All routesSJO Airport → Manuel Antonio

Private Shuttle from SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio

Everything you need to book with confidence

Updated September 2026

Private shuttle from SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio: $215 per vehicle for 1–5 passengers (taxes and tolls included), 160 km in about 3h to 3h 30min, door-to-door, any hour of the day.

Manuel Antonio packs national parks, jungle, and Pacific beaches into a short stretch of coast — three hours from San José and easy to combine with the Central Valley. The national park sits next to the town, with monkeys on the beach and dolphins offshore, and the road into town runs along a ridge with sunset views over the Pacific.

How long is the drive from SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio?

Plan on roughly 3 to 3½ hours for the 160 km (99 mile) drive. The first 90 minutes climbs out of San José and over the Central Valley divide; the second half runs down the Pacific coastal road through palm plantations and small towns.

Is the road from SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio safe?

Yes — paved highway end to end. The Central Valley pass is the only section that asks for attention; once you drop to the coast, the road is flat and well-maintained Pacific highway.

Is it safe to travel from SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio at night?

Yes — and the Pacific coastal road is smooth at night with lighter traffic than the Central Valley pass. SJO sees most international arrivals between 9 PM and midnight, and Manuel Antonio hotels are used to late check-ins.

How much does a private shuttle from SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio cost?

$215 for the whole van, up to 5 passengers — about $43 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).

Flight MonitoringINCLUDED

We track your flight in real time. If it's delayed, we automatically adjust your pickup time — your driver will be waiting for you when you land. Just add your flight number when you book.

What's included on every SJO Airport → Manuel Antonio 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 when you land

Book 90 min after landing

Immigration can take 30 min to 2 hours on busy days. We'll wait for you.

Driver waits with your name

SJO: Outside main exit. LIR: Arrivals area. Look for the sign!

Night arrivals welcome

Flight lands at 10pm? We'll be there. Same price, any hour.

Can't find us?

WhatsApp us at +506-8596-2438. We're always online.

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 Manuel Antonio does this shuttle drop off at?

Our private shuttle from SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio drops off at any hotel, villa, or Airbnb in the area. Common drop-offs include Tulemar Resort, Arenas Del Mar, Gaia Hotel & Reserve, Makanda by the Sea, Si Como No Resort, and many more.

  • Tulemar Resort

    Manuel Antonio

  • Arenas Del Mar

    Manuel Antonio

  • Gaia Hotel & Reserve

    Manuel Antonio

  • Makanda by the Sea

    Manuel Antonio

  • Si Como No Resort

    Manuel Antonio

  • Parador Resort & Spa

    Manuel Antonio

  • Parador Nature Resort & Spa

  • Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort

  • Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge

  • Hotel Costa Verde

  • La Mariposa Hotel

  • Shana by the Beach

  • Hotel San Bada

    Next to the National Park

  • Issimo Suites Boutique Hotel & Spa

  • Buena Vista Luxury Villas

Don't see your hotel? We drop off at every property in Manuel Antonio — 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

$334 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
On this route:Tárcoles crocodile bridgeJacó viewpoint

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.

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