Part of our Costa Rica guide.
Four transport routes in Costa Rica, with distances, times, and options.
Related travel guides: Things To Do In Costa Rica, Where To Stay In Costa Rica, Getting Around Mexico, and Getting Around Germany.
How To Get From Quepos To Manuel Antonio (And Vice-Versa)
Quepos is the nearest town with an airport to Manuel Antonio. The drive is about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) and takes roughly 10–15 minutes by car or taxi. Shared shuttles run frequently, and local buses depart from Quepos’s bus station every 30 minutes or so during the day. A taxi costs around $15–$20 USD; the public bus fare is under $1 USD. Walking is not recommended due to narrow roads and traffic.
Monteverde To Nicaragua Bus
Monteverde sits high in the cloud forest, about 150 kilometers northwest of San José. To reach San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, take a direct shuttle (around 4–5 hours, including border crossing) or a public bus from Monteverde to the Peñas Blancas border, then connect to a Nicaraguan bus. Shuttle services cost $40–$60 USD per person. The border crossing is straightforward for most nationalities; check current visa requirements before you go. For more on crossing land borders, see our coverage of countries border Costa Rica.
SJO Airport Bus To San Jose, Costa Rica
Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is about 20 kilometers west of downtown San José. The public bus (Route 500, Tuasa company) runs from the airport’s bus stop to the city center every 15–20 minutes, 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The ride takes 30–45 minutes and costs about $1.50 USD. Shared shuttles (e.g., Interbus, Grayline) cost $15–$25 USD per person and drop at hotels. A taxi from the official airport stand costs $25–$35 USD for the 25-minute drive. Car rental agencies are in the arrivals hall; expect to pay $30–$60 USD per day for a basic vehicle.
How Long Is The Ferry Ride From Punta Arenas To Paquera?
The ferry from Punta Arenas to Paquera takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. It runs multiple times daily; the schedule varies by season, with roughly 6–8 departures between 5:00 AM and 9:00 PM. A standard passenger ticket costs around $2–$3 USD; a vehicle with driver is about $10–$15 USD. The ferry is operated by the Naviera Tambor company. For trip planning and inspiration in Costa Rica, the crossing offers views of the Gulf of Nicoya and is a direct link to the southern Nicoya Peninsula beaches.
