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 2 h 40 min.
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 Quepos.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
In total
164 km2 h 40 min
Questions & Answers about Traveling from San Jose to Quepos
How much is a shuttle from San Jose to Quepos?
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.
How do I get from San José airport to Quepos?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,500+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
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 Rica’s world-famous export: high-quality coffee. This organic plantation is key to the country’s domestic coffee scene, and you’ll 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 “The Jets” 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 area’s unique environment.
Travelers also value Quepos’ 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 you’d 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 Rica’s 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 you’re 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).
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
Else Kientzler Garden
This lush botanical garden is home to tropical plants from around the world. Transnational Tropical Treats
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
“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.”
“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
“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.”
“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”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“We used the service twice while in Thailand. Extremely prompt and efficient customer service. Best rate being offered in Chiang Mai for the travels. Polite, punctual, professional and English speaking drivers. Clean, comfortable vehicles. Being a regular visitor to Thailand, this was hands down the best service. Most pleased with the company. I hope it sustains the excellence of service that was rendered to us.”
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler Omar
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!
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.
