Manuel Antonio / Quepos → RIU Guanacaste Hotel / RIU Palace Hotel (Guanacaste)
Next: pick vehicle, date, passengers & pickup details
Direct, non-stop service from Manuel Antonio / Quepos to RIU Guanacaste Hotel / RIU Palace Hotel (Guanacaste), operated by a professional bilingual driver in a modern air-conditioned private vehicle.
Choose vehicle & trip details
Pick the vehicle for your group, the date and time, and tell us where to meet you.
Travel notes: RIU GuanacasteWhat to expect, the ride from Manuel Antonio, local tips and related routes
About RIU Guanacaste
The RIU Guanacaste and the neighbouring RIU Palace Costa Rica are the two large all-inclusive resorts on Playa Matapalo, north-west of Liberia and south of the Papagayo Gulf. Together they offer pools, buffets, entertainment and a wide, uncrowded beach; most guests never leave, but Playas del Coco and Liberia are both close for day trips.
Arrivals cluster around the afternoon flights into LIR, which is why a pre-booked private transfer is the stress-free way to reach the lobby.
The ride from Manuel Antonio
From Liberia Airport the drive is about 40 minutes: Route 1 toward Guardia, then the paved road west to Matapalo. The driver takes you straight to the lobby of the RIU Guanacaste or the RIU Palace, whichever you booked. Playas del Coco is 25 minutes away.
Good to know before you arrive
- Tell us which of the two RIU hotels you are staying in; they are next to each other but have separate lobbies.
- The resorts sit alone on the beach, so trips to Coco or Liberia need a driver.
- Check-in lines are longest around 3 to 5 pm when the US flights land.
- Guests often add a day trip to Rincón de la Vieja or a Tamarindo sunset run.
Related private shuttles
- Return trip: RIU Guanacaste Hotel / RIU Palace Hotel (Guanacaste) → Manuel Antonio / Queposfrom $415
- LIR - Liberia Int. Airport → RIU Guanacaste Hotel / RIU Palace Hotel (Guanacaste)from $120
- SJO - Juan Santamaria Int. Airport → RIU Guanacaste Hotel / RIU Palace Hotel (Guanacaste)from $340
- Manuel Antonio / Quepos → LIR - Liberia Int. Airportfrom $370
- Manuel Antonio / Quepos → SJO - Juan Santamaria Int. Airportfrom $215
- Manuel Antonio / Quepos → La Fortuna (Arenal)from $325
- Manuel Antonio / Quepos → Monteverde (Cloud Forest)from $305
- Manuel Antonio / Quepos → Conchal (Guanacaste)from $405
- Manuel Antonio / Quepos → Flamingo (Guanacaste)from $405
Questions about Manuel Antonio to RIU GuanacasteDuration, price, meeting point, stops, child seats, delays and cancellations
- How long does the private shuttle from Manuel Antonio to RIU Guanacaste take?
- About 5 hours 30 minutes door to door. That is a realistic figure for Costa Rican roads, not the fastest time a map app shows. The service is direct, with no other passengers, so there are no detours to drop anyone else off.
- How much does a private shuttle from Manuel Antonio to RIU Guanacaste cost?
- $415 for 1 to 5 passengers, $455 for 6 to 9 passengers and $540 for 10 to 12 passengers, per vehicle. The price is per vehicle, not per person, and includes the driver, fuel, tolls and 13% VAT. There is nothing to pay at pickup.
- Where does the driver pick me up in Manuel Antonio?
- At the door of your hotel, villa or rental in Manuel Antonio, at the time you choose. Give us the property name or a map pin when you book and the driver comes to the entrance.
- Can we stop along the way from Manuel Antonio to RIU Guanacaste?
- Yes. Short stops for food, a supermarket, an ATM or photos are part of the service. Longer detours, such as a waterfall or a second town, are quoted in advance so there are no surprises.
- Do you have child seats for the trip to RIU Guanacaste?
- Yes, and they are free. Costa Rican law requires a car seat or booster for children under 12 or shorter than 1.45 m (4 ft 9 in), so tell us the ages when you book and the right seats are installed before pickup.
- Can I travel from Manuel Antonio to RIU Guanacaste at night or very early?
- Yes. We run 24 hours a day, every day of the year, with no night surcharge. Early departures for morning flights and late arrivals are routine.
- What is the cancellation policy for this shuttle?
- Cancel more than 48 hours before pickup for a full refund minus the 13% tax. Within 48 hours the trip is non-refundable. Changes to date, time or address are free up to 48 hours before, subject to availability.