Facts checked October 2026 by the Manuel Antonio Travel Guide team
Options compared
| Option | Time | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracopa public bus | 3.5–4.5 h | About US$11 | Budget travellers |
| Shared shuttle | 3–4 h | About US$50–75 per person | Door to door without driving |
| Rental car | About 3 h | Car hire + fuel + tolls | Flexibility for day trips |
| Domestic flight to Quepos | 20–25 min | Around US$150 one way | Short trips, no time to lose |
Prices are indicative and were checked in October 2026. Confirm with the operator before you travel.
By public bus (Tracopa)
Tracopa buses leave from the Tracopa terminal in downtown San José, roughly ten times a day between early morning and evening. Expect 3.5 to 4.5 hours with one stop. Tickets are sold in cash at the window. From SJO airport, take a taxi to the terminal first.
By shared shuttle
Shuttles pick you up at your hotel or the airport and drop you at your hotel in Manuel Antonio. They take 3 to 4 hours and are the simplest option if you don't want to drive.
By car
From San José, take Route 27 west towards Caldera and then Route 34, the Costanera Sur, south to Quepos. About 75 minutes in, the Tárcoles bridge has crocodiles visible from the walkway; stop if you can park safely, and lock the car. Avoid driving the last stretch after dark and never leave luggage visible when you park.
By plane
Small planes fly from San José to Quepos in about 20 to 25 minutes, with luggage limits stricter than on international flights. A taxi from the Quepos airstrip to the hotels takes about 10 minutes.
Once you are there
You don't need a car to visit the park: local buses run between Quepos and the park entrance, and many tours include hotel pickup. If you are not driving, a tour with pickup saves the parking hassle at the gate.
Guided tour with hotel pickup and entrance
Best for: Staying in Quepos or up the hill and not wanting to drive or park
- Hotel pickup in the Quepos and Manuel Antonio area
- Park entrance fee, snacks and water included
- Small group of up to 10; stay on at the beach afterwards
Prices and booking on Viator
Morning catamaran with snorkel and lunch
Best for: A relaxed day on the water along the park's coast
- 9:00 am departure from Marina Pez Vela, Quepos
- Buffet lunch, juices and snorkel gear included; bring a towel
- Hotel pickup only in the Manuel Antonio area
Prices and booking on Viator
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from San José to Manuel Antonio?
About three hours in normal traffic, taking Route 27 west and then Route 34, the coastal highway, south to Quepos.
Is there a bus from San José to Manuel Antonio?
Yes. Tracopa runs buses from its terminal in downtown San José to Quepos and Manuel Antonio several times a day. The trip takes about 3.5 to 4.5 hours, and tickets are bought in cash at the terminal.
Can you fly to Manuel Antonio?
Yes, to Quepos. Domestic airlines fly from San José in about 20 to 25 minutes, and the airstrip is about 10 minutes from Quepos by taxi.