Getting to Costa Rica

Domestic Airlines: Sansa and NatureAir . Both fly small passenger planes with a baggage allowance of 12kg (26lbs). Space is limited and demand great in high season, so reserve ahead.

 

 

 

Bus: In San José, bus offices are scattered around the city: some large bus companies have big terminals that sell tickets in advance, while others have little more than a stop, sometimes unmarked. There are two types of bus: directo and colectivo . Directos charge more and presumably make few stops. However, it goes against the instinct of Costa Rican bus drivers not to pick up every single roadside passenger. Trips longer than four hours usually include a rest stop (buses don't have bathrooms). Periodically check that your stored luggage isn't 'given away' at intermediate stops. Keep your day pack, with important documents, on you at all times. Thefts from overhead racks are rampant. Bus schedules fluctuate, so confirm the time when purchasing your ticket. If you are catching a bus roadside, arrive early. Departure times are estimated and if the bus comes early, it will leave early. For departures from San José, the schedule can be found online at www.visitcostarica.com.

Boat: Ferries cross the Golfo de Nicoya connecting the central Pacific coast with the southern tip of Península de Nicoya. The Coonatramar ferry (tel: 2661 1069) links Puntarenas with Playa Naranjo four times daily. The Ferry Peninsular (tel: 2641 0515) travels between Puntarenas and Vaquero every two hours. On the Golfo Dulce, a daily passenger ferry links Golfito with Puerto Jiménez on the Península de Osa, and a weekday water taxi travels to/from Playa Zancudo. On the other side of the Península de Osa, water taxis connect Bahía Drake with Sierpe. On the Caribbean coast, a bus-and-boat service runs several times daily, linking Cariari and Tortuguero. Canal boats travel from Moín to Tortuguero, although no regular service exists. A daily water taxi connects Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí with Trinidad, Nicaragua, on the Río San Juan. Arrange boat transport in any of these towns for Barra del Colorado.

Car: The roads vary from quite good (the Interamericana) to barely passable (just about everywhere else). Even the good ones can suffer from landslides, sudden flooding and fog. Most roads have single lanes and are winding; others are dirt-and-mud affairs that climb mountains and traverse rivers. Speed limits are 100km (62mi) per hour or less on primary roads and 60km (37mi) per hour or less on others. Traffic police use radar and enforce speed limits. Wearing seat belts is compulsory.

Rent a Car: Please check our section for Rent a car hire. Most car-rental agencies are found in San José and in popular tourist destinations on the Pacific coast (Tamarindo, Jacó, Quepos and Puerto Jiménez). Required basic insurance is usually in addition to the price. Alternatively, your credit card may insure you for car rentals - check.. You also need to be 21 years old, have a valid driver's license, a major credit card and a passport. A foreign driver's license is acceptable for up to 90 days.

Taxi: Taxis serve urban and remote areas. They are useful for remote destinations, such as national parks, where bus services are unavailable. In small villages without clearly marked taxis, ask at the local pulpería about service. If the taxi doesn't have a meter, set the fare ahead of time.

 

 

Bicycle: The traffic may be hazardous and the roads narrow, steep and winding, but cyclists do pedal Costa Rica. Mountain bikes and beach cruisers can be rented in towns with a significant tourist presence.

 

 

 

Shuttle Bus: Tourist-van shuttles are from San José to the most popular destinations, and between other destinations .Please check for this service at our section for shuttle buses.

 

 

 

 

 

Motorcycle: Motorcycles (even Harleys) can be rented in San José.

 

 

 

Disabled Travellers: Although Costa Rica has an equal-opportunity law for disabled people, it applies only to new or newly remodeled businesses and is loosely enforced. Buses don't have special provisions for wheelchairs and few hotels, restaurants or parks have features specifically suited to wheelchair use. One exception is Volcán Poás.