Getting Around

Trains, roads, taxis and how to move around Costa Rica.

Trains (Trenes)

Limited network — Costa Rica has no long-distance passenger rail. INCOFER runs commuter trains only in the Greater Metropolitan Area around San José, connecting Heredia, Cartago, Alajuela and Belén.
Commuter use — The Tren Interurbano is aimed at rush-hour commuters, running mainly early morning and late afternoon on weekdays. Service is sparse or nonexistent on weekends.
Trains get extremely crowded during peak hours and delays are common. Do not rely on the train for airport connections or tight schedules.
Cheap fares — Fares are very low, typically around 500-700 colones per trip, paid in cash to the conductor onboard. Keep small change ready.

The backbone — Buses are the primary way most Ticos get around. San José has no central station; different companies depart from scattered stops and small terminals depending on destination.
Key operators — Long-distance lines include TRACOPA (southern zone), MEPE (Caribbean/Puerto Viejo), and Transportes Deldu. For San José-Alajuela airport runs, use TUASA.
Pay onboard — On most city and regional buses you pay the driver in cash when boarding, telling them your destination. Have colones ready as change for large bills may be refused.
Watch your bags closely. Petty theft on crowded urban buses is common; keep valuables on your lap, not in overhead racks or under seats.
Plan routes — Use the Moovit app or ask locally, as schedules are poorly published online. Buy long-distance tickets a day ahead for popular routes during holidays.

Official red taxis — Legal taxis are red with a yellow triangle on the door and a 'maria' (meter). Insist the driver use the meter rather than agreeing a price, except for long fixed-rate trips.
Ride apps — Uber and inDrive both operate in San José and larger towns. They are widely used and often cheaper, though they exist in a legal gray zone.
Unofficial 'pirate' taxis (piratas) are unmarked and may overcharge or be unsafe. Avoid them, especially at the airport and bus terminals.
At the airport, only orange official airport taxis (Taxis Unidos) are licensed to pick up. Ride-app drivers may meet you off-property to avoid enforcement.
Airport orange taxis — Orange taxis at SJO charge fixed zone-based fares. Confirm the price at the official booth before getting in to avoid disputes.

Rent a 4x4 — For beaches, mountains and rural areas, a 4x4 with high clearance is strongly recommended. Many roads are unpaved, potholed, or require river crossings in the rainy season.
Documents required — Carry your passport, a valid driver's license (foreign licenses accepted up to 90 days), and rental papers. Police checkpoints are routine.
Beware the rental insurance scam and staged flat-tire distractions where thieves rob you while a 'helpful' stranger points out a tire. Never leave the car unattended with valuables inside.
Marchamo & tolls — Rental cars include the marchamo (road tax). Keep small change for toll roads (Ruta 27 to the Pacific coast has several toll booths).
Fines for speeding and phone use are steep, and traffic police can issue tickets on the spot. Do not drink and drive; blood-alcohol limits are strictly enforced.
Use Waze — Waze is the standard navigation app in Costa Rica and far more accurate than Google Maps for local road conditions and closures.

Nicoya crossings — The Coonatramar and Naviera Tambor ferries cross the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas to Paquera and Naranjo, saving hours of driving to the peninsula.
Arrive early — For car spots, arrive at least an hour before departure, especially on weekends and holidays. Vehicle capacity is limited and sells out.
Schedules change seasonally and occasional mechanical issues cause cancellations. Check current times locally rather than trusting old online listings.
Water taxis — For Tortuguero and the Osa/Drake Bay areas, boats are the only access. Book collective water taxis or boat transfers through your lodge in advance.

Two main hubs — Juan Santamaría (SJO) near Alajuela serves San José; Daniel Oduber (LIR) in Liberia is best for Guanacaste beaches. Choose based on your destination to cut driving time.
Domestic flights — SANSA operates small-plane flights to coastal destinations like Quepos, Tamarindo, Drake Bay and Puerto Jiménez, turning long drives into short hops.
Baggage limits — Domestic carriers enforce strict weight limits, often around 14 kg (30 lb) including carry-on. Excess baggage costs extra and space is limited on small aircraft.
There is a departure tax (around US$29) for international flights; it is usually included in the ticket, but confirm to avoid surprises at check-in.

No national pass — Costa Rica has no unified transit card or nationwide pass. Buses, trains and ferries are paid individually, mostly in cash.
Shuttle services — Tourist shuttles like Interbus and Gray Line offer door-to-door van transfers between hotels and major destinations, more comfortable than public buses. Book online a day or two ahead.
Carry colones — US dollars are widely accepted but change is given in colones at poor rates. Keep small-denomination colones for buses, taxis and tolls.
During occasional national strikes (huelgas), bus service and roads can be blocked without much notice. Check local news if traveling during labor disputes.

Main carriers — Kolbi (state-run ICE) has the widest rural coverage, followed by Claro and Liberty (formerly Movistar). Kolbi is best if you're heading to remote beaches or jungle.
Buy on arrival — Prepaid SIMs are cheap and sold at the airport, supermarkets and phone shops. Bring your passport, which is required for registration.
eSIM option — Airalo and Holafly offer eSIMs you can activate before arrival, avoiding queues. Coverage is generally good in populated areas but patchy deep in the countryside.
Signal drops in mountainous and remote coastal zones like the Osa Peninsula. Download offline maps and lodge directions before heading out.