Quick answer: A private airport transfer in Costa Rica costs between $180 and $380 depending on your destination. Toorizta provides door-to-door shuttle service from both SJO (San Jose) and LIR (Liberia) airports with fixed pricing, bilingual drivers, and vehicles for up to 8+ passengers. No meters, no surprises.
Landing in Costa Rica and figuring out how to get to your hotel is the first decision every traveler faces. Taxis at SJO are overpriced and unregulated for long distances. Rental cars mean navigating unfamiliar roads in the dark after a long flight. Shared shuttles stop at every hotel on the route and can turn a 3-hour drive into 5 hours.
A private airport transfer solves all of this. One vehicle, one price, straight to your hotel.
Airport Transfer Prices (2026)
| Route | Price (up to 4 pax) | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| SJO → Arenal / La Fortuna | $210 | ~3 hours |
| SJO → Manuel Antonio | $190 | ~3.5 hours |
| SJO → Monteverde | $330 | ~4 hours |
| SJO → Santa Teresa | $380+ | ~5 hours |
| LIR → Tamarindo | From $90 | ~1.5 hours |
| LIR → Arenal / La Fortuna | From $210 | ~3 hours |
Prices are per vehicle, not per person. Groups of 5+ passengers add $15 per additional person. Return trips are the same price. All prices include meet-and-greet at the airport, bottled water, and child seats on request.
Book Your Airport Transfer
Send us your flight details and hotel address. We confirm within 2 hours.
How It Works
1. Send us your flight number, arrival time, number of passengers, and hotel name or address via WhatsApp or email.
2. We confirm your transfer within 2 hours with driver details and pickup instructions.
3. Your driver meets you at the airport exit with a sign showing your name. No searching, no waiting in taxi lines.
4. Direct drive to your hotel. No stops, no detours, no shared rides.
Why Private Over Other Options
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Private Shuttle | Door-to-door, fixed price, any schedule, comfortable | Costs more than public bus |
| Shared Shuttle | Cheaper per person | Fixed schedule, multiple stops, longer travel time |
| Rental Car | Freedom to explore | Insurance costs, unfamiliar roads, night driving risk after flights |
| Airport Taxi | Available immediately | Unregulated pricing for long distances, negotiation required |
| Public Bus | Very cheap | Limited schedules, no luggage space, not practical from airport with bags |
Costa Rica Airports: SJO vs LIR
Costa Rica has two international airports. Which one you fly into affects your transfer options and costs.
SJO (Juan Santamaria International Airport, San Jose) is the main airport. Most international flights land here. It is the best starting point for Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, the Central Valley, and the Caribbean coast.
LIR (Daniel Oduber International Airport, Liberia) serves the Guanacaste region. It is the better choice if your trip focuses on Tamarindo, Papagayo, Rincon de la Vieja, or the northern Pacific beaches. Some travelers also use LIR as a starting point for Arenal if they are coming from the US West Coast or Canada.
Inter-Destination Transfers
Airport transfers are just the start. Most Costa Rica trips involve 2-4 destinations, and each transfer needs planning. Here are the most popular routes between destinations:
| Route | Price (up to 4 pax) | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Arenal → Monteverde | $160 | ~3 hours |
| Manuel Antonio → Arenal | $220 | ~4.5 hours |
| Manuel Antonio → Monteverde | $320 | ~5 hours |
| Manuel Antonio → Santa Teresa | $380 | ~5.5 hours |
For the complete list of routes and prices, see our Private Shuttle Service page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book an airport transfer?
Send us your flight details and hotel address via WhatsApp or email us at [email protected]. We confirm within 2 hours with your driver’s details.
What if my flight is delayed?
We track your flight. If it is delayed, your driver adjusts automatically. No extra charge for flight delays.
Can I book a transfer for a late-night arrival?
Yes. We operate 24/7 including holidays. Late-night arrivals and early morning departures are no problem.
Is the price per person or per vehicle?
Per vehicle, for up to 4 passengers. Groups of 5 or more add $15 per additional person. This makes private transfers very cost-effective for couples and families compared to per-person shared shuttles.
Do you provide child car seats?
Yes, on request at no extra charge. Let us know the age of your child when booking.
Can I book a round-trip transfer?
Yes. Book your arrival and departure transfers together or separately. Same price each direction.
Ready to Book Your Airport Transfer?
Send us your flight number and hotel address. We handle everything from there.
Related
Private Shuttle Service: All Routes and Prices
San Jose to Arenal: Complete Transport Guide
10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary
Costa Rica Tour Packages (2026)
