Costa Rica is a Central American paradise known for its incredible biodiversity, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and active volcanoes. This eco-tourism destination offers world-class wildlife viewing, adventure activities, and a laid-back 'pura vida' lifestyle that welcomes travelers from around the globe.
- Public
- Extensive but slow public bus network covers all destinations affordably. No metro system. City buses in San José crowded during rush hours. Reliable for patient budget travelers.
- Taxi
- Official red taxis with yellow triangles are reliable and metered. Uber operates in cities and tourist areas at lower cost. InDriver is growing as additional rideshare option.
- Rental
- Best option for exploring remote areas. 4WD essential for Osa Peninsula, Monteverde, and rainy season travel. Roads can be rough and unmapped. Required by most eco-lodges.
- Walking
- San José's historical center is walkable but hilly and chaotic. Beach towns like Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio are walkable. Rural areas and inter-city movement require transport.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Official airport taxi to San José: $25-30
- Shuttle
- Uber/rideshare to San José: $15-20
- Bus
- Shared shuttle to San José hotels: $12-15
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
- Coverage
- Extensive public bus network covers all major towns and tourist destinations
- City bus
- $0.60-1.20 per ride in San José
- Intercity
- $2-15 depending on distance (San José to Manuel Antonio: $7, 3.5 hours)
- Reliability
- Generally reliable but can be crowded. Schedules vary by route.
- Tips
- Buses fill up during holidays. No advance booking for most routes. Cash only.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, rental_car, bicycle
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- $1.50 starting fare
- Apps
- Uber available in San José and major tourist areas. Cheaper than official taxis.
- App Names
- Uber available in San José and major tourist areas. Cheaper than official taxis.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Routes: Comprehensive network connecting all major destinations
- Companies
- Multiple companies: Tracopa, Transtusa, Pulmitan, AutoTransportes Mepe
- Comfort
- Varies from basic to comfortable air-conditioned coaches
- Booking
- Most routes don't require advance booking except holidays
- Costs
- Very affordable: $2-15 for most routes
- Tips
- Arrive early for popular routes. Buses can be cold (bring layers). Direct routes faster than local buses.
Flights
Routes: San José to: Tamarindo, Liberia, Nosara, Tambor, Quepos, Drake Bay, Puerto Jiménez, Tortuguero, Bocas del Toro (Panama)
Cost: $80-180 one-way depending on route
- Airlines
- SANSA and Aerobell (Green Airways) operate domestic routes
- Aircraft
- Small planes (12-60 passengers)
- Baggage
- Strict weight limits: typically 12 kg checked, 5 kg carry-on
- Tips
- Book early for best prices. Weather can cause delays/cancellations. Scenic flights with great views.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Juan Santamaría International Airport
From centre: 17 km to San José
Options: Official airport taxi to San José: $25-30; Uber/rideshare to San José: $15-20; Shared shuttle to San José hotels: $12-15; Private shuttle/transfer: $35-50; Interbus to tourist destinations: $49-59; Rental car pickup at airport
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport
From centre: 13 km to Liberia, 60 km to Tamarindo
Options: Taxi to Liberia: $20-25; Shuttle to Tamarindo: $30-40 per person; Shuttle to Papagayo Peninsula: $35-45; Private transfer to beach towns: $80-150; Rental car pickup at airport; Domestic flights to other regions
Tobías Bolaños International Airport
From centre: 8 km to San José (domestic flights)
Options: Taxi to San José: $15-20; Uber/rideshare: $10-15; Domestic flights to regional destinations
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Uber
Operates in San José and major tourist areas. Cheaper than taxis, accepts cards, GPS tracking for safety.
InDriver
Ride-negotiation app growing in San José. Often cheaper than Uber but requires Spanish negotiation skills.
SANSA Airlines app
Book domestic flights on Costa Rica's main domestic carrier. Routes to Tamarindo, Nosara, Drake Bay, and more.
Interbus Online
Book tourist shuttle services between destinations with hotel pickup included. Available in English.
Waze
Best navigation app for Costa Rica. Community-updated road conditions including flooded river crossings and police checkpoints.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Rent a 4WD vehicle if visiting Monteverde, Osa Peninsula, or any remote area during rainy season — standard cars get stuck
Uber is generally 30-40% cheaper than official taxis in San José — use for airport to hotel transfers
Book shuttle buses for tourist routes (San José to Manuel Antonio, La Fortuna to Monteverde) for door-to-door convenience at reasonable prices
SANSA domestic flights save hours of driving — worthwhile for distant destinations like Drake Bay, Tortuguero, or Nosara
Puntarenas to Nicoya Peninsula ferry is the scenic alternative to driving — check schedule at Coonatramar ferry terminal
Download Waze or maps.me for offline navigation — official road signs are sparse and Google Maps sometimes routes incorrectly on dirt roads