I will be in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica in February. My flight home on 2/27 is at 12:30 PM. I really want to be able to spend a full day and evening in MA on 2/26. The shuttle does not leav early enough and I have been told that there are luggage weight limits at the airport. Any suggestions re: private driver - how to fine one, cost, timing of my departure on the morning of 2/27. Has anyone ever taken the public bus from MA to SJO Airport?
Manuel Antonio to San Jose Airport
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The flight is the easiest and cheapest option. The pound limit on the planes is a pretty generous 27 lbs, plus 10 lbs back pack carry -on. Otherwise you'd need a private driver, you can request through your hotel, run $150 or so.
We used a private driver - the drive was about 3 hours. We booked it through our hotel like tully mentioned.
I've taken the public bus from MA to SJ multiple times, but I don't recommend it, if it's your first time in Costa Rica. The terminal is rather far from the airport and you would have to take a taxi from the bus terminal to the airport. A private van for up to 4 people generally costs around $150-$160. You could arrange it through your hotel, or Pacifico Travel is a great company and I've ridden with them on several occasions. Contact Ricardo at pacificotravel@yahoo.com
Re public bus - although the "directo" now takes the new road and does not stop at the airport, the colectivo still lets people off on the road in from of the airport.
In the last while we have been taking the colectivo that leaves Quepos at 6.10 AM and we have been getting to the airport between 9.30 and 10.00 AM. We last took it about 4 weeks ago. The cost is less than $8. Make sure you tell they driver that you want to get off at the airport. This will save you the cab fare from the Tracopa station back to the airport. You would have to take a cab o the Quepos bus station from where you are staying. The ride itself is not bad. There is a rest/bathroom stop just before Orotina.
However, this is not for eveyone. So if you don't like the whole concept, check into a private driver as others have recommended.
If there is only one of you - the flight is cheaper than a private driver. However unless you get a deal on Natureair - the fare these days with taxes is $80 wwith taxes.