ICT-certified tourist transport (#3205-2022), fully insured.
5.0 star rating
200+ reviews on Google & TripAdvisor.
24/7 flight tracking
We watch your flight and adjust the pickup — even at 2 AM.
Free child seats
Infant and booster seats on request, at no extra charge.
Modern private fleet
A/C, free WiFi and bottled water in every vehicle.
Local family business
Costa Rican owner-operated since 2022 — not a faceless agency.
What travelers say about San Jose Airport → Cahuita (Caribbean Coast)
Rated 5.0 stars across 200+ Google and TripAdvisor reviews.
Exceptional, Professional, and Reliable Private Transfers Across Costa Rica!
Our experience with Private Travel Costa Rica was exceptional from start to finish. We used their service for multiple transfers, including from San Juan airport to La Fortuna, between locations in La Fortuna, and from Tamarindo to Liberia International Airport. Every driver was amazing—on time, flexible, and extremely professional. The responsiveness of the entire team made coordinating our travel seamless and stress-free. We highly recommend them for any transportation needs in Costa Rica.
Katherine J
TripAdvisor Reviewer · TripAdvisor · Dec 2025
Professional and Reliable
We used this company for transfers from La Fortuna to San Manuel Antonio and then from San Manuel Antonio to San Jose. I cannot say enough about the professionalism of the company and both the drivers, as well as the cleanliness of the vans. Communication was almost immediate. Our drivers Oscar and Carlos arrived a few minutes early, were highly professional, and super friendly and warm. There was wifi in the van which was much appreciated. All in all, both experiences were excellent. I cannot recommend this company enough. I will definitely use them again for transfers when we are back in CR.
RIDI0406
Madison, Wisconsin · TripAdvisor · Dec 2025
Safe, comfortable, courteous
Great round trip experience from San Jose airport to Puerto Viejo and back. Carlos and Luis were safe, courteous and made sure we were comfortable.
Susie E
TripAdvisor Reviewer · TripAdvisor · Jun 2024
How is the drive from San Jose Airport to Cahuita (Caribbean Coast)?
This cross-country route climbs through Braulio Carrillo National Park - a protected mountain pass through primary rainforest - then descends to the Caribbean lowlands. After Limon the road hugs the coast south to Cahuita, the first beach town on this stretch of coastline. About 4 hours, with a complete shift in landscape from Central Valley mountains to Caribbean coast.
What can you see between San Jose Airport and Cahuita (Caribbean Coast)?
Braulio Carrillo National Park
Zurqui Tunnel
Limon Province
Cahuita National Park
Coral reef snorkeling
How are the road conditions from San Jose Airport to Cahuita (Caribbean Coast)?
Well-paved highway through the mountains. The Caribbean coastal road is flat and easy.
Traveler Tip
Cahuita is quieter and more laid-back than Puerto Viejo, 20 minutes further south - a good pick if you want the Caribbean without the surf-town nightlife.
Is the shuttle from San Jose Airport to Cahuita (Caribbean Coast) family-friendly?
About 4 hours to the Caribbean coast. The Braulio Carrillo section has curves through the mountain pass; once past Limon the road flattens through coastal lowlands. Child seats included at no charge, one to two stops along the way.
Budget breakdown
The Caribbean & Volcano circuit is popular: SJO -> Cahuita -> La Fortuna -> SJO, similar pricing to the Puerto Viejo version. A simple round trip (SJO -> Cahuita -> SJO) also works well if the Caribbean is your only stop. Want to extend the drive into a memorable day? Upgrade to our VIP transfer for $80 more - flexible stops along the way (scenic viewpoints, coffee farm, lunch in a local town - your call).
About travel times
Google says under 4 hours. Plan on 4-4.5. Braulio Carrillo is a mountain pass with fog and occasional landslides that slow traffic. After Limon the road to Cahuita is two lanes through banana plantations and small towns. Our drivers know where the police checkpoints are and where the road gets rough.
Is the shuttle from San Jose Airport to Cahuita (Caribbean Coast) available 24/7?
The Caribbean route goes through Braulio Carrillo National Park - a mountain pass that is quieter and faster at night. Our drivers cover this route regularly at all hours. Standard pricing applies regardless of departure time.
Local insider tip
Leave SJO early - 6 or 7am. The drive through Braulio Carrillo is like driving through a cloud forest, incredible scenery. Cahuita National Park has a free (donation-based) entrance and a beach trail where sloths, monkeys and coatis are easy to spot - worth the stop before you check in.
Frequently asked about San Jose Airport → Cahuita (Caribbean Coast)
How much does a private shuttle from San Jose Airport to Cahuita (Caribbean Coast) cost?+
Private shuttle from San Jose Airport to Cahuita (Caribbean Coast) starts at $320 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 San Jose Airport to Cahuita (Caribbean Coast) take?+
The drive from San Jose Airport to Cahuita (Caribbean Coast) takes approximately 4 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 San Jose Airport to Cahuita (Caribbean Coast) 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 San Jose Airport?+
Yes, we offer door-to-door pickup anywhere in San Jose Airport — hotels, Airbnbs, private villas, or any specific address you give us at booking. We confirm the exact pickup location 24 hours before your trip.
What happens if my flight at San Jose Airport is delayed or cancelled?+
Don't worry — when you book, we ask for your flight number and monitor it in real time. If your flight is delayed, we automatically adjust your pickup time at no extra cost. If it's cancelled, we reschedule your shuttle for the new date, free of charge.
