A Daytrip shared shuttle from San Jose to Quepos starts at just $28 per person and offers convenient service from downtown San Jose or the San Jose Airport to Quepos.
Is Quepos Costa Rica worth visiting?
Quepos is a coastal jewel that is absolutely worth visiting for its rich jungle scenery, outdoor adventure opportunities, and pristine beaches for travelers to enjoy.
What is the fastest way to get from San Jose to Quepos?
The fastest options for getting from San Jose to Quepos are either the bus route going via the Hospital Dr Max Teran (1 hour 45 minutes with one transfer), or a private driving service which will take 2 hours and 40 minutes from door-to-door.
There are a few ways to get from San Jose Airport to Quepos, the easiest of which are a Daytrip private transfer or group shuttle service. Both options will get you door-to-door in 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Is there a bus from San Jose to Quepos?
There are a few popular bus routes from San Jose to Quepos, the fastest will take 1 hour and 45 minutes with one transfer required before you reach the city center of Quepos. Tickets cost $6-10.
What is the easiest way to get from San Jose to Quepos?
The easiest way to get from San Jose to Quepos for many travelers is a private driving transfer, offering seamless pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in either city with a professional, English-speaking driver.
A private car transfer from San Jose to Quepos whisks you to this small Pacific beach town in record time at just over 2.5 hours. While you could ride door-to-door, Daytrip offers you a chance to elevate your drive with some sightseeing stops along the way.
Consider joining the Britt Coffee Tour to learn more about the growing and processing of Costa Ricaâs world-famous export: high-quality coffee. This organic plantation is key to the countryâs domestic coffee scene, and youâll get a unique insight into the history of coffee production and witness modern growing processes - plus, you can sample a cup of gourmet coffee at the end of your journey.
Or, take a short hike through the lush jungle to view Los Chorros waterfalls, the name of which translates to âThe Jetsâ because of the series of powerful streams that feed these thundering waterfalls. With a Daytrip private driver or group shuttle transfer, you can look forward to transportation to Quepos in unmatched comfort and safety.
About Quepos
After you drive from San Jose to Quepos, you will find yourself in a coastal paradise rife with opportunities for outdoor adventures. Quepos is a small harbor town encircled by rich jungles and has made a name for itself in big-game sport fishing.
Beyond the fishing, surfers, kayakers, and divers can find plenty to do at the many beaches and harbors. Or, for those preferring to stay on land, horseback riding, and canopy tours throughout the jungle are both popular choices.
One of the biggest draws of Quepos is its proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park, boasting a diverse display of flora and fauna, including ancient reptiles like iguanas and vibrant tropical bird species. The park is home to trekking trails and tours aimed at spotting specific creatures, as well as exhilarating ziplining and whitewater rafting.
The mangrove forests in particular are incredible tidal features of the area, acting as a protective ecosystem for young marine animals and offering calm estuaries for exploration via boats and kayaks.
Given this dense biodiversity and natural splendor, Quepos is popular for ecotourism among many different kinds of travelers, as well as naturalists and scientists seeking a closer look at the areaâs unique environment.
Travelers also value Queposâ unique blend of Central American cultures and cuisines, as people from throughout Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador settled in the area during the early 20th century and brought with them incredible national dishes. Everything from traditional Costa Rican fare to fine dining and, of course, plenty of coffee shops can be found in the Central Market and beyond.
From San Jose to Quepos: travel tips
On your journey from San Jose to Quepos, there are a few tips that will help you to have the most comfortable and efficient travel day you can.
Choose a private transfer
A private car transfer gives you the most control over your itinerary. This is a great choice for travelers who need transportation at very specific times due to flight schedules or other commitments or just don't want to worry about anything.
Door-to-door service means you will get between these two cities as fast as possible without the added hassle of navigating to and from public transport stations. Your professional, English-speaking driver will assist you every step of the way and ensure you have the best trip possible.
But when you ride with Daytrip, you can transform your transfer into an immersive experience. Chat with your driver about local culture, and add sightseeing stops to plunge into the beauty of Costa Rica before you even set foot in Quepos.
Plan stops ahead of time
If youâd like to stop en route with a private driving transfer, you should work with Daytrip to plan your sightseeing ahead of time for the convenience of both you and your driver. Keep in mind that certain stops such as the Britt Coffee Tours have suggested minimum time allowances that are in place to ensure you get ample time to explore.
How to get from San Jose to Quepos
There are a few options for your San Jose to Quepos transfer, each varying in cost and travel time. The following transport options are broken down in order of convenience, with the best option for a lot of travelers being the seamless private driving transfer.
Private transfer from San Jose to Quepos
With a Daytrip private transfer, you can get from San Jose to Quepos in just 2 hours and 40 minutes. Our door-to-door service saves you the hassle of traveling between bus stations and your accommodation. If you want to experience as much of Costa Rica as possible (who doesn't) Daytrip lets you stop en route for sightseeing. Prices start at $38 per person.
Shuttle from San Jose to Quepos
A great option for budget-savvy travelers who still value comfort is the Daytrip group shuttle from San Jose to Quepos. This direct trip starts at just $28 per passenger and will bring you between convenient downtown locations. These shuttles carry up to 7 travelers at a time and get you to Quepos in a comfortable, air-conditioned van with cold bottled water to keep you cool along the way.
The shuttle can pick you up from the airport or downtown San Jose and drop you off in downtown Quepos. Certain shuttles can even drop you off directly at your accommodation!There are several departures per day to accommodate the various airline schedules and flight times.
Bus from San Jose to Quepos
There are a few different bus routes that operate between San Jose and Quepos, the fastest of which takes around 2 hours and requires a transfer to a new bus in Quepos Crucero to get you to the center of Quepos.
This route tends to cost around $6-10, but the buses can fill up quickly during popular travel times. A direct route with no transfers takes about 3.5 hours and can cost anywhere from $5 to $14.
Taxi from San Jose to Quepos
As with a private transfer, a taxi from San Jose to Quepos takes 2 hours and 40 minutes, but the cost tends to be much higher at around $130-170. Keep in mind that taxis may be in high demand around the San Jose airport, and those with flights during popular travel times may struggle to find an available cab. And unlike with Daytrip, you don't have any guarantee of the quality of service, or your driver's level of English.
Things to do when you get to Quepos
However you decide to travel from San Jose to Quepos, you will end up in a remarkable coastal destination with a plethora of things to see and do for every kind of traveler.
Visit Manuel Antonio
One of Costa Ricaâs most famous National Parks is Manuel Antonio, a dense tropical forest offering hikes, ziplining, and waterfall treks. Choose a guided tour for your exploration of the jungle for the best chance at spotting its most fascinating inhabitants including colorful parrots, ancient iguanas, and excitable monkeys. You can easily spend a few days just exploring the different activities inside the park!
Go whitewater rafting
Quepos is surrounded by powerful rivers that make for the perfect white water rafting adventure, and there are plenty of different professional guides that can ensure you have a safe and exciting journey through the rapids regardless of your skill level.
Spend time on the beaches
There is a beach nestled into the Manuel Antonio National Park that is certainly worth spending time at, but while youâre in Quepos you are also only a few minute's drive (or taxi ride) from a few world-class beaches. One of the most popular beaches is Espadilla Beach, covering over 3 miles of the coastline and offering restaurants to the south and quieter sands to the north. Rent chairs and umbrellas, go for a swim, or try your hand at boogie boarding!
Kayak through mangroves
Exploring the mangroves surrounding Quepos will give you a unique appreciation of these incredible tidal habitats. Renting a kayak or participating in a guided tour is your best chance at close-up views of wildlife, and these journeys offer a slower method of travel than the adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting for those who want to explore at their own pace.
When is the best time to visit Quepos?
As with much of the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, the driest time to visit Quepos is between November and April. This is also when the area will be busiest, and prices may be highest for flights, accommodation, and activities.
Consider timing your visit for Early November or March-April to take advantage of shoulder season deals and still get the best of the dry season, with warm temperatures hovering between 75-85° F (24-29° C).
Visitez ces sites en chemin
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 FruitÂ
Museo Historico Cultural Juan Santamaria
Costa Ricaâs history, and especially the life of its national hero, is detailed in this fascinating free museum. A Heroâs HistoryÂ
Los Chorros Waterfalls
Feel the rush of these two powerful cascades roaring in the lush jungle. The JetsÂ
Else Kientzler Garden
This lush botanical garden is home to tropical plants from around the world. Transnational Tropical TreatsÂ
Mirador de Jaco
An unmissable sign with unmissable views. Colors of the CoastÂ
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 Ricaâs indigenous species. Wet and WildÂ
