Transportation Advice: How to Get Around in Costa Rica

The land of Pura Vida, where every corner is a new adventure and also, a winding road. There’s a few different ways to get around Costa Rica. Since this was my first ever solo trip abroad, I hired a car service (I was nervous and unsure so this is what I felt most comfortable with). But we will get into all the various transportation options.

One disclaimer: Costa Rica is a small country but due to its terrain, it takes twice as long to get around the country. This is crucial info to remember when planning your trip! Cities will appear very close to each other on the map, but the driving distances will actually be much longer.

Renting a Car

For the most flexibility and freedom, renting a car in Costa Rica is probably the best way to go. This allows you to explore at your own pace and follow your own schedule. Major international rental companies operate in the country so pick the one you’re comfortable with. Keep in mind that road conditions may vary - they can be very windy and rough, so just drive carefully and probably a good idea to get insurance.

Public Buses

Utilizing the public bus network is going to be the cheapest option if you’re a traveler on a budget. While the buses are reliable, it will take a bit longer to reach your destination as they are slower driving around the curvy roads. The main bus terminal in San Jose connects to various destinations across the country.

Shuttle Services and Transfers

If you want a more comfortable and convenient option, shuttle services are widely available in Costa Rica. These can be shared or private shuttles if you want a hassle-free journey and sleep during your travel time. Since this was my first solo trip and during peak Covid times, this is the option I choose because I was nervous about driving in another country with windy roads (some of the other blogs scared me). I used the company Anywhere to book all my private transport and although a little more expensive, I enjoyed my experience of being a passenger princess and talking with the local drivers. One of the drives I shared with another woman who was also solo traveling and we talked for hours so it’s can be a good way to meet people!

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights provide a more time-efficient option given the long travel times of the roads. Costa Rica has several domestic airports: San Jose, Liberia, and Quepos. This is the more expensive option but you will get some amazing aerial landscape views. 

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

In urban areas like La Fortuna, taxis are readily available for short trips to tourist attractions or restaurants. Make sure to use official red taxis with meters or negotiate fares beforehand. Uber (not Lyft) does operate in some of the more populated cities but it varies. I used both in La Fortuna and found that Uber was cheaper but taxi’s were more accessible.

Boat and Ferry Services

If you plan to island hop, there are boat and ferry services. If you’re planning on going to Montezuma or Santa Teresa from San Jose or Puntarenas, the ferry takes cars so you can drive directly from the airport. There is also a taxi-boat-taxi from Arenal to Monteverde (which I did and it was beautiful), a boat from Sierpe to Drake Bay, Jaco to Montezuma boat, boat from La Pavona and Moin to Tortuguero and a boat across the Golfo Dulce.

Your choice of transportation depends on the parts of the country you plan to visit. So I’d recommend to plan the route first then decide on your transportation method second. Pura Vida!