How Much Do Shuttles Cost in Costa Rica? Real 2026 Prices

The one thing to understand: per vehicle vs per person

Costa Rica has two kinds of shuttles, and they're priced differently:

• Private shuttles are priced per vehicle — the price is the same whether 1 or 5 people ride. Door-to-door, your own schedule, your own van.
• Shared shuttles are priced per person (typically $54–75 each) — fixed timetables, multiple hotel stops, you ride with other travelers.

That's why the math flips with group size: solo travelers often save with shared; from about 3 people, private usually costs the same or less — and it's a different level of comfort.

Real private shuttle prices (2026)

These are Travesía's actual prices — flat per vehicle, taxes, tolls, luggage and child seats included. Three van sizes: up to 5 passengers (Hyundai Staria), up to 9 (Toyota Hiace), up to 12 (Maxus V90).

Your route not here? The price finder on our homepage shows the exact price for 600+ route combinations instantly — no email forms, no waiting for a quote.

Do the math for your group

A real example — SJO → La Fortuna, family of four:

• Shared shuttle: 4 × $54–75 = $216–300, fixed departure time, several hotel stops on the way.
• Private shuttle: $220 total, leaves when your flight lands, stops when your kids need a restroom, drops you at your hotel door.

Same money — completely different day. For couples, shared is cheaper on paper ($108–150 vs $220); the private premium buys flexibility, zero waiting and courtesy stops.

What affects the price?

• Distance and terrain — mountain routes take longer per kilometer.
• Vehicle size — bigger vans cost more per vehicle, less per seat.
• What does NOT change it: number of passengers (up to the van's capacity), luggage, child seats, or paying by card — at least with us.

Hidden fees to watch for (anywhere you book)

• "+13% VAT at checkout" — some companies quote pre-tax prices that grow at payment. Ask if the price is final.
• Per-person pricing dressed up as private — check whether a "private" quote multiplies by passengers.
• Luggage or surfboard fees, night surcharges — ask before you book.
• Card details over chat or email — never. A serious company sends you to a secure payment page.

Our policy is simple: the price you see is the price you pay — flat per vehicle, taxes included, secure online card payment, and free cancellation up to 48 h before your transfer.

What's included in a private shuttle?

With Travesía, every transfer includes: airport meet & greet with a name sign, flight tracking (delays cost you nothing), free child seats, courtesy stops for restrooms and food, bottled water and WiFi on board, and A/C — with a professional local driver. Compare all the ways to get around in Getting around Costa Rica.