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.

There are 3 ways to travel the 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Monteverde to Playas del Coco. You can choose between the indirect bus, minivan and private transport. The journey takes 2 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by minivan with tickets starting at 25,000 CRC ($50).

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 25,000 CRC ($50) for the journey that takes around 2 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes.

There are six minivan operators for the Monteverde to Playas del Coco route: Monteverde Shuttle Bus, RideCR, Tropical Tours Shuttles, Interbus, Maple Tico Tours and Montetravel.

When travelling by minivan, we recommend booking online to spare you the hassle of visiting their offices. You can buy your tickets through BookAway or the companies’ websites, which we have linked in the table below.

Monteverde - Hotel List

Shuttle

Playa del Coco - Hotel List

08:00

4h

12:00

08:00

2h 46m

10:46

14:00

4h

18:00

14:00

2h 46m

16:46

Monteverde Shuttle Bus

From 25,000 CRC ($50)

Compare prices

Monteverdeshuttlebuscr

25,000 CRC ($50)

08:00

4h

12:00

14:00

4h

18:00

Check on Monteverdeshuttlebuscr

• 24/7 customer support

28,000 CRC ($55)

08:00

2h 46m

10:46

14:00

2h 46m

16:46

Check on BookAway

Monteverde - Hotel List

Standard

Playa del Coco - Hotel List

09:00

4h

13:00

Interbus

30,000 CRC ($59)

Compare prices

• 24/7 customer support

30,000 CRC ($59)

09:00

4h

13:00

Check on BookAway

Interbusonline

33,000 CRC ($67)

09:00

4h

13:00

Check on Interbusonline

The bus is an indirect option that may help you save a few bucks — but only if you’re travelling with at least one other person, better if you’re in a group of 3 to 4. Combined rates start from 53,000 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.

From Monteverde, the best way to get to Cañas in 1h 30m - 2h is via taxi. This costs about 50,000 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.

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 ($3.60) and travel time is around 1h.

The final stop is at Liberia Bus Stop.

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, so buses get full fast.

A bus ticket costs 840 CRC ($1.70). You are to get off at Pulmitan Terminal in Playas del Coco, located about 1.3 km south of the main beach.

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 90,000 CRC ($180) for a 10-seater private transfer from Monteverde to Playas del Coco. Divide the cost and that’s about 9,000 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, Montetravel, Casa Batsu, Transportes Varela Monteverde CR and Liberia Shuttle.

Private Transport options from Monteverde to Playas del Coco