i'm just finishing up some details of my trip to CR. i'm having trouble finding any info on what the drive from MV to SJO would be like and approximately how long it would take. i'll be driving this route on Nov 20 to catch my puddlejumper to Puerto Jiminez. and yes, i'll have a 4WD vehicle for the trek.

Hello, the bus will need 5 hours. You do this trip on a sunday and hopefully you have less lorry traffic. I think you´ll need max. 4 hours.
Saludos
costaklaus - www.costaricaweb.<font color=red>de</font>

Thanks, costaklaus! That's about what I estimated. I wish we could use the bus but on that day we have to leave Monteverde very, very early in the morning.

I recall driving on a fairly good gravel road out of MV to a Y in the road; make sure you are going south (towards Puntarenas and San Jose as opposed to north toward Liberia). Once you hit the PanAmerica Hwy its smooth sailing; watch for the signs directing you to SJ. Before you get to SJ you will see signs for the airport which is actually in Alajuela. By this point in your trip you will feel very experienced and used to driving in CR. Watch your speed on the Hwy; this is about where I got a speeding ticket! Good luck and have fun

Hi dnc11! Shortstuff. . .chiming in here where you have already received excellent help! Just confirming that it is, indeed about a 4 hour drive. For us, that included a brief 15-20 minute rest stop on the InterAmerican before Puntarenas.

A year or so ago, someone on this board posted that no way would it take more than 3 hours. I hadn't been to Monteverde yet so wasn't in a position to argue, but had been on the Interamerican many times driving past the Monteverde turn-off. I couldn't for the life of me see how he managed. Still don't.

Speeding is not really much of an option--roads and traffic don't allow. Anyway. . . enjoy--sounds like you have a great trip lined up!

thank you so much, everyone! i don't have a fear of driving in CR so much as i have a fear of driving in CR AND making it on time to the airport! i think we'll be leaving MV that day around 4am...but it beats getting up at 4am to go to work.