Transportation Options in Costa Rica

Arranged roughly in the order of their popularity with international travelers the main modes of transportation are: 

Tour Groups—If you're an independent traveler this may sound like heresy, but one of the easiest ways of dealing with the complexities of transportation in Costa Rica is to just avoid the issue by joining a tour group.

Rent a Car—Generally the most flexible way to travel, but if you don't think you'll ever spontaneously head to a little wildlife refuge you just heard about over breakfast then you may not need the flexibility.  Our takes on the advantages and disadvantages of driving might help you decide.

Tourist Minibuses—These buses tend to be slightly faster (half an hour on a four hour trip), more convenient (door-to-door service to major hotels) and more comfortable (all promise A/C and some deliver) than the public buses.  The biggest advantage is the direct routes on segments frequented by tourists where the public buses require going out of your way or changing buses frequently.  Service frequency is increasing, but on many routes there is still only a single departure each morning. Prices range from $25 to $50 pp. (5 to 10 times the public bus fares).

Public Buses—Far and away the cheapest mode of transportation in Costa Rica ranging in price from around $0.10 to $10.00 and often the fastest and most convenient.  Buses on the main routes are modern and comfortable but typically not airconditioned. 

Domestic Flights—Direct flights from San José are available to a dozen popular destinations at prices between $48 and $80 on two domestic airlines.