Overview: car trip from San Jose to Quepos

A private car transfer from San Jose to Quepos whisks you to this small Pacific beach town in record time at just over 2.5 hours. While you could ride door-to-door, Daytrip offers you a chance to elevate your drive with some sightseeing stops along the way.

Consider joining the Britt Coffee Tour to learn more about the growing and processing of Costa Rica’s world-famous export: high-quality coffee. This organic plantation is key to the country’s domestic coffee scene, and you’ll get a unique insight into the history of coffee production and witness modern growing processes - plus, you can sample a cup of gourmet coffee at the end of your journey.

About Quepos

After you drive from San Jose to Quepos, you will find yourself in a coastal paradise rife with opportunities for outdoor adventures. Quepos is a small harbor town encircled by rich jungles and has made a name for itself in big-game sport fishing.

Beyond the fishing, surfers, kayakers, and divers can find plenty to do at the many beaches and harbors. Or, for those preferring to stay on land, horseback riding, and canopy tours throughout the jungle are both popular choices.

One of the biggest draws of Quepos is its proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park, boasting a diverse display of flora and fauna, including ancient reptiles like iguanas and vibrant tropical bird species. The park is home to trekking trails and tours aimed at spotting specific creatures, as well as exhilarating ziplining and whitewater rafting.

From San Jose to Quepos: travel tips

On your journey from San Jose to Quepos, there are a few tips that will help you to have the most comfortable and efficient travel day you can.

Choose a private transfer

A private car transfer gives you the most control over your itinerary. This is a great choice for travelers who need transportation at very specific times due to flight schedules or other commitments or just don't want to worry about anything.

Door-to-door service means you will get between these two cities as fast as possible without the added hassle of navigating to and from public transport stations. Your professional, English-speaking driver will assist you every step of the way and ensure you have the best trip possible.

But when you ride with Daytrip, you can transform your transfer into an immersive experience. Chat with your driver about local culture, and add sightseeing stops to plunge into the beauty of Costa Rica before you even set foot in Quepos.

How to get from San Jose to Quepos

There are a few options for your San Jose to Quepos transfer, each varying in cost and travel time. The following transport options are broken down in order of convenience, with the best option for a lot of travelers being the seamless private driving transfer.

Private transfer from San Jose to Quepos

With a Daytrip private transfer, you can get from San Jose to Quepos in just 2 hours and 40 minutes. Our door-to-door service saves you the hassle of traveling between bus stations and your accommodation. If you want to experience as much of Costa Rica as possible (who doesn't) Daytrip lets you stop en route for sightseeing. Prices start at $38 per person.

Things to do when you get to Quepos

However you decide to travel from San Jose to Quepos, you will end up in a remarkable coastal destination with a plethora of things to see and do for every kind of traveler.

Visit Manuel Antonio

One of Costa Rica’s most famous National Parks is Manuel Antonio, a dense tropical forest offering hikes, ziplining, and waterfall treks. Choose a guided tour for your exploration of the jungle for the best chance at spotting its most fascinating inhabitants including colorful parrots, ancient iguanas, and excitable monkeys. You can easily spend a few days just exploring the different activities inside the park!

When is the best time to visit Quepos?

As with much of the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, the driest time to visit Quepos is between November and April. This is also when the area will be busiest, and prices may be highest for flights, accommodation, and activities.

Consider timing your visit for Early November or March-April to take advantage of shoulder season deals and still get the best of the dry season, with warm temperatures hovering between 75-85° F (24-29° C).