Costa Rica Information

Transportation Throughout Costa Rica

Taxi's

Most metropolitan areas are well supplied with taxi's, all of which are red in color. In San Jose it is reported that there are 5,000 licensed taxis, but who knows how many fake ones there are; fake ones are known as pirates. Taxi's are required by law to use a meters (commonly referred to as a María) when transporting passengers. There is a large percentage of taxis, however, who are not equipped with meters. Quite often these taxis will charge based on the distance traveled. In that case, we recommend that you agree to a price before utilizing the service. The present rates are as follows: 195 colonies for the first kilometer, and 100 colonies for each additional kilometer.

Airlines

Costa Rica has several international and domestic carriers which serve the country daily. From North America, direct flights are available, as are those with stopovers in Miami, Houston and/or several Central American countries, i.e. El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. Stopovers are particularly common during the low season, as filling daily flights becomes less likely. At the present time, two airports are scheduling international arrivals, the larger Juan Santamaría Airport, and a a second in Guanacaste (Daniel Oduber).Two major domestic carriers, Sansa and Travel Air, provide reasonably priced air travel within Costa Rica. Government owned and subsidized, Sansa's fares are significantly cheaper than those of its privately owned rival, Travel Air. Sansa operates out of Juan Santamaría International Airport and offers a free shuttle service for all flights. Travel Air operate from Pavas Airport (Tobías Bolaños), approximately 4 miles from San José. There is no shuttle service offered.

Bus System

Costa Rica's efficient and elaborate bus system provides the most inexpensive and popular method of travel throughout the country. The vast road system makes virtually every region of Costa Rica accessible by bus. Recently, several transportation companies have acquired more modern, air conditioned buses for use on long trips, or for the most frequently traveled routes. Most bus service in downtown San Jose, as well as in the countryside itself, however, relies on older more conventional style school buses. For the most accurate bus information, visit the ICT office in San Jose, as detailed bus schedules and maps are readily available.

From San Jose, all buses depart either from terminals or from street side. Depending on your destination and time of travel, we recommend that you arrive early to purchase your tickets, particularly during weekend travel. The most popular destinations have hourly departures. The newer, more modern buses have concealed storage space, along with compartments overhead. Older buses provide little, if any, storage space for your belongings, aside from your lap. As always, travel lightly and keep an eye on your belongings, especially during rest stops and scheduled stops. Generally speaking, the bus system is quite organized and runs close to schedule. However, cramped seats, pot-hole littered highways, dusty dirt roads and the unanticipated breakdown should be expected.


To & From Costa Rica

There are two major bus companies that offer service between Panama and Costa Rica; Tica Bus which offers service between Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, and Panaline which offers service between Panama and Costa Rica. The trip from San Jose to Panama City, via David, normally lasts about 16 hours. The buses are large, comfortable and normally air conditioned. You can also travel via the Atlantic coast, via Sixaola/Changuinola. The trip from San Jose to Changuinola, which is located on the Atlantic coast in the province of Bocas del Toro, takes approximately 6 hours; a stop is usually made in Limon. The buses are not air-conditioned, but comfortable, and depart at 9:55 a.m. from just north of the Coca Cola bus station. You can also take direct buses to Limon, and later get a bus to the border town of Sixaola. Or, take a local bus from San Jose to the border town of Sixaola, where you can walk across the border and take either public transportation or a taxi to the town of Changuinola. From Changuinola, there are direct buses to Panama City, small buses to Almirante where you can get a water taxi to Bocas del Toro, or get a local bus to David, which is situated on the Pacific coast.
For more information on how to arrive Costa Rica via Panama City or Bocas del Toro we recommend you visit our arrival page.