The short answer: Manuel Antonio is about 3 to 3.5 hours by road from San José airport (SJO), most of it on the highway to the Pacific and then along the coast through Jacó and Quepos. You can drive, take a private or shared shuttle, ride the public bus, or fly about half an hour on a small domestic plane to Quepos.
Updated October 2026.
Your options, side by side
| Option | Time from SJO | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Private shuttle | About 3 to 3.5 hours | Door to door, no stress, your own schedule |
| Rental car | About 3 to 3.5 hours | Freedom for day trips along the coast |
| Shared shuttle | About 4 hours with stops | Solo travelers and small budgets |
| Public bus | About 4 hours from San José | The lowest cost, with a taxi to the airport or bus station |
| Domestic flight to Quepos | About 30 minutes in the air | Saving time, light luggage |
The private shuttle from ECOTICA
Our private airport shuttle meets you at San José airport and drives you straight to the hotel, with room for up to 5 people. It is the easiest way to arrive after a long flight: no navigation, no waiting for other passengers. Book it with your stay or ask our team.
Driving yourself
The route is simple: the highway west from San José toward the Pacific, then south along the coast through Jacó to Quepos and up the hill to Manuel Antonio. Drive in daylight when you can, take your time on the curves, and expect slower traffic on weekends and holidays. ECOTICA has free parking on site.
Flying to Quepos
Small domestic flights land at the Quepos airstrip, a short drive from the hotel. Luggage limits are tight on these planes, so pack light and check the rules with the airline.
Coming from Liberia (LIR)
From Liberia airport in the north, plan on roughly 4.5 to 5 hours by road along the Pacific coast, or connect with a domestic flight.
Questions travelers ask
Which airport is closest to Manuel Antonio?
Quepos has a small domestic airstrip. The closest international airport is San José (SJO).
Can I arrive at night?
Yes. Our front desk is open until 10 p.m.; tell us your arrival time and we will help you plan a late arrival.
Is there a bus from the airport?
Buses to Quepos and Manuel Antonio leave from San José, not from the airport, so you will need a taxi to the bus station first.
Let us handle the drive: book the private shuttle with your stay. Call +506 2777 0411, WhatsApp +506 8709 9083 or write to [email protected].
