How to Get to Quepos. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Quepos

Main Airports

Your air journey to Quepos typically involves one of two airports.

Gateways

Juan Santamarían International Airport (SJO): Costa Rica's main international gateway, 2.5-3 hours north of Quepos.
Quepos La Managua Airport (XQP): Small domestic airport, 5-10 minutes from Quepos town. Receives flights from SJO.
SJO is modern; XQP is compact and efficient for quick transitions.

Airlines & Routes

Major international airlines fly direct to SJO from North America and Europe. For internal travel, Sansa Airlines and Green Airways operate frequent flights from SJO to XQP (20-25 minutes).

Flight Details

International to SJO: United, American, Delta, Southwest, Spirit, Avianca, Copa, Aeromexico, Air Canada, Iberia, Lufthansa, British Airways.
Domestic to XQP: Sansa Airlines, Green Airways from SJO.
Direct flights to SJO from many major North American and European cities.

Seasonal Flights

Airfares peak during the dry season (Dec-Apr), especially around holidays. Flights are typically more affordable during the wet season (May-Nov). Book domestic flights to XQP in advance.

Airport Facilities SJO

SJO offers dining, shopping, car rental counters, ATMs, currency exchange, VIP lounges, and free Wi-Fi for travelers.

Airport Transfers

From SJO to Quepos: Domestic flight to XQP (quickest), shared shuttle (Dollar Flight Club), private transfer, or public bus. From XQP: Taxis are readily available (5-10 min ride, $5-$10).

Transfer Choices

From SJO to Quepos/Manuel Antonio

Domestic flight to XQP via Sansa or Green Airways (quickest).
Shared shuttle (Interbus, Caribbean Shuttle) approx. 3-4 hours, $50-$60 per person.
Private transfer (approx. 2.5-3 hours, $160-$200) for convenience.
Public bus (Tracopa from San José's Coca-Cola terminal) approx. 3.5-4 hours, $8-$10.

From XQP to Quepos/Manuel Antonio

Taxis are available directly outside the small terminal. The ride is short (5-10 minutes) and costs around $5-$10.
Many Manuel Antonio hotels May offer shuttle services if pre-arranged.
Rental cars available at SJO DiscoverCars.com or locally.
A rental car from SJO provides independence for exploring.

Self-Driving Details

Rental Requirements

Valid driver's license (IDP recommended), passport, major credit card. Minimum age 21/25. Mandatory local liability insurance adds to quoted rate.

Companies & Roads

International (Hertz, Avis) and local (Adobe, Economy) companies are present. Main Route 34 (Costanera Sur) is paved. Some local roads are unpaved, steep; a 4x4 is recommended in wet season or for exploration.

Safety & Tips

Driving at night outside towns is not recommended due to lighting and obstacles. Watch for potholes, aggressive drivers, pedestrians, and wildlife. Use GPS apps (Waze, Google Maps).

Land Travel Options

Long-Distance Buses

Buses are an affordable way to travel within Costa Rica. Tracopa operates direct and local services from San José to Quepos from Terminal Tracopa.

Bus Routes

San José to Quepos: Tracopa direct buses.
Other major routes: Quepos to Dominical, Uvita (south), San Isidro del General (inland).
Direct services are faster and more comfortable.

Road Conditions & Safety

Main highways are generally well-maintained. Secondary roads can be rough or unpaved, especially in rural areas or during the wet season.

Driving Considerations

Signage might be limited; GPS apps are highly recommended.
Local drivers might be aggressive; drive alertly.
Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and wildlife on roads.

Sea & River Arrivals

Quepos is a significant maritime hub with Marina Pez Vela, mainly for private yachts and sportfishing. No regular passenger ferry services connect Quepos to other towns.

Maritime Notes

Marina Pez Vela serves private yachts and sportfishing boats.
Smaller expedition cruises or luxury yachts may dock here.
River tours are popular local activities (e.g., Damas Island Mangrove Estuary).

Other Rentals

Availability of motorcycle and scooter rentals in Quepos is limited. They are generally less common for tourists due to road conditions and safety concerns.

Alternative Transport

Motorcycle/scooter rentals are less common for tourists.
Bicycle rentals may be offered by hotels or local tour operators.
No specialty vehicles like tuk-tuks or jeepneys.

Departure Information

The $29 departure tax is typically included in international airline tickets.
Confirm with your airline if the departure tax is included.
If not included, pay at the airport prior to check-in (cash or credit card).

For international flights from SJO, arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
For domestic flights from XQP, 1 hour before departure is usually sufficient.
Allow ample travel time from Quepos to SJO (3-4 hrs by shuttle, 3.5-4.5 hrs by bus).

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

SJO Juan Santamarían International Airport

SJO offers a full range of options for departing travelers, similar to arrival facilities.

Amenities

Numerous restaurants and cafes for dining.
Duty-free shops for last-minute souvenirs.
Comfortable waiting areas, including VIP lounges.

XQP Quepos La Managua Airport

XQP is a very small airport with basic facilities, designed for quick and efficient domestic travel.

Basic Services

A small waiting area for passengers.
Usually a small snack bar or cafe for light refreshments.
Do not expect extensive shopping or dining options here; plan ahead.

Onward Travel

If connecting to other domestic locations, confirm flight schedules and allow ample time for transfers between SJO and XQP.

Ground Transfers

For transfers back to SJO, pre-book shared shuttles or private transport for reliability and comfort, especially if you have an early international flight.

Departure Checklist

Verify departure tax inclusion, check-in times, and transfer arrangements to ensure a smooth departure from Quepos.

How to Get to Quepos