Costa Rica Transportation

Local buses present one of the best travel bargains you can find in Costa Rica. They are designed and operated not for tourists, but the residents of Costa Rica. In a place where wages tend to be low, charges for riding buses also must be modest. It's possible to travel great distances across the country for less than $5 USD. The experience itself can be more rewarding than the low cost. You'll see picturesque villages and countryside at an unhurried pace. The downside is that these buses stop frequently and trips of longer than a few kilometers can take many hours, or at least longer than you might expect.

The next step up from local buses is the shuttle service, which involves a door-to-door transfer between hotels. Some of these air conditioned rides are shared with other travelers going the same general direction. Others can be arranged as private shuttles for more money. One of the most popular providers of shuttle service in Costa Rica is Interbus. It's possible to book your Interbus trips online. Reservations are necessary, and if you can give 72 hours notice, a seat is guaranteed. Each passenger is allowed one carry-on and one item of luggage. Car seats for children are provided upon request. Fewer stops than a local bus--but the need for reservations and the hotel-only pickup policies can create disadvantages within some itineraries.

A car or truck rental provides the greatest amount of freedom, but the pitfalls of rentals in Costa Rica are worth noting at the outset. In addition to the aforementioned poor road conditions, routes are frequently unmarked, making it quite difficult for first-time visitors to navigate. Addresses are also unusual here. Instead of "100 East Main Street," you're likely to see something like this: "about 200 meters south of the town plaza." Accident rates are high and theft from autos is a problem. Still not discouraged? Try to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle, especially in rainy season. Be careful about trying to economize too much here. Larger vehicles might be more expensive, but they have wider tires that fare better on rough roads.

At first glance, flying 150 miles might go against your basic budget travel instincts. But there are solid reasons for placing a few of these flights in your Costa Rica itinerary. Given the length of time it takes to travel the roads, a 40-minute flight for $80 could yield four or five saved hours you can use to explore or simply relax. What's an hour of vacation worth to you? Nature Air serves 17 destinations in Costa Rica. The other major domestic airline is Sansa, which also flies to other Central American locations. Both carriers fly prop planes that seat fewer than 20 passengers. If small planes don't bother you, the time savings are worth consideration. Another bonus: you'll be treated to some outstanding views on a clear day.