How to Get Around in Manuel Antonio - The Best Transportation Options

Located along Costa Rica's stunning Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio beckons travelers with its lush rainforests, breathtaking beaches, and abundant wildlife. As you plan your adventure in this tropical paradise, navigating its winding roads and diverse terrain might seem daunting. We’ve got your back. Read on to discover the best transportation options available to help you explore Manuel Antonio with ease.

Private Transport

When traveling from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to the picturesque town of Manuel Antonio, opting for private transportation offers unparalleled convenience and comfort. Covering a distance of approximately 100 miles (160 kms), the journey typically takes around three to four hours, depending on traffic conditions. Private transportation stands out as the optimal choice, as it eliminates the hassle of navigating unfamiliar routes or the logistics and extra travel time involved with coordinating public transportation. Opting for private transport will provide you with a seamless and stress-free journey that takes you from the airport directly to your destination, ensuring that your vacation starts out on the right foot. Private transportation services are also ideal since they provide bilingual local drivers who can offer valuable insights into the region's attractions as you make your way to Manuel Antonio. Regardless of how long your flight may have taken, there’s little doubt you’ll be thankful for the added comfort of a late-model, air-conditioned vehicle and the ability to make a few stops along the way should you need to stretch your legs or use the facilities. This is why we find that, regardless of what transportation options you may decide to use throughout your stay, booking private transportation to and from the airport is always going to be the best option for discerning and savvy travelers.

Tour Transport

Exploring the wonders of Manuel Antonio and its surrounding attractions becomes effortlessly convenient with tour transportation options readily available. Many of the area's main attractions, such as Manuel Antonio National Park, the Manuel Antonio Canopy Zipline, the Jungle Night Walk, horseback riding tours, the Manuel Antonio Catamaran tour and all three of the area’s whitewater rafting adventures include transportation as part of the ticket price, ensuring seamless access for visitors. For tours where the travel time is longer or the tour price doesn’t automatically include transportation, the option to add transportation for an additional fee is almost always available. Check with one of our agents if you need more info. Opting for tour transportation ensures hassle-free coordination to guarantee that you will arrive at each tour destination on time and ready for adventure.

Walking, Taxis, and Buses

Manuel Antonio offers some opportunities for walking, particularly along the sandy shoreline of one of the area’s many pristine beaches. As for walking in town, it is important to mention that Manuel Antonio is located high in the mountains and is serviced by a winding main road. Much of the terrain can be difficult to navigate by foot. Steep and undulating hills, a lack of sidewalks, and heavy automobile traffic make for a strenuous journey in some areas. For daily exploration, public transportation, a rental car, or quick trips by taxi are all considered better options than walking. There are many bus stops along the main road in Manuel Antonio, and there’s even a bus tracking app you can download on your cell phone to help you coordinate locally should you wish to explore the area’s many restaurants, bars and storefronts. During the day, buses usually pass by every 15 minutes. For those with their hearts set on strolling in town, you might consider visiting the adjacent town of Quepos, where walking conditions are perfect, especially at the Marina Paz Vela.

Rent a Car

Renting a car in Manuel Antonio presents an excellent opportunity for visitors to explore the town center and nearby villages, especially considering the mountainous terrain of the region. With its winding roads and scenic routes, having a car provides the freedom to venture beyond the main tourist areas and discover hidden gems nestled in the lush landscapes. Fortunately, there are numerous car rental offices scattered throughout the area, offering a variety of vehicles to suit different preferences and budgets. Vacationers can easily rent cars by the day from both local agencies and international companies like Thrifty and Alamo, ensuring hassle-free access to transportation throughout their stay. Whether embarking on a day trip to nearby beaches, exploring the rugged terrain of the surrounding mountains, or simply cruising along the picturesque coastline, renting a car in Manuel Antonio opens up a world of adventure and discovery. If you would like to rent a car during your stay but are unsure of how to navigate the paperwork, feel free to contact us for assistance.

Discovering the vibrant landscapes, incredible biodiversity, and cultural richness of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, is made effortless with a range of transportation options tailored to suit every traveler's needs. From private transfers ensuring seamless journeys from the airport to the heart of Manuel Antonio to convenient tour transportation packages offering access to the region's main attractions, with just a little bit of prep-work, visitors can explore this tropical paradise with ease.