Getting around Costa Rica is a big concern for travelers especially for those who are here for a short period of time and on a budget.
In this article I’m going to outline the different ways and their cost and efficiency to help you figure out how to get around Costa Rica for your vacation.
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How to Get Around Costa Rica: Driving, the Most Flexible Way
Driving is the best way to get around Costa Rica to explore the country. It gives you the flexibility and freedom that you can’t get with any other method of transportation.
Leave when you want, go where you want. Simply stated, having a car is the best way to explore Costa Rica.
There are tradeoffs to driving however.
You have the extra responsibility of driving and car rentals are not very cheap in Costa Rica.
If you want to rent a car in Costa Rica, check out our Costa Rica car rental discount to save money on your car rental and get our extra benefits.
For more details, check out our tips for renting a car in Costa Rica post and our tips for driving in Costa Rica post. Learn about the costs of rental cars, insurance, type of cars and much more.
Three important things if you are renting a car and driving in Costa Rica
First, check your destinations to see if you require a 4wd/high clearance car or if a 2wd car is fine. The price of renting a sedan or 2wd SUV vs a 4×4 can be fairly drastic.
The second is to reserve your car rental well in advance if you are visiting during high season, Christmas, New Years or Easter week. This is due to extremely limited availability and high demand.
Thirdly, research what exactly is included in the rate. Some companies do not include all taxes, fees and insurances until you actually pick up the car.
This is why you will read some online reviews that a company is a “scam.”
The local car rental agency we work with utilizes all-inclusive upfront pricing so you know EXACTLY how much you are paying and what you are paying for. No tricks!
Shared and Private Transportation in Costa Rica: Shuttles
Taking a shuttle is an excellent Costa Rica transportation method for those who don’t want to drive.
It’s faster than taking the bus, they offer door to door hotel service and you don’t have to stress out about driving in a foreign country.
There are two different types of shuttle services in Costa Rica: private and shared.
You can read our detailed Costa Rica shuttles post for more information.
Shared Shuttles
Shared shuttles usually carry up to 10-15 passengers. They have set schedules, usually 1-2 per route. One in the morning, one in the afternoon.
Shared shuttles require a minimum number of passengers, usually 2 people. This is extremely important to check if you are a solo traveler visiting during low season.
Shared shuttles offer door to door hotel service only. No Airbnbs, no airports, vacation rentals or normal houses.
Hotels outside their routes aren’t included, so they’ll drop you off at the nearest destination and then you will need to figure out how to get to your place of accommodation.
Prices range from $59-78 USD per adult depending on the route.
For shared shuttles, get 10% off your Interbus shared shuttle here!
Private Shuttles
Private shuttles can pick you up directly at the airport and they can pick up and drop off at vacation rentals. Only your group will be in the shuttle.
They include one stop along the way for bathroom, supermarket, bank, view points or food. Then if you want to stop somewhere for a longer visit, this is available for an extra fee.
Read our tips for taking shuttles in Costa Rica and contact us for a private shuttle quote.
Tour Interconnections
Want to know how to make a boring transfer more fun? Take a tour and book an interconnection!
Here’s how it works.
You will book a tour like normal. Everything is exactly the same except your pick up and drop off locations.
So you get to skip sitting on a bus or shuttle all day and instead, you get to go on a fun adventure.
For example, the Pacuare River 1 day rafting tour offers an interconnection. The tour operator will pick up and drop off from San Jose, La Fortuna or Puerto Viejo.
So if you aren’t renting a car, this is a great way to get around. If you are landing in San Jose and your next destination is Puerto Viejo, you can do the rafting as a way to get to Puerto Viejo.
Or if you’re in Puerto Viejo and are going to La Fortuna next, you can do this rafting trip for your interconnection. Sooo much better than taking a 6 hour bus ride!
Want to do this 1 day tour and book the interconnection? Get $5 USD off with our Pacuare white water rafting discount.
Related: Read our 13 day Costa Rica itinerary (no car required) that includes the Pacuare white water rafting tour interconnection
Flying around Costa Rica with Local Airlines
Taking a domestic flight is the quickest way to get around Costa Rica. What would take you 4-5 hours driving will take 30 minutes flying!
There are two domestic airlines in Costa Rica: Sansa Air and Green Airways.
Sansa Air has the most flights from San Jose International Airport and Guanacaste Airport to places like La Fortuna, Nosara, Quepos, Tortuguero, Golfito, Cobano, Puerto Jimenez, Drake Bay and Tamarindo.
It is much more expensive to fly around Costa Rica and the high tourism season has more expensive rates.
Flights can range anywhere from $50 USD to $190 USD one way per person.
Furthermore, there are limited schedules. There may only be 1-2 flights for your route, no flights for your routes or just 1 in high season.
Likewise, for many routes, you will have to fly back to San Jose and then catch a second flight to your final destination as San Jose has the most departure flights.
For flying, it really comes down to time vs money. You spend more by flying but you save an incredible amount of time and erase the stresses of driving. What’s even better is that you get amazing views from the plane!
Planning tip: A lot of people will fly to their destinations and then rent a car for the days they are there. However, you will need to pick destinations that have a local airstrip.
Costa Rica Public Transportation
Taking the public bus is the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica.
Costa Rica public transportation is actually very good if you’re going to popular tourist destinations and major areas. It’s a great way to save money on your trip to Costa Rica!
From San Jose, there are direct routes to nearly every main tourist destination and main local town.
You can read our article on taking the bus in Costa Rica for more information.
The downside is that the bus takes much longer, especially if you don’t take the “direct” route. We once took the Tamarindo – San Jose bus via Liberia non-direct and it took us 8 hours without traffic since it made a million stops.
Another downside is you cannot stop when you need to as they have limited bathroom breaks.
Additionally, it can be difficult to get around for many routes.
An example is Tamarindo to La Fortuna. This route requires 3 buses and takes around 7 hours (driving is around 4). La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio requires 4 buses, around 9 hours (driving is around 5).
With limited schedules, you can’t miss your bus. If you miss your cross country bus, there is a huge likelihood that the next one is not until the next day.
When You Shouldn’t Take the Public Bus
We don’t recommend taking the bus if you’re with a large family of young kids/babies/seniors with mobility issues, going to more remote/rural destinations or here for a short trip.
But if you have the time, are keen on a bit of adventure or are on a budget, the public bus is an excellent option for major destinations.
Always be alert, ask the locals if you’re not sure where to go and always keep your belongings with you at all times.
Taxis
Taxis are good for short trips like from the supermarket to the hotel, especially if it’s raining, it’s late out or you’re carrying a lot of stuff. However, it’s best to book a shuttle for long trips instead of taxis.
Read more tips for taking taxis in Costa Rica.
Uber
Uber works in Costa Rica in almost all the tourist destinations.
You can find Uber in the cities like San Jose, Heredia, Alajuela and Cartago. There are now some in major touristic places such as Jaco, Quepos, La Fortuna, Tamarindo and Liberia.
Uber is generally cheaper than taxis. However, we don’t recommend relying on only Uber to get around.
Even for short rides, it may take awhile to call an Uber or the app may accept rides when there aren’t any Ubers around.
Although there are a lot of Ubers in San Jose and around San Jose International Airport, you can’t really call an Uber from Guanacaste Airport.
The police are always looking for Ubers and will gladly stop and ticket the driver if they think they are an Uber.
Didi, another ride share app is in San Jose. Lyft is not in Costa Rica.
Read our tips to using Uber in Costa Rica.
Ferry or Boat Rides
There are a few ferry routes you can take in Costa Rica.
If you’re planning on going to Montezuma or Santa Teresa from San Jose or Puntarenas, the ferry is a fun option.
The ferry takes cars so you can drive from the airport, take the ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya and then drive to your final destination.
Check out our tips for taking the Puntarenas Paquera ferry.
These boat rides are for foot passengers only: taxi-boat-taxi from Arenal to Monteverde across Lake Arenal, a boat from Sierpe to Drake Bay, Jaco to Montezuma boat, boat from La Pavona and Moin to Tortuguero and Golfito to Puerto Jimenez.
Which Costa Rica Transportation Method is Right For You?
To help answer your question of “How to get around Costa Rica?” you will need to figure out what your priorities are and what you’re willing to spend in terms of both aspects.
Costa Rica transportation methods summary
- Most comfort and flexibility: renting a car.
- On a budget: the bus.
- In between car and bus: shared shuttles.
- For big groups: private shuttles or renting a car.
- With kids: private shuttles or renting a car.
- No tight budget & short trip to main tourist destinations: flying.
- Solo travelers: shared shuttles or bus. Rent a car if not on a budget.
Many people combine transportation methods, you do not have to pick just one. Many people will fly or book a private shuttle to avoid driving the long routes.
Here are some examples.
San Jose – Puerto Viejo
This drive can take around 5-6 hours so instead of driving, people will take a private shuttle or the rafting tour from San Jose to Puerto Viejo.
Then rent a car for their days in Puerto Viejo. Or they fly to Limon Airport and then grab their rental car or book a shuttle to Puerto Viejo or Cahuita.
Drake Bay
A lot of people will rent a car for their whole itinerary but leave Drake Bay as their last destination.
They return the car in Sierpe, take the boat to Drake Bay and then fly to San Jose for their departure flight home.
Check out our Costa Rica 1 month itinerary that includes Drake Bay!
Learn more about driving to Drake Bay and how to get to Drake Bay.
Quepos – San Jose
Many people fly or take a shuttle/bus to Quepos, rent a car while they’re in Quepos/Manuel Antonio and then fly to San Jose for their departure flight out.
Destinations
If you’re going to major touristic destinations in Costa Rica like La Fortuna, Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo, San Jose, Manuel Antonio, Puerto Jimenez, Samara, Tambor, Santa Teresa, Montezuma, Jaco, and Monteverde, you can get there via car, bus and shuttle.
For Tortuguero, it is boat or plane access only. You can fly directly there or take the boat from La Pavona or Moin dock to Tortuguero. You can read about how to get to Tortuguero here.
If you are going to non-touristy places like Atenas, Grecia, San Ramon, Boca Tapada, San Isidro de Perez Zeledon, San Vito, San Gerardo de Dota, Santa Cruz, La Cruz, Nicoya or any remote beach, then a car would be the best way.
You can also get there via bus but then it will very difficult to get around once you are there.
How to Get Around Articles
We wrote articles on how to get to certain destinations which you can read below.
How to get to Playas del Coco/Gulf of Papagayo
How to get to Tamarindo from Liberia Airport
More Costa Rica travel tips below!
Costa Rica Vacation Checklist
- First time to Costa Rica? Read our First Time in Costa Rica guide.
- Click the link to get our detailed Costa Rica Packing List so you know what essential items to bring.
- Check our Costa Rica destinations map and Costa Rica restaurant map
- Do not forget to purchase Travel Insurance for your trip to Costa Rica.
- Stay connected by purchasing a prepaid SIM Card in Costa Rica.
- Save money with Mytanfeet Deals for tours and hotels and our Costa Rica Car Rental Discount.
Cathy says
Good morning!
My husband and I are staying in Tamarindo (actually Barrio Refundores) and have been walking into town to the beach etc. We would love to explore a bit more and expand our adventures, is it possible to take a bus from Tamarindo to Playa Flamingo for example. I’m finding it difficult to research bus schedules and routes.
Any suggestions is appreciated.
Thank You
Sammi says
Yes but its not very straightforward nor fast, better just to call a taxi or uber
Cathy says
Thank you
Donna says
Hello!
My husband and I are in our 70s and deciding how to get from Playa Flamingo in Guanacaste to Manuel Antonio. Is there a private shuttle that would go that far? If we rent a car, I’m not sure we feel great about driving that all in one day. Where would be a good stopping point overnight?
Thanks for all the incredibly helpful advice on your site!
Sammi says
Hi Donna, yes for sure, there are private shuttles who provide that service. It is a more costly transfer due to the long distance, you could drive it if you want and stop along the way to not rush and make it a full day trip. Or if you want to stay somewhere in between, there isn’t a really big town/city that’s right off the route but you could detour a bit to stay near Puntarenas (there is an all inclusive Fiesta Resort that is on the way), or look for an Airbnb in Miramar, Canas or Bagaces.
Donna says
Thanks so much for the really helpful replies! I look forward to working with you all on transportation – you have a terrific site!
Sammi says
You are very welcome!
Wim says
Hi,
My iternaty begins at Easter Sunday on 31/03/2024.
We would like to travel from hotel San Jose with Uber to busstation and take the bus to Sierpe. Is it possible to make this trip at Easter Sunday and also on time to make the boat trip at 4pm to Drake Bay?
This would be my first time in Costa Rica but have traveled with busses in Vietnam in the past.
Thanks for the effort for reading this.
Greetings,
Wim
Sammi says
Yes the buses should be running on Easter Sunday
Rachel Barker says
Hello there,
A friend recommended a 10-day itinerary that looks like this: fly into SJO, shuttle to Arenal for 2 days, then head to Uvita (fly to Quepos area from Fortuna) and rent a car for about 3-4 days there, then drive to Manuel Antonio and drop off the car there and hang for three more days before heading back to SJO to fly out. However, we are finding out that the flight option to get us to Uvita (via Quepos)are quite expensive (as you mentioned in one of your posts)–I’m trying to figure out what our best options are, while also saving time… do we book a shuttle and get driven from Fortuna to Uvita? Do we change our itinerary? I’ve already booked our places in each location and it’s been such a headache due to it being high season… but, if we should change it up, I’m open to it. This itinerary feels very back and forth if we’re not flying…what do you suggest? Thanks so much!
Sammi says
Hi Rachel, I can’t even find flights for La Fortuna to Quepos with Sansa Air so I’m not sure how much it costs, but just to give you an idea, a private shuttle for that route is approximately $325 USD total (usually for 1-6 passengers). You can opt to take a shared shuttle instead which is around $59 USD per adult
Rachel says
thanks so much! if we did decide to rent a car and drive from Arenal to Uvita, are there stops along the way you recommend, or a place we should stay in between? I’ve seen you mention the corocodile bridge as well as jaco beach. Google maps shows three different routes also–is there one you recommend? Thanks so very much! Your articles and website is amazing and we’ve gleaned so much from it!
Sammi says
Thats quite a long drive in one day but if you want to break it up and stop somewhere in between there’s the small towns like San Ramon, Atenas, Orotina along the way. Then you can stop at the Crocodile bride and jaco on your way down to Uvita. I’d go the Route 702 through San Ramon, the 3 and Route 34 (the fastest one recommended by Google Maps). In case you’d like to rent a car, check out our Costa Rica car rental tips and Costa Rica car rental discount here. Just note if you plan to pick up your car in La Fortuna and return it to SJO, there will incur a fee between the different offices with our partner Adobe
Rachel says
Ok. Thank you. Is there actually an Adobe car rental office in La Fortuna? When I type in pick up locations on Adobe, it doesn’t come up, and on google maps, it says temporarily closed… maybe it’s listed under a different city I don’t know about? Also, I read on your blog that if we’re renting a car in high season we should book 3-4 months out. Eek! Our trip is Jan 17! Are we going to be paying way higher rates at this point? I imagine so, huh.
Sammi says
There isn’t but the closest one is in Ciudad Quesada and Adobe will deliver your car to La Fortuna so choose in the drop down for pick up, Ciudad Quesada and in the comment section, write the name of your hotel in La Fortuna and the time you’d like the car delivered (hours of the service is 9 AM to 4 PM), there is a $5 USD fee for the delivery. You should definitely book your car asap to secure a vehicle
Matt says
Post Covid- Going to be staying at a resort by the gulf of papagayo- How are Ubers getting back into the Liberia area? Or Taxis? Looking to get into Liberia area for a day and check out the 2 breweries.
Sammi says
No ubers at the papagayo resorts really, the best option is to ask your resort to arrange a taxi/transportation for you to Liberia and then get taxis around Liberia. There are just like a few Ubers in Liberia, not really that many but there are lots of red taxis.
omenseeker says
hello:
is is wiser/easier to take the bus or a taxi from the san jose airport to downtown?
thank you!
Sammi says
You can take the public bus or grab an Uber – I don’t personally recommend the airport taxis
Jessica says
Hi, I am arriving to Costa Rica in December with my spouse and havent decided if to rent a car or do shared-shuttle to drive to La Fortuna and spend a couple of days there. Is the gas expensive there, how much do you think I would be spending money in gas for 5 days
Sammi says
Hi Jessica, you can read more about gas in Costa Rica but my advice is if you’re visiting in December to make a decision soon as availability is going super fast for December. If you are traveling solo, just note that shared shuttles always require a minimum number of people to run, over the peak season there will probably be all the routes available but you should book your spaces very soon.
Heather says
Hi Sammi & Yeison,
Thank you for such an amazing, comprehensive site! I have learned and discovered so much reading your blog.
I have a transportation challenge that I would love your input on. We will be in the country June 1-10, 2021. On June 6, we need to travel from Puerto Viejo to Jaco. What are the options here? What would be best, most economical, quickest, (not necessarily all of these at once), etc.? We’re open to all options at this point.
We are a party of 3; two adults and a very capable, adult sized 16 year old.
Thank you so much for any advice you can offer!
Cheers,
Heather
Sammi says
Hi Heather, best option if you’re taking public transportation is to take the bus from Puerto Viejo to San Jose and then San Jose to Jaco. Public bus is the most economical but the slowest.
Heather says
Hi Sammi,
Thank you for your reply! After spending more time on your blog, I think we’ve settled on renting a car. It may not be the cheapest option, but it is the most flexible and time-saving.
Thanks again for all the great info!
Cheers,
Heather
Haleigh Bevins says
Hello,
Are there specific shared shuttle companies you would recommend? I was researching and found many, but want to make sure they are safe, reasonably priced, and reliable.
Sammi says
Interbus, Ride CR, Caribe Shuttle and Easy Ride are very well known ones in Costa Rica
Pat says
I plan to be in CR for a month. San Jose, Arenal, Jaco. Car rentals seem cheap advertising $1-5 + about $15 for the insurance per day. Are these prices accurate? Seems like the way to go.
Sammi says
Hi Pat, we sent you an email with more information but basically these rentals don’t include everything…. it’s important you ask for the total cost and the deposit before you book so you know exactly what you’re paying for. You can also read more in this link: Costa Rica car rental insurance