There are different ways to get around Costa Rica. Depending on what kind of travel you are looking for. This article shows the most popular ways to explore all of Costa Rica. But it’s for sure you will see the top destinations either way.
Can you do Costa Rica without a car?
Yes, you can definitely explore Costa Rica without renting your own car. There are several ways of transportation including public transport, shuttles and uber. All Through shuttles are differentially the most popular option.
How to find and book Shuttles?
One of the most common option is booking shuttles online via bookaway. You just fill out your information like the date and the location you are currently in and the location you are heading towards. The booking process is very straightforward and you get an immediate email confirmation after your booking. I always booked my shuttles 2 or 3 weeks in advance just to make sure they weren’t sold out. On the day of, they pick you up at your accommodation and also drop you at your next stay.
Some Hostels also book shuttles for you. I stayed in different Selina Hostels all throughout Costa Rica and they all offer this service. You can either book them through their app or at the reception. If you are staying in other Selinas this is very practical, because they organize everything for you and you get a direct transfer from one Selina to another.
How expensive are Shuttle buses?
It naturally depends on the distance of the route, but prices are often between $35 and $90 per person. Where you book your shuttles does not really impact the price.
If you want to save some money I recommend booking slightly in advance, because prices get more expensive the sooner it gets to the travel day.
Car Rental in Costa Rica
If you feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica I would suggest renting a car and road-tripping. This way you have complete freedom of your travels, you can stop at countless scenic spots or grab a bite to eat at a restaurant on the way.
How to rent a car in Costa Rica?
Renting a car is fairly simple and can easily be done online. We booked our rental car with Check24 and were very pleased with the entire experience. The rental company picked us up at the airport and brought us to their office. We did all the paperwork and got all the necessary documents such as the rental contract in case the police would stop us.
Hint: Consider renting a 4×4 for greater flexibility, especially if you plan to explore rural or remote areas.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Costa Rica?
The cost of renting a car in Costa Rica can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of car, rental duration, season, drivers age, and rental company.
We paid 633,30€ for 11 days including full insurance and a young driver. The cost for the vehicle itself came up to 476€. We spent 47,30€ for the premium insurance and another 110€ for the young driver fee.
How much does it cost to drive through Costa Rica?
In addition to the rental price, there are other costs like tolls and fuel. On our most recent trip to Costa Rica we drove a little more than 2000 km. We spent a total of 4700 Colones on tolls which comes up to 8,40€ and around 100€ for fuel.
Driving in Costa Rica – Guide
In Costa Rica you drive on the right side of the road, which makes it easy for Europeans to adjust. Speed limits are strictly enforced, and road signs are in Spanish, so it’s beneficial to know basic terms.
Main Highways and Roads:
In Costa Rica you drive on the right side of the road, which makes it easy for Europeans to adjust. Road conditions vary depending on the road and the area. Major routes like the Pan-American Highway (Route 1) and Route 27 are well maintained and in good condition. Longer distances are very pleasant on these roads. The traffic is relaxed and the maximum speed of 90 kmh makes driving very enjoyable.
Secondary Roads:
Secondary roads are mostly well-paved for the most part, some others may have potholes or rough patches. In the mountains many secondary roads traverse hilly or mountainous terrain, requiring cautious driving. Watch out for the rain season from May to November. Heavy rains can cause landslides, flooding, and poor visibility, which makes driving in areas like Monteverde and La Fortuna even more dangerous.
Traffic:
Be aware of the severe traffic in major cities especially in San jose during peak hours.Rush hour can last from 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM and can lead to frequent congestion.
Driving and getting around in Costa Rica can be both an adventurous and convenient way to explore the country’s diverse landscapes. Exploring the scenic routes on your own terms can make your trip so special and you can capture a totally different vibe of the country.
For those not keen on driving, Costa Rica offers an extensive public transportation system, including buses, shuttles, taxis, and domestic flights, making it possible to explore the country without a car.
Either way Costa Rica is an incredible country to explore.
