Costa Rica transportation
Getting around Costa Rica: cars, shuttles, flights and ferries
Your hub for getting from point A to pura vida. Most travelers end up combining two or three of these, so here’s how each one works and when it makes sense.
Still deciding?
Pick your ride
Want total freedom?
Rent a car →
Don’t want to drive?
Take a shuttle →
Short on time?
Fly domestically →
On a tight budget?
Take the bus →
Heading to Nicoya or Tortuguero?
Catch a ferry or boat →
Our #1 choice
Renting a car
If you’re visiting more than one destination, a rental car is the easiest way to explore. Travel on your own schedule, stop at waterfalls and viewpoints, and stay outside the busy town centers.
Why we only rent with Adobe
4×4 or not?
Do you need a 4×4?
Not always, but an SUV with good clearance is almost always worth it. A true 4×4 is recommended for Monteverde, Santa Teresa and Nosara, Uvita and Ojochal, and the Osa Peninsula.
Navigation
Use Waze
Waze has the most accurate routes and real-time updates. Avoid long drives after dark, since sunset is around 5:30pm year-round.
Gas
Full-service stations
Attendants fill up the tank for you at every station.
No driving
Private and shared shuttles
Shuttles are air-conditioned vans with professional drivers who know the roads. Sit back, enjoy the scenery and arrive relaxed. We book through Bookaway, where you can compare prices and pickup times.
Flying in
Flights and airports
Costa Rica has two international airports. Both are modern and easy, but they serve very different parts of the country, so choose based on your route.
Short on time? Domestic flights with SANSA connect San José to beach towns in under an hour. Before booking, check the entry requirements.
Central Valley
San José Airport (SJO)
About 30 minutes from downtown San José and 10 from Alajuela. Adobe’s office is 5 minutes away with a free shuttle.
Guanacaste
Liberia Airport (LIR)
Small, easy to navigate and usually less crowded than SJO, with smooth customs. Fewer flights from Europe.
Can’t decide?
SJO vs LIR
We compare both airports side by side, with drive times to every region.
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Local rides
Taxis and public buses
Short trips
Taxis
Handy for airport runs and quick trips around town. Only use official red taxis with a yellow triangle on the door. They’re licensed and required to use meters.
$2 to $10 per ride
Public buses
Buses connect almost every town and are surprisingly reliable, just slower. Keep valuables with you, not in the overhead rack.
On the water
Ferries and boats
Some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful places are only reached, or best reached, by water.
About 70 minutes
Puntarenas Ferry
To Santa Teresa, Montezuma or Mal País, cross the Gulf of Nicoya to Paquera. You can bring your rental car. Arrive at least 45 minutes early.
60 to 90 minutes
Boats to Tortuguero
Tortuguero is only reachable by boat or small plane. Boats leave from La Pavona, and you can park your car safely at the dock.
Mangroves and open sea
Drake Bay and Bocas del Toro
Reach Drake Bay and Corcovado by boat from Sierpe. Heading to Panama? Boats and flights to Bocas del Toro save a full day of travel.
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Tell our planner your dates, airport and travel style. It picks the regions that fit, with hotels, tours and drive times for each stop.
FAQ
Costa Rica transportation FAQ: your questions
What is the best way to get around Costa Rica?
For most trips, a rental car gives you the most freedom. If you don’t want to drive, shuttles are comfortable and easy, and many travelers combine a car, a shuttle and a short domestic flight.
Do I need a 4×4 in Costa Rica?
Not always, but an SUV with good clearance is worth it. A true 4×4 is recommended for Monteverde, Santa Teresa and Nosara, Uvita and Ojochal, and the Osa Peninsula.
Which airport should I fly into?
San José (SJO) is best for the Central Valley, Arenal, the Central and South Pacific and the Caribbean. Liberia (LIR) is best for Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula.
How much do buses cost in Costa Rica?
Most bus fares are between $2 and $10, depending on distance.
Are taxis safe in Costa Rica?
Use official red taxis with a yellow triangle on the door. They’re licensed and required to use meters.
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