Transportation in Costa Rica

Getting around Costa Rica!

We have dedicated this section to giving you all the necessary details for moving around Costa Rica. It doesn’t matter if you prefer to drive or fly, rent a car or use private transportation, we’ve got all the best options for you right here. We guarantee that whatever kind of transportation you choose, it will meet with the requirements for safety and comfort, allowing you to make the best of your time in tropical paradise.

Types of Transportation

Ground Transportation

When it comes to travelling the roads of Costa Rica, you have a few of options to choice from depending on your preferences:

• Private transportation – You will be picked up by a private driver at your hotel and will continue on towards the next destination on your program. These transport schedules can be flexible, unless you have to a rendezvous with other transfers or need to be at a specific place at a set time.
• Driver guide transfers – This is another type of private transport. It is advantageous since it includes a fully bilingual guide and expert driver. These transfers can be single-day or multi-day services, with your driver accompanying you along a portion of your program or during your entire itinerary. Your driver-guide will show you and provide information in regards to the most important aspects during your journey, sharing his knowledge about Costa Rican biology, ecology and culture. Also, if you prefer, you can book visits to different national parks, reserves and other areas of interest.
• Seat in bus transfers (SIB) or consolidated - This service functions on routes and pre-determined schedules. A driver picks up tourists in different hotels and goes directly (without making any stops) to the established destination. After arriving, the driver makes stops at all the different hotels, dropping off passengers. This is what is known as door-to-door ground operation. Individual clients will travel with other unknown tourists and even though it is sometimes an inconvenience to have to wait for the entire group to be picked up and then dropped off, this kind of transport does have its advantages. These transfers are really low budget and easily affordable; moreover they are entirely preferable than travelling on public buses since Costa Rican public transport is not completely reliable.
• Car Rental – Renting a car is a more handy way to move around Costa Rica, especially since it gives you the freedom to explore the country at your preference. The preferred car rental firms we offer have a complete list of services, including an up to date fleet of sedans and 4x4s; they also provide drop-off services in San José and many other main tourist destinations. Our staff recommends renting a 4WD vehicle whenever possible; on Costa Rican roads, it is better to have a more robust vehicle. Depending on the places you wish to visit, you will need a more reliable car since roads can be difficult to traverse. Most car rentals in Costa Rica will let you choose between manual and automatic transmission. If you are planning to rent a car during your visit, please inform us of your preference beforehand so we can have the vehicle ready and set to go when you get here.

Domestic Flights

Choosing to travel by air during your visit to Costa Rica is sometimes the best way to go, especially when you have to make lengthy ground transfers. Flying within the country is easy and practical. Daily flights are available to more than 15 tourist destinations as well as main towns and cities.
When flying within the country, you will find two domestic airlines providing scheduled flights usually through San José. Special charter flights, inter-destination flights and airplane tour rides are also available upon request.
Keep in mind that flying and car rental can make an excellent combination. For a small fee, we can arrange for your rental car to be delivered after you arrive from your domestic flight.
If you have any questions in regards to transportation in Costa Rica, please feel free to contact us!