Private Transportation
in Costa Rica
Door-to-door private transfers from $135 USD. Modern vehicles, bilingual drivers, flight tracking included. One flat price per vehicle — not per person.
What is private transportation in Costa Rica?
Private transportation in Costa Rica means a vehicle reserved exclusively for your group — no shared rides, no other passengers, no detours. You choose the pickup time, the pickup address (any hotel, Airbnb, or location in the country), and the destination. A professional bilingual driver arrives in a modern van or SUV and takes you directly there.
Unlike a shared shuttle (which costs about $55 per person and stops at multiple hotels along the way), private transportation is priced per vehicle — same total cost whether you're 1 traveler or 5. For families, couples, and groups of 3 or more, private transfers are typically the same total cost as shared shuttles but get you to your destination 1-2 hours faster.
Costa Rica's roads are challenging for first-time visitors — narrow mountain routes, sudden weather changes, and limited English signage. Private transportation removes the stress of renting a car (typical all-in cost: $450-700 for a week after mandatory insurance) and gets you to your hotel without navigation, parking, or driving worries.
Private transportation prices in Costa Rica
Per vehicle, not per person. Same price for 1 or 5 passengers in a standard van. Larger vans for groups of 6+ are also available.
| From | To | From (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| SJO Airport | La Fortuna (Arenal) | $220 |
| SJO Airport | Manuel Antonio | $220 |
| SJO Airport | Monteverde | $220 |
| SJO Airport | Tamarindo | $345 |
| LIR Airport | Tamarindo | $135 |
| LIR Airport | La Fortuna | $225 |
| LIR Airport | Papagayo | $95 |
| La Fortuna | Monteverde | $255 |
Need a different route? Browse all 1,200+ routes →
What's included in every private transfer
Modern 2024+ vehicle (Hyundai Staria, Toyota Hiace, Maxus V90)
Door-to-door pickup and drop-off (any hotel, Airbnb, address)
Flight tracking on airport pickups — driver waits if delayed
Free child seats (infant, convertible, booster)
Full insurance through INS (Costa Rica's national insurer)
All taxes and tolls included — no hidden fees
Private transportation vs other options
Private transportation
Best for groups of 2+, families, honeymooners. Door-to-door, direct route, ~3 h SJO → La Fortuna. From $135. Same total price for 1 or 5 passengers.
Shared shuttle
~$55 per person. 12-passenger van with multiple stops. Takes 4-5 h SJO → La Fortuna because of pickup/drop-off detours. Good for solo travelers on a budget.
Rental car
$450-700 all-in for a week (after mandatory insurance, gas, return fees). Best for confident drivers exploring off-route. Costa Rica's roads are harder to drive than they look.
Uber / Taxi
Uber only works inside San José urban area, not for intercity transport. Taxi SJO → La Fortuna costs $250-300 — more than a private transfer.
Want a deeper comparison? Read our full Costa Rica transportation guide →
Why travelers choose Private Travel CR
201+ Google reviews · TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice 2025
License #3205-2022 · Insured through INS, Costa Rica's national insurer
Founder-led — every WhatsApp answered personally by Diego, 20+ years in Costa Rica tourism
Private transportation FAQs
How much does private transportation cost in Costa Rica?
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Is private transportation worth it vs. a shared shuttle?
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What's included in a private transfer?
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How far in advance should I book private transportation?
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Can I book multiple legs (e.g. SJO → La Fortuna → Monteverde → SJO)?
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What if my flight is delayed?
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Do you provide service from Liberia Airport (LIR) too?
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Ready to book your private transfer?
Instant quote in under a minute. Confirm with a card payment. Driver waiting at your hotel lobby on the day.