Getting

Around

Arriving by Air

Juan Santamaría International Airport is Costa Rica’s main airport. International flights also arrive at Daniel Oduber International Airport. The latter is preferred for destinations on the Nicoya Peninsula. US, Canadian, and European airlines fly to these airports, as does Avianca Costa Rica (formerly Lacsa), Costa Rica’s national airline. Sansa Airlines runs internal flights within the country.

There are regular bus services from various terminals in San José. For information on getting between San José and Juan Santamaría International Airport, see the table opposite.

Avianca Costa Rica

∑ avianca.com

Sansa Airlines

∑ flysansa.com

Train Travel

Costa Rica has a single rail line that connects San José to Puntarenas, but service is irregular. A commuter service runs between San José and Heredia, and San José and Cartago.

Long-Distance Bus Travel

Several companies operate modern bus services from San José to every part of the country. Departure Re points are scattered around San José. The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (Costa Rican Tourist Board) keeps an up-to-date schedule. Fares rarely exceed $20. Buses are either directo (express) or colectivo (with many scheduled stops). They are often crowded and luggage space is limited. Watch your luggage at stops, as theft does occur. Grayline and Interbus are among the many companies that offer scheduled shuttle buses to the most popular destinations, by reservation.

Grayline

∑ graylinecostarica.com

Interbus

∑ interbusonline.com

Instituto Costarricense de Turismo

∑ visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/bus-itinerary

Public Transport

All towns operate multiple transport servies including buses and taxis.

Buses

Local in-town bus services serve San José and larger towns, including Alajuela, Heredia, Puerto Limón, Golfito, and Puntarenas. Buses have their destination displayed on the windshild. Many city buses also have the fare displayed, as well as the name of the bus company, so you can look for that to make sure it’s the correct bus. All fares are paid in colóns.

Most private companies use modern, air-conditioned guaguas – pronounced wahg-wahs (coaches), with reclining seats, but smaller people carriers also provide service. They pick up at signed stops along scheduled routes. Shorter trips between smaller towns and villages are typically serviced by older, more basic second-class buses. The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo publishes a bus schedule. Rural buses can be waved down at paradas (bus stops) along their routes.

In most towns, the bus terminal is close to the main plaza. Some towns have more than one; for example, there are two large bus terminals in San José, with additional bus stations all around downtown. Buses to the Caribbean leave from Gran Terminal Caribe, and those to most other parts of the country from a series of bus stops concentrated in an area called “Coca Cola”, which is located west of downtown.

Taxis

Taxis are common throughout the country and can be found around the central plazas in most towns. In San José, you can also call one of several taxi companies. Licensed taxis are red (though airport taxis are orange), with a white triangle on the front door showing the license number. For journeys under 8 miles (12 km), drivers are required to use their marias (meters), but many will make an excuse not to do so in order to be able to charge more. The rates for longer journeys are negotiable. Outside the capital, fares are usually negotiated with the driver before setting off.

Jeep-taxis serve many communities that are difficult to reach due to mountainous terrain or poorly maintained roads and are the main means of public transport for locals. The most remote communities and tourist destinations are also served by colectivos, usually open-bed pickup trucks with seats and awnings. Like colectivo buses, they follow fixed routes and can be flagged down anywhere along the route. Colectivo taxis normally charge a flat fee, regardless of distance, typically the equivalent of £1. Tipping is not the norm unless the driver has performed an extra service, such as loading bags. Carry small bills and change, as few drivers will be able to change a large bill.

Uber also operates in San José, as do other freelance (licensed) porteadores (private taxis); it is recommended to use a local SIM card in your phone to communicate with your driver. EasyTaxi is a local alternative that works exclusively with official red taxis, permitting you to call a taxi on a mobile app.

Taxis Aeropuertos are licensed to run to and from the airport only, but can take you anywhere in the country. They can be called for pickup anywhere in San José.

Easy Taxi

∑ easytaxi.com

Taxis Aeropuertos

∑ taxiaeropuerto.com

Boats and Ferries

Naviera Tambor car-and-passenger ferries connect Puntarenas to Paquera (serving Tambor, Montezuma, and Malpaís) and Naranjo (serving Nicoya and beach resorts), on the Nicoya Peninsula. They operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but it’s best to buy your ticket in advance through QuickPayCR.

Lanchas (water-taxis) operate throughout Golfo Dulce from Golfito and Puerto Jimênez and will run you to whatever destination you wish, including to Pavones and Zancudo.

Naviera Tambor

∑ navieratambor.com

QuickPayCR

∑ quickpaycr.com

Driving

Renting a car provides the greatest travel flexibility, especially when visiting Costa Rica’s more remote areas.

Costa Rica has an extensive network of paved roads, but beyond the capital many roads are unpaved or unmaintaned, and a 4WD is recommended. Costa Rican drivers have a poor reputation for speeding, running stop signs and red lights, and failing to indicate when turning. Make sure you are familiar with the rules of the road and have all the necessary documentation. Tránsitos (traffic police) patrol the highways, using radar guns to catch speeders. They are not allowed to collect money. Fines should be paid at a bank or at the rental company.

A toll autopista (freeway) links San José to Puntarenas and Jacó; and portions of the Pan-American Highway (Carretera 1) have toll booths. Many mountain roads, such as that linking San José to the Caribbean via Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo, are subject to fog and landslides, and roads in the Central Highlands are convoluted. A GPS is virtually essential for finding your way, as away from main roads signage is limited.

The unpaved roads to Bahía Drake and Parque Nacional Corcovado, on the Peninsula de Osa, and those along the Pacific shore of Nicoya between Tamarindo and Playa Santa Teresa, have unbridged rivers that require fording. Use extreme caution, especially in rainy season. Ask locals about current conditions and for the best route to follow. Note that damage incurred while fording is not insured by the car rental company.

Car Rental

To rent a car in Costa Rica you must be over 21, but many car rental agencies ask that drivers be at least 25 years old. You will need a valid driver’s license or International Driver’s Permit (IDP) and a credit card for a deposit. Check with your local automobile association about obtaining an IDP. If you wish to stay for more than three months, you will need a domestic driver’s license.

Many well-established car rental agencies operate in Costa Rica as franchises. Smaller local agencies may offer better rates. It’s wise to make reservations well in advance, especially in high season, and in mid-summer when Tico families take their vacations en masse.

Prices are generally lower during the wet season, and unlimited-mileage options tend to work out the cheapest. Discounts apply for rentals of a week or longer. Manual shift is typically cheaper than automatic.

International insurance coverage is valid in Costa Rica; check to see if your credit card insurance covers travel in Costa Rica. Purchasing a limited Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or fully comprehensive insurance is an alterntive. If you waive insurance, you’ll have to pay a significantly higher deposit.

Most companies are represented at the two international airports and offer shuttles to their nearby facilities. Two companies to consider are Adobe and Europcar.

Adobe

∑ adobecar.com

Europcar

∑ europcar.co.cr

Rules of the Road

Drive on the right, use the left lane only for passing, and yield to traffic from the right.

Seat belts are required for all passengers. A strict drink-drive policy is enforced, and it is wise to avoid all alcohol if intending to drive. It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, unless it’s a hands-free device.

In the event of an accident or breakdown, switch on your hazard warning lights and place a warning triangle or small branches 55 yd (50 m) behind your vehicle. In case of accident, do not move the vehicle. Contact your car rental company, and in the event of an injury, your embassy immediately.

Costa Rica has a strict limit of 0.50 grams per liter, or 0.05 BAC (blood alcohol content) for drivers; at 0.75 grams (0.075 BAC), it becomes a criminal offense. Drivers who cause an accident and are found to have a BAC in excess of 0.075 are likely to be given a prison sentence.

Gas Stations

Unleaded gas, or gasolina, is sold as either super or regular; the latter is lower-octane and less expensive. Diesel is cheaper still. Gasolineras (gas stations) are plentiful in towns, but much scarcer in rural areas, especially in Nicoya. It is wise to refill whenever the tank drops to half-full. In remote areas, gasoline is usually available at pulperías (grocery stores), where it may cost twice as much as at gas stations.

Gas stations are typically open from 6am to midnight. They are not self-service, and most will accept credit cards.

Bicycle and Motorcycle Hire

Although Costa Ricans are passionate about cycle racing and mountain biking, bicycling is not well-established in towns, and very few Costa Ricans risk riding bicycles in San José. However, mountain biking is a great way of exploring the countryside. Several reputable companies offer guided bicycle tours, including Backroads and Bike Arenal. Mountain bikes can be rented in tourist towns for US$10 to US$20 per day; some may require a deposit, but they do not typically supply helmets. If you bring your own bike, wearing a helmet and carrying a sturdy lock are essential. Bicycle mechanics can be found in most towns. Cycling Costa Rica is an excellent planning resource.

Motorcycling is also extremely popular and a thrilling way to explore. Costa Rican Trails specializes in organized tours, and Wild Rider rents bikes.

Backroads

∑ backroads.com

Bike Arenal

∑ bikearenal.com

Costa Rican Trails

∑ costaricantrails.com

Cycling Costa RIca

∑ costaricacycling.com

Wild-Rider

∑ wild-rider.com

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is not common among Costa Rica, and for reasons of safety it is not recommended. If you do accept a ride from a local, offer to contribute to the cost of the fuel.

Need to know Getting Around

At a Glance

Need to know Getting Around

Need to know Getting Around

Need to know Getting Around