Getting Around
Costa Rica

From cloud forests to tropical beaches — choose your favorite transportation.

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Flights to Costa Rica

Ground

Shuttles, Taxis, Buses, …

Domestic Air

Domestic Flights

Water

Ferries, Boat Tours, …

Transportation Options

Master Costa Rica travel with our expert guide to getting around Costa Rica. From local flights to jungle shuttles and 4×4 rentals, we simplify your journey through paradise.

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Your gateway to the tropics

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Ground transportation tips for getting around Costa Rica
Ground Transportation

The freedom on the open road

Taxis, Shuttles, Rental Cars, Rideshares and Busses

Ground Transport

Domestic flights tips for getting around Costa Rica
Domestic Flights

Fast regional connections

Domestic Flights Carrier Guide and Regional Airports Directory

Domestic Air

Water Transportation tips for getting around Costa Rica
Water Transportation

Explore hidden jungles, cross lakes and ocean wildlife

Ferries, Water Taxis and Boat Tours

Water Transport

Travel Styles

Getting around Costa Rica can be very confusing so we’ve provided some tips that can help you explore your desired traveling style.

The Speedster

Fly from SJO to the Osa Peninsula, then take a boat to your lodge. Maximum time in nature, minimum in transit.

The Coast Hopper

Drive to Puntarenas, take the ferry to Paquera, and drive down to Santa Teresa. The perfect blend of land and sea.

The Turtle Finder

Head to La Pavona by bus or car, then board a jungle boat to reach the car-free village of Tortuguero where you can find sea turtle nesting grounds.
Tortuguero on Wikipedia

The 10-Day Sprinter

Combine an international arrival with 2 domestic flights to hit Arenal and Manuel Antonio without wasting days in traffic.

The Slow Nomad

Rent a 4×4 and follow the Pacific coast. Use ferries and gravel roads to find the hidden surf breaks in the Nicoya Peninsula.

The Budget Explorer

Utilize the “Directo” bus lines from San José. They are reliable, safe, and cost less than $15 to cross the country.

Local tips for getting around Costa Rica

Local Tips: Getting Around Costa Rica

Getting around Costa Rica can be very confusing so we’ve provided some tips that can help you explore your desired travel style.

Multi-Mode Transport

The best Costa Rica trips mix and match transportation options to make the most of your time and experiences.

Take a flight into San José. Catch an Orange Taxi to the hotel. Hop on a City Bus to explore the Central Market and downtown. Take an Uber for a to dinner. Next day take a Private Shuttle on a scenic trip to La Fortuna — with sightseeing and shopping stops along the way. The next morning take a Red Taxi to Mistico Park and back for a Hanging Bridges tour. That evening take another Uber to dinner.

The Coast Hopper

Drive to Puntarenas, take the ferry to Paquera, and drive down to Santa Teresa. The perfect blend of land and sea.

The 10-Day Sprinter

Combine an international arrival with 2 domestic flights to hit Arenal and Manuel Antonio without wasting days in traffic.

The Slow Nomad

Rent a 4×4 and follow the Pacific coast. Use ferries and gravel roads to find the hidden surf breaks in the Nicoya Peninsula.

The Budget Explorer

Utilize the “Directo” bus lines from San José. They are reliable, safe, and cost less than $15 to cross the country.

The Turtle Finder

Head to La Pavona by bus or car, then board a jungle boat to reach the car-free village of Tortuguero.

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