Monteverde is a top tourist destination when visiting Costa Rica because of its lush rainforest and opportunities for ziplining, hiking, and wildlife tours. However, Monteverde is infamous for being difficult to reach because it is so high in the mountains with a rocky terrain.
Here are some ways to get to Monteverde from the major international airport and capital city of San Jose.
Getting to Monteverde From San Jose Quick Facts
There are several different options as to how to get to Monteverde from San Jose! Here is a quick recap of the 4 options. I’ll dive into more details below!
| Via Bus: | Via Private Shuttle: | Via Shared Shuttle: | Via Car Rental: |
| 4-4.5 hours, $10 per person | ~3-3.5 hours, $170-200 per ride | ~4 hours, $37-60 per person | ~3-3.5 hours |
How to Get to Monteverde from San Jose
Okay, let’s dive into the details! This way, you will be able to select the option that makes the most sense for your travel plans!
1. San Jose to Monteverde Bus (Most Affordable)
Taking the bus from San Jose to Monteverde is the most affordable option, however, you need to be savvy and know some basic Spanish to navigate the public transportation system successfully.
The bus to Monteverde leaves from San Jose two times per day at 6:30 AM and 2:30 PM. If you’re staying in the capital city of San Jose your bus leaves from the 7-11 Bus Terminal. If you’re staying close to the airport in Alajuela, getting on the bus is a little less straightforward.
You’ll need to get a taxi from your accommodations in Alajuela to Puente Villa Bonita where you’ll see people waiting at a bus stop. You have to keep an eye out for the bus that says “Monteverde”. Most of the drivers always stop at Villa Bonita, but wave as the bus approaches anyway so the driver knows to pull over and pick you up.
You can either buy your ticket at the 7-11 Bus Terminal (lower, basement level), or online at transmonteverde.com. Be sure to always check the Transmonteverde website to make sure you know the most up-to-date schedules and prices.
Traveling to Costa Rica for the first time? Check out this complete guide!
2. Getting to Montverde: Shared Shuttle
If you don’t feel comfortable taking the bus, you can catch a shared shuttle from near the San Jose Airport that will take you directly to Monteverde. Know that the timing and pick up/drop off locations of the shared shuttle are not flexible. You will need to meet the driver at the specified location at the predetermined time.
I’ve personally used the well-reviewed company Interbus for a shared shuttle and had a positive experience. To get to Monteverde, they charge $37 per person for an economy shuttle and $59 per person for their regular shared shuttle. You can book a shuttle ride with them on their website.
Keep in mind that they will only allow you to bring one carried item (like a backpack) and one piece of luggage, so if you travel with a lot of baggage, this is not the best option for you.
3. San Jose to Monte Verde via Private Car/Shuttle Driver (Least Stressful)
Getting a private shuttle to Monteverde isn’t cheap, but it might be the best option if you’re traveling with a group and don’t feel comfortable driving yourself or taking the bus.
The well-reviewed I Love Travel (ILT) Costa Rica is a private shuttle service that will take you directly from San Jose to Monteverde for $195 per ride and seats 6 people. You’ll have the convenience of pick up and drop off at your accommodations and they also offer free wifi onboard.
You can book a private shuttle with ILT Costa Rica on their website.
4. Getting to Monteverde via Rental Car (Most Flexible!)
If you decide to rent a car in Costa Rica, you can drive from San Jose to Monteverde. Personally, I always use the well-reviewed company Alamo when I rent a car in Costa Rica. That’s because they have great customer service and locations all across Costa Rica.
Many people ask if they need a four-wheel drive vehicle to get to Monteverde. My answer is that it all depends on your arrival airport, where you are staying in Monteverde, and what activities you plan to do.
The route to Monteverde from the Liberia airport is not as well-paved as the route from the San Jose airport, so if you’re coming from Liberia a 4-wheel drive car might be helpful.
Of course, if your accommodations are located far from the town of Monteverde/Santa Elena or if you’re planning activities in a more rural, mountainous part of the region, you might need a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
Always check with your host or hotel staff to get the best advice on whether they think you might need a 4-wheel drive car in Monteverde.
Other Things to Know
No matter which route you take to get to Monteverde, whether you take the bus, a private shuttle, or decide to rent a car in Costa Rica, know that the road to Monteverde is bumpy and winding. While the roads are more paved than they used to be, you will still encounter potholes and sharp turns as you make your way up the mountain.
Once you arrive in Monteverde though, I can promise it will be well worth it! Monteverde is a beautiful mountain town with diverse wildlife, coffee tours, ziplining, and good food. It’s a town you shouldn’t miss on your visit to Costa Rica!
Lindsay Gantz lives in Monteverde, Costa Rica with her husband who is Costa Rican. She helps visitors plan trips to Costa Rica and also organizes small group trips for solo female travelers. You can reach her on Instagram or by email at [email protected]
