Arenal to San José Airport (SJO): Private Driver

Time: about 3 hours. Priced per vehicle, never per person: message us for a quote to your exact route. A domestic flight is also available, about 30 minutes, if you'd rather skip the drive.

Airport meet & greet

Your driver waits in the arrivals hall at SJO, holding a sign with your name, and tracks your flight so pickup adjusts automatically if you're delayed. This is the route most Anywhere Costa Rica travelers take on arrival day.

Stops along the way

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

• A coffee plantation in the hills above the Central Valley.
• A stop for a casado lunch at a local soda.
• A photo stop as the road climbs toward the volcano.

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

Road notes

Landing after an international flight and then driving 3 hours of mountain road yourself is exactly the scenario our insiders default to a private driver for. The road has fog, rain and unlit stretches, and June–November brings potholes and landslides on this route.

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

"Our driver, Eduardo, was fantastic! He spoke English well and told us a lot about Costa Rica, La Fortuna, and places to see in Arenal. He was very considerate and stopped for photos, and candies along the way."

Kaysi H., Escazú → Arenal

"On our way from La Fortuna to the airport, our driver was amazing... He even pulled over and helped us rescue a sloth that was trying to cross the road... we would have happily driven with him anywhere."

Hayley, La Fortuna → airport

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.

Where will my driver meet me at SJO? In the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name.

What happens if my flight is delayed? Your driver tracks your flight and waits; there's no extra fee for airline delays.

Should I rent a car instead? Renting a car is usually not recommended for first-time visitors to Costa Rica; most travelers do better resting after the flight while a local driver handles the mountain road.

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