How long is the trip from Santa Teresa to Manuel Antonio?
| Distance | About 113 miles (182 km) by road plus the ferry: 27 mi (43 km) to Paquera, then 86 mi (139 km) from Puntarenas |
|---|---|
| Drive time | 6 to 6½ hours by road and ferry |
| Road surface | Paved apart from the dirt stretch out of Santa Teresa. |
| Ferry | Paquera to Puntarenas, about 70 minutes. The road route around the gulf skips it. |
| Private van | From $385 per vehicle via the ferry; from $560 around by road |
| Last checked |
Prices are per vehicle for 1 to 6 travelers, taxes included. Groups of 7 or more ride in a larger vehicle. The route also runs the other way, Manuel Antonio to Santa Teresa.
The drive, stop by stop
- Santa Teresa to Cóbano (about 8 miles / 13 km, 25 to 30 minutes): the dirt road out of town, then pavement from Cóbano. Cóbano has the last gas station for the trip, plus supermarkets and banks.
- Cóbano to Paquera (about 40 to 45 minutes): the paved, curvy road east past Tambor and the Curú refuge entrance. Paquera has larger grocery stores, an ATM and a gas station.
- The ferry to Puntarenas (about 70 minutes): sailings at 4:00, 6:30 and 9:00 a.m., noon, 3:00, 6:00, 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. See our Puntarenas ferry page.
- Puntarenas to Manuel Antonio (about 86 miles / 139 km, around 3 hours): south along the Pacific coast past Jacó to Quepos and Manuel Antonio.
What to expect on the road
There's a faster option if you travel light: the water taxi from Montezuma to Jacó, then the road south. That way it takes about 4 to 4½ hours. The boat runs in the morning and depends on the sea.
Insider tip: Leave Santa Teresa after an early breakfast. The dirt stretch out of town is slow, and you want the long part of the drive done in daylight: the sun sets between about 5:15 and 6:05 p.m. all year.
Other private transfer routes
- San José airport (SJO) to Santa Teresa (from $385)
- San José airport (SJO) to Nosara (from $405)
- San José airport (SJO) to Sámara (from $390)
- Santa Teresa to Sámara (from $385)
- Santa Teresa to Tamarindo (from $440)
- Santa Teresa to La Fortuna (Arenal) (from $545)
- Santa Teresa to Monteverde (from $465)
- Santa Teresa to Nosara (quote on request)
- Santa Teresa to Jacó (quote on request)
- Cóbano airport (ACO) to Santa Teresa (from $65)
- Cóbano airport (ACO) to Montezuma (from $40)
Compare every way in, including the ferry, flights to Cóbano airport (ACO) and the water taxi, on getting to Santa Teresa, or see all private transfers.
A private driver from Santa Teresa to Manuel Antonio
- Your driver meets you at arrivals, or at your hotel, with a sign bearing your name.
- Safe, friendly, English-speaking drivers with the credentials for tourist transport, arranged by Anywhere Costa Rica (IATA and ASTA accredited).
- Modern, spacious, air-conditioned vans.
- Up to an hour of stops is included: groceries, cold drinks, photos or lunch on the way.
- 24/7 in-country support by phone, text and WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Santa Teresa to Manuel Antonio?
6 to 6½ hours by road and ferry. About 113 miles (182 km) by road plus the ferry: 27 mi (43 km) to Paquera, then 86 mi (139 km) from Puntarenas. Paved apart from the dirt stretch out of Santa Teresa.
How much is a private transfer from Santa Teresa to Manuel Antonio?
From $385 per vehicle via the ferry; from $560 around by road, for 1 to 6 travelers, taxes included. Enter your date and group size in the box at the top of this page to see the price for your trip.
Is the water taxi faster?
Yes, by about two hours: roughly 4 to 4½ hours via the Montezuma–Jacó boat and the road south, against 6 to 6½ hours by road and ferry. It's a morning-only crossing, and heavy luggage is awkward on a small boat. See our water taxi guide.
Can we stop on the way?
Yes. Up to an hour of stops is included: groceries in Cóbano or Paquera, cold drinks, photos or lunch. Just tell your driver.
We're traveling with kids. What about car seats?
Costa Rica's law requires a car seat for children 12 and under who are shorter than 145 cm (57 in) or lighter than 36 kg: rear-facing under 1, forward-facing from 1 to 4, a high-back booster from 4 to 6 and a booster from 6 to 12. Ask about seats when you book, or bring your own if you'd rather use what your kids know.
Where does the driver pick us up?
At your hotel or rental in Santa Teresa, at the time you set when you book. Our in-country team is on call 24/7 by phone, text and WhatsApp if your plans change.