How to get from Monteverde to Playas del Coco
Why visit Playas del Coco?
Playas del Coco is a tranquil paradise on Costa Rica’s northwest coast. With its golden sandy beach and vibrant nightlife, you can enjoy a good balance of relaxation and entertainment here.
Surrounded by lush greenery, Playas del Coco is perfect for surfing and turtle watching, making it a must-visit destination in Guanacaste. Dive into the clear Pacific waters, catch a mesmerizing sunset, and explore the town’s charming downtown.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Monteverde to Playas del Coco?
There are 3 ways to travel the 150 kilometre (93 miles) distance from Monteverde to Playas del Coco. You can choose between the indirect bus, minivan and private transport. The journey takes 3 hours to 4 hours 20 minutes and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by minivan with tickets starting at 21,000 CRC ($45).
Monteverde to Playas del Coco by Minivan
The minivan is a cost-efficient way to get from Monteverde to Playas del Coco. It’s not only direct, it’s also a door-to-door transfer, so you won’t have to worry about anything. Ticket prices start from 21,000 CRC ($45) for the journey that takes around 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes.
There are six minivan operators for the Monteverde to Playas del Coco route: Jorge’s Taxis and Shuttles, Transportes Varela Monteverde CR, Shuttle Services CR, Tropical Tours Shuttles, Interbus and Montetravel.
When travelling by minivan, we recommend booking online to spare yourself the hassle of visiting their offices. You can buy your tickets through BookAway or the company’s official website, which we have linked in the table below.
Minivan schedule from Monteverde to Playas del Coco
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Monteverde to Playas del Coco by Indirect Bus
The bus is an indirect option that may help you save a few bucks — but only if you’re travelling in a group of 3 to 4. Combined rates start from 49,000 CRC ($105) and travel time is around 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours.
If you’re travelling solo, skip the bus — it’s actually pricier than a direct minivan.
If you’re travelling in a group, then you might be able to save a few dollars. But whether it’s worth the hassle of making several transfers is up to you to decide (HINT: We would say no).
There are no direct buses from Monteverde to Playas del Coco, so first you’ll have to take a taxi to Cañas, a city 65 km northwest of Monteverde. From here, you’ll then have to take two buses to get to Coco Beach.
Are you up for that adventure? Then you can read on for a more detailed guide.
Step 1: Taxi from Monteverde to Cañas
From Monteverde, the best way to get to Cañas in 1h 30m - 2h is via taxi. This costs about 46,000 CRC ($100). Make sure the driver turns on the meter for the trip!
The taxi is quite expensive, so this option is only cost-efficient if you can share the fare with 2 to 3 other people.
Ask to be dropped off at Cañas Bus Terminal.
Step 2: Bus from Cañas to Liberia
Once at the bus terminal in Cañas, you can transfer to a bus bound for Liberia. Buses depart every 30 minutes to an hour from 04:30 to 21:30. A ticket costs around 1,820 CRC ($3.90) and travel time is around 1 hour.
The final stop is at Liberia Bus Stop.
Step 3: Bus from Liberia to Playas del Coco
Buses operating from Liberia to Playas del Coco do not depart from the main bus terminal. They leave from Pulmitan Bus Stop, which is just around 200m south. To get there, go out on the road and walk a bit. You wouldn’t miss the terminal with a green and white heading. Written on it is “Pulmitan de Liberia.”
Buses depart every 20-30 minutes from 04:30 to 20:00. It’s best to board the bus about 10 to 15 minutes before departure time so you can pick a good seat. This bus route is quite popular with locals, and buses get full fast.
A bus ticket costs 840 CRC ($1.80). You are to get off at Pulmitan Terminal in Playas del Coco, about 1.3 km south of the main beach.
Monteverde to Playas del Coco by Private Transport
Are you travelling in a group? Private transfers are a more convenient alternative because you can depart any time you want. It might look expensive, but it can be cheaper than a minivan if you split the cost.
Rates start from 83,000 CRC ($180) for a 10-seater private transfer from Monteverde to Playas del Coco. Divide the cost and that’s about 8,300 CRC ($18) per person.
You can ask your hotel to help you find a reliable driver or you can book a ride with one of the trusted operators for the Monteverde to Playas del Coco route: Tropical Tours Shuttle, Transportes Varela Monteverde CR and Shuttle Services CR.
Private Transport options from Monteverde to Playas del Coco
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Monteverde to Playas del Coco. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Monteverde to Playas del Coco
What is the distance from Monteverde to Playas del Coco?
The distance from Monteverde to Playas del Coco is 150 kilometre (93 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Monteverde to Playas del Coco?
The fastest way to get from Monteverde to Playas del Coco is by private transport and takes 3 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Monteverde to Playas del Coco?
The cheapest way to get from Monteverde to Playas del Coco is by minivan with ticket costs starting from 21,000 CRC ($45).
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
