Arenal to Manuel Antonio: Private Driver

Time: about 4 hours 45 minutes. Priced per vehicle, never per person: message us for a quote to your exact route. A domestic flight is also available, about 50 minutes, if you'd rather skip the drive.

Volcano to rainforest coast: your driver picks you up at your La Fortuna area hotel and drops you at your Manuel Antonio hotel, no shared shuttle, no waiting on other passengers.

Stops along the way

One hour of free wait time is included, popular for:

• A coffee farm or roadside soda in the Central Valley hills.
• A photo stop on the way down to the Pacific coast.
• A stretch break before the final stretch into Manuel Antonio.

Longer stops can be arranged for an additional fee, priced when you book.

Road notes

This is one of the longer routes on our network, crossing from the northern volcanic highlands to the central Pacific coast. We advise against driving after dark, and June–November rain can bring potholes and slower going on the mountain stretches.

Vehicles

A sedan or SUV covers 1 to 4 travelers with standard luggage; a premium van fits 5 to 8; a Sprinter is available for larger groups or extra bags. Child seats are available on request.

Reviews for our drivers

"Ronny was the driver who picked us up and he was fantastic. Our flight arrived 45 minutes early... and he still was there to pick us up when we got out of customs... He also drove very safely."

Lisa O., SJO → Manuel Antonio

"Your drivers, Christopher and Hugo are the best. Both did an amazing job, they made us feel safe by ensuring the doors were locked and drove safely."

Ryan W.

FAQ

Is the price per person or per vehicle? Per vehicle, never per person: message us for a quote to your exact route and party size.

Is flying faster? Yes, about 50 minutes versus 4 hours 45 minutes by road, though luggage limits are tight on small planes.

Should I rent a car or hire a private driver? Renting a car is usually not recommended for first-time visitors to Costa Rica; a private driver removes the mountain-road guesswork on this long a route.

Do your drivers speak English? Yes, all Anywhere Costa Rica drivers are English-speaking, licensed tourism-transport professionals.

Can you also book our hotels and tours? Yes: Anywhere Costa Rica plans private drivers, hotels and tours together, with a local insider on WhatsApp 24/7 while you travel.