Travel & Transportation In Costa Rica
There are many ways to get around Costa Rica, whether vacationing, moving/living or just visiting. Below you’ll find detailed information regarding all available modes of transportation, including public transportation (busses, taxis, etc.) and car rentals.
Car Rentals in Costa Rica
When traveling within Costa Rica, the easiest means of transportation is a rental car. Being an elite tourist destination, Costa Rica provides a vast number of Rental Car Agencies, many of which you’ll find detailed below.
Certain Rental Car Agencies in Costa Rica specialize in specific types of vehicles, SUVs for instance, as many visitors intend to check out the wildlife and jungle landscapes found throughout Costa Rica. Other deal mainly in economical sedans and compact cars, intended more for those traversing the beaches and city streets. As you might assume, these are commonly cheaper than SUV types, but all of the prices are generally reasonable.
Since every traveler to Costa Rica is planning their own personal experience, greatly differing from the next guy, we have provided a list of Rental Car Agencies in Costa Rica, each with a brief description of what their services have to offer. All Car Rental Agencies listed have at least one office in or near the San Jose Airport.
ALA Car Rental - 10 min. from San Jose Airport
- Economy Rates
- 4×4’s, Minivans, Passengers Cars, Vans, and SUVs.
- Free Pickup and Delivery Anywhere in San Jose city.
- Free Transportation to San Jose and Liberia International Airports from the rental place.
- Cash and Debit Card Rentals Available.
- Daily, Weekly and Monthly Rentals.
- One Way Rentals San Jose to Liberia, Guapiles and other locations.
- Free Unlimited Miles Available.
Alamo Rent A Car - 10 locations in San Jose (Main Office), Guanacaste, Puntarenas and Alajuela.
- 4×4’s, Economy Cars, Family Vans, and SUVs.
- ISO Certified - high quality service to clients and sensitive to environment.
- One Way Rentals San Jose to Liberia, Quepos, Tamarindo Beach, Samara Beach and other locations.
Budget Rent A Car - More than 10 locations in Costa Rica, including San Jose.
- Large selection of vehicles
- Leasing available
- Free mileage included in all rates
- No booking fees when reserving online
- Guaranteed Rates - the price you reserve is the price you pay.
Car Rentals - Toyota - 4 locations including San Jose Airport and downtown.
- Consistent Rate Promotions
- Late-model TOYOTA, Lexus and Daihatsu vehicles (automatic and manual)
- Road assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- Unlimited mileage available with all rentals
- Free transportation from Airport to office (save 12% Airport Fee)
Discount Car Rental - 5 locations including San Jose Airport and Liberia Airport.
- Large vehicle selection
- Free mileage offered
- Free Pick-up / Drop-off
HERTZ Costa Rica Rent A Car - 6 locations including San Jose Airport and Liberia Airport.
- 35 years experience nationally and internationally
- Pick-up available
- 24-hours roadside assistance
- Guaranteed 3-day advance reservation system
- Discount Purchase Packages for pre-paid daily rates
Bus Lines In Costa Rica
The public transportation system in Costa Rica offers transport by Ferry and Bus in more than 150 cities throughout the country. A complete schedule of all ferry and bus lines, categorized by city, can be found here:
Costa Rica Public Transportation - Ferry and Bus Schedules
Note that all Ferry and Bus Schedules are taken directly from a booklet distributed freely by the ITC (Costa Rican Institute of Tourism).
Taxi Service in Costa Rica
Taxi Cabs are found throughout all major cities and tourist destinations in Costa Rica. Taxis are more colorful than those in the US, diverting from the classic “yellow cab” style most common in America. Look for the meter on top of the car, and/or yellow triangle on the driver’s door, labeling the vehicle a Taxi Cab.
There are 3 types of Taxi Services in Costa Rica: 1) Cooperative - a group of semi-independent owners, 2) Private owners, and 3) Pirate-Taxis, who work on the edge of government regulations. No matter which taxi cab you hail, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Taxi rides to/from the San Jose Airport, and other popular, distant locations, have flat government rates. The Taxi Driver will not turn on the meter for these rides, but don’t be afraid to haggle for a deal.
- Always ask the approximate price of a trip before you get in the cab.
- If the cab has no meter, settle on an exact price before you take the trip.
- Most Taxi Drivers do not speak English - know enough of the Spanish language to relate your destination and discuss prices, or have this information written in Spanish beforehand.
- A cab ride in San Jose can easily be compared to that of New York City. Rather than focusing on the near-misses that frequently occur in traffic, enjoy the shop-fronts, landscape and breath-taking scenery as you traverse the city.
Private Transportation
By reserving a Private Taxi, Bus or other mode of transportation, travelers can use the service throughout the day for a flat rate. Much like renting a car, but without having to drive, you and your family/associates can be taken to any location you desire and stay as long as you wish. These types of services are offered by various companies. See below for detailed information on Private Transportation Services.
Costa Rica Taxi - San Jose
- 15 years experience, focusing on safety and comfort
- Private transportation available for up to 8, 15, 30, 40 and 60 passengers.
- Special rates for up to 8 passengers - $165/day
- Tour services include hotels, dining, transfer and entrance to attractions
- Bilingual services available at extra charge
- Tours of Panama and Nicaragua available
- USD and Costa Rican colones accepted
Other Private Transportation Services in Costa Rica
Costa Rica Tours - Manuel Antonio Quepos
Coach Costa Rica - San Jose
Costa Rica Shuttle - San Jose
