Getting Around While in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is geared towards tourism. With modern infrastructure and an excellent public transportation system, the entire country is at your doorstep.

There are numerous packages and tours that include knowledgeable guides, hotels and transportation, taking visitors to all parts of Costa Rica. But for those who want to plan their own trip, here are a few tips:

Domestic Airlines:

There are two domestic airlines serving Costa Rica, Nature Air and Sansa. Nature Air is based at the Tobias Bolanos Airport in Pavas, four miles west of San Jose, and about 20 minutes from Alajuela. Sansa flights depart from the Juan Santamaria International Airport, which is 11 miles northwest of San Jose. Both airlines offer adventure passes for unlimited numbers of flights for one or two weeks to any of their 17 plus destinations in Costa Rica. Visitors can also charter planes for large groups.

For more information about arriving to and departing from the Juan Santamaria International Airport, see Navigating the Airport

Renting a Car:

Renting a car in Costa Rica is a great way to explore the country. While not the cheapest option for getting around, travelers can set their own schedules and visit some of the more remote destinations that are often hard to reach by public bus.

To rent a vehicle in Costa Rica, you must:

• -Have a valid license from your own country or international driver's license
  -Be twenty-one or older
  -Have a Visa or Mastercard with enough credit to cover the total cost of the rental.

Check with your credit card company whether or not you can be insured if you pay with your credit card in Costa Rica.

For more information on driving in Costa Rica, please see:

Driving in Costa Rica

Detailed Driving Directions

Public Buses:

Costa Rica has one of the best public transportation systems in Latin America, almost exclusively centered around bus travel. Local city buses will take you almost anywhere within city limits, and intercity buses are inexpensive, comfortable, and widely available.

In addition to being a very inexpensive and comfortable way to travel, taking the bus leaves the tricky, potholed driving responsibilities to someone who is much more accustomed to Costa Rica's road conditions. And while the bus driver maneuvers mountain roads and bumper-to-bumper traffic, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy Costa Rica's varied, beautiful scenery.

Costa Rica's bus system is government-subsidized, so national travel is very inexpensive - expect to pay less than $10 to ride anywhere in the country, even to the Panamanian border. Only certain buses allow for advanced ticket purchases or assigned seats. There will be no on-board bathroom, but don't worry: Costa Rican buses are notorious for stopping every hour or two for bathroom and food breaks.

Some of the local buses do not have bells to signal the driver to stop. Do as the Costa Ricans do: let out a whistle or call out "parada" which means stop!

For more information, please see:

Riding the Bus in Costa Rica

San Jose by Bus

Bus Schedules

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 6-12 people and make regular 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 around $30 per person each way.

Taxis: 

Taxis in Costa Rica are an inexpensive, efficient and convenient way to travel. You can hail a cab 24 hours a day, and for most trips, a taxi will be quicker than the bus. They may be hired for short trips just a few blocks away or hired for an entire day.

Compared to the U.S., taxi fares in Costa Rica are inexpensive. As of mid-2009, taxi fares begin at ¢420 (approximately $0.77), going up depending on distance and traffic congestion.

Costa Rica's taxis can be divided into three groups: Cooperativas (semi-independent companies), private taxis, and pirate taxis. We highly recommend taking only official taxis, identified by their red color and yellow triangle on the door, because only these taxis are regulated by law. Official taxis are required to use the meter (la maria) at all times, which helps assure that you are charged a fair price. If the driver refuses to use the meter, get out and hail another. Pirate taxis, which come in all colors and models, do not have a meter, and will charge you per kilometer.

For more information, please see:

San Jose by Taxi

Bicycle Touring:

Costa Rica is a challenging, but not impossible, country to tour by bike. Mountain roads, non-existent shoulders and drivers that have little respect for two-wheeled vehicles can make rides a harrowing experience. With some planning and a good map, however, bike touring can be a fabulous way to see the beauty of Costa Rica in a way that no tour van or rental car would allow.

The most important consideration is your bike. There are a handful of shops in the Central Valley that carry quality bicycles, although the selection will pale to that of a shop in North America. Many cyclists bring their own bike that they are used to and comfortable with. Other necessary equipment includes extra tubes and a patch kit, a tire pump, a multi-tool and water bottles or a hydration system.

Before arriving, prepare for your tour by being in the proper shape, practicing riding with a heavy load, and learning some basic repairs. As you plan your trip, look for roads that are not heavily-trafficked routes. This will allow you to enjoy the scenery without worrying so much about the dangers and smoke of major highways. Weather in Costa Rica can vary dramatically based on season and altitude, so come with a windbreaker as well as lots of sunscreen. Don’t even think about riding without a helmet.

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