How to Get Around Costa Rica Without a Car: A Complete Local Guide

Costa Rica is a larger country than most people realize. Though it looks small on a map, driving from the Pacific Coast to the Caribbean Coast takes 6–8 hours!

Most visitors assume this means you’ll need a rental car when traveling to Costa Rica — but this isn’t always the case. Many international travelers avoid driving when visiting Costa Rica due to road conditions, weather during the rainy season, the stress of driving in a foreign country, and the cost of a rental car (all valid reasons!). Fortunately, getting around Costa Rica without a rental car — especially when staying near popular tourist destinations and well-developed beach towns — is a breeze.

In this post, we’ll break down all the transportation options you have in Costa Rica besides a rental car, so you can plan for a smooth, stress-free vacation.

Key Takeaways

• Some of the key transportation options in Costa Rica, besides a rental car, include public buses, shared and private shuttles, taxis, rideshare services, and domestic flights.
• Other popular modes of transportation include boats or ferries to remote destinations, golf carts in beach towns, and round-trip tours that offer pickup and drop-off from vacation rentals.
• If traveling through Costa Rica without a car, it’s helpful to combine transportation options, pack light if you’ll be using public transportation, and book transportation early, especially for shuttles and other pre-paid modes of transportation.

Transportation Options in Costa Rica

#1

Public Buses

Public buses are the cheapest option for traveling through Costa Rica, making them a great choice for travelers who want to save money. Local buses run from San Jose International Airport to popular destinations in Costa Rica, with private companies operating shuttle buses to different regions.

Like all public transportation, traveling via bus might be more economical, but it will take longer than other transportation options due to more frequent stops, especially on local routes. However, to speed up your journey, book a direct bus (directo) instead of a local bus (colectivo) for fewer stops — these are best for long distances, like traveling from the airport!

#2

Shared Shuttles

For a public transportation option that is faster than a public bus but still an affordable and convenient way to travel between major tourist destinations, consider booking a shared shuttle in Costa Rica. Shared shuttle services are designed for tourists and operate on fixed routes and schedules, often including convenient airport pickup or hotel pickup or drop-off.

Shared shuttles must be booked in advance (unlike a bus, where tickets can be purchased onboard), and, of course, know that you’ll be riding in a minivan with 10–15 other travelers (though the vans are reliable, air-conditioned, and comfortable).

#3

Private Shuttles

Private shuttles are just like shared shuttles, except that instead of traveling with strangers, you’ll be traveling with your own family or group of travelers. This allows for additional space (both to spread out and to store luggage), and maximizes your comfort and privacy.

Private shuttles are quick and efficient, as there are no extra stops for other passengers — just the final destination (which is your destination!). However, the privacy and efficiency of a private shuttle do come with a higher price tag, though this cost can often be split between members of your travel party.

#4

Taxis and Rideshare Services

Taxis are widely available in big cities (San Jose) and in major tourist hubs like Liberia, La Fortuna, and Jaco. Taxis are primarily used for quick trips and airport transfers. Uber also operates in Costa Rica in the Central Valley and some tourist areas, but is not technically allowed at San Jose International Airport.

When using taxis, it’s important to only use official taxis (red) or airport taxis (orange), which are regulated by the government and required to use a meter. Airport taxis are slightly more expensive than official taxis, so sometimes, alternative airport transportation can be more affordable.

#5

Domestic Flights

If you are planning to spend some of your trip in remote parts of the country, like Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park, or coastal destinations that are a far drive from the airport, booking a domestic flight that connects from San Jose International Airport or Liberia International Airport is a smart move.

Though domestic flights are the most expensive transportation option and often come with baggage restrictions, they allow for maximum comfort and are ideal for quick timelines and tight itineraries — reducing the time it would take to travel long distances from hours to minutes.

#6

Boat and Ferry Transfers

Though boat and ferry transfers aren’t a super common mode of transportation in Costa Rica, they are essential in certain regions — especially rural areas, like remote coastal towns or jungles.

Some popular options include ferries to the southern Nicoya Peninsula, a taxi-boat-taxi crossing across Lake Arenal, and river boats to Tortuguero National Park and Drake Bay.

#7

Round-Trip Tours

If you’re planning to base your trip to Costa Rica in one destination and arrange for airport transportation (via shuttle, bus, or taxi) to get there, round-trip tours are an excellent way to explore Costa Rica’s main attractions and natural landmarks without a car during your trip.

Many local tour companies provide tours with round-trip transportation that include pickup and drop-off at your hotel or vacation rental (including all of our tours from Special Places of Costa Rica!) — making it a breeze to see the best of Costa Rica while leaving all the driving to the experienced locals!

#8

Golf Carts

In beach towns like Playa Flamingo in Guanacaste, Quepos near Manuel Antonio National Park on the Central Pacific Coast, and even Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean Coast, golf carts are a popular (and more affordable!) alternative to rental cars for traveling in Costa Rica.

While golf cart rentals aren’t an ideal option for traveling far in Costa Rica, they’re perfect for travelers who want a quicker way to ride to and from the pristine beaches, local restaurants, shops, and other attractions near their vacation rental.

Practical Transportation Tips (& Mistakes to Avoid) When Visiting Costa Rica

• Combine Transportation Options — If you opt out of a rental car in Costa Rica, it’s often helpful to use a combination of transportation methods. For example, you might book a private shuttle to get to and from the airport, but use both taxis and round-trip tours throughout the duration of your stay, making it easier to travel at your own pace.
• Pack Light for Public Transport — Some transportation options (like buses, domestic flights, and public shuttles) have luggage limits. If you’re planning to use public transportation, pack light. If packing light is not an option, opt for private transportation instead.
• Book Early for High Season — Dry season (December to April) is the most popular time to visit Costa Rica’s beautiful beaches and lush rainforests, so arrange shuttles, domestic flights, golf cart rentals, and round-trip tours well in advance. Even during the green season (May to November), don’t put off making transportation arrangements, especially if you have a preference (i.e., a private shuttle vs. a public bus when traveling with kids).

Gain Access to Transportation Services, Golf Cart Rentals & Round-Trip Tours as a Guest of Special Places of Costa Rica

Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Our team at Special Places of Costa Rica would love to welcome you to one of our beachfront condos, luxury villas, or spacious homes in Guanacaste! Not only do we offer stunning vacation rentals, but we also offer tons of transportation services for guests — from airport transfers to golf cart rentals — to make traveling without a car in Costa Rica a breeze.