Overview Compare Minivan Taxi Bus To Stay
What to expect when visiting Monteverde
Located in the Central Valley, San Jose is the most common starting point to one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations – Monteverde. Monteverde cloud forest is the perfect break from the country’s many beautiful beaches.
With its lush mountains forever touching the clouds, Monteverde is rich in flora and fauna – 2,500 species of plants, 400 types of birds, and 100 varieties of mammals! This district is green, moist, and beautiful all year round, but if you want to explore it with a bit of sunshine, time your visit in summer (June to September).
New to Monteverde? Our compact Monteverde guide shows you the best areas to stay, restaurants you don’t want to miss and many more tips for your visit to Monteverde!
How to get from San Jose to Monteverde
The driving distance from San Jose and Monteverde (Puntarenas) is 135 km (84 miles). You can travel this distance by shared minivan (2.5-3 hours), private car (2.5 hours), or by taking a public bus from San Jose station to Monteverde (5.5-6 hours). Ticket costs range from $5.50 (3,000 CRC) – $145.00 (79,000 CRC).
3 ways to get from San Jose to Monteverde (Sorted by popularity)
Where to stay in Monteverde?
Still looking for accommodation? Don’t forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Monteverde at the bottom of this page.
San Jose to Monteverde by Minivan
The minivan is an easy and comfortable service that brings you in 2.5-3.5 hours to Monteverde. Ticket prices start from $42.00 (23,000 CRC) — this already includes free pick up. You can also book a minivan that picks you up at San Jose Airport.
The most popular minivan companies are Paradise Shuttle, Interbus and RideCR. RideCR offers the cheapest rates but the longest travel time.
Pick-up and drop-off
All minivans provide free pick-up from your hotel in San Jose. After a 2.5 to 3.5-hour scenic trip, you will be dropped off at your destination in Santa Elena and Monteverde area.
Paradise Shuttle also has 2 vans that leave from San Jose Airport. If you book this option, a driver will be waiting for you at the arrival hall with a sign with your name on it.
Minivan schedule from San Jose to Monteverde
BookAway is our preferred booking website for its top-notch customer service and availability of all mentioned minibus operators.
San Jose to Monteverde by Private Transfer
Travelling in a group? You can already book your private transport from San Jose to Monteverde/Sante Elena from $145.00 (79,000 CRC). If you travel with 3-4 people this is often a better option because you don’t need to wait on other passengers and the cost per person is just about the same as a shared minivan.
For larger groups, you can also book a minivan with a capacity of 6, 10 or even 18 people. A 10-seater minivan can be booked for $200.00 (106,000 CRC). This means the journey would only cost about $20.00 (11,000 CRC) per person if you have a full van.
Check Private Transfers with BookAway
San Jose to Monteverde by Bus
On a budget? A public bus is a popular option with locals and backpackers because it is cheaper than a minivan — a ticket only costs $7.50 (4,000 CRC). It’s worth noting that because of traffic and its many stops, the bus is also the slowest. Travel time from San Jose to Monteverde can take around 5.5 hours.
Transmonteverde is the only bus company operating on this route. It offers two daily bus trips and you can pre-book a ticket through the Transmonteverde website. We highly recommend booking online because tickets sell out fast.
Departure and arrival station
This public bus departs in the centre from Terminal 7-10 and parks at Transmonteverde bus station in Santa Elena city centre.
PRO TIP: Local travel links, including the bus station in San Jose, can attract thieves, so keep your belongings in sight. Don't board the bus until your bigger bags are inside the luggage compartment, and be sure to get your luggage ticket. It's best to keep smaller bags, containing your valuables, in front of you or between your feet, instead of in overhead storage.
Bus schedule from San Jose to Monteverde
Note: Tickets are $1 cheaper when you buy them at the bus station on the day of your trip. But we don’t recommend this because there’s a risk of tickets being already sold out.
Transportation options from San Jose to Monteverde
Our favourite places to stay in Monteverde
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco - Treat Yourself
This place is a real treat. You can even book a room that has its own private jacuzzi. If you don’t want to splash out too much, you can still enjoy their covered heated pool, spa and beautiful gardens.
After a long day of exploring, head to their onsite restaurant offering super tasty dishes. They combine both local products from Monteverde and exotic ingredients to create exciting and delicious flavours. The rooms, as well as their staff, are both fabulous too.
- Heated outdoor swimming pool
- Health and wellness spa
- Amazing breakfast included
- Onsite restaurant
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Calathea Lodge Monteverde - Mid Range
If you’re looking for complete relaxation, Calathea is the perfect place for that! It’s situated slightly further from the main town, but still only a walk away from the main town. That means ultimate peace and quiet.
The rooms are bright, open and comfortable. All with a private patio or balcony where you can sit back and watch the wildlife. The staff are super friendly, and will help to organise your activities in Monteverde. They also provide a superb breakfast to set you up right for the day.
- Superb breakfast included
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Bright and comfortable rooms
- Private balconies and patios
Double rooms between $50-$80 per night
Eddy’s Place - Budget Friendly
Eddy’s Place in a unique and unforgettable place in Monteverde. This small family-run hotel only has 4 rooms, with Freddy the main host, making you feel at home immediately. His breakfast every morning is delicious, very filling and an experience.
The rooms are nice and big, with exceptionally comfortable beds. You’ll definitely be getting a good night’s sleep here. In the morning you’ll wake up to an array of wildlife in the jungle around the hotel.
- Delicious breakfast included
- Exceptionally friendly and helpful host
- Large and clean rooms
- Small, family-run feel
Double rooms between $15-$50 per night
Frequently asked questions about San Jose to Monteverde
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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.
