7 Easy Ways To Get Around Costa Rica

Getting around Costa Rica might be tricky for some. In reality, it is not tricky at all. Here are some of the best ways to get around Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a country located in Central America. Its border has Nicaragua in the north, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The area of Costa Rica is 19,700 square miles, and it is home to around 4.5 million people. Jose is not only the capital but also the largest city in Costa Rica. 

What are the best ways to travel around Costa Rica?

There are several ways to get around Costa Rica. You can take a shuttle service, or you can travel via airplane. You can also use the private transfer service. A car rental is another viable option. The transportation options are endless if you want to get around Costa Rica. 

Costa Rica is a democratic republic and a founding member of the United Nations. The country is home to some of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems, with over 500,000 species of plants and animals. Costa Rica is a popular tourist destination, with its beaches, volcanoes, and rainforests attracting visitors from all over the world.

Having visited Costa Rica many times, we’re familiar with the country’s transportation system. We’ve written this article to help you understand how to get around the country.

Shared Shuttle Services 

The shuttle service is a great way to get around Costa Rica. The most popular shuttle services are between Alajuela and Liberia, which cost between $40 and 60. 

Shuttle services offer a variety of benefits, including the ability to see multiple destinations in a short amount of time, the flexibility to change plans on the fly, and the convenience of not having to worry about directions or parking. 

In addition, shuttle services are a great way to meet other travelers and learn about new places. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or simply want to relax, a shuttle service is the perfect way to travel across Costa Rica.

Private Transfer Service 

A private transfer service is one of the best ways to get around Costa Rica. The benefits of using a private transfer service are that you can select your driver, the driver will know all the best routes and stops, and you can use the stop time for bathroom breaks, food breaks, or taking photos. 

The downside of using a private transfer service is that it can cost between $100 and $400. However, if you are traveling with a group of people, the cost can be split between everyone, making it more affordable. 

Overall, a private transfer service is a great way to get around Costa Rica and see everything the country offers.

Car Rentals 

The country is bordered to the northwest by Nicaragua, to the southeast by Panama, and has a coastline on the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Car rentals in Costa Rica are relatively inexpensive, and rates are usually calculated on a 24-hour basis.  

The most popular car rental companies in Costa Rica are Budget, Avis, Dollar, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. All have branches at major airports and cities throughout the country. You can also rent a car from most major hotels. 

Driving in Costa Rica is on the right side of the road, and seat belts are mandatory. The legal age for driving is 18 years old. The main highways in Costa Rica are generally in good condition but can be challenging during the rainy season from May to November. 

Secondary roads are often in poor condition and can be dangerous. You should use a four-wheel drive vehicle when traveling on these roads.

Domestic Flights 

Domestic flights are the best way to get around Costa Rica if you want to see everything the country has to offer in a relatively short amount of time. Flying domestically allows you to avoid many of the long car rides or bus trips that can be quite tedious. 

Rates for domestic flights in Costa Rica depends upon which airport you’re flying to or out of, but they are generally reasonably priced. You might have to pay extra for departure tax, but this is usually not more than a few dollars. 

Some common routes include Limon, Palmar, San Isidro de El General,  and Tambor. Costa Rica domestic flights are frequent and typically on time, so you should have no problem finding a flight that meets your schedule.

City to City Transportation 

There are a few ways to get around Costa Rica, the most popular being city-to-city transportation. The best way to do this is by bus, which will cost you around $50-$150. The buses in Costa Rica are comfortable and usually have Wi-Fi and TV. 

Another option for city-to-city transportation is by taxi, which will cost you around $100-$200. The taxis in Costa Rica are safe and reliable, but they are more expensive than the bus. If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to get around Costa Rica, you can always try carpooling with locals or hitchhiking. 

Hitchhiking is not recommended for solo travelers, but if you’re traveling with a friend or partner, it can be a great way to see the country and meet new people. Just be sure to use common sense and follow your gut instinct when hitchhiking.

Small Boats and Water Taxis 

One of the best ways to see Costa Rica is from the water. Small boats and water taxis are a great way to get around, and they offer a unique perspective on the country. You can easily find small boats and water taxis in most major cities and towns, and they are relatively cheap to rent. 

Prices vary depending on the size of the boat and the amount of time you want to rent it, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $50. Water taxis are also a great way to get around Costa Rica. 

These small boats can hold up to 10 people and are typically used to transport passengers between different islands or coastal towns. Prices for water taxi service vary depending on the distance traveled, but you can expect to pay around $30 for a one-way trip. 

Whether you’re looking for a unique way to see Costa Rica or simply need an efficient way to get around, small boats and water taxis are a great option.

Taxi

Taxis are a quick and easy way to get around Costa Rica, especially if you are unfamiliar with the public transportation system. You can hail a taxi from the street or call one in advance. The fare for a 5-mile drive is around $11. You may be charged a bit more if you take a taxi from the airport. 

It is also common to tip the driver 10-15%. When ordering a taxi by phone, be sure to ask for the price of the ride in advance. Some taxis have meters, but others do not, so it is important to know how much you will be expected to pay. 

There are also shared taxis, which are slightly cheaper than private taxis. These can be flagged down on the street or found at designated taxi stands. Shared taxis only take cash, so be sure to have some on hand if you plan to take one.