puntarenas?

The distance is approximately 20 kilometers. The drive typically takes between an hour and an hour and a half, depending on traffic and any stops you make.