San Jose to Quepos- best way?
 

We are arriving in San Jose around 1:00 pm and then need to head out to Quepos. I know there are two airline options as well as bus, but what would our best option be? Cost is not an issue, safety and comfort more important.

Hi jdiduch,
The best and safest way would probably be using a transfer service (private car+driver). I live in Costa Rica and just started using www.costaricatransfers.com and they seem very professional and reasonably priced. You can also simply use the official taxis at the airport, they also have "microbus" (seats up to 12), and I just called them and they charge $140 (506)443-9333.
Please, feel free to write me directly for any more information or advice.
Pura vida,
Neta Talmor

Jdiduch,
We ran into an issue of the timing of our arrival. Based on our experience here are some options (note: We did not take the public buses but we heard that some people lost their luggage):
Major Factors: Time, # of people ($), and type of traveler.

1.We were going to take Interbus (a shared a/c minivan but the schedule only offered a van at limited times). The cost was $25/person. Total time around 3 1/2 hours. We booked it 3 other times during our trip and it was reliable and easy. Check out my "Costa Rica #1 MA, Interbus, etc" post by searching Costa Rica in the forum.

2. The Sansa airline. The airline sits right next to the airport and very easy. Price: around $40/per person and 15/20 minute ride. Although it is about an 10 person plane, we felt safe and it was a pretty smooth ride. When you land you can take their shuttle ($4 pp) to any hotel in Quepos. You will notice that most people who are traveling to MA stay in San Jose for the night because of their arrival times. Personally, we wanted to get to Quepos/MA the same day. The only drawback to Sansa is the 25 lb limit bag per person. You can pay more $ to carry on more bags but they definitely weigh you for safety reasons. We were fortunate the night before we were leaving CR we were planning to stay at the Hampton Suites (brand new) about 2 minutes from the airport w/ a free shuttle to the airport so we just asked them to hold our remaining luggage in their luggage room. Otherwise with clothes for our entire 2 week trip- we would have never made 25 lbs! (=

We decided to take the Interbus from Quepos back to San Jose to see more of the country side. It was neat but took a lot longer! Have a great time!
If you have any more questions let me know. Also my Costa Rica #1 also includes some travel tips for Manuel Antonio.

take the bus, if and only if, you are adventerous! it's crazy! or at least when i took it a few years ago it was. it's kind of a fun experience, but i'd only want to ride it once. the bus station in san jose is very dangerous. DO NOT put your bags underneath the bus. people come by & while others are getting off and getting there stuff will take yours. be careful! i would rent a car (about 3hr. to quepos) or hire a driver. quepos is a great place! it's beautiful. if you're looking for fishing i have friends of friends that own costarican dreams. they'll treat you right. =)

Thanks for your help and advice! The Sansa schedule seems to work out so I think we'll fly. The last time i took a bus when travelling was in Bombay and let's just say that it left a bad taste in my mouth :)

We just flew Sansa, I found the ride harrowing (but that's just me and my fear of heights -it's actually quite beautiful). But it is convenient and fast. I met lots of people who hired a driver and said that was fine. Just as a precaution, please see my post below, titled Sansa Warning.