Costa Rica is a land of incredible diversity, where you can explore cloud forests, volcanic landscapes, and pristine beaches all in one trip. Navigating this beautiful country is part of the adventure, and choosing the right transportation can significantly enhance your experience.
Whether you prefer the speed of domestic flights, the budget-friendly nature of public buses, or the freedom of a rental car, this guide covers the best ways to get around Costa Rica so you can make the most of your journey.
Internal Flights in Costa Rica
Flying on a domestic flight is the quickest way to get around Costa Rica. What would take you 4-5 hours to drive, will take just 30 minutes if you fly. There are a couple of local airlines in Costa Rica, that fly throughout the country. The biggest one is Sansa Air with the most flights. They fly from San Jose International Airport and Liberia International Airport to local airports throughout the country like La Fortuna, Quepos, Puerto Jimenez, Drake Bay, and Tamarindo. Costa Rica Green Airways operates between San Jose’s Juan Santamaria (SJO) airport and Tambor and Quepos. Pre-pandemic, they’d planned to expand services to Tamarindo, Nosara, Liberia, Puerto Jimenez, and Golfito. That’s still on the cards sometime soon. If you’re traveling in a large group, air-charter taxis can prove a reasonably cheap way to get to the country’s more remote areas.
Bus travel in Costa Rica
Getting around Costa Rica by bus is by far the cheapest option, with the most expensive journey in the country (from San José to Paso Canoas on the Panamanian border) costing US$14. San José is the hub for virtually all bus services in the country and you usually will have to backtrack to the capital when traveling from one place to another. It’s best to book tickets for popular routes in advance, though you may be lucky enough to get on without a reservation. Tickets on most mid- to long-distance and popular routes are issued with a date and a seat number; make sure the date is correct, as you cannot normally change your ticket or get a refund. Bus schedules change with impressive frequency, so check in advance. The local buses that make short hops between towns and nearby villages and attractions are less comfortable and more crowded, though they can be convenient to use.
Shuttle buses
A network of air-conditioned shuttle buses connects most of Costa Rica’s main tourist destinations. While these often cost over five times as much as the public buses, they are significantly faster and more comfortable and will pick up and drop off at hotels. Try Interbus or the slightly more expensive Gray Line.
Renting a car in Costa Rica
Although there’s little traffic outside San José and the Valle Central, many minor roads are badly potholed and unsurfaced. Traveling around Costa Rica by car is relatively easy, and with your own vehicle, you can see the country at your own pace. Most car rental companies are located in San José and at or around the international airports near Alajuela and Liberia. During peak season (December to March), it’s wise to reserve a car before you arrive. Buying basic insurance is mandatory, but it is worth paying extra for full insurance given the road conditions. If you’re planning to visit the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Elena, Monteverde, or remote parts of the Zona Sur, it’s definitely worth paying the extra money for a 4WD.
Taxi in Costa Rica
Taxis regularly do long trips as well as short-distance trips and are a decent value if you’re traveling in a group.
Motorbikes and Scooters in Costa Rica
For riders with a decent amount of experience, a motorcycle is one of the best ways to travel in Costa Rica. You will need a valid driving license or endorsement in order to rent a bike. Smaller motorcycles for day trips (125–155cc) can be rented in some beach towns. Those who want to tour the country can rent larger motorcycles (250cc and above) or book guided tours out of San José. Once outside the metropolitan area, an endless number of curvy backroads and scenic gravel trails awaits. While the notorious road conditions of Costa Rica can be tiring in a car, they are usually great fun on a dual-sport motorbike, with good suspension.
If you want more information about how to get around in Costa Rica, ask one of our special travel advisors here who will be happy to point you in the right direction!
