All routesSan Jose Downtown → Manzanillo

Private Shuttle from San Jose Downtown to Manzanillo

Everything you need to book with confidence

Updated August 2026

Private shuttle from San Jose Downtown to Manzanillo: $364 per vehicle for 1–5 passengers (taxes and tolls included), 250 km in about 4h 45min - 5h 15min, door-to-door, any hour of the day.

Manzanillo runs on Caribbean time — slower than the Pacific side, with reggae bars instead of surf hostels and afro-Caribbean cooking in every soda. Connecting from San Jose Downtown, a private shuttle saves you the back-and-forth of public transit and puts a local driver in charge of the 4h 45min - 5h 15min on the road.

How long is the drive from San Jose Downtown to Manzanillo?

Plan on about 4h 45min - 5h 15min for the 250 km (155 mile) drive from San Jose Downtown to Manzanillo. Our drivers schedule departures around afternoon rain on the mountain sections during green season, so the route stays smooth even in October and November.

Is the road from San Jose Downtown to Manzanillo safe?

Yes — the route is Same Route 32 from downtown., passing through Urban to Caribbean.. Any standard vehicle handles the drive comfortably in any season, and the road grade keeps speeds moderate the whole way.

How much does a private shuttle from San Jose Downtown to Manzanillo cost?

$364 for the whole van, up to 5 passengers — about $73 per person if you're a full group. That's the all-in price you see at booking; taxes are baked in, and tipping stays at your discretion (most travelers leave $10-20 for the long drive).

What's included on every San Jose Downtown → Manzanillo shuttle

Every item below is in the price you see.

  • Direct private route — no detours, no shared rides
  • Door-to-door pickup and drop-off
  • Bilingual driver, just your group on board
  • Free WiFi on board
  • A/C modern van
  • Bottled water
  • USB & Type-C chargers
  • Free child seats on request
  • 1 large + 1 carry-on per person
  • ICT-licensed & fully insured
  • Real-time flight monitoring

Trusted by travelers

A 5-star service.
Promised & proven.

5.0
Google Reviews
  • ICT Licensed

    #4121-2025

  • 20 Years

    In CR tourism

  • Bilingual Drivers

    English / Spanish

  • Door to Door

    No detours, ever

What happens if your plans change

Cancellation

  • ✓48+ hours before: Full refund (minus 13% tax)
  • ✗Within 48 hours: Non-refundable
  • →Email: mybooking@cantwaittravelcr.com

Changes & Modifications

  • ✓Free changes up to 48 hours before pickup
  • ✓Change time, date, or location (subject to availability)
  • →Route changes may affect price

Need Help?

  • ✓WhatsApp support before, during & after your ride
  • ✓Bilingual team available 7 days a week
  • →Reach us at +506-8596-2438

Pricing

  • ✓Price is per vehicle, not per person
  • ✓No hidden fees — price you see is final
  • ✓All-in price · Taxes & fees included (13% VAT)

Which hotels in Manzanillo does this shuttle drop off at?

Our private shuttle from San Jose Downtown to Manzanillo drops off at any hotel, villa, or Airbnb in the area. Common drop-offs include Almonds and Corals Hotel.

  • Almonds and Corals Hotel

    Manzanillo

Don't see your hotel? We drop off at every property in Manzanillo — just enter the name when you book.

Optional upgrade

Discovery — your shuttle becomes the trip

Same private shuttle, with time built in to actually enjoy the road.

From

$483 US/ van

+$119 US over Standard · ~3 extra hours · up to 5 passengers

  • 1–2 h flexible stop: lookout, waterfall or a short tour on the way
  • Meal stop at a local restaurant with a view
  • Photo & wildlife stops whenever the scenery calls for it
  • Driver-guide with local tips along the route
  • Welcome kit: Costa Rican beers, sodas, water & snacks

Meals & tickets paid on site · Choose Standard or Discovery at checkout, same reservation.

Travel with peace of mind

Nothing left to chance.

Honest answers to the questions travelers ask us most.

  • What if my flight is delayed — even at 2 AM?

    We track your flight in real time and adjust your pickup automatically. Your driver waits for you. Same price, any hour, no extra charge.

  • What if I can't find my driver when I land?

    Your driver is there before you land, holding a sign with your name. For late-night and early-morning arrivals we reconfirm the day before and send you your driver's name, phone and WhatsApp — a direct line to them, plus our company WhatsApp (+506-8596-2438). Two ways to reach us, always.

  • I'm traveling solo / with friends — is it safe?

    Your van is 100% private: only your group on board, never shared with strangers. Background-checked, C2-licensed drivers and WhatsApp support the whole way.

  • What if my kids get carsick on the road?

    A/C, smooth driving and we pull over for fresh air whenever you need. Bags on board, free child seats, and restroom or snack stops on request.

  • What if my plans change and I need to cancel?

    Free changes and a full refund (minus 13% tax) up to 48 hours before pickup. One email to mybooking@cantwaittravelcr.com and it is handled.

  • Will anyone confirm everything before my trip?

    Yes. We reconfirm by WhatsApp or email 24–48 hours before your service — pickup time, exact location and your driver. You are never left wondering.

Officially Recognized

Esencial Costa Rica — Marca PaísInstituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT)

We are proud members of Marca País Costa Rica (Esencial Costa Rica) and licensed by the ICT — Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (License 4121-2025), Costa Rica's official tourism board.

Chat with us on WhatsApp