Private Transport San Jose to Arenal - Premium Service VIP
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Experience the joy of traveling comfortably with private shuttle from San Jose to Arenal, with professional and bilingual driver who do more than just drive — they’ll share fascinating insights into Costa Rican culture along the way. As nature allows, you’ll witness breathtaking landscapes and encounter local wildlife during your journey.
Our drivers are highly experienced, fluent in both Spanish and English, and dedicated to providing a safe, relaxed, and informative experience. You’ll travel in modern, well-maintained vehicles designed for maximum comfort.
Flexible & Personalized Service: Enjoy the freedom to choose your departure time, add extra stops, adjust your route, or make spontaneous changes to your plan. We tailor the experience to fit your schedule and preferences.
By booking with Tico Paradise private shuttles, you skip the stress of navigating unfamiliar public transportation systems. Reach your destination easily and without hassle — all while enjoying the journey.
Available options
First-class service
Luxury amenities: Sparkling wine, Premium Beers, Pellegrino Sparkling Water, Refreshing Towels, Wifi<br/>Pickup included
Basic: 1 to 5 passengers
Hyundai Staria 2025 : Special for travelers with few luggages<br/>Pickup included
What's included
WiFi on board
Air-conditioned vehicle
Fuel surcharge
What you'll see
Our team from operations department will contact you the day before to confirm the details of your booking. The private transfer from San Jose to Arenal takes approximately 4 hours. We will stop halfway to use the restroom or have lunch if you wish. Our driver will be attentive to the road to point out any animals encountered along the way. A few minutes before arriving, our driver asked if you would like to stop to shop at the supermarket or go to an ATM. Finally, our driver will say goodbye to you five minutes before arrival, so you can prepare your belongings and fully enjoy your next destination.
What's not included
Alcoholic Beverages
Bottled water
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
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1★
0
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Service animals allowed
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Wheelchair accessible
About San José
San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and colonial architecture. Nestled in the heart of the Central Valley, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty, with nearby volcanoes and coffee plantations adding to its allure.
Top Attractions
Museo del Jade
This museum houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts, showcasing the rich history of Costa Rica.
Museum
1-2 hours
¢5,000 (CRC)
Mercado Central
A bustling market offering a variety of local foods, souvenirs, and crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture.
Market
1-2 hours
Free entry
Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica
A stunning example of neoclassical architecture, this theater hosts various cultural performances and events.
Historical
1 hour
¢6,000 (CRC) for tours
Parque La Sabana
A large urban park with walking paths, sports facilities, and a lake. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Gallo Pinto
A traditional breakfast dish made with rice, beans, onions, and peppers, often served with eggs, tortillas, and natilla (sour cream).
Breakfast
Vegetarian
Casado
A typical lunch dish consisting of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a choice of meat or fish.
Lunch
Can be vegetarian or vegan with modifications
Olla de Carne
A hearty beef and vegetable soup, often served with rice, tortillas, and salad.
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian
Chifrijo
A popular bar snack made with fried pork, beans, rice, and avocado.
Snack
Can be made vegetarian with modifications
Popular Activities
Hiking in national parks
Zip-lining in nearby areas
Coffee tasting tours
Spa treatments
Museum visits
Historical tours
White-water rafting in nearby rivers
Coffee plantation tours
Best Time to Visit
December to April
The dry season offers pleasant weather with minimal rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
22-28°C
72-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Time Zone
CST (UTC-6)
Electricity
110VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
San José is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution and keep valuables secure.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
Getting there
By air
- Juan Santamaría International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center
By bus
Cariari Bus Terminal, San José Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around San José. They cover most of the city and its suburbs.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Barrio Escalante
Barrio Amón
San Pedro
Day trips
Poás Volcano National Park
50 km (31 miles) • Half day
A stunning national park featuring the active Poás Volcano and beautiful crater lakes.
Irazú Volcano National Park
55 km (34 miles) • Half day
A national park featuring the Irazú Volcano, one of the highest peaks in Costa Rica, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Alajuela
20 km (12 miles) • Half day
A charming city known for its colonial architecture, museums, and the Juan Santamaría Museum, dedicated to Costa Rica's national hero.
Festivals
Fiesta de las Luces • December
Festival de las Artes • March
Pro tips
- Visit the Mercado Central early in the morning for the freshest produce and to avoid crowds.
- Try local street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
- Explore the city's museums and cultural attractions to gain a deeper understanding of Costa Rica's rich history.
- Take a day trip to nearby natural attractions, such as Poás Volcano National Park, for stunning views and outdoor activities.
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for the culture.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
