How to Get to Uvita. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports

The majority of international flights arrive at Juan Santamarían International Airport (SJO) near San José. Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) near Liberia also receives international flights.

Domestic Airports

Quepos La Managua Airport (XQP): 45 minutes north of Uvita. Serves domestic flights from SJO.
Palmar Sur Airport (PMZ): 30 minutes south of Uvita. Also handles domestic flights from SJO.
These domestic flights offer a quicker, though more expensive, way to reach the region.

Airport Facilities

Both Juan Santamaría (SJO) and Daniel Oduber Quirós (LIR) airports offer modern facilities and a range of services for travelers.

SJO/LIR Services

ATMs for currency withdrawal.
Currency exchange booths.
Duty-free shops. Various restaurants and cafes.
Car rental desks. Tourist information centers for local maps and advice.

International Airlines

United, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, Spirit, JetBlue (North America). Air Canada, WestJet (Canada). Copa Airlines, Avianca, Latam, Aeromexico (Latin America). Iberia, Air France, British Airways, KLM (Europe).

Flight Prices & Seasons

Highest during dry season (Dec-Apr) and peak holidays. Booking months in advance is wise. Green season (May-Nov) generally sees lower airfares.

Domestic Carriers

Sansa and Aerobell are main domestic airlines for flights from SJO to regional airports like XQP/PMZ. They use smaller planes.

Airport Transfers

From SJO to Uvita

Shared Shuttle: Popular, cost-effective. Companies like Interbus or Easy Ride. Approx $50-65 USD/person. Journey is 3.5-4.5 hours. Book in advance.
Private Transfer: Most convenience, direct. Approx $150-250 USD. Travel time 3-3.5 hours. Ideal for groups. Book ahead.
Public Bus: Most budget-friendly, slowest. To Tracopa terminal then direct bus to Uvita. Approx $10-15 USD, 5-6 hours total.
Domestic Flight + Taxi/Bus: Sansa or Aerobell from SJO to Quepos (XQP) or Palmar Sur (PMZ). Saves driving time.

From LIR to Uvita

Shared Shuttle: Available but less frequent than from SJO. Journey around 5-6 hours, costs about $60-80 USD.
Private Transfer: More expensive, usually $250-350 USD, travel time 4-5 hours.
Rental Car: Also a viable option from LIR for those who prefer to drive.
For best rates, use Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Planning Your Flights

Direct Flight Options

Widely available to SJO or LIR from many major cities across North America (Houston, Miami, Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, Toronto) and Europe (Madrid, Paris, Amsterdam, London).

Airport Arrival Times

For international flights, arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled flight. For domestic flights, 1-1.5 hours before departure is usually sufficient.

Reconfirm Your Flight

Always reconfirm your flight status and any departure requirements with your airline 24-48 hours before your flight.

Land Transportation

Self-Driving

You need a valid domestic driver's license from your home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your domestic license is not in Spanish. Carry both the IDP and your original license.

Car Rental Options

International (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise) and local (Adobe, Economy) companies operate in Costa Rica.
Book online in advance, especially during high season, for better rates and vehicle availability. DiscoverCars.com.
A 4x4 vehicle is strongly recommended for exploring Uvita and its surrounding areas, especially unpaved roads and rainy season.

Road Conditions

The main highway (Route 34, Costanera Sur) connecting Uvita to San José and other coastal towns is generally well-paved and in good condition. Many roads within Uvita itself and those leading to popular attractions are unpaved gravel or dirt roads.

Driving Safety

These can be steep, rocky, or become very muddy and slippery, especially during the rainy season. This is where a 4x4 vehicle becomes invaluable.
Drive defensively. Be alert for potholes, speed bumps ("reductores de velocidad" or "muelles"), pedestrians, cyclists, and animals.
Night driving is generally not recommended outside of main towns due to poor lighting, unmarked obstacles, and heavier rain.

Long-Distance Buses

Tracopa is the main bus company for travel between San José and Uvita, as well as other towns along the Pacific coast like Dominical, Quepos, and Palmar Norte. Tracopa operates both "directo" (direct, with fewer stops) and "colectivo" (local, making many stops) buses.

Bus Routes

Direct buses depart from the Tracopa Terminal, located near the "La Coca-Cola" area in downtown San José, directly to Uvita.
The travel time for a direct bus is approximately 4-5 hours, offering a cost-effective way to travel.
Routes connect Uvita to Dominical, Quepos, Palmar Norte, San Isidro de El General.

Other Transportation Modes

While rivers flow through the Uvita area, there are no commercial river transportation options serving the town for public transport. River use is limited to specific recreational tours.

Limited Options

Motorcycle/Scooter Rentals: Limited availability. You need a valid motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license.
Train Connections: No train services connect to Uvita. Rail transport in Costa Rica is mainly for cargo and short commuter lines around San José.
Ferry Services/Cruise Ports: No direct ferry services or cruise ports in Uvita. Nearest major ferry is in Puntarenas, far north.

Rental Car Insurance Notes

Mandatory liability insurance (TPL - Third Party Liability) is required by law in Costa Rica.
This is often added at the rental counter, and its cost can sometimes surprise travelers.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is optional but highly recommended to protect against damage to the rental vehicle itself. Check if your credit card provides CDW coverage, but be aware it may not cover the mandatory local liability insurance.

Use extreme caution if you rent a motorcycle or scooter, as road conditions can be challenging, and other drivers may not be accustomed to sharing the road with two-wheelers.
Always use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze, and consider downloading offline maps.
Border crossing information is not applicable for direct travel to Uvita within Costa Rica.

Departure Information

Departure Tax Included

The $29 USD airport departure tax for international flights is typically included in your international flight ticket price (as of 2019). Verify this with your airline when you book or before airport departure.

How to Get to Uvita