Taxis & Rideshare in Costa Rica (2026) - Grab, Uber & More

Costa Rica's official taxis are immediately recognizable by their **red paint and yellow "TAXI" triangle** on the door, these are the only legally licensed street taxis in the country. To use one, you can hail them on the street in most urban areas, find them at designated taxi stands (common outside malls, bus terminals, and hotels), or call a radio taxi company for a pickup. The most important rule: always ask the driver to use **"la maría"**, the official taximeter, before the journey begins. Drivers in tourist-heavy areas sometimes offer flat rates instead, which typically work out less favourably for the traveller. At Juan Santamarían International Airport, look for the **official orange airport taxis** at the designated taxi rank outside arrivals. These operate on fixed zone fares rather than a meter and are a reliable, vetted option for airport transfers. For rideshare, **Uber** is the most widely used app-based option in Costa Rica and operates in San José and surrounding areas, offering a familiar booking experience with fare estimates shown upfront before you confirm. **InDriver** is also active in the country and works on a negotiated model where you propose a fare and nearby drivers accept or counter, useful in areas where Uber coverage is thinner. Both services require a smartphone with mobile data and accept card or cash payment depending on your account settings. For navigating San José's congested centro, rideshare apps tend to be more convenient since you avoid the meter negotiation and can track your driver's arrival; for remote areas or smaller towns, a local radio taxi or your accommodation arranging a trusted driver is often the more practical choice.