Nub_Johnson

We will be finishing our vacation near Quepos and are trying to decide if we need to move closer to the airport on our last day. We have a mid-day flight out. What is a realistic driving time from Quepos to the airport? What delays can we expect in returning our car and getting back through customs? How long are the lines to pay the exit fees?

Thanks!!

Bob

Nub_Johnson

Sorry, I am speaking of the San Jose airport!

Eliot_Greenspan

I can make it in 2.5 hours, but 2:45 is more realistic, so budget 3 hours, and barring any major accidents or landslides and you should be fine.

Can't speak to the rental car agency, but should be around or just under a half hour

And, it rarely takes more than a couple minutes, start to finish to buy your exit tax. There are almost always lots of agents, and the line moves fast.

BillJ

Allow time for diversions if you can. The "Crocodile Bridge" is interesting, and a good rest stop to boot. Dozens of very large crocs lay around under this bridge. Generally, a bit of a traffic jam at this location, with many people on the bridge looking over the side. Several cafe's on the north side.

volcanogirl

The drive took us about three hours. The line to pay the exit tax moves pretty quickly usually like E. mentioned; we've never waited more than five minutes.

acomeara

Estimates above seem about right to me. You can definitely do it in less than 3 hours if you don't get lost. I've never seen traffic on the croc bridge, but you might hit it around SJ depending on the day and time.
Make sure you have detailed driving instructions from the highway to the airport - it is not well signed and all the roads around the airport are under construction right now.