Uvita is on the southern Pacific coast, about 3.5 to 4 hours’ drive from San José. There is no airport in Uvita itself, but there are several options depending on budget and whether you want to drive: rental car, Tracopa bus, shared or private shuttle, or a small plane to Quepos. Here is each option with times, approximate prices, stops worth making and tips to reach Uvita stress-free.
Wildlife you can see
By car: the most convenient option
From San José international airport (SJO), allow about 175 to 225 km depending on your start point, so 3.5 to 4 hours without stops. The route is simple:
A car is still the best option to explore around Uvita afterwards (waterfalls, Ojochal, Dominical, Sierpe). For the mountain roads above Uvita, a 4x4 is better.
- Route 27 from San José to the Pacific coast (toll highway, with a few toll booths payable in colones or by card depending on the booth).
- Route 34 (the “Costanera”) south through Jacó, Quepos and Dominical to Uvita.
- The road is paved and in good condition, but drive by day: it gets dark around 5:30–6pm and roads are poorly lit.
- Plan a stop: Tárcoles bridge (crocodiles), Jacó for lunch, or the beaches around Dominical.
By bus: the cheapest option
Tracopa runs from San José to Uvita in 4 to 5 hours, for about $10–12. Buses leave from the Tracopa terminal in San José, several times a day. Tickets are usually bought at the counter, in cash.
Uvita is often not the last stop: tell the driver where you are getting off. Uvita is small but spread out; a local taxi or tuk-tuk takes you to your lodging.
By shuttle: the sweet spot
Shared shuttle: about $50–75 per person, pickup at your San José hotel or the airport, 3.5–4 hours. Handy if you do not want to drive.
Private shuttle: about $200–350 per vehicle, worth it from 3–4 people, with stops on request.
By plane: the fastest
There are no direct flights to Uvita. The most convenient regional airport is Quepos, about 1 hour’s drive from Uvita, about 20 minutes’ flight from San José. Another option is Palmar Sur, further south, handy for Sierpe and the Osa Peninsula. Planes are small: luggage is weight-limited.
From Manuel Antonio to Uvita
The easiest leg in the country: about 1 hour on paved Route 34 via Dominical. By bus, several lines link Quepos and Uvita in about 1.5 hours. A shared shuttle costs about $35–50 per person.
Many travelers do Manuel Antonio and then head down to Uvita for whales, Caño Island and a wilder vibe. We compare both in our “Uvita vs Manuel Antonio” guide.
Tips for the drive
- Leave early to reach Uvita before dark and enjoy the late afternoon on the beach.
- Leave nothing visible in the car at stops (Tárcoles, beaches).
- Waze works well in Costa Rica, often better than Google Maps for roadworks and accidents.
- Carry colones for tolls and small parking lots.
- For the return, if your flight is in the morning, sleep near the airport (Alajuela) the night before.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from San José to Uvita?
About 3.5 to 4 hours by car, 4 to 5 hours by Tracopa bus.
How do I get to Uvita without a car?
By Tracopa bus (~$10–12), shared shuttle (~$50–75) or a flight to Quepos, then a 1-hour drive.
Is there an airport in Uvita?
No. The nearest airports are Quepos (~1 h) and Palmar Sur, further south.
How far is Uvita from Manuel Antonio?
About 1 hour along the coast (Route 34).
Is the drive from San José to Uvita safe?
Yes, it is paved and in good shape. Just avoid driving at night and take care on the curves of Route 27.
