Taking shuttles in Costa Rica is a time efficient and comfortable way to get around the country. If you don’t want to drive or take the bus, booking shuttles is your best option. Here are important things you need to know about taking shuttles in Costa Rica.
First, should you book a shuttle?
There are many ways to get around Costa Rica and it really boils down to a few things. Time vs money, number of people and destinations in your itinerary. We have flown, driven, bused and shuttled all around Costa Rica and each one offers a different experience. However, taking a shuttle is ideal for those who are:
- On a time limit.
- Not on a strict budget.
- Not keen on driving.
- Looking for something simple and efficient.
If that sounds like you, then taking shuttles in Costa Rica will be the best transportation.
Advantages of Taking Shuttles in Costa Rica
There are quite a few advantages of taking shuttles in Costa Rica.
- Faster than a bus. Whether you take a private or shared shuttle (we’ll talk about that in a second), it’s way faster than a bus. You don’t need to switch buses or wait for people to get on/off. You’ll save a ton of time taking a shuttle so ask yourself, what’s more important for your Costa Rica trip: time or money?
- You can sleep! You don’t have to worry about driving at all. Just sit back, relax, enjoy the views and take a nap!
- You don’t need to worry about directions like you would if you were renting a car. Get from Point A to Point B without hassle. Getting lost is one of my personal fears when traveling abroad. A shuttle takes away all that stress.
- Way more comfortable than a bus. Cool down with AC and bigger seats. Much cleaner too! This is especially ideal for older travelers, they’ll be way more comfortable in a shuttle.
- Efficient. Did I mention that shuttles are super stress free? All you have to do is book the shuttle, get picked up and you’re good to go! And that’s awesome if you’re going to destinations that don’t have a lot of bus routes like Santa Teresa, Samara, etc.
- Meet other travelers. You’re all going to the same place so why not chat to pass the time? We’ve actually met some Mytanfeet readers who were on the same shuttle with us!
That being said, there are also disadvantages.
Disadvantages of Taking Shuttles
- Not much flexibility. One awesome thing about renting a car in Costa Rica is the flexibility. If you happen to see a cute souvenir store or restaurant, you can stop with a rental car. Not with a shuttle. Since shuttle companies are on a schedule and have other travelers, they can’t pull over on the side of the road and let you take pictures at multiple viewpoints.
- Way more expensive than a bus. A shared shuttle can be $20-85 one way per person. But again, you save a ton of time and it’s door to door, making it much more efficient.
- Limit to luggage. Since shared shuttles only have so much space, they can only allow for so much luggage per person. If you have more than the limit, there’s an extra charge.
- Can’t do direct door to door service if staying at an Airbnb or vacation rental.
- Set times. Shared shuttle companies have set times for pick up and they need to meet that schedule. If your flight gets delayed, they can’t wait you. They will help you make arrangements for the next shuttle though it may be the next day when they have availability. If you hire a private shuttle, they can wait for you even if your flight is delayed.
Our Personal Experience with Taking Costa Rica Shuttles
Want to know what it’s like to take a shuttle in Costa Rica? Read our personal experience!
We have taken shared shuttles to and from Liberia International Airport to our place near Tamarindo and have had great experiences each time. Tamarindo Tours and Transfers waited for us at the airport directly and dropped us off as close as they can to our place (we don’t live in Tamarindo proper). Granted, they have run a little late a few times because they have to pick up other passengers but they do their best to stick to a schedule.
We have taken private shuttles from San Jose International Airport to Jaco and Manuel Antonio. The driver asked us if we wanted to stop at view points to take pictures, if we needed the bathroom or wanted to go to the bank or supermarket before dropping us off. We had the entire van to ourselves and it was much more comfortable and relaxing in a private. It was also super nice to be able to ask the driver to stop for bathroom, food, etc.
Private Transportation vs Shared Transportation
The key difference between a private and shared shuttle in Costa Rica is that with a private shuttle, they wait for you directly at the airport and they don’t have a set schedule. You can ask the driver to stop at a restaurant, a souvenir store, a viewpoint or for a bathroom break. Most companies offer refreshments (bottled water) and you’ll have the entire shuttle to yourself and your group.
Costs vary depending on destinations and number of people. Private is more expensive than shared for 1- 2 travelers but comes out about the same for 4 or more. A shared shuttle from Arenal to Tamarindo is around $55 per person and a private is around $250 for 1-4 passengers.
So if you have a big group of at least 4 people, the cost works out to be cheaper or equal as a shared. However, if you have a large group (more than 8 passengers), companies will have to switch to a larger vehicle which costs more.
Private shuttles are excellent for families with young kids or seniors, since you will be able to ask the driver to stop at any time. You also have way more space, privacy and flexibility. Private shuttles also give you a more personalized experience, since many drivers like to share information about Costa Rica.
Important Things to Know About Booking Shuttles
If you are staying at an Airbnb or vacation rental, check which hotel is closest to you. Like I mentioned earlier, shared shuttle companies can’t drop off at private residencies so they’ll pick you up at the closest hotel to your place.
Check the schedule of the shuttle when booking your flight. If your flight arrives after late afternoon, you will have to get a private shuttle or wait until the next day. Shared shuttle services usually only have an AM and PM schedule. The PM shuttle is usually around 2:30 PM.
If your hotel is really far out there, shared shuttle services may not pick up or may charge extra. Some hotels are really far away so inquire first if service to that hotel is possible. If the hotel is outside their route, they’ll drop you off at the closest hotel and you will have to take a taxi the rest of the way.
Shared shuttle companies will have booster/baby seats available. Inquire about wheelchair accessibility as not all vans have the automatic lift.
Shuttle Quotes and Boookings
If you want to book a private transfer or shared shuttles, we have a 5% discount with Interbus, a shared shuttle company. Please contact us for a quote or to make a shuttle booking. Please include your name, number of travelers (adults and children), dates and times for the shuttle and your pick up and drop off locations.
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Janet says
Hi!
My husband, dad, and I are headed to Costa Rica in late July of this year. We’re flying into SJO on 7/19, would like to take a private shuttle to La Fortuna, then we plan to take the Jeep-Boat-Jeep route to Monteverde a few days later. On 7/24 we’ll take a private shuttle from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio, then on 7/25 (in the afternoon) will take a shared shuttle back to a hotel near SJO, to fly out early the next day.
Can you help us figure out the best (cost effective, friendly, safe) shuttle company to use for the private shuttles and how to get a discount on booking the shared shuttle with Interbus?
Thank you for your wonderful blog and great travel advice!
Sammi says
Hello Janet, I just sent you an email 🙂
Andrew mcdowell says
My wife and I will arrive in San Jose on April 20th at 7p.m. And would like a shuttle company to take us to Arenal. Is that possible with our arrival time? Second, once we arrive in Arenal we want a shuttle to pick us up and take us to Manueal Antonio. Finally from manual Antonio to airport. Better yet do you have a reasonable company that will include all shuttle service with hotel and tours included? Thanks
Sammi says
Hi Andrew, I just sent you an email!
Ruben says
Is Shuttle service available from SJO to La Fortuna (Green Lagoon Resort) for 2 people? Cost one way? schedule?
Sammi says
Hello Ruben, I just sent you an email with information.
anat says
Hi how do I book a shuttle with interbus with your discount code. On the website it directs me back to this page 🙂 Please let me know, looking to book morning shuttle from a hotel near SJO airport to Arenal.
Thank you!
Marianne Rotert says
I’ve learned so much about Costa Rica from your blog! But now I have so many questions–my husband and I really didn’t want to drive, so I wanted to know if we can get shared shuttles from Adventure Inn (SJ) on 3-27-19 to Arenal for probably 5 nights. Then to Monteverde area for 2 or 3 nights, and then to Manuel Antonio until 4-9-19 when we need to head back to the SJ airport.
Thank you so much for all the info you provide!!!
Sammi says
Hi Marianne, yes you can definitely do that.
Sammi says
Hi Eivind, unfortunately you won’t be able to make the shared shuttles but there is a public bus from San Jose (Tralapa company) to Flamingo at 3 PM that you can hopefully make (you will need to taxi to downtown San jose to the bus station). The only thing is you’re arriving right at our peak season and immigration/customs can take a lot longer and traffic can be a lot worse in San Jose during that time so you would be cutting it super duper tight and for this route, it is highly highly recommended to arrive at least half an hour – 1 hour before to buy tickets as this route fills up fast, especially during holidays. The other option is to book a private shuttle which will pick you up directly at the airport but it is expensive for 1 person (around $180-200) one way. Unfortunately for your times, the best option a shared shuttle is not possible as the last one leaves at 2 PM which you won’t make.
If anything, I’d try to get the public bus at 3 PM direct to Flamingo and if you don’t make it, you can take the public bus to Liberia (one every hour until 8 PM with Pulmitan de LIberia) and from LIberia, take a taxi to Flamingo because by the time you get to Liberia, there won’t be any public buses running. Or play it super safe and spend a night in San Jose and wake up early to take the 8 AM direct bus to Flamingo the next morning.
Eivind Tomas Paulsen says
Hi again! Thank you so much for your answer. But I just wonder if you happens to know what the cost of the taxiride from Liberia to Flamingo will be?
Sammi says
Hmm, I know a private shuttle is around $75-80 so I’d assume around there.
Eivind Tomas Paulsen says
Hi! Thank you for this wonderful site. Just wonder what would be your recommendation way to travel from San Jose airport to Flamingo desember 27? My flight arrive at 1:44 pm. and I am traveling alone. Thank you!
Kaylee says
Hello,
My husband and I will be staying at the Occidental Papagayo resort, and are looking at transportation options to get to Diamante Adventure Park, Tamarindo beach, and Playas del Coco. Does Interbus service those areas? If so, what would the cost be per round trip for 2 people?
Sammi says
Hi Kaylee, for Diamante, they do have their collectivo shuttle which makes up directly at the Occidental Papagayo and it costs $20 per person roundtrip. We have a 10% discount with Diamante you can get here: https://mytanfeet.com/special-deals/diamante-eco-adventure-park-special-discount/
To Coco, the best option is to taxi since it’s not terribly far, only about 15 minutes.
For Tamarindo, you could take a taxi or private shuttle. This is about a 1 hour drive. A private shuttle is $160, a taxi is probably the same price around there but it depends if you will hire that one taxi driver from occidental from the whole day or if you plan to get another taxi in Tamarindo back to Coco as all taxi drivers in Tamarindo are unfortunately pirates, not official taxis. I would personally hire a private shuttle or driver from Occidental as it will be much safer and better than getting a pirate taxi from Tamarindo.
Ben says
Are there any shuttles that are wheelchair accessible? I am planning my honeymoon and would like to use a shuttle to get to/from my hotel, but I use a wheelchair and would need a shuttle that is easily accessible.
Sammi says
Hi Ben, Interbus doesn’t have a motorized ramp so passengers will need to get out and get on the shuttle and then they can place the wheelchair in the van but they don’t have a ramp :/ I am not sure about other shuttle companies, you’ll need to ask them.
Adele says
Hi there,
My husband and I are going to Costa Rica for the first time in early December, and I’ve been scouring your site non-stop for all the tips I can get – thank you for being such a generous resource!
A few questions re: Interbus…
– I don’t see pick up from Hidden Canopy in Monteverde. Where is the nearest pick-up location from Hidden Canopy? Drop-off is fine at Makanda by the Sea in Manuel Antonio.
– How long would it typically take to travel from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio on a shared shuttle?
– Does Interbus drop off directly at SJO coming from Manuel Antonio? How long will the trip take? We have a 230pm flight to catch, but I’m thinking we should be OK if we take the shared shuttle leaving MA at 830am?
Appreciate all your help!
Sammi says
Hi Adele, for the Hidden Canopy, Interbus can pick you up from there if you are a guest of the hotel. If you’re not a guest, then the closest hotel for pick up is Sunset Hotel.
Monteverde to Manuel Antonio is about a 5 hour ride in the shared shuttle (one 15 minute stop in the middle). Interbus can drop you off at SJO Airport if you need to be on a route from Manuel Antonio. This trip is around 4 hours depending on traffic so you’re not going to be able to make it by 1230. Also traffic in San Jose is pretty bad so I personally wouldn’t recommend it (and pick up time can change 20 minutes before or after) just in case there is an accident or bad traffic since you never know but that’s just my personal opinion.
Adele says
Thanks for the info and advice, Sammi! We will take a private shuttle to SJO to make sure we get there in good time.
Sammi says
You’re welcome.
Terry says
Greetings and thank you for your wonderful blog! I’m amazed that you are taking the time to answer all these transportation questions. My boyfriend and I are arriving in September with my small 17 pound dog, who is classified in the US as an emotional support animal. We have scheduled time in first San Jose, then Puerto Viejo, La Fortuna, and Tamarindo and then we are planning to rent somewhere for a few months from a “home base” as we explore to see if we want to retire in Costa Rica. I had hoped to rely on buses, walking, biking and possibly motor scooters in the smaller towns. I’ve read that buses do not take dogs, though. I don’t really want to rent car as we are on a budget. Can you clarify how to get around when you have a dog? Thank you very much!
Sammi says
Hi Terry, unfortunately the only way will be by car. Buses, shuttles and taxis don’t take dogs or you will have to hire a private driver who does and that’ll cost more. Car is the really the only way to get around with a dog.
Sammi says
Hi Viktor, that’s great. So for Tortuguero, Adobe has an office at the Rio Blanco station which is on the way back from La Pavona dock near Guapiles. They can meet you there so you can pick up the car. If you’re booking a shuttle back, you can have them drop you off there. You can also ask Adobe to drop off the car at La Pavona dock directly and there is a $75 for that but if you meet them at Rio Blanco, it is free. Let me know if you have other questions!
Viktor says
Hi. We are going to be in San Jose on August 1st. There will be 5 of us. How do we get to Tortuguero by a shuttle ? I checked Interbus and it doesn’t go to La Pavona. Are there any other shuttle companies ?
Sammi says
Hi Viktor, Interbus doesn’t go to the Pavona dock. In that case I recommend checking the other shuttle companies like Easy Ride or you can check the Tortuguero Info website to see who they recommend.
Viktor says
Thank you, Sammy. Easy Ride has a private transportation to La Pavona Dock. That’s exactly what we need. And from there, on the way back, we’ll rent a car for the rest of our vacation. I think Adobe has an office there too. And we’ll use the link from your web site for that discount. 🙂
Sarah says
Hi I’m looking into a private shuttle from San Jose to Puerto Viejo in April 2019. There will be 8-12 adults. What would the price be for that. Thank you.
Sammi says
Hi Sarah! I just sent you an email with pricing information.
vicki says
The two of us haven’t set our itinerary for our July visit of 20 days. Is there a list of hotels that Interbus drops off/picks up from? That may help us in our hotel selection.
Sammi says
Hi Vicki, if you go to the Interbus website, you can enter in your hotel name in the reservation section and see if it pops up. If it doesn’t pop up, it means they don’t pick up there.
Colin says
Hi,
We will be arriving in LIR airport December 17th, 2018 around 2pm and looking to get transport to the Dreams Las Mareas Hotel for two adults and two kids (11-13).
What would the cost be for this and what times do the shuttles leave the airport?
Also, how long of the drive would it be?
Many thanks and great website.
Colin
Sammi says
Hi Colin, you can take a private shuttle which is $140 for 4 people. There aren’t any shared shuttles but the private shuttle will pick you up directly from the airport to Dreams. The drive is around 1.5 hours.
Shane says
Hi,
I will be visiting Costa rica shortly, staying at the Doubletree-Hilton near Puntarenas. I was wondering what the rates are for each of, and options for transportation to and from Jaco from our hotel. Thanks.
Sammi says
Hi Shane, there are shared shuttles from Jaco to the DoubleTree that is $44 per adult.
Monica says
Hi!
I will arrive at SJO airport on monday february 19th at 4pm, and need to go to Selina Hotel in Santa Teresa. Are there shuttle buses doing this? How much would it cost? Thanks
Sammi says
Hi Monica, all the shuttles go in the early morning or early afternoon so you will just miss it landing at 4 PM. You can stay a night in San Jose and take the shuttle the next morning or hire a private shuttle but that is very expensive.
Ali says
Hello. We will be traveling next March. Flying into SJO but staying in Playa Hermosa. Do shuttles run that route?
Sammi says
Hi, are you going to Playa Hermosa Guanacaste or Playa Hermosa by Jaco?
Dave Schudda says
Hi Sammi,
We are flying into SJO and are going to Arenal Kioro Suites. We would like to take a shuttle. There will be three of us. Could you give me a price on private vs. shared.
Thank you.
By the way my wife and I love your blog:)
yeison says
Hello Dave,
Samantha will send you an email shortly, thank you for reading our blog!
Michelle says
Hello,
We need transportation from Liberia airport to Playa Flamingo for a group of 11. What are our options and the cost?
Sammi says
Hello Michelle! For the transfer, please email us at hello@mytanfeet.com.
R. Sierra says
Hello,
I need to go from the San Jose airport to Limon, do you know of a shuttle company that can take me there? What would be the best and cheapest way to get there? Thanks in advance for your help.
Sammi says
Hi, where in Limon are you going? There are shared shuttles to Limon and Puerto Viejo.
Sammi says
Hi Loz, a private transfer will be super expensive since that’s about a 6 hour drive and there aren’t many shared shuttles that go to Puerto JImenez or to Golfito. It would be better (and cheaper) to rent a car than a private shuttle actually. Interbus, the shuttle company we work with doesn’t go to Puerto Jimenez but from this website, it says it’s $89 per person for a shared shuttle https://www.supershuttlecr.com/puerto-jimenez-transportation/
Loz says
Hi what is the cost for 1 adult and 2 children age 15 from Manuel Antonio to Puerto jiminez if easier we could travel from quepos to Golfito and get the ferry across thanks
Sammi says
Hi, I saw on one site (https://www.supershuttlecr.com/puerto-jimenez-transportation/) it is $79 per person shared leaving at 7:45 AM. Interbus, the company we work with don’t go to Puerto Jimenez.
Sammi says
Hi Megan, for Interbus they don’t have any shuttles from Tamarindo to Samara and the only one from Samara to ARenal leaves early in the morning because this is about a 4-5 hour drive. If you’d like an afternoon shuttle, you will have to book a private transfer. Let me know if you’d like a quote for a private transfer, you can email us at hello@mytanfeet.com.
Megan Johnson says
Hi there! Are there shared shuttles from Tamarindo to Samara (July 2)or Samara to Arenal (July 5)? We have found quite a few AM departures, but we’re looking to leave in the afternoon. If so, what are the costs per person and the departure times? We are two people total. Thank you!
Rachel Abel says
Hello, we are a family of 5 with children ages 7,11,13. We fly into LIR and would like to head directly up to Arenal. Would you please send me a quote for a shuttle ride? We will be staying at the Aunty Arenal Lodges. Thanks!
Andrea Ryttse says
How much for a ride to Tamarindo from JW Marriott Guanacaste for 3 people?
Sammi says
Hi Andrew, it is $30 for 3 passengers one way. What day do you need the shuttle?
Tina says
Hello, My daughter and I are coming in SJO on April 18 and going to Jaco. Looking to find out how much it would cost us, or should we take a Taxi??
Sammi says
Hi Tina, a taxi will be really expensive. A shared shuttle is $44 for adult but the thing about the shared shuttle with Interbus is that they can’t pick you up at the airport, you will have to take a taxi to the Denny’s in front. They have 2 shuttles, one at 8:15 AM and one at 2:30 PM so you will need to see if those times work for your flight. If not, then private is the best way to go.
Shannon Card says
Hi we are arriving at Liberia airport at 1:15pm this Saturday April 1. There are 4 of us and we are going to condovac la costa in Guanacaste
Thanks for the great information in your articles!
Sammi says
Hi Shannon, i’m sorry this comment is late, we were without Internet for 2 days. I hope you arranged your airport transfer and you can email us here mytanfeet.com/contact-us if you still need to arrange it.
Sammi says
Hi Susan, from San Jose to Arenal, the cost is $54 with Interbus per person You can go straight from Arenal to Monteverde and you can take a shuttle or in my opinion, the more fun way is to take a taxi boat across Lake Arenal. Then from Monteverde you can take a shuttle back to San Jose. Thanks for reading our blog!
Chris says
How much is the shuttle from Liberia airport to Playas de Coco? Thank you.
Sammi says
Hi Chris, a shuttle is $50 for 1-4 people. If you’d like to book a shuttle, we can help you do that. Just email us at our contact page (mytanfeet.com/contact-us)
Susan says
Hello, we are considering Costa Rica for a summer vacation. It seems like getting around his heart. I am interested in the shared shuttles. What would be the cost per person from San Jose to Arenal round trip ? We would also want to go to the cloud forest. Not sure if we could go directly from Arenal or if we would have to go back to San Jose. Thank you for any information. This is a great site
Jan says
Thank you for this wonderful site. Just wonder what would be your recommendation way to travel from Guanacaste(Hotel) to San Jose(Hotel)? We are a family of three traveling in August. Considering the shuttle bus, how much would it cost? Thank you!
Lise says
Hello,
Is it possible to share a shuttle for a-day trip to Samara?
And what would be the cost per person?
We are a group of 4 adults.
Sammi says
Hi Lisa, where do you want to do the day trip from, where are you staying?