Costa Rica transportation?

Question

I'm thinking of going to Costa Rica but am not planning on renting a car. Would taking a bus be a good idea?

Also, I am thinking of going to two locations (beach and rainforest location probably). Will transportation be a problem going from one location to another? What would be my best bet, cab or bus? Since CR is kinda rural, I was a bit concerned about the availability of transportation...Thanks a bunch!!!

Answer 1

Costa Rica is built like a star if you look at it transportation wise with San Jose in the middle and everywhere else around it.You can take a bus going from San Jose to all the major cities and tourist spots in Costa Rica and other buses or taxis to smaller places near the place you're in.

Most organized tours offer transportation to and from the place you're visiting so it's really easy and comfortable to take organized tours.

The problem is that some times you have to go back to San Jose in order to go to other locations like from let's say the Pacific coast to the Caribbean coast but in whole it's not a big problem.

Keep in mind that a different bus terminal in San Jose is used for different areas in Costa Rica so check which one you have to go to before you leave to your bus.

Answer 2

No need to rent a car if you are only going to be in two locations.  Within each location I would use a cab but between locations you have two bus options that are much cheaper than cabs.  One is public transportation , this is extremely cheap  most routes are $5-$7. .   Another option are hotel shuttle services.  There are two major ones-- Interbus and Gray Lines/Fantasy tours.  Both offer hotel to hotel transportation between major tourist destinations.  Costs vary according to distance but they tend to be in $35-$45 range.   You can go from Puerto Viejo, to San Jose to Manuel Antonio to Arenal using this means of transportation.

Answer 3

Buses are everywhere. The main mode of transportation for the people. They are also cheap. If you want to take a cab try to negotiate a price before you go. If the driver doesnt give you a price find another cab.

Answer 4

Public buses run regularly and usually on schedule.  Since they are not really designed for tourists most drivers do not speak english.  Another option not yet mentioend is arranged transportation.  You can go online and reserve your transportation route in which the minibus/van will pick you up at your hotel and drop you off at your next destination.  Door to door.  It is more expensive than local bus travel, but I find it brings peace of mind to know where and when exactly you will be picked up.  The drivers are very friendly and will stop for you when you need to ie, bathrooms, banks, etc.  Once at your destination taxis are everywhere and all you have to do is ask the front desk of your hotel to call you a taxi and they will.  Same with restaurants, ask and they will call fro you.  If you don't speak spanish, write the name of the place down on paper and give it to the driver.  Also if you are in town and looking for a taxi, locate the taxi stop.  It is usually near the town center.  If there is a church with a park in front of it, you will find the taxi's there.  FYI protocol states you take the first taxi in line.  Only the red taxis with numbers on the sides are licensed, others claiming to be taxi drivers are pirate taxis.  Comparatively, taxi rides are cheap and taxi drivers are usually very nice.

Good luck on your trip and let me know if you have any other questions I can help you with.

Pura Vida!

Answer 5

bus service is great enjoy it and if you are around jaco area give us a call love to meet you ..637-8327