Are you thinking of traveling from Jaco to Manuel Antonio National Park? You can choose to ride a bus, go by shuttle or rent a car.
Going on a day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park from Jaco has become popular for tourists and residents.
It’s a rewarding experience to come to the other side of Puntarenas and explore nature, have fun with outdoor activities, and relax amid the thick jungle.
Because of Jaco’s proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park, several tour operators offer tour packages that will take you on a trip 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.
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.
Transportation Options from Jaco to Manuel Antonio
The following table outlines all transportation options from Jaco to Manuel Antonio:
Method | Travel time | Price |
---|---|---|
Bus from Jaco to Manuel Antonio | 2 hours 30 minutes | USD 3 |
Shared Shuttle from Jaco to Manuel Antonio | 1 hour 15 minutes | USD 45 |
Rental Car | 1 hour 20 minutes | USD 41-USD 72 |
How to get from Jaco to Manuel Antonio National Park

1. Ride a bus
Journey Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
You must take two buses to get 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 that indicates that 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.
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Jaco to Manuel Antonio. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
2. Take a shuttle
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.
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 coming from Manuel Antonio to Jaco Costa Rica are also available.
Tip: On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Jaco to Manuel Antonio. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
3. Rent a car
Journey Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
Drive your way from Jaco to Manuel Antonio by renting a car.
This option gives you the liberty 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.
The price for a rental car in Jaco ranges from $41 to $72.

Best day tours in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. 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.

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