Uber officially made its way to Costa Rica in 2015 and has made getting around Costa Rica much easier. Though technically not 100% legal, Uber has now become one of the normal transportation options for both locals and tourists.
Uber in Costa Rica is exactly the same as other countries but there are a few things to know. In this post, you will read our tips for taking Uber in Costa Rica.
In this guide, you’ll find out everything you need to know about using Uber in Costa Rica. (Lyft does not exist in Costa Rica).
Uber Costa Rica Information
Despite a rocky start in Costa Rica with protests from taxi drivers, Uber in Costa Rica is up and running and has expanded to several other place besides San Jose.
You can still take taxis in Costa Rica but for us, Uber is quick, cheaper and more comfortable. Taxi drivers in Costa Rica have an unfortunate bad reputation for overcharging and being pushy, especially to tourists.
In San Jose
Uber readily exists in the San Jose metropolitan area covering San Jose, Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago. There are also some Ubers in Jaco, Quepos, Liberia (city, not airport), Tamarindo, La Fortuna, Grecia and Manuel Antonio.
The number of Uber drivers in different places in Costa Rica has increased greatly. We see more Uber drivers in Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, Quepos, La Fortuna and Playas del Coco. However, we don’t recommend to count on them as your ONLY method to get around Costa Rica as not all destinations have Ubers and if they do have Ubers, it may take a long time to get a ride due to limited availability (or they may not have any early mornings/late nights).
Cost of Uber in Costa Rica
How much does Uber cost in Costa Rica? You can estimate a fare from San Jose to another destination on the Uber website if you’re curious as to how much your ride will cost. This is a very handy tool. You can also use it to get an idea of how much a taxi or shuttle would cost (add a little bit more as Ubers tend to be cheaper).
You Can Use Uber at San Jose International Airport
Airport taxis are known to be expensive so to have Uber as an alternative option is awesome. You can call an Uber to drop you off and pick you up at San Jose International Airport. Here is what you need to know about using Uber at San Jose Airport.
Liberia International Airport (Guanacaste Airport)
We do not recommend to use Uber at the Liberia International Airport (Guanacaste Airport) airport code LIR. This is because the police are very diligently watching for Ubers and they will pull over drivers, give them a ticket and remove their license plates.
You should book a private shuttle or take one of the official airport taxis.
Pick up at San Airport
When you have arrived at San Jose Airport, finished immigration and customs and exited the airport, open the app. You do need Internet to use the app in the moment, there is free Wi-Fi in the departures area of San Jose Airport. You can also purchase a Costa Rican SIM card at baggage claim at San Jose Airport and have data on your phone with the card.
Put your pick up location at San Jose Airport at the arrivals. In the Uber app, you have the option to call your driver so I would let them know you are at the arrivals area. San Jose Airport doesn’t have a designated ride share area unfortunately. This is because Uber drivers and taxi drivers are at odds and Uber is still technically not “legal” in Costa Rica.
Therefore, it’s best to avoid any crossing of paths as much as possible. So the moment you walk outside the airport and leave customs, you will see a huge crowd of people waiting, most of them taxi drivers. Ignore them!
Likewise, if anyone asks you if you need a ride, do not say you’re going to call an Uber. Just say that you already have a ride.
The Uber app will tell you to go to the bus stop at the west end on the main road outside the airport, so head right when you exit the airport and walk down that way. (Sometimes this meeting point changes so check the app as it will tell you where to go. Usually the meeting point is the bus stop). When you get in your Uber, your driver will most likely ask you to sit up front to make it less obvious that they are an Uber.
You can also use it at the Pavas International Airport and the San Jose Domestic Terminal. I used it when I landed at the San Jose Domestic Terminal and from my hotel Adventure Inn to the terminal. Very easy and they pick you up and drop you off right in front of the terminal. In the app, look for San Jose Domestic Terminal or Domestic Terminal San Jose. Get 10% off using the promo code “mytanfeet” on their booking page!
Departures
The Uber driver can drop you off directly at departures.
Requirements to Use Uber
A registered account, a payment method and Internet on your phone to use Uber. Uber does allow you to schedule rides up to 30 days in advance in the app. We have never used this tool so I can’t say how reliable it is but you can see if it works.
If you don’t already have an Uber account and you plan to use it in Costa Rica, I would create your account when you are at home so you have everything ready when you arrive.
Select a Nearby Landmark for Your Destination
Since addresses don’t exactly exist in Costa Rica, but you can enter the name of your hotel or place you are going as your destination. For houses, Airbnbs or vacation rentals, it is best to use a landmark or business. When we stayed at our Airbnb in San Jose, we set it to the Universal store across the street. Our Airbnb didn’t have a name or was on the map so it was easier to find the closest business.
Pretty much everyone uses Waze in Costa Rica so once you get in the car, you can tell the driver the closest landmark to your destination and have them drop you off where you need to go.
Useful Spanish Phrases
It will be extremely helpful to know some Spanish phrases. A lot of city Costa Ricans know a degree of English but not all. Here are some useful phrases and words:
Voy a X: I’m going to X (hotel, restaurant, etc.).
Donde esta?: Where are you?
Aqui esta bien: Here is fine.
Gracias: Thank you.
Mi hotel es cerca de X: My hotel is close to X.
There are Uber Drivers in the Wee Hours of the Morning
We’ve needed to call Uber for early morning flights and had no problem getting one at 4 AM in San Jose. So don’t worry too much if it’s late in the night or super early in the morning, we’ve never had a problem calling an Uber at 11 PM or 4 AM.
Surge Pricing During Rush Hour
Surge pricing is annoying and unfortunately it is also in Costa Rica. San Jose, notorious for horrible traffic, impatient drivers and long ignored pot holes, is a mess during rush hour and surge pricing may be necessary to get a ride.
However, if you’re not in a rush, you can wait 10 minutes and see if other drivers are nearby. You can also select the carpool option for a cheaper ride.
Wait Times Aren’t That Accurate
Because of San Jose’s traffic, you should give or take at least 10 minutes. We’ve had to cancel Uber requests a few times even though the driver was just a couple blocks away but they were stuck in traffic. Instead we picked a different driver that was coming from the side of no traffic.
Estimate Your Fare Online
The Uber website has a fare estimate which is helpful to know around how much you’ll pay for both UberX and UberXL. We were surprised at how much cheaper it was. Normally, we pay around $15 USD for a 15 kilometer taxi ride from Heredia to the San Jose airport. With Uber, we paid a little less than $10.
Don’t Need to Tip
When it comes to tipping in Costa Rica, it is not mandatory to tip Uber drivers in Costa Rica but they have the option now. Rather than tipping in the app, you can also give your driver some cash if you want (local Costa Rica currency is best).
Julie says
My Uber driver just said that uber drivers don’t get the tip we leave them. Is this is true?
Sammi says
The app said that the tip does go 100% to the driver but sometimes Uber drivers may just say stuff like this in order for you to give them cash right away and then maybe sometimes trick clients into also tipping in the app. If you tip, do one or the other, either via the app or you can give cash (CRC).
Matt says
If we are staying near the adobe car rental place, but the flight doesn’t get in until after 8pm, is the only option Uber or Taxi? Can (or should) we walk it? With Adobe closing at 6pm, it doesn’t sound likely that they would come and pick us up that night. We are fine with that, but just looking at what our options would be.
Sammi says
Hi Matt, if you use the booking widget on our Costa Rica car rental discount page, we will help you arrange your pick up from the airport even if you are landing after 8 PM. The airport office is open until 10 PM so they will station an agent to wait for you, even if you complete immigration and customs after 10 PM. We just need to know your flight details.
Mary Scannell says
My Uber app says that pickup at certain places is “unavailable”: SJO airport, Limón airport, and La Paz Waterfall gardens. We especially need one from Limón to Puerto Viejo. Can you help?
Sammi says
You will have to get a shuttle, you should ask your hotel to Puerto Viejo to arrange you one or contact Caribe Shuttle (they are the main shuttle company on the Caribbean coast).
elie says
hi there,
does uber work @1am in San Jose airport?
Sammi says
Unfortunately I am not 100% positive anymore because we have a 11 PM nationwide curfew in Costa Rica and we were at SJO Airport at midnight a couple weeks ago and I didn’t see any Ubers available, so your only option at 1 AM may be to get an official taxi from the airport or to pre-book a shuttle to your next destination.
ELEFTHERIA ASTRINAKI says
thank you so much for your answer!
that’s really unfortunate!
how much a taxi would cost for san jose area, close to bus station? could I pay in $?
what’s the shuttle you recommend?
greatly appreciate it
Sammi says
I would check with your hotel if you’re staying at one to see if they can arrange a shuttle for you
There is an official taxi stand right outside the airport and you can ask them how much it would be
Kenny says
Has anyone tried taking an Uber from Manuel Antonio to SJO? Are they easy to find? The app price is quite good compared to a shuttle company.
Sammi says
We have seen Ubers in Manuel Antonio/Quepos and you can request the rides, the drivers will probably accept it.
Sammi says
I definitely recommend renting a car, particularly for the COVID situation, renting a car is honestly the best way to go. Monteverde is best with a high car if you want to drive yourself to the reserves, adventure parks and around the area (read more details here: Monteverde road conditions.).
You can read about Costa Rica road conditions in this post.
Dorie says
Trying to decide if we should rent a car or use taxis/uber while in CR. Due to covid, we would prefer to not ride a public bus or share a ride with strangers other than a driver. We will be going to tamarindo, arenal/la fortuna, monteverde cloud forest, and san jose areas. Any suggestions?
Margaret says
Hi ! Traveling to Costa Rica in May. Need ideas for how to travel around the country without renting a car. We plan on visiting Sarchi , La Fortuna , Arenal and Manuel Antonio . Not interested in large tour groups . thanks!
Sammi says
It will be very hard to get around Sarchi without a car because it’s a tiny town, the rest of the places you can get by with shared shuttles. You can figure out the public bus from San Jose to Sarchi though and Sarchi to La Fortuna.
Peggy Ann Swanson says
Is Uber reliable in La Fortuna to get to places like La Fortuna Falls and Hanging Bridges?
Sammi says
No, there isn’t Uber in La Fortuna yet
Suzanne says
Hello! We just left La Fortuna and used Uber a few times town. And actually we used Uber to get from Liberia to La Fortuna and then from Fortuna to San Jose.
Bob Kats says
New to Costa Rica want to Uber from Paso Canoas to Jaco any comments?
Sammi says
There aren’t Ubers in Paso Canoas as it’s not there. There are Ubers in Jaco.
Nmt says
We used uber in La Fortuna to get to the Baldi springs and from La Fortuna to San Jose. The driver for our trip to San Jose wanted to pay outside the app but we told him we needed to use th app for business expense purposes and he was fine with it.
I used uber to get to the airport and it was just fine. When I arrived though I was approached by many taxis telling me uber can’t go to the airport. I see from this post though that it was incorrect. And this mornings drop off was fine no issues. I will probably use a rental car next time.
Sammi says
Thanks for your feedback! Unfortunately the taxis at the airpor can be quite aggressive and will tell you anything from Uber doesn’t work to your hotel has burned down but Uber definitely works a SJO Airpor.
Melissa says
I used Uber in San Jose last week and had a great experience. One of us did sit in the front seat as requested. I did get an opportunity to electronically pay a tip after the ride and did so. Traffic in San Jose is some of the worst I have ever seen (I live in the bay area of California), be prepared to pay extra during these times. The driver ended up taking totally different routes to try to get around traffic, but that did not change the fee agreed upon which would not be the case with a taxi.
Janet Blalock says
What is the official taxi to use at Liberia Airport? Will I have a problem getting a taxi in Playas del Coco back to the airport?
Sammi says
Hi Janet, the official taxis are red or orange and there is a taxi stand right outside the airport. You will find a lot of official taxis in Coco, a lot of them are outside the Auto Mercado supermarket.
Clyde says
Information provided was excellent, thanks! I’m flying to LIR airport, do you know if Uber operates from there to hotels in Costa Rica, 65miles away. I’m trying to decide if I should go with a private shuttle instead, please advise.
Thank you!
Sammi says
I would go with a private shuttle, Uber has opened in Guanacaste but there is not many here at all. Last time we flew into LIR Airport I looked to see if there were any Ubers (about a month ago) just to check and there were none. Better to get a private shuttle or grab the official airport taxi.
Beata says
Hi .this is a informative site and makes me want to visit Cosa rica
Terese Keene says
Hi,
Single solo traveler wondering it would be cheaper to take a shuttle to Manuel Antonio than an uber? I Arrive at 2 30pm Also On my way back from Manuel Antonio to Montverde. Not wanting to rent a car.
Sammi says
I would book shared shuttles!
Judy Thomas says
Do you know if Uber take us from our hotel in San Juan to the costal cruise port in Caldera and if so what the approximate cost would be.
Sammi says
Hi Judy, there is a possibility that your Uber driver will do the trip but there is also a chance they won’t be able to and unfortunately they can only confirm when they go to pick you up and they ask you where you’re going. On the Uber website, it looks like their fare estimate says around $55 for Uber X and then up to around $100 for Uber XL.
Sue says
Hi! Thanks so much for this post. I’ll be going to Costa Rica for the first time and by myself.. I had a silly question- apologize in advance.. I’m booked at the San Jose Exe hotel and was interested in ubering. I believe my flight lands around 4pm. I looked up the fare, and it comes to $4,979.46 – is this in colones?
Sammi says
Hi Sue, yes they give the price in CRC.
Sue says
Thank you, Sammi!
Larry Sy says
The pickup point is now further than the Malinche restaurant. Too many taxi drivers near the Malinche.
The pickup options show up on the uber app – it says bus stop at the west end.
So. go to the Malinche restaurant, then walk further until you see the sky pedestrian bridge just before the bus stops.
If you arrive in the afternoon rush hour, there will be traffic and the price of Uber to Escazu is about USD$30. So, if you have another alternative pickup at the same price, that would be more convenient since somebody will be waiting for you with your name. If not rush hour, the fare will be about half.
BTW, it’s my second time in San Jose so I’m able to compare the prices.
Sammi says
Thanks for the feedback!
Sammi says
Thanks for the update David! I’ll update the post. It has been a few months since we got Uber from the SJO Airport and they’re always changing it.
David D says
FWIW, when I recently got an Uber at SJO on July 31, 2019, I followed the instructions in this article (as of the April 2019 update) and went to the Malinche restaurant, and sent a message to the driver indicating where I was. He messaged back and requested that I meet him at the arrivals area (one level up), which is also the area that the Uber app said I should go to, so maybe the process had changed since this blog post was last updated. There were so many people trying to hawk cabs that I was just repeating, “no, gracias” over and over while trying to figure out to get to the second level, when one finally just asked me, “where are you trying to go,” and he showed me how to get there – I thought it was pretty cool that he recognized the situation and helped me out, even though he knew he would not get a fare out of it.
Another thing to note is that the Uber driver had one of us sit in the front, I’m assuming because it made it less obvious that he was driving people for hire.
eric says
Hola! I know this post concerns San Juan but how about Liberia? I’m arriving at Liberia Airport (LIR) this coming Saturday around midday. Does anyone have experience taking Uber to the nearby resorts?
Muchas Gracia!
Sammi says
Uber has “officially” opened in Liberia but there are only a few Ubers drivers around, it’s not super common especially now in low season. You can definitely try to see if there are any around, but it won’t be as many as San Jose.
Emma says
First, fantastic article! It was relieving to see that I can actually use Uber to get from SJO to Jaco beach. I wonder why so many past tourist have been telling me it is illegal in CR to Uber to/from the airport? Even if I have to catch a bus to downtown San Jose that’s so much better than having to pay $140 for a private ride to Jaco for just lil ol me. Thank you!
Sammi says
Hi Emma! It’s because technically Uber is not legal in Costa Rica but everyone uses it.
Richard D says
We are arriving at SJO at 8:47 PM August 2/ 19 Our destination is by Tarcoles .
I know you have drivers in Jaco so thats not an issue . At that time of day (evening)
are there Uber drivers that want to drive that distance without much hope of getting a return
fare? and what do you think the price would be?
Also i have a dental appointment in San Jose Monday morning (8:30). So we would have to leave at about 6;30 Am from Tarcoles area. Is this a little much to ask of a driver? Or should i just go ahead with a rental car and go both ways?
Sammi says
Hi Richard, Tarcoles is about a 20-30 minute drive from Jaco and the Uber app will only show you drivers around you and there most likely aren’t any in Tarcoles proper. I don’t have any personal experience with getting an Uber from San Jose to Jaco but I know people who have.
I would personally recommend renting a car because first, there really isn’t anything in the Tarcoles area so you’d need to car to go to places. It’d be much more convenient.
Karen says
Hi Sammi! I am planning on visiting Costa Rica in September. Would you know if uber would be available from SJO to La Fortuna and to La Palma?
Sammi says
Hi Karen, you can use Uber to La Fortuna, not sure about La Palma. Uber is supposed to be expanding their service in La Fortuna too although I’m not really sure how many there will be.
Pat says
Try not to take a cab. I was charged 9,500 colones …the equivalent of about $17 for a ride we paid $2000 colones ..or the equiv of $350
But dont let Uber fool you, if you pay in cash Uber drivers will try to rip you off as well. I tied my credit card to uber after an Uber driver demanded he be paid more than twice what the actual charge was.
Sammi says
Oh dang! Sorry to hear that and I’m surprised about the Uber because the payment is always done through the app, never pay in cash for Uber.
Clayton says
Is there ubers in Turrialla, and can you uber from san jose to turrialla and back and also can you uber from turrialla to the closed beach on the carribean side
yeison says
Hello Clayton, right now there are not based UBER drivers in Turrialba, you can take an Uber from San Jose to Turrialba but it will be very hard to find one to the caribbean side (there is a public public bus that leaves from San Jose stops in Turrialba and goes to Limon)
The only part of the country where you will find Ubers all the time is in the capital area and cities closed by.
Marie says
Hola everyone, will be visiting CR on May 23 – May 30. I would like to spend the weeknd in Jaco Beach May 23-May 26. Can we take Uber from Airport to Jaco and back? I’m nervous about driving. Gracias
Sammi says
Hi Marie, yes you can take Uber to Jaco and there are now some ubers in Jaco!
Jon Claerbout says
I’m going to Monteverde for a couple of weeks. From the San Jose airport, can I get there by Uber?
Sammi says
Hi Jon, I don’t think so because Monteverde is quite far away and it requires a high car due to the bad roads so most drivers won’t do this or if they do it’ll be really expensive. In my opinion it’ll be better to book a shuttle.
Vikas Chauhan says
can you get an uber from Jaco Beach to the Airport?
Sammi says
There are only a couple of Ubers in Jaco, you will need to check if there are any available.
Mea says
About how many USD might you pay in Uber POOL to/from SJO to Tracopa station around 11:30am?
Sammi says
Hi Mea, you can actually get a fare estimate on the Uber website!
Larry Sy says
For Uber in San Jose, do we need to pay the driver in cash in colones or will Uber deduct the fare from the credit card attached to the app automatically? Thanks.
Sammi says
Uber in Costa Rica works exactly the same as anywhere else, it takes the money via the app and whatever payment method you attach (paypal/credit card/bank)
Carmine Bova says
If I have UBER app & make A pick up time @ SJO Airport to go to hotel downtown before I leave the USA will that be ok & pay PayPal or usd $ as my iPhone 4 can’t get the unber app but iPhone 5 can but can’t use it in CR & make reservations 24 hrs before thank you
Sammi says
You can schedule a ride with Uber through UberX only, you can find more information about it on the Uber website
Carmine says
Uber from Sjo to down town hotel Vs CR taxi in $
Sammi says
Hi Jen! You can try for Uber XL and on the Uber San Jose site, you can get a fare quote. However, since San Gerardo de Dota is fairly far and usually requires a 4×4, you may not be able to get one since the driver has to accept it. It may be safer to get a shuttle. I have talked to many UBer drivers who will go to Jaco or Manuel Antonio but those are all on good roads. Dota, depending on where you’re staying may require a 4×4. The safer option would be to book a shuttle but you can try Uber XL if you like. The price will probably end up being the same though because it will definitely be much more with a 4×4 and long drive.
JAMES POOLE says
You can get Uber all over Costa Rica. Ride on Uber from Herradura to Jaco is 2300 colones, taxi 5400 colones
Sammi says
Thanks for the notice! There are still no Ubers in many parts of the country though like Guanacaste and Osa Peninsula.
Jen says
Hi Sammi,
Thanks for the great article! We are arriving in SJO next month and taking the mountain road, to the cloud forest , staying in a hotel in San Gerardo de Dota – it’s a stop-over night, before arriving at our rental house in Dominical.
The hotel told us we could use Uber XL for pick-up, but after doing some internet research it seems like it’s not a sure thing? Has your info/opinion on Uber for 2hour+ rides (on HWY 2 no less) out of the city changed since you’ve written the original blog? Think it’s better to go shuttle?
Thanks in advance!
Jen
Frank says
Hola,
Thank you so much for this blog. Really great information.
I just used Uber today from SJO to San Francisco de Heredia. Picked up right outside the Malinche Restaurant. Ignore the mobs of cabbies and continue to the tables. My ride was only 5200 CRC even though it took 40 minutes in heavy traffic. Totally legit.
PRO TIP: Know enough basic spanish to get by. It can be more essential than you may think.
Sammi says
Hi Frank, glad to hear it worked out! We love using Uber, so much more friendly and cost efficient than taxis and yes, great tip. Super helpful to know some Spanish to coordinate pick up and drop off!
MsFox says
Hi, I’m traveling to San Jose area in mid February and I was wondering if the use of uber has spread to the Uvita/Dominical or San Isidro area yet? Any info is appreciated. Thanks!
Sammi says
Hi, no not yet. It is only in San Jose and honestly, it will probably stay that way for awhile since most of the country’s population is in San Jose.
Jane OSullivan says
Sammi,
Can we get an Uber from San Jose to Jaco? I understand we will have to shuttle back. Thanks!
Jane
Sammi says
Hi Jane, you can request it and see if the Uber driver will accept it and yes, there aren’t any Ubers in Jaco so you will need to bus/shuttle back.
Carmine says
Thank you for the reply so fast if I download your app when should I call Text email u as AA is most on time in Sjo
& that is only me & driver in the car what’s the fare in $ to downtown hotel thank you
Sammi says
Hi Carmine, you will need to figure it out with the Uber driver when you call him as Uber isn’t our app (though that would be cool) and you can do a fare estimate on the Uber website
Carmine says
Is there a phone number I can call
Or email the day before my flight I’m on 1 st flight AA from Mia
I have a flip phone with
CR calling card no text
Sammi says
Hi Carmine, Uber is only by app. You do need a data phone to use it
Wanda Messer says
Going from San Jose Airport to Escazu, the holiday inn in Escazu, does Uber travel to Escazu and what would be the cost
Sammi says
Hi Wanda, you can check on the Uber San Jose website a fare estimate how much it will cost. It will give you bot UberX and UberXL prices.
DJD says
How did it go Wanda?? I’m actually at the Holiday Inn in Escazu right now, seeing if Uber is an option. If you used it, how much was it to the airport? Did you feel safe? The taxi drivers seem pushy and corrupt to me.
yeison says
Hi Roni I am pretty sure you can get an UBER to La Paz waterfalls. There are thousands of them in San Jose but I think it will be hard to find one in the way back though since drivers are in San Jose. Another option is to rent a car or go on a tour. Right now, car rental rates are very cheap due to low season, we have a promo you can check out that will be much more convenient than Uber. Costa Rica car rental discount.
Roni says
Hi there, Im staying in San Jose and would like to visit the La Paz waterfalls in Alajuela. Do you think its possible to get an Uber there?
Thank you.
Victor says
I am soon traveling to Costa Rica and wanted to use uber to where I am staying. I will heading to heredia would you recommend using uber or getting a shuttle instead?
Sammi says
Either one, Uber is a bit cheaper than a taxi and shuttle. We took an Uber from Heredia downtown to the airport and it cost us 6,000 colones.
Jill says
Hey guys! I just got to San José a couple days ago and got an Uber from the airport. All Uber drivers will pick you up “Near the restaurant” when you request it from the airport. The restaurant is only about 50m to the right when you exit the arrivals area of the airport. Super easy to do!
I’ve used Uber to get around while in San José and find it so much easier (and cheaper) than cabbing. Especially if there is a language barrier, the driver automatically has your drop-off location so there’s no need to try to give direction. Never had anything but polite and friendly drivers.
I’m going to be catching an early morning bus tomorrow to the west coast and will be requesting an Uber at 5:00am! Hoping I won’t have any trouble with it. By the sounds of your post, I’ll be okay!
This blog post was so helpful for me and I am very grateful for the thorough information you’ve included on ubering in San José!
Sammi says
Thank you for sharing your experience and tips! We just used Uber at the airport last week when we landed and it seems they do want to pick you up at the Malinche restaurant, we used to go down to the bus stop or at departures but good to know it’s at the restaurant. No worries about catching an early one, we caught one at 4 AM several times so should go smooth. Have a safe flight and thanks for reading our blog Jill 🙂
yeison says
Hello Jennifer, in this case we recommend you to get a car, there are no UBERS outside San Jose you can check our special rates and benefits here Costa Rica car rental discount
Jennifer says
I’m trying to decide between renting a car vs. taking rides (and how to schedule them).
1) LIR to Flamingo Playa area (many hotels have shuttle so I can cover that).
2) Flamingo Playa area to Arenal Area
3) Arenal Area to SJO
Also – We will have 5 passengers.
Any recommendations?
Max says
Great site that I just stumbled on, great info. Arriving at SJO at noon on a Friday, is Uber the best option to travel into San Jose (meeting a friend at Mercado Central)? If so, any idea if SJO terminal has wifi so I can use the Uber app on my US cell phone? My Spanish is terrible at best and I’ve had bad experiences with taxis in CR.
Thanks!
Sammi says
Hi Max, there are a ton of taxis at SJO airport (A TON). But we still prefer Uber (we don’t like taxis in CR either) and we found Uber is cheaper. Go upstairs to departures, and you can get the Wi-Fi and I would also use the Wi-Fi to call through Whatsapp the driver who accepts it to agree on a pick up location since the airport can get confusing and there is no designated Uber pick up area at the airport. I recommend getting picked up at departures or on the street below where the bus stop is, but departures is easier so yo don’t need to walk the little bit down the airport and the Uber driver can pick you up there. Try to be a discreet, things have been heating up between taxis and Uber drivers but it should be fine.
S.T. MCCASKILL says
I do not have a mobile phone . Only a land line. Will the ap work with my desktop computer.
Sammi says
Hi, Uber is meant for the app but you can sign up on their mobile website to request a ride. You can read more info on their site here: https://help.uber.com/h/b9dc6681-b346-4774-9ab1-ecaa3f22cabe
MJ says
Hi, thanks for your excellent information! I’ll be arriving SJO at 11:40 on a Thursday and plan to catch the 2:30 directivo bus to Manual Antonio. Understanding that I’ll need to get from SJO to the Tracopa bus station in San Jose, is Uber a good option from the airport? If so, when do I arrange the pickup? Once I arrive at SJO? Thank you in advance for your help!
Sammi says
Uber is a great option, there are airport taxis but they can be more expensive (especially the orange ones) and Uber is a lot more comfortable in my opinion. We usually choose our location for pick up at departures (the photo in the post) and walk down to the end. You can also do the bus stop on the road that runs along the airport, you just need to walk straight down the ramp but departures is a bit easier.
Sammi says
Hi Lauren, I’d actually recommend taking a shuttle instead because majority of the Uber drivers just go around San Jose and anything outside you’ll either have to pay a lot more for or won’t get any offers accepted since it’s outside of San Jose and you don’t want to wait around for someone to come and then not take it. Taking a shuttle would be a lot better than waiting around to see if anyone accepts it.
Lauren Yanthis says
Informative post! I am planning on going to Lands in Love from the San Jose area. I checked the Uber estimates and it gave me a range up to 25,000€ From what you’ve written, it sounds like no one would likely accept this fare. In the US, the driver doesn’t know the destination until they pick you up – is this different in Costa Rica? Will they be able to see the destination and cancel before they arrive? I’d prefer that vs waiting for a driver to come and then being told he won’t accept it. If Uber isn’t a viable option based on my travel distance, any suggestions for other modes of transport form San Jose to Lands in Love? Then from Lands in Love to Arenal?
Thank you!!
Jerry waltermire says
I need ride to Los Suenors Marina in cost Rica! Will uber take me there?
Sammi says
Uber only works in San Jose, you can request a ride but it’s highly unlikely you’ll get any offers since Los Suenos is 1 hour away and it’ll probably end up being the same cost as a shuttle since the Uber driver has to drive back to San Jose.
Mike says
Hi you info incorrectly states that there is no option for tipping. When you set up your account you set the percentage of tip you wish to be applied to each trip.
Sammi says
Hi Mike, thanks for that. I actually meant to say you don’t have to tip since tipping is not part of the culture in Costa Rica but it’s up to the person since it is an option.
shirley carmichael says
I am in San Jose as I write this message. I am writing to say I have not had a good experience with Uber in this city. I have requested rides from Uber and have been rejected, which of course left me in a terrible bind and I had to use the local taxi. My observation is that it is best to find a Tico who will help you with transportation in and around the city. Much more reliable.
Sammi says
Hi Shirley, That’s so unfortunate to hear! We’ve used Uber a ton of times and have always had great experiences with it, but sometimes we do have to request the surge pricing because the traffic is so bad. Perhaps try that next time.
Brenda Bishop says
We will be needing a ride to the Ram Luna Restaurant from the San Jose Airport Holiday Inn Express, it’s not that far but wondering if Uber could then come back and pick up to return to the hotel at 10 pm?
Sammi says
You should be able to, we’ve found Uber even at 1 AM!
Lorena says
Hello,
Does Uber in Costa Rica use the same app as the one here in the USA or is a different app??
Thank you,
Lorena
yeison says
Hello Lorena it’s the same app 🙂
Bita says
Thanks for the article! so I am unclear, if we use uber landing in SJO and are going to Manuel Antonio area, which is outside of san jose and a 2.5 hour drive from what I hear, Uber is or is not an option? I am unclear as to how far they are willing to take you?
Sammi says
You can try to get an Uber to Manuel Antonio (you put the destination in so the drivers will see) but it is a slim chance that you’ll get any drivers because it’s quite of a long drive and they need to drive another 2.5 hours back, so it actually isn’t much cheaper when it comes to the long routes. I just checked the fare estimate on the Uber website and it’s $150 with UberX and $200 for UberXL which you’ll need if you are traveling with more than 2 people or have lots of luggage. A shuttle from SJO to Manuel Antonio starts at $150 for 2 passengers one way.
Lee says
What’s the difference between x and xl?
Sammi says
Size of the car, XL is a big car, X is like a 4 door sedan or compact.
M says
I have signed up using your link!
Speaking of San Jose, I read that it’s under a State of Alert due to the extensive volcanic ashes. I also heard flights are getting cancelled. How’s going for the situation on the ground?
yeison says
We are get used to volcanic activity and the reason why they cancel flights is because the jet’s engines can get damage by the ashes. I just checked and the airport is open again and in the ground everything is normal. This is happening just in the capital are, we live at in the north pacific coast and ashes don’t reach that far, the Liberia airport is operating normally too.