Transfers Countries Costa Rica San JoseSan Jose to Manuel Antonio

Private car transfer from San Jose to Manuel Antonio

Door-to-door
in 3 hours

From €33
per seat

Comfortable
car

One way

One wayReturnMulti-city

New

One way

Cancel for free 24 hours before departure

Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2024

Excellent

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in San Jose.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 3 hours.

Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Manuel Antonio.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

In total

172 km3 hours

Car trip from San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park

The car journey from San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park covers a distance of approximately 107 miles (172 kilometers) and takes around 3 hours, depending on traffic. Along this route, you’ll have the opportunity to explore various points of interest and local wildlife.

Leaving from the capital (where the airport is located) to this national park takes you along the Gulf of Nicoya, treating you to views of blue waters at each turn. But you don't have to just watch the diverse landscapes, and dense rainforests, and see the colorful birds of Costa Rica pass you by.

When you book a private car transfer with Daytrip, you can immerse yourself in Costa Rica's magic by stopping to learn how coffee is made at the Britt Coffee Tour or diving into the jungle at Los Chorros Waterfalls.

About Manuel Antonio National Park

On the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park is renowned for its stunning biodiversity and breathtaking natural beauty. Established in 1972, it holds the distinction of being one of Costa Rica's most popular national parks, attracting visitors from around the world. Its significance lies not only in its ecological diversity but also in its historical importance as a protected area.

Covering an area of approximately 4,900 acres (1,983 hectares), Manuel Antonio is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, including lush tree life, pristine beaches, and mangrove swamps. If you’re ready to see exotic animals (monkeys, sloths, variegated squirrels, etc.) then you’re headed to the right place.

From San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park: travel tips

When planning your journey from San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park consider the following travel tips.

Pack the essentials

Pack appropriate attire. The last thing you want is to be uncomfortable in nature. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended for exploring the park's trails.

Aside from this, don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, insect repellent, antiseptic wipes, and a travel-sized first aid kit!

Plan for your hike

Stay hydrated. Costa Rica has a pretty warm climate year-round, considering it’s only 673.59 miles (1,084.03 km) away from the equator. It’s a good idea to carry water and energizing snacks for the road, especially if you’re planning to hike.

How to get from San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park

It’s essential to consider your transportation options when going from San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park.

San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park by bus

Travelers have the option of taking a public bus from San Jose to Quepos, the town closest to Manuel Antonio National Park. Public buses are a budget-friendly choice, with fares typically ranging from $5 to $7 (2,507 to 3,511 Costa Rican Colón) per person. However, it's important to note that you’ll have to take a taxi from Quepos to get to Manuel Antonio. The taxi ride is about 15 minutes, 15 bucks, and 5 miles away (8.3 km).

San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park by private car transfer

Daytrip's door-to-door car service allows you to book a local, English-speaking driver in advance, set up stops along the way, and get dropped off exactly where you want at the park. This eliminates the need to find a taxi at Quepos, learn Spanish, or worry about damaging a rental on the road. Each car has A/C and each driver will help you with your luggage. It's by far the most comfortable and convenient option.

San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park by rental car

If you love the freedom of exploration and moving at your own pace, especially if you plan to make day trips from Manuel Antonio, then choosing a car may be your go-to option. You can rent a car at the San Jose airport for anywhere from $7 to $21 a day. The downside is navigating on your own and being responsible for any vehicle damage.

Things to do when you get to Manuel Antonio National Park

Upon leaving San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park, you’ll be welcomed by a smorgasbord of activities to do. Keep in mind that pets and drones are not allowed in the park, in case you were planning to share memories with your furry friends or friends online.

Hiking trails & beach exploration

Manuel Antonio National Park has 6 different trail options for you to hike through. There are also 4 beaches: Manuel Antonio, Espadilla Sur, Tesoro & Playita.

The varied landscape will allow you to have all types of outdoor fun at different paces, all while being surrounded by unforgettable views.

Wildlife watching

This is where it gets exciting. The National Park is home to 109 species of mammals, and 184 bird species, and you may even be able to see dolphins and whales offshore.

There’s no shortage of animal encounters to be had here. You can photograph sloths, iguanas, leafcutter ants, golden-naped woodpeckers, and more.

Ziplining

El Santuario Canopy Adventure, right outside of Manuel Antonio, is home to the longest twin zip line in Central America! It runs for about a mile and allows you to fly through the forests alongside the birds. There are 6 hanging bridges and 14 tree platforms to check out.

When is the best time to visit Manuel Antonio National Park?

Choosing the best time to drive from San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park can greatly enhance your experience.

Plan around the weather. The park experiences a tropical climate with two distinct seasons – the dry season (December to April) and the rainy season (May to November). The dry season typically offers sunny skies and less rainfall, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking and beach visits.

However, the rainy season brings lush greenery and fewer crowds, offering a unique opportunity to experience the park in a more tranquil setting. So if you’re looking to get away from “everyone”, then this might be the season for you.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from San Jose to Manuel Antonio

Is Manuel Antonio Costa Rica worth visiting?

Absolutely! Manuel Antonio National Park is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and pristine beaches. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, or simply seeking relaxation, Manuel Antonio offers something for everyone looking to explore Costa Rica.

How much is a shuttle from SJO to Manuel Antonio?

The cost of a shuttle from San Jose International Airport (SJO) to Manuel Antonio varies depending on the provider and the type of service. On average, it costs about $55 per person or $180 per trip. It's recommended to book in advance to secure the best rates and ensure availability.

What is better, Manuel Antonio or Tamarindo?

Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo offer completely different experiences. Manuel Antonio is where you go to immerse yourself in Costa Rica's natural beauty and diversity. You'll spend your days hiking, swimming, and exploring. Tamarindo on the other hand is a hotspot for surfing and partying.

Where do you stop between San José and Manuel Antonio?

When traveling from San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park, there are several potential stops along the route if you're riding with Daytrip. Some popular stops include the Britt Coffee Tour, Los Chorros Waterfalls, Tarcoles River Bridge (aka "The Crocodile Bridge"), and local fruit stands for a fresh snack.

How long should I spend in Manuel Antonio?

You'll want to plan to spend at least 3-5 days in Manuel Antonio. You want to have enough time to decompress, and then hit the many beaches and hiking trails at a leisurely pace. If you plan on ziplining, that can be another whole-day adventure!

How do I get from San Jose to Manuel Antonio?

To travel from San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park, you have several transportation options, including public buses, private car services such as Daytrip, shared shuttles, and rental cars. Public buses depart regularly from San Jose to Quepos, the town nearest to Manuel Antonio. Daytrip on the other hand takes you directly to the park with a driver that provides local insights and includes sightseeing stops regardless of the distance.

Visit these sights on the way

Britt Coffee Tour

How is coffee made and why is Costa Rica's so delicious? Find out on a fun and informative tour at this eco-friendly plantation. The Magical Fruit

Museo Historico Cultural Juan Santamaria

Costa Rica’s history, and especially the life of its national hero, is detailed in this fascinating free museum. A Hero’s History

Los Chorros Waterfalls

Feel the rush of these two powerful cascades roaring in the lush jungle. The Jets

Crocodile Bridge

Dozens of crocs congregate on sunny river banks right below one of Costa Rica’s main highways. The Croc Stop

Mirador de Jaco

An unmissable sign with unmissable views. Colors of the Coast

Rainmaker Forest

A winding hiking trail complete with rope suspension bridges works through this pristine mountain forest, which is home to over half of Costa Rica’s indigenous species. Wet and Wild

Why people love Daytrip

5,100+ reviews

1,576 travelers took this route with us

Oct 2, 2025

Great transfer option.

“I used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Robyn C

Sep 20, 2025

It was a fantastic trip.

“We were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, we’d especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Daydream20046758137

Sep 15, 2025

Best transport company anywhere

“We absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. It’s worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. It’s 5 star rating is well deserved.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Mary L

Aug 20, 2025

Excellent experience in traveling

“We traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortable”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Steve N

Apr 22, 2025

Reasonably Priced and Safe Transportation

“Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler COCO

Apr 2, 2025

Daytrip never disappoints

“We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Julie M

Feb 28, 2025

Great driver in Egypt

“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Maps315861

Feb 20, 2025

Comfortable and Safe Rides in Mexico

“Used Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Golourdesduarte

Feb 10, 2025

Great way to travel and see some sights on the way

“We did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Michelle R

Mar 30, 2023

Superb service!

“I booked a transfer in Costa Rica from Manuel Antonio to San Jose and it was fantastic! Our driver Rolando was on time (early in fact), new clean car and he had water and snacks for us. Conversation was great, and at my request, he brought me to a local lunch spot and it was delicious. I’d highly recommend this service. It’s easy to book and their communication throughout the process was excellent!”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler SoniaB142

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm

Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.

Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.

For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.

Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!

Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.

Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.

Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,500+ cities around the world.

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