How long is the drive from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio?+
About 5 hours 30 minutes for the 280 km drive. It's a full travel day. We take Route 142 to Ciudad Quesada, Route 141 south through Naranjo, the Pan-American to Orotina, then Costanera Sur (Route 34) south along the Pacific coast to Quepos and Manuel Antonio.
Where can we stop for lunch between La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio?+
Atenas (famous for its climate and good restaurants) is a popular lunch stop about 3 hours into the drive. Closer to the coast, the Tárcoles bridge is a great 10-minute crocodile-viewing stop. Stops add $35 per extra hour to the standard transfer, or are included with our VIP package. Many travelers do both — the trip becomes 6.5–7 hours but much more enjoyable.
Can we see crocodiles on the way to Manuel Antonio?+
Yes — the Tárcoles bridge (Río Tárcoles) is a free walk-up stop where you can look down at large American crocodiles in the river below. It's a famous Costa Rica photo op. As a sightseeing stop it's $35 per extra hour added to the trip, or included with our VIP transfer.
Is the road from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio safe in the rainy season?+
Yes. The route uses major highways and the Costanera coastal road is well maintained. During heavy rains (Sep–Nov) the coastal stretch can have brief flooding near rivers, and our drivers route around any closures. We monitor conditions in real time and have never had to cancel a trip due to road issues.
How much does a private shuttle from La Fortuna (Arenal) to Manuel Antonio / Quepos cost?+
Private shuttle from La Fortuna (Arenal) to Manuel Antonio / Quepos starts at $330 USD per vehicle (1-5 passengers). The price is per vehicle, not per person — everyone in your group travels together for the same flat rate. Larger vehicles for 6-18 passengers are available at higher tiers.
How long does the drive from La Fortuna (Arenal) to Manuel Antonio / Quepos take?+
The drive from La Fortuna (Arenal) to Manuel Antonio / Quepos takes approximately 5,5 H. Travel times can vary slightly depending on traffic, weather, and road conditions. Our drivers monitor conditions in real time to choose the fastest safe route.
Is the shuttle from La Fortuna (Arenal) to Manuel Antonio / Quepos private?+
Yes. Every Private Travel CR shuttle is fully private — you ride only with your group, no shared seats with strangers. The price covers the entire vehicle door-to-door, including a professional bilingual driver, free WiFi, bottled water, free child seats on request, and full insurance.
Do you pick up at any address in La Fortuna (Arenal)?+
Yes, we offer door-to-door pickup anywhere in La Fortuna (Arenal) — hotels, Airbnbs, private villas, or any specific address you give us at booking. We confirm the exact pickup location 24 hours before your trip.
