Costa Rica Transportation

Getting There:
By Air:
The Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) lies 11 miles north of downtown.

Buses marked 'Ruta 200 San Jose' exit from the airport about every 15 minutes between 6AM-10PM. Since San Jose lacks a central terminal the buses drop passengers off near the city center on Avenida 2. Rides take 35 minutes. Luggage space is limited. If you are saddled with backpacks and/or suitcases, consider a taxi.

Taxi Unidos (+011 506 221 6865) is the official cab company of the airport. These orange taxis charge a fixed rate. Avoid the unregulated cabs that lurk about the front terminal. The drivers are famous for ripping off tourists.

By Train:
Due to tracks being ravaged by earthquakes and mudslides, there is no international train service into San Jose.

By Bus:
Despite being known as the transportation hub of Costa Rica, there is no central bus station. Nor is there one predominant bus line. Instead there are a number of small bus companies, many of whose 'terminals' consist of a window facing out on the street. Tica Bus (+011 506 221 8954) is the closest thing to an international bus company, providing service to San Salvador, Panama City, Guatemala City, and Managua.

By Car:
San Jose can be accessed via the Inter-American Highway, which is part of the Pan American Highway. Bear in mind that Costa Rica holds the world's highest car fatality rate. Despite this dire statistic, the highway abounds with staggering jungle scenery and is well maintained.

Getting Around: Because most locals don't own cars, San Jose's bus system is extremely extensive, seemingly servicing every street corner. Buses are usually crowded making them heaven for pickpocket opportunists, so keep guarded attention on valuables.

Red taxis are easy to hail from the street. Drivers are supposed to charge via meters, or 'marias' as the locals say, so be sure it is on before entering.

Walking is the best means of transportation through downtown. It is faster than driving. Avoid, wearing expensive jewelry and carrying cameras and loose handbags, or you will become a marked target for thieves.