The easiest way to see Costa Rica is a road trip with your own 4x4: volcano, cloud forest and beach in one week, or both coasts in two. Below are three tested routes, with driving distances and approximate times for each leg, where you will need a 4x4, and which vehicle to choose.
7 days from San José: volcano, cloud forest and beach
| Leg | Distance | Approx. driving time | Nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| San José Airport (SJO) → La Fortuna | 124 km | 2 h 30 min | 2 |
| La Fortuna → Monteverde | 112 km | 2 h 35 min | 2 |
| Monteverde → Manuel Antonio | 183 km | 3 h 55 min | 2 |
| Manuel Antonio → San José Airport (SJO) | 150 km | 2 h 55 min | — |
4x4? Yes, because of Monteverde: we strongly recommend a 4x4 for its steep roads. Vehicle: a compact 4x4 for two, a mid-size SUV 4x4 for up to four adults with suitcases.
10 days from Liberia: Guanacaste beaches and Arenal
| Leg | Distance | Approx. driving time | Nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberia Airport (LIR) → Tamarindo | 65 km | 1 h 25 min | 3 |
| Tamarindo → Nosara | 68 km | 1 h 35 min | 2 |
| Nosara → La Fortuna | 203 km | 4 h 40 min | 3 |
| La Fortuna → Liberia Airport (LIR) | 183 km | 2 h 50 min | — |
4x4? Recommended: the roads around Nosara and other Nicoya beach towns can be rough, especially in the rainy season. Vehicle: a mid-size SUV 4x4 gives you clearance and space for beach gear.
14 days from San José: both coasts
| Leg | Distance | Approx. driving time | Nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| San José Airport (SJO) → Puerto Viejo | 232 km | 3 h 40 min | 3 |
| Puerto Viejo → La Fortuna | 272 km | 5 h 10 min | 3 |
| La Fortuna → Monteverde | 112 km | 2 h 35 min | 2 |
| Monteverde → Manuel Antonio | 183 km | 3 h 55 min | 2 |
| Manuel Antonio → Uvita | 62 km | 1 h 10 min | 2 |
| Uvita → San José Airport (SJO) | 209 km | 4 h | — |
4x4? Yes, for Monteverde. Puerto Viejo to La Fortuna is the longest drive of the trip, so start early. Vehicle: on a two-week trip, a mid-size SUV 4x4 is the comfortable choice; for families or groups, a 7-seat 4x4.
About the driving times
- Times are estimates from OpenStreetMap routing data for normal traffic, without stops.
- Add extra time for photo stops, roadworks and mountain roads, and more in the rainy season. Read our rainy season driving tips.
- Plan long legs in the morning and avoid driving after dark.
Plan your road trip with us
- Pick-up and return: at San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR) airport, or at other pick-up points around the country. You can also return the car somewhere other than where you picked it up; tell us in your quote request.
- Price: from $35/day with the mandatory basic insurance included, and longer rentals get a bigger discount. Your written quote is the final price, with no hidden fees.
- Not sure which vehicle? See how to choose your rental car and do I need a 4x4?
Driving distances and times: OpenStreetMap contributors, calculated with OSRM routing, November 2026. Approximate; actual times vary.