
Private Shuttle from SJO Airport to Riu Hotels
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Shuttle from SJO Airport to Riu Hotels worth booking?
Private Shuttle from SJO Airport to Riu Hotels is a 2-hour experience in Alajuela, Costa Rica, from $280 per person. It scores 51 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 51 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $280 per person
Going to Riu Hotels from SJO Airport is a 4.5 hours ride and it is a nice cross country ride through us. Along the road there are some funnny stops: Fruits Stand in Orotina town where you can try lot of tropical fruits
What you get
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- One-way private transfer
- Local taxes
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
About this experience
Going to Riu Hotels from SJO Airport is a 4.5 hours ride and it is a nice cross country ride through us. Along the road there are some funnny stops: Fruits Stand in Orotina town where you can try lot of tropical fruits, see the Macaws and Toucans on their natural environment along the way to Guanacaste. Also, there are great places for local food experiences. From May to April is the rainy season and we probably will experience some rain along the road but Riu Hotels is located in one of the dryer areas of Costa Rica. We include bilingual and experienced drivers, WiFi On Board.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- One-way private transfer
- Local taxes
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Not included
- Gratuities
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- CostaRicaTripGuide
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum drinking age is 18 years
- The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
Photos

Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Private Shuttle from SJO Airport to Riu Hotels. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Would Recommend
It was a far drive, but the drivers were on time, polite, and knowledgeable about the country. They got us to our destinations as quick as they could while still driving carefully. Would recommend highly,everything ran smoothly and communication during booking was always available.
Response from the operator: Hola Syd Thank you for your kind words! We're delighted to hear that you had a positive experience with our service. It's great to know that our drivers were punctual, polite, and knowledgeable, and that they ensured a safe and efficient journey for you. We're also pleased that you found our booking process smooth and communication reliable. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to serving you again in the future! my best Erick
via Tripadvisor
Great drivers
Took a transfer with Wilson to the resort and Edgar back to SJO! Both were super nice, helpful and efficient. Great experience
Response from the operator: Thank you for your positive feedback! We're thrilled to hear that both Wilson and Edgar provided you with a great experience during your transfers. It's wonderful to know that their helpfulness and efficiency made your journey enjoyable. We appreciate your kind words and hope to assist you again on your next trip. Safe travels! Erick
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 51
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Shuttle from SJO Airport to Riu Hotels: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Alajuela.
How much does Private Shuttle from SJO Airport to Riu Hotels cost?
+
Prices start at $280 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Alajuela usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Shuttle from SJO Airport to Riu Hotels take?
+
Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Alajuela is not rushed.
Is Private Shuttle from SJO Airport to Riu Hotels worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 51 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Alajuela, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Shuttle from SJO Airport to Riu Hotels?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Shuttle from SJO Airport to Riu Hotels suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Shuttle from SJO Airport to Riu Hotels?
+
Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Alajuela can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Alajuela and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Shuttle from SJO Airport to Riu Hotels start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Alajuela within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Alajuela?
+
On Outty we rank every Alajuela experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner, Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing and Wildlife Day Tour from San Jose. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Alajuela?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Alajuela?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Private Shuttle from SJO Airport to Riu Hotels.
Pick your date




