There are two main domestic airlines serving Costa Rica, Nature Air and Sansa. Nature Air is based in the Tobias Bolanos Airport in Pavas, 7 km. (4 mi.) west of San Jose. Sansa is based in Juan Santamaria International Airport 17 km. (11 mi.) northwest of San Jose.
Both airlines offer adventure passes for unlimited numbers of flights for one or two weeks to any of their 17 (or more)
destinations in Costa Rica.
Planes may be also rented as taxis if you have a large group of people who can share the cost of the airplane.
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Renting a Car:
Here are the rules. You must:
– Have a valid American or international driver's license
– Be twenty-five or older.
– Have a Visa or Mastercard with enough credit to cover the total cost of the rental.
Hint: Check with your credit card company whether or not you can be insured if you pay with your credit card in Costa Rica.
Car Rental Companies:
Renting a car in Costa Rica is a great way to move about the country on your own schedule and at your own pace. It allows visitors to transport themselves from a cool spring-like climate in the mountains to a hot, summer-like climate at the coast.
While not the least expensive option for getting around Costa Rica, the benefits of having your own car outweigh the stress of crowded buses that often times have irregular schedules. Breathtaking scenery that dramatically changes with every bend in the road guarantees a scenic trip. The opportunity to stop and take photos along the way is an added bonus.
Note: By the way, most of the rental cars are stick shift. If you don't know how to work a clutch and gearshift lever, you'd better take a few lessons before you visit.
The speed limit runs between 75 to 90 km (45 to 55 mph). Speed limits are posted on signs or painted on the pavement. A speeding ticket can be expensive at about $150 U.S. Do not try to bribe the officer. You could create further problems for yourself. Incidentally, drivers coming from the opposite direction will often warn you by blinking their headlights if there is police or a radar trap set up nearby, or if there is danger up ahead.
Read More on Driving in Costa Rica and Detailed Driving Directions
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Buses:
Costa Rica has the best bus system in Central America. It is by far the cheapest and most efficient way to travel. Climb aboard and the buses will take you to any place you want to go – and will not drain your wallet in the process. Long-distance bus fare from Peninsula de Osa to San José is only $10.
Your ticket will indicate the seat number and the date of the trip. If you are going to a popular spot, reserve your ticket in advance –and make sure the ticket is for the correct date. Bus tickets are usually not refundable.
Traveler's Tip: When you get to your destination, go into the station to buy your return ticket. That way you will assure yourself a seat for the ride home.
There are a few drawbacks to the travel-by-bus routine.
Some of the local buses do not have bells to signal the driver to stop. No problem. Do as the Costa Ricans do: let out a whistle or call out "Parada!" which, loosely translated, means "I have arrived at my destination, so please stop the bus so I can get off."
Most of the buses are in good condition, but they are not air-conditioned and do not offer a great deal of room for your luggage – or limbs. Long-legged visitors might be wise to cast about for an alternative way to travel.
Also, buses do not have toilets; however, on long distance rides, the driver will make one or two stops usually at a restaurant / truck stop to satisfy the passengers.
Read more on: Riding the Bus in San Jose and Bus Schedules
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Shuttle Services:
There are several shuttle companies including Interbus and Grayline that offer door-to-door service between most major destinations. The shuttles are air-conditioned, seat from 6-8 people and make restroom stops. Travelers can reserve tickets on the internet in advance, or call to reserve spots a few days prior to travel. The minibuses will pick you up at most hotels and/or the airport and drop you off at your destination hotel. Prices usually start at $30 per person one-way.
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Taxis:
Taxis are available throughout Costa Rica and at just about all hours of the day, and night. They may be hired for short trips just a few blocks away or hired for an entire day. Relatively speaking to taxi fares in the US, fees are inexpensive.
All legal taxis have meters and the base fare begins at 350 colones. Make sure your driver resets the meter when you first get in.
Read More on San Jose by Taxi
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Bicycle Touring:
There are lots of hills in Costa Rica. If you plan to see the country from the top of a bicycle, remember, it will make life easier for you if you peddle a good machine, one with at least a 21 gears. Be aware that you'll be outdoors at high altitudes, so bring along a windbreaker and some warm clothes – and don't forget your emergency kit with water, tire patching gear and a few basic tools.
Costa Rican drivers seem to respect bicyclists more than pedestrians. However, truck and bus drivers will forget about the bicycle once they have passed it and have been known to force bicyclists off the road.
Bicycling equipment –try Mundo del Ciclismo in San Joseand Deportes Garabito in Esparza.
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