Taking Public Transportation
It was rush hour, and the bus was overflowing with people on their way home after a long day of work. Every seat was taken, and at this point, it was standing room only for the 25-minute ride. The young woman who had boarded before me carried a small baby and I had several grocery bags dangling from my arms. I noticed the driver eyeing us, the bus at a standstill, when a boy stood up to indicate the mother should take his seat. Then, a tap on my shoulder -- another man was offering me his own. The bus driver nodded in satisfaction and shifted into gear -- he had been waiting for someone to offer us seats. In Costa Rica, chivalry is alive and well on public buses.
FAQs
Is public transportation available throughout the country?
Public transportation is an excellent way to navigate Costa Rica, as buses are cheap, reliable and prolific. Taxis are also inexpensive (less than half the cost of taxis in the United States), and easy to find. A commuter train travels within San Jose and connects to Heredia, a city just north of the capital. There are plans to expand the service within the next few years.
Last updated: Oct 22, 2023