 Costa Rica has an excellent public transportation system, and San Jose's public buses can take you anywhere in the city for a tiny price. If you arm yourself with basic bus-riding knowledge, shed your worries and prepare for adventure, San Jose's buses will soon become your best friends.
Generally, San Jose city buses run from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. Monday-Sunday. Buses are supposed to stop only at official bus stops – decorated with a bench and, often, a shelter from the rain – but will usually stop for anyone who flags them down. Just stick your arm out, and flail wildly.
Despite how easy it is to catch the bus, finding your bus stop in San Jose is no easy task. Since the city does not publish an official map or bus schedule, you'll have to ask around for your bus’ origination point. The beginning of each local route is usually marked by a dilapidated sign, and often accompanied by a cheque, a man hired by the bus company to facilitate passenger travel. Cheques are usually very busy and rushed, but they can be a great help in figuring out which bus to take. Identify them by their know-how attitude and the whistle that dangles from their lips at all times.
Local San Jose bus stops are grouped into general areas. For example, all San Pedro buses congregate at the eastern end of Avenida Central's pedestrian mall. Buses to Escazu stop just north of the Coca-Cola bus station. It seems like everyone downtown knows where the bus stops are, so if you get lost, just ask for directions by saying "Perdon, sabe usted donde paran los buses de ____?" (Pehr-done, sah-bay oo-sted done-day pahr-ahn lohs boos-ays day ____? = Excuse me, do you know where the buses to ____ stop?)
When you've found your area bus stop, it's time to identify your specific route. Each San Jose bus is well-labeled, with the general route name (San Pedro or Escazu, for example) along the very top of the windshield, the specific route name (like the Granadilla neighborhood of San Pedro) in the bottom left of the windshield (near the door), and usually, the route fare just below the specific route name. Often, buses will also have small signs that indicate major stops along the way, so if you're heading to a mall or big shopping center, you're in luck. If you need help finding your specific bus, though, just ask a cheque, fellow passenger, or bus driver – all will be happy to help.
As you board the bus, do not stand between the two vertical metal bars, which may be located at the bottom of the stairs, the top of the stairs, or just after you pay the bus driver. These bars count passengers as they pass through, and if a final day's bar count shows more travelers than the fare collection total, the difference comes out of the driver's paycheck. Therefore, San Jose bus drivers are adamant about not standing between the bars, and most will not hesitate to yell at you in rapid-fire Spanish if you mistakenly rack up their passenger count.
Have 200-300 colones ready before you get on the bus. If you don't have single coins, don't worry, a ¢500 coin or even a ¢1000 or ¢2000 bill will be accepted. Unfortunately, we have to suggest that you always count your change – San Jose bus drivers are notorious for short-changing foreign passengers.
Despite these two caveats, traveling on San Jose's city buses is usually pleasant, and a great way to see the city. As of August 2008, fares range from approximately ¢110 ($0.20) to ¢260 ($0.48). You can't beat that!
For more information, please see:
The Bus Driver
Back to Top
The Money Box
Back to Top
|
Win a free 7-day vacation for two including deluxe accommodations, meals, alcoholic beverages & more - Enter now to win! 