Transportation in Costa Rica

Although a small country, transportation in Costa Rica can be time consuming. Here are options for cheap and flexible transportation around Costa Rica.

Car rental
Hire a guide / driver
Taxi
Public bus service
Private A/C bus service
Mini-van transfer service
Domestic air travel

Car Rental in Costa Rica
Renting a car in Costa Rica is the best option for flexibility. It is generally cheaper than hiring a guide and using taxi services unless travel requirements are extremely small. Public bus service is the cheapest with a private air conditioned bus and min-van transfer services next in line.

If renting a car please consider these suggestions for safe transportation in Costa Rica.

Don't drive at night (except locally to/from restaurants)

No street lights so it gets terribly dark fast
Easy to get lost if unfamiliar with your surroundings
Narrow, winding roads with no guardrails in the mountains
Most accidents happen at night
Note all dents and scratches with care agency before leaving
Opt for full coverage insurance
Do not leave valuables in the car
Rent a 4x4 even in dry season

Potholes - 4x4 has strong suspension for the big ones!
Visibility of traffic in front and rear due to ride height

To a local, a stop sign is treated like a yield sign
To a local a stop light is like a stop sign.
Drive defensively!
No addresses exist like "100 Main Street" so expect directions using landmarks

Very few people have problems with car rental in Costa Rica. You won't either by knowing the rules and using common sense.

Most of the big agencies like Avis and Dollar rent cars in Costa Rica. Always ask for the out the door price for your time period. Some companies charge extra for pickup or return directly to the airport so ask about that as well.


This Yield sign is used at intersections and one lane bridges primarily.	One Way Street - You would not believe how many tourists I see driving the wrong way down one way streets!
More car rental street signs

Hire a driver / tour guide in Costa Rica

For large groups and first time visitors hiring a driver / guide is a good option to unlock some local secrets and get the full experience of Costa Rican culture when traveling and organizing your schedule on the fly. Manuel Antonio park (as well as others) is closed on Monday. A good guide will know park rules, schedules, the condition of the roads up to the minute, and provide great, cheap places to eat during travel.

This option is a bit expensive for small groups and for visitors that have limited travel plans within the country. Drivers / guides can be located by referral from all the good travel forums on the web. Here are my favorites :

Lonely Planet Forum
Frommers forum
Fodors forum
Trip Advisor forum

Always know the exact itinerary to have the driver quote, or ask for a day rate including fuel.

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