Transportation in Costa Rica

# Transportation in Costa Rica: Overview for First-Time Visitors Costa Rica offers several transportation options for getting around, though the infrastructure varies significantly between tourist areas and rural regions. **Rental cars** provide the most flexibility for exploring multiple destinations, particularly if you're visiting national parks or remote beaches, though road conditions can be challenging in rural areas. **Domestic flights** connect San José with popular destinations like Liberia, Tamarindo, and the Osa Peninsula, saving considerable travel time on longer routes. **Shuttle services** are widely used by tourists for point-to-point transfers between major destinations, while **public buses** offer an economical option for those comfortable with Spanish and flexible schedules. First-time visitors should know that Costa Rica doesn't have a passenger rail system, and distances can be deceptive—what looks like a short drive on a map may take several hours due to mountain roads and road conditions. Many travelers combine transport modes: flying one-way to save time, then using shuttles or rental cars for shorter hops between beach towns or adventure destinations. **From the airport:** San José's Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is the main gateway. Official airport taxis and private transfers are the most reliable options for reaching the capital or nearby areas—check current rates using booking services rather than negotiating on arrival. If you're heading directly to beach destinations like Guanacaste, consider domestic flights or pre-booked shuttle services, as the drive can take 4-6 hours depending on your final destination.

Download the Uber app before arrival as it operates in San José and major tourist areas

Domestic flights with Sansa and Aerobell connect San José to beach destinations, saving hours of driving

Public buses require exact change in colones - have small bills ready

International Bus Terminal (TRACOPA) in San José serves routes to Panama and Nicaragua