Skip to Content

3 Best Ways to get from Jaco to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

You can get from Jaco to Manuel Antonio by bus, shared shuttle, or rent a car.

The cheapest transportation option from Jaco to Manuel Antonio is by public bus, which costs only USD 3. The journey takes about 2.5 hours.

The most popular option is the shared shuttle, offering direct and hassle-free transportation at a very affordable price.

The fastest way to travel to Manuel Antonio from Jaco is by rental car, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Navigating through the lush landscapes between these two stunning locations can be an adventure, and I’m here to share every insight gained from my numerous escapades across this path.

Because of Jaco’s proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park, several tour operators offer tour packages that will take you to the park alongside other destinations you will pass by.

If you are the type to go alone or pursue a spontaneous adventure with friends, try one of these recommended modes of transport!

Transportation Options from Jaco to Manuel Antonio

The following table outlines all transportation options from Jaco to Manuel Antonio:

MethodTimePrice
Bus from Jaco to Manuel Antonio2.5 hrs$3
Shared Shuttle from Jaco to Manuel Antonio~1.5 hrs$45
Rental Car~1.5 hrs$41 to 72

How far is Jaco to Manuel Antonio National Park?

Jaco and Manuel Antonio National Park distance is about 43 miles or 73 kilometers. Here, you can find more information about transportation in Costa Rica.

How to get from Jaco to Manuel Antonio National Park

1. Public Bus from Jaco to Manuel Antonio National Park

Journey Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

You must take two buses from Jaco to Manuel Antonio via public transportation.

The first bus takes you from Jaco to Quepos; the next will take you from Quepos to Manuel Antonio National Park.

To catch the bus to Quepos, head to the bus stop on the beach nearest you.

If you want an exact location to wait on, look for the Best Western Hotel, and you will find a bus stop for Quepos right across it.

It takes about two hours to reach Quepos from Jaco.

The cost for this leg is about 1300 colones. You can find Jaco’s bus schedule to Quepos online at the Transportes Quepos Puntarenas website.

Once you arrive at the Quepos bus station, look for the bus with a sign indicating its route is to Manuel Antonio National Park.

It will take about 30 minutes before you reach the park. The bus from Quepos to Manuel Antonio costs about 335 colones. 

To ride a bus from Jaco to Manuel Antonio will take two hours and thirty minutes without the waiting time and costs about 1635 colones.

Manuel Antonio Beach
©Universal Traveller by Tim Kroeger

2. Shared Shuttle from Jaco to Manuel Antonio

Journey Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

If you don’t like to switch buses and want to go straight from Jaco to Manuel Antonio, you can opt for a shuttle bus.

This option proves to be more time-efficient, with only about one hour and 15 minutes of travel time.

It is somewhat more costly, with one seat priced at $45.

However, as mentioned, the convenience of not needing to wait by the side of the road and transferring from one bus to another truly makes this option worth your money.

If you are traveling as a group, you can get the whole bus and make it private for $100 for a maximum of six passengers.

Higher rates apply to bigger groups. This option allows you to leave at your most convenient time, stop by exciting sites along the road, and be with the same people you are traveling with.

Shuttle services from Manuel Antonio to Jaco, Costa Rica, are also available.

Jaco to Manuel Antonio Shared Van Shuttle Schedule:

The table below displays the Interbus and Zuma Tours shared shuttle timetable for trips from Jaco to Manuel Antonio, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DEPETADURPX
10:00am12:00pm2h$48Book Now 3 E1661788865313
10:00am11:15am1h 15m$55Book Now 3 E1661788865313

3. Rent a car from Jaco to Manuel Antonio National Park

Journey Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes

Drive your way from Jaco to Manuel Antonio by renting a car.

This option allows you to travel at your own pace and arrive at your most desired time, stopping by places that interest you and going for breaks in between.

You will have to take Carr. Pacifica Fernandez Oreamuno on Route 34.

In the end, take Route 235 until you reach Route 618. Follow the map going to Colina Monito Road.

Your drive from Jaco to Manuel Antonio National Park will take about one hour and 20 minutes without factoring in your stops.

A rental car in Jaco ranges from $41 to $72.

How To Get From Jaco To Manuel Antonio National Park Costa Rica1
©depositphotos.com

Best day tours in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.

Here, you can find some of the best tours in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is it from Jaco to Manuel Antonio?

The distance between Jaco and Manuel Antonio is approximately 73 kilometers (43 miles) by road.

Can I take a direct bus from Jaco to Manuel Antonio?

Yes, there are direct buses that operate between Jaco and Manuel Antonio. They are an affordable and convenient option for travelers. However, if you decide to take a public bus, you will have to make a stop in Quepos first.

Can I rent a car to travel from Jaco to Manuel Antonio?

Yes, you can rent a car to travel between these two destinations. It provides flexibility and allows you to explore the area at your own pace. The drive takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

What is the cheapest way to travel from Jaco to Manuel Antonio?

The cheapest way to travel from Jaco to Manuel Antonio is by public bus, with tickets priced at only USD 3!

What is the fastest way to travel from Jaco to Manuel Antonio?

The fastest way to travel from Jaco to Manuel Antonio is by car, which takes about 1.5 hours.

Rate this post

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *