Costa Rica Shuttles Services: What to Know

Taking shuttles in Costa Rica is a time efficient and comfortable way to get around the country. There are many ways to get around Costa Rica but if you don’t want to drive in Costa Rica or take the bus, booking shuttles is your next best option.

Here are important things you need to know about taking shuttles in Costa Rica as your transportation method.

If you’d like to get a private shuttle quote, please contact us or use the form on the bottom of this page. We will be happy to help you with your Costa Rica shuttle needs!

Want to book a shared shuttle? Get 10% off with Interbus on their shared shuttles routes! *Certain restrictions apply to use the discount*

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Costa Rica Quick Facts

• San Jose is the capital city.
• In Central America. Nicaragua is to the north, Panama to the south
• Official language is Spanish with many indigenous languages spoken. English is widely spoken in touristic areas like San Jose, Guanacaste, Jaco, Manuel Antonio and La Fortuna.
• Currency: the Colon. Approximately 500 CRC to 1 USD
• GMT-6 time zone
• Two major international airports: Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose International Airport) in Alajuela province and Guanacaste Airport in Guanacaste province.

Costa Rica Shuttle Services: Private and Shared Shuttles

In Costa Rica, there are two different types of shuttles: private and shared shuttles. Here are Costa Rica transportation services differences below between the two.

Costa Rica Private Transfers

The key difference between a private and shared shuttle in Costa Rica is that private shuttles are exclusively for your group and no one else.

Whereas shared shuttles take up to 10-15 passengers at a time in their vehicles.

Additionally, private shuttles wait for you directly at the airport outside the terminal exit. You can also be picked up or dropped off at a vacation rental, you can ask them to stop during the drive and they don’t have a set schedule. Most private shuttles offer refreshments and free Wi-fi.

If you want to book a private shuttle, please contact us or use the form at the bottom of the post for a quote. We work with several licensed and insured private tourism transportation companies to service many routes throughout Costa Rica.

Shared Shuttles

On the contrary, shared shuttles have a set schedule, require a minimum number of people to run, normally cannot pick up directly at the airport, only make 1 rest stop and offer hotel to hotel door service only.

Costa Rica shared shuttles use air conditioned vehicles that hold up to 10-15 passengers on average. As they have to go around and pick up/drop off many passengers, shared shuttles take longer.

Additionally, passengers can usually just bring one check in luggage and one personal item.

However, shared shuttles are an excellent option for solo travelers that don’t want to take the public bus. Rates range from $55-88 USD depending on the route.

Why Take Private Shuttles in Costa Rica as Your Costa Rica Transportation

We have taken both shared and private shuttles.

However, we personally recommend using private shuttles in Costa Rica to get around Costa Rica for large groups, young families or families with seniors that do not want to drive.

Other conditions are that they are staying at hotels or vacation rentals close to town, have a short vacation and/or are only visiting 1 or 2 destinations.

More Routes Throughout the Country

As the bigger private transportation companies can operate nearly any route, many offer a one stop shop. You can book all of your transfers in one go no matter where your destinations are.

Many private transportation companies can also allow you to make stops during the transfer if you want to visit a national park or do a tour, for an extra fee.

Space and Privacy

Costa Rica private shuttles are more comfortable and spacious. They are also faster than shared shuttles. You have the vehicle all for yourself and your luggage, you don’t have to sit next to strangers and you can stop when you need to.

Stretch out, sit by the window and watch the beautiful scenery go by.

Additionally, if you are a bigger person like very tall or stout, a shared shuttle will not be comfortable when the vehicle is full. When it’s full, it is cramped (think basic economy flight seats but in a vehicle instead of a plane so you can’t get up to stretch your legs).

If you are of big stature, then a private shuttle will be more comfortable and the best option for you.

More Personalized Experience

Private shuttles also give you a more personalized experience as you will be spending a few hours with the driver. Some private Costa Rica transportation services drivers speak a degree of English.

However, if you are looking for a fully bilingual driver, this is usually considered a “premium” service and may cost more.

Private shuttles are more timely than shared shuttles. Shared shuttle have to pick up other people so if other clients are late, the entire schedule is late for everybody else.

Transportation Services

Costa Rica private transfers also offer more services such as one stop along the way with the option to stay longer for a reasonable fee.

Most private transfers provide coolers inside the vehicle, so you can have ice cold drinks the whole time.

Furthermore, the driver will wait for you directly at the airport after your flight. Shared shuttle drivers aren’t able to pick up clients right from the airport.

Costa Rica Private Transfers Costs

Shuttle costs vary depending on destinations, where the company’s headquarters are and number of people. Private shuttles in Costa Rica are more expensive than shared shuttles.

Here are examples of average private transfer rates for popular routes. *Rates may vary as it depends on the season, number of passengers and the company and are subject to change. They may not reflect current rates of the day, you will need to consult for current prices. Rates are an estimate.*

San Jose Airport – La Fortuna: ~$240 USD
Guanacaste Airport – La Fortuna: ~$280 USD
San Jose International Airport – Jaco: ~$185 USD
Guanacaste Airport – Tamarindo: ~$120 USD
San Jose International Airport – Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: ~$320 USD

Costa Rica Shared Shuttle Costs

Shared shuttles are great for solo travelers or couples on a budget who don’t want to pay for a private shuttle. If you’re staying at a hotel in a main touristic destination, this is an excellent option.

Shared shuttles cost approximately $58-80 USD per person for major routes of ~3 hours such as San Jose – La Fortuna. For longer routes like San Jose – Montezuma, the rate is around $88 USD per person.

*Rates may an estimate and may vary as it depends on the season, number of passengers and the company and are subject to change. They may not reflect current rates of the day, you will need to consult for current prices.*

Get 10% off your Interbus shared shuttle here!

Important Things to Know About Booking a Costa Rica Shuttle

• If you are staying at an Airbnb or vacation rental, ask your host for GPS coordinates and the name on Google maps/Waze. The more information, the better so your driver has an easy time finding the place.
• Prices are quoted in USD. Read more about Costa Rican currency and using USD in Costa Rica.
• Many shared shuttles require 2-4 passengers minimum to run. This can be tough for solo travelers if they are visiting during the low season. You may need to cough up the extra money for a private shuttle, move your dates around or sacrifice time and space for the public bus.
• Shuttle companies will have booster/baby seats available BUT they do not have seats for all ages. Most companies have seats for 3 years and up. Ask the company to send you a photo of the seat they have so you can verify it will work for you. This goes for shared and private shuttles.
• Not all private transportation companies are wheelchair accessible. We are only aware of one company in Costa Rica, Rogafa that has ramps in their vehicles for wheelchairs.

Advantages of Taking Costa Rica Shuttles

• More direct than a bus. Public buses make a ton of stops and you can avoid switching buses.
• If staying at hotels, private and shared shuttles are door to door (as long as the hotel is on the route for shared shuttles). If staying at vacation rentals, only private transportation providers can go there.
• You don’t need to worry about directions or bus schedules. Getting lost is one of my personal fears when traveling abroad. A shuttle takes away all that stress.
• Efficient. All you have to do is book the shuttle, get picked up at your hotel and you’re good to go!

Travel-planning-tip: Some people do not book shuttles for their entire trip. They will shuttle to their destination and then rent a car. For example, many people book a shuttle from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and then rent a car for their time in Puerto Viejo. Then they will return the car and take a shuttle to their next destination.

Book Your Private Costa Rica Transportation Services Below!

If you want to book a private shuttle, please fill out the form below for a quote. For shared shuttles, get 10% off your Interbus shared shuttle here!