Written by David Garcia, Maria Gaulto, Alejandro Vargas
02/08/2025
Derek Sutton, Pexels
Monteverde, with its main town of Santa Elena, serves as a central point for local transportation to cloud forests and attractions. For arrival and departure from the region, the primary transport hubs are the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San Jose and the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia.
From San Jose (SJO Airport/Downtown):
Public Bus:: A budget-friendly option, direct buses depart from San Jose's Terminal 7-10 twice daily (6:30 AM and 2:30 PM). The cost is approximately $6-$7 per person, and the journey can take between 5 to 6 hours.
Shared Shuttle:: This convenient door-to-door service is a popular choice, typically costing $54-$68 per person. Travel time is around 4 to 4.5 hours, with morning and afternoon departures available.
Private Transfer:: For the fastest and most flexible travel, private transfers cost approximately $180-$220 for 1-6 passengers from San Jose. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
Rental Car:: Driving offers direct access, with the trip taking 3 to 3.5 hours via Route 606, which is now fully paved to Santa Elena. A 4x2 SUV with high clearance is generally suitable, but a 4x4 is advisable if venturing off main roads or during the rainy season (May-November). Driving at night is not recommended.
From Liberia (LIR Airport):
Public Bus:: This is the cheapest method, involving multiple transfers. From Liberia city, buses travel to Cañas, then Tilaran, and finally to Monteverde, with a total journey time of 5-6 hours and a cost around $8.
Shared Shuttle:: Direct shared shuttles are available from Liberia Airport, costing approximately $65.55 per adult, with a travel time of about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Private Transfer:: A private transfer from Liberia to Monteverde typically costs $190-$230 for 1-4 people and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Rental Car:: Driving is the quickest way from Liberia, taking about 2.5 to 3.5 hours via Route 145. This route includes mixed gravel and concrete roads, and a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, with a 4x4 preferred during the rainy season.
From La Fortuna/Arenal:
Taxi-Boat-Taxi:: This scenic route combines taxi rides with a boat crossing of Lake Arenal, costing approximately $45 per person and taking 3 to 4 hours. Two daily departures are common.
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