In addition to public transport, there are also options for tourist transport. These shuttle services are often operated with smaller vans between tourist destinations and often need to be booked in advance. This option is of course more expensive than public transport, but you will travel more comfortably, and you will often reach your destination faster. Explore Costa Rica by Tourist Shuttle!
If you want to stay connected while travelling in Costa Rica, you are able to buy a Kolbi or Clara sim card upon arrival. There are also eSIM options like Airalo that allow you to purchase a data plan through a mobile app at any moment, making it possible to arrange your connectivity before arrival. Check out more details about using Airalo on the Packing List page.
Tourist shuttles in Costa Rica are an increasingly popular mode of transportation for visitors seeking a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore the country. When you don’t want to drive in foreign country with more challenging road conditions then you are used to or prefer to be driven around to enjoy the landscape without having to keep your eyes on the road, tourist shuttles are a great alternative for renting a car. With comfortable seating and door-to-door service, tourist shuttles make navigating Costa Rica's tropical terrain stress-free while letting passengers soak in the scenic beauty along the way. Also, for travelers who do not want to rely on public transport and prefer more direct connections between touristic destinations, shuttles are a great option.
Shuttles typically operate as shared services, connecting the major tourist destinations. They offer flexibility, reasonable pricing, and the chance to meet fellow travelers. Note for those who are travelling alone, it might be the case that shuttle operators require a minimum number of passengers per shuttle to offer an affordable price or even to only deploy the shuttle when a minimum number of passengers is reached. In addition to this kind of shared tourist shuttles, private shuttles and private drivers are also an option. If you are not with a large group, the price per person can be quite high.
Some well known shuttle operators:
Interbus operates shuttles throughout the country.
Caribe shuttle has its focus on the Caribbean and La Fortuna.
Zuma Tours has its focus on connecting the Nicoya Peninsula with the central and south Pacific and Guanacaste.
Renting a car is a great way to explore Costa Rica. When you plan on driving yourself in Costa Rica, renting a car, besides your flight tickets, is probably the most important aspect to have arranged before arrival. Discover Cars is a convenient search engine to easily compare and book car rentals. Check out more details about using Discover Cars on the Renting a Car page.