How to Get Around Costa Rica: Our Tips From Years of Visiting

Wondering how to get around Costa Rica?

After more than 20 years of visiting Costa Rica, we’ve traveled around the country in just about every way imaginable. We’ve rented cars for road trips, hired private drivers, taken shared shuttles, and researched domestic flights for longer trips.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that there isn’t a single “best” way to get around Costa Rica. The right choice depends on where you’re going, who you’re traveling with, and what kind of vacation you want.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get around Costa Rica. For each transportation option, we’ll explain who it’s best for, and share what we’ve learned from years of traveling throughout the country.

Not only that, but we’ll tell you which ones we prefer and which ones we tend to stay away from.

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At a Glance: How We Recommend Getting Around Costa Rica

Not sure which option fits your trip? Don’t worry, we’ll explain the pros and cons of each below.

5 Ways to Get Around Costa Rica

One of the best things about Costa Rica is that it doesn’t cater to one type of traveler. It offers a little bit of everything in the way of activities, hotel accommodations, dining options, and more. But what about transportation?

Luckily, there are multiple options for getting around too. The question is, which one should you choose?

Figuring out how to get around Costa Rica is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your trip. Choosing the wrong one can really affect the flow of your itinerary and your enjoyment of your time in Costa Rica.

Let’s take a deeper look at your options.

1. Rent a Car

Renting a car is, hands down, our favorite way to get around Costa Rica because it gives us the most flexibility of any option on this list.

We can set own schedule, pull over whenever we want, and get to remote spots that other transportation options simply don’t reach.

That said, it’s not for everyone. Roads can be narrow and unpaved, especially inland, street signs are often missing, and it can be expensive between the rental cost and mandatory insurance.

Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of renting a car:

Pros to Renting a Car

You Can Stop Whenever You Want

This is probably the number one reason why we prefer renting a car versus other transportation options in Costa Rica.

If we want to stop at a scenic viewpoint, restaurant, or roadside stand along the way, we can do that, and we can spend as much time as we want at any of them.

Control Over Your Departure Times

If you book any other transportation, you’ll be tied to the their schedule or departure times.

Even when we book a tour, we’ll drive ourselves to the departure point rather than using the included pick up and drop-off service.

It’s More Cost-Effective for Families and Groups

This is another major reason we tend to choose a car rental over other types of transportation.

We’re usually traveling as a family, so after figuring out the total per person cost for multiple transfers plus gratuities, renting a car just makes the most sense cost-wise.

You’ll Have Access to Your Luggage

I can’t tell you the number of times we’ve needed to pull over so we could grab something out of our luggage. If you’ve ever traveled with kids, you know what I’m talking about.

Unlike other forms of transportation, when renting a car, your luggage will never be out of your sight, so you’ll have access to it whenever you want.

No Waiting Around

This is another big one for us. With a rental car, you’re not stuck waiting for a shuttle pickup window that might be early or late, and you can leave when you’re ready.

Easier Grocery and Pharmacy Runs

If you book a vacation rental, rental cars are handy for grocery or other necessity runs.

Flexibility to Change Plans on the Fly

In addition to allowing flexibility while you’re driving, a rental car also provides flexibility if you need to change plans at the last minute.

If the weather changes, you can pivot your itinerary without needing to rebook transportation.

Cons to Renting a Car

Road Conditions Can be Challenging

When navigating roads throughout Costa Rica, you need to be prepared for many challenges. Expect to come across potholes, narrow roads, steep mountain passes, and occasional unpaved sections, especially outside the major tourist areas.

We’ve encountered washed out roads that required us to find a completely different route. Other times, we’ve had to cross sections of roadway that are covered in water after heavy rains.

Combine these things with having to share the narrow mountain roads with buses and the occasional horse or cow, and it can make for a stressful situation.

Be sure to allow plenty of time to get to your destination and take things slow. This will help to alleviate some of the stress.

Renting a Car Can Be Expensive

Renting a car in Costa Rica is not cheap. Once you figure in the mandatory insurance requirements, the total cost can be pretty hefty.

This is especially true if you’re visiting during a busy time such as a school vacation week. Limited inventory tends to push the total cost even higher. Booking your rental car as far in advance as possible can help you avoid the higher prices.

There’s a Lack of Road Signs

One of the biggest challenges of renting a car in Costa Rica is the inconsistent, and often complete lack of, road signs.

Even with navigation assistance from Waze, we often question some of the roads we’re supposed to take because some don’t look like roads at all, especially in the mountains.

We’ve also run into instances when the navigation was telling us to follow a road that didn’t have through access. Without road signs, it’s sometimes difficult to tell if you’re heading the right way.

Driving After Dark Isn’t Recommended

We always advise against driving in Costa Rica at night, particularly in the mountainous areas. The limited lighting, wildlife, changing road conditions, and lack of street signs can make nighttime driving much more difficult.

We suggest planning your itinerary so you’re never at risk of driving in the dark which means knowing in advance how long it will take you to get from one place to another. It’ll save you a lot of headaches and stress.

Parking Can be Limited in Popular Destinations

Finding parking in busy areas like downtown San José, Manuel Antonio, or the small beach towns in Guanacaste can sometimes be frustrating. There are many times that we’ve had to circle multiple times before finding a spot.

If you have a restaurant or tour reservation, be sure to build enough time into your schedule to allow for parking.

Another option is to skip driving into town altogether and use the free shuttle service that many hotels offer instead.

It Might be an Unnecessary Cost if You Don’t Use it Every Day

If you’re staying in one spot for the duration of your stay, renting a car for the whole time might be an unnecessary cost unless you plan to explore beyond your hotel each day.

You can easily book a private transfer or shuttle for your arrival and departure and then rent a car only on the days you really need one. Many hotels have car rental desks onsite making it a convenient option that will save you money in the end.

You’ll be Responsible for Any Damages to the Car

Keep in mind that regardless of how bad the road conditions are, you’ll be responsible for any damages to the rental car.

Be sure you understand in advance what you’re responsible for, what’s covered with insurance, and what happens if damage occurs.

It’s better to know in advance than to be surprised when something happens.

We cover everything you need to know about renting a car in Costa Rica in this guide:
→ Driving in Costa Rica: 15 Things to Know Before You Rent a Car

As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider when renting a car in Costa Rica.

While renting a car is our favorite way to get around, if you’re a nervous driver or you want a completely hassle-free vacation, private transfers or shared shuttles might be the better option for you.

If you do decide to rent a car, keep in mind that rental prices can vary significantly from company to company. Be sure to compare prices before you book to find the best deal for your trip.

2. Book a Private Transfer 

Private transfers are our second favorite way to get around the country, and it’s probably the next most flexible option behind renting a car.

For us, it’s the best of both worlds. It offers the flexibility we want without the hassle of driving on unfamiliar roads.

When we first started visiting Costa Rica, which was many, many years ago, we got around exclusively by private transfer. Once we became comfortable with what to expect, that’s when we started renting cars.

Here are some pros and cons to private transfers:

Pros to Private Transfers

More Flexibility Than Shuttles

While private transfers don’t offer as much flexibility as a car rental, they offer significantly more than shuttles. You have more control over when you want to leave and if you need to make a pitstop along the way.

Door-to-Door Service

With private transfers, your driver picks you up directly from the airport, hotel, or vacation rental and takes you straight to your destination without multiple stops or transfers.

No Need to Navigate Unfamiliar Roads

We’ve already mentioned that Costa Rica’s roads can be challenging, with winding mountain routes, potholes, narrow bridges, and limited signage.

That’s on a good day. Imagine having to drive through the pouring rain. Having a local driver means you don’t have to worry about directions or driving conditions.

Saves Time Versus Shuttles

Private transfers are much faster than shared shuttles because you won’t be waiting for other passengers or making multiple hotel stops along the way. This is another reason we prefer private transfers over shuttles.

Comfortable and Stress-Free Travel

When we fly to Costa Rica, we usually take an early morning flight which means we’re usually awake at 3am to catch a 7am flight.

By the time we get there, we’re exhausted, so another 3 hour drive can be a little daunting. A private transfer lets you relax and enjoy the scenery. Even better, the cars offer comfortable seats and air conditioning, so it’s a perfect time to nap!

More Cost-Effective for Families and Groups

Usually, private transfers can be more cost-effective than booking a shared shuttle since they’re often priced per group rather than per person.

This means the total per person rate for a private transfer may be less than a shared shuttle.

Local Drivers Can be a Valuable Resource

Many drivers are happy to share recommendations, point out interesting sights along the way, and provide tips for your destination. They also know the best places to stop along the way and areas to avoid.

We booked a private transfer between Liberia and La Fortuna for our very first visit to Costa Rica. Heavy rains had washed out one of the main roads to La Fortuna, so we had to take a detour to get there.

Since our driver already knew about it, we didn’t have to waste time backtracking. If we had been driving ourselves, we never would have known about the detour and we would’ve wasted hours backtracking the way we had come.

Cons to Private Transfers

More Expensive for Solo Travelers or Couples

While private transfers can be more cost-effective for families and groups, they tend to be more expensive for solo travelers and couples.

Can Add Up for Multiple Destinations

If your itinerary includes several stops, booking private transfers between each destination can become a major part of your travel budget. In cases like this, a rental car will likely make more sense cost-wise.

You Need to Book in Advance

Private transfers are a popular way to get around Costa Rica, so popular routes and travel dates can fill up, especially during Costa Rica’s high season (December through April).

If you plan to visit during this time, you should definitely book your transfers well in advance.

Not Ideal for Spontaneous Travelers

Since private transfers need to be booked in advance, and you can’t decide at the last minute to include a stop along the way, there’s very little room for spontaneity. If you prefer that kind of flexibility, then renting a car is the better option for you.

We think the pros definitely outweigh the cons when it comes to private transfers in Costa Rica.

Even though it can be considerably more expensive for solo travelers or couples, it can actually be more cost-effective for families or groups. This is because shuttles are usually priced per person and private transfers are usually priced per group.

Be sure to compare the cost for both before booking.

3. Take a Shared Shuttle

Shuttle services are another common way for visitors to get around Costa Rica. They’re popular because they’re usually offered between all the main tourist areas including the international airports.

Shared shuttles mean just that. You’ll be sharing the transportation with other travelers that are heading in the same direction. They’re usually vans that can accommodate 10-15 people. 

While shuttles are a nice middle ground between renting a car and taking public transportation, there are definitely some drawbacks to using them. They’re not one of our favorite ways to get around and we’ll explain why below. That said, they definitely have their place.

Pros of Shared Shuttles

More Affordable Than Private Transfers

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, shared shuttles are usually less expensive than hiring a private driver. Depending on how many shuttles you need, they can also be less expensive than renting a car.

Hotel Pickup and Drop-Off

Most shuttle companies offer the same door-to-door service from hotels and vacation rentals as private transfers.

Comfortable Vehicles

Shared shuttles are typically air-conditioned vans with comfortable seating, the same as private transfers.

Convenient Service Between Popular Destinations

Shuttles operate on many of Costa Rica’s most popular tourist routes, including San José, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, and Liberia. It’s the perfect way to get from point A to point B inexpensively.

Good Option for Solo Travelers and Couples

Since you’re sharing the ride with other passengers, it’s a great way to meet other people.

Cons of Shared Shuttles

Longer Travel Times

One of the main reasons shared shuttles aren’t our favorite way to get around is that they often make multiple hotel pickups and drop-offs, so your trip may take longer than a private transfer. It can turn a 3 hour transfer into a 4 hour transfer or more.

Fixed Departure Times

Unlike private transfers, shared shuttles run on set schedules, so you’ll need to plan your day around their departure times.

You’ll Probably Have to Stop Even if You Don’t Want To

If you book a shuttle, they’ll likely stop mid-way for a bathroom break. This might not sound like a big deal, but what ends up happening is that 15 to 20 people will descend onto one or two bathrooms.

Then you’ll need to wait for everyone to finish and get back to the van. Inevitably, a couple of people will go rogue and decide to do some shopping for snacks or souvenirs.

Of course, you can’t leave again until everyone is accounted for. Trust me, we’ve lived it. It’s the main reason we don’t book shuttles anymore.

Limited Flexibility

There aren’t any sightseeing stops along the way with a shared shuttle. Stops are usually for restroom breaks only.

Can Fill Up During High Season

Like private transfers, popular routes often sell out during Costa Rica’s busy travel months, so it’s best to reserve your seat in advance. This is especially true during school vacation breaks.

Less Privacy

You’ll be traveling with other passengers, which may not be ideal if you’re looking for a quiet or more personalized experience.

Not Available Everywhere

While shared shuttles serve most major tourist destinations, they don’t reach every small town or remote eco-lodge.

May Involve Waiting

Depending on your pickup location, you may need to wait while the shuttle collects other passengers before heading to your destination. Once you get there, you many need to wait for others to be dropped at their hotel first.

Luggage Restrictions

Some companies limit the pieces of luggage per person that is allowed. Extra luggage may be subject to additional fees and may require advance notice.

Shared shuttles can be a good option if you’re traveling on a budget or simply don’t want to drive in Costa Rica.

The biggest drawback, in our opinion, is the amount of time it takes to pick up and drop off other passengers.

Many transfers take a good 2 to 3 hours, if not more, so having to account for the additional time can turn an already long day into an extremely long day.

4. Fly Domestically

Many people don’t realize this but there are several smaller, domestic airports throughout Costa Rica that can be used in place of ground transportation.

To be completely honest, we’ve never used domestic flights within Costa Rica because it never made any sense for our itineraries. However, if you’re short on time or need to reach a remote area, a flight might make sense for you.

Pros of Domestic Flights

The Fastest Way to Travel Long Distances

Flying can significantly reduce the travel time between destinations compared to driving or taking a shuttle, especially on routes like San José to Drake Bay, Puerto Jiménez, or Tamarindo.

Instead of spending five or six hours on the road, you can reach many destinations in under an hour which can help to maximize your time.

Access Remote Destinations

Some places, like Drake Bay and the Osa Peninsula, are much easier to reach by plane than by car since road conditions can be particularly challenging in these areas.

Enjoy Incredible Aerial Views

On a clear day, you can get stunning views of volcanoes, rainforests, coastlines, and both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

Good Option if You Get Car Sick

We know some people that are prone to car sickness. You probably wouldn’t want to be stuck in a car for hours if you aren’t feeling well.

There are a lot of narrow, dirt roads that wind their way up and down the sides of mountains. If you think this is a possibility, flying might make more sense for you.

Cons of Domestic Flights

Can be More Expensive Than Some Ground Transportation

If you’re taking more than one flight within an itinerary, domestic flights can end up costing more than renting a car or taking a shared shuttle, especially for families.

Baggage Restrictions

Small aircraft often have strict weight limits for both checked luggage and carry-ons, and excess baggage may incur additional fees or need to be sent on a later flight.

Typically, checked luggage is limited to 30 lbs and a carry on is limited to 10 lbs per person.

If your luggage weighs more than this, you’ll have to arrange to store the excess before your flight. You can often arrange to store luggage with the hotel your checkin out of but there may be a small fee involved.

Limited Routes and Schedules

Flights are available between select destinations and may only operate a few times each day.

Weather Delays are Possible

Tropical weather can sometimes delay or cancel flights altogether, particularly during the rainy season, but this can happen at any time of the year.

Read everything you need to know about Costa Rica’s rainy season in this guide:
→ Costa Rica Rainy Season: Travel Guide for May to November

You’ll Still Need Transportation After Landing

Most domestic airports are small which means you’ll probably need to arrange for a rental car, taxi, shuttle, or hotel transfer to reach your final destination.

Airport Arrival Time Adds to Your Day

While the flight itself is pretty short, you’ll still need to arrive early, check in, and wait for your luggage when you get to your destination, reducing some of the overall time savings.

One thing to keep in mind with domestic flights is that these are very small planes. If you’re okay with that, it might work for you. I’m not a fan of small planes, which is another reason we prefer to drive instead of fly.

Don’t book your flights without reading our complete guide to Costa Rica’s airports:
→ Costa Rica Airports Guide 2026: Which Airport to Fly Into & Why

5. Book Tours with Transportation Included

If you decide that driving in Costa Rica isn’t for you, that doesn’t mean that you’ll miss out on anything.

Many tours in Costa Rica include pickup and drop off at your hotel. This is a convenient option for those that don’t want to drive. Plus, you can combine this with other transportation options, like shuttles or private transfers, for a seamless vacation experience.

We tend to do this quite a bit when we want a more relaxed vacation and it works really well.

Pros of Tours with Transportation Included

Convenient Hotel Pickup and Drop-Off

Many tours pick you up directly from your hotel, and drop you off after the tour. This takes the guesswork out of timing and makes it a hassle-free experience.

No Need to Drive

You can sit back and enjoy the journey while someone else handles the navigation. No need to worry about road conditions or getting lost.

Learn From a Local Guide

Many tours include guides that provide insights into Costa Rica’s wildlife, culture, and history.

Everything is Planned for You

Many tours include transportation, entrance fees, activities, and sometimes meals, making planning simple.

Great for Travelers Without a Rental Car

You can experience Costa Rica’s top attractions without having to deal with navigating or the various road conditions.

Opportunity to Meet Other Travelers

Group tours can be a fun way to connect with fellow visitors, especially if you’re a solo traveler.

Cons of Tours with Transportation Included

Can Make for a Long Day

Multiple hotel pickups and drop-offs can extend the length of your day.

Limited Time at Each Stop

You won’t be able to explore at your own pace or stay longer if you find a place you love.

Group Sizes Can Vary

Depending on the tour, you may be traveling with a really large group.

Pickup Locations May be Limited

Some tours only offer transportation from select hotels or central meeting points.

Costs Can Add Up

Taking multiple guided tours throughout your trip may cost more than renting a car and exploring on your own, particularly for families.

Not Available for Every Attraction

While many popular tours include transportation, some require you to arrange your own way to the starting point.

Heading to Monteverde? Check out our list of favorite things to do:
→ 5 Best Things to Do in Monteverde, Costa Rica (+ What to Skip)

Our Top Tips for Getting Around Costa Rica

Now that we’ve covered the top ways for getting around Costa Rica, here are some of our most important tips to keep in mind when planning your trip.

Allow Plenty of Time When Renting a Car

When renting a car, be sure to build in a buffer for your transfer time to allow for detours, backtracking, and parking. It will most likely take your longer than what the navigation says.

Don’t Try to Visit too Many Destinations

This is a mistake we see a lot of people make when visiting Costa Rica. Many people try to see the entire country in a short amount of time.

What ends up happening is that they only see a little bit of everything because the majority of the time is spent in the car getting from one place to another.

It’s better to limit your destinations to the number that you can fully experience in the time you’re there.

Learn which common mistakes to avoid when visiting Costa Rica in our guide:
→ 15 Costa Rica Travel Mistakes to Avoid for First-Time Visitors

Renting a Car isn’t for Everyone

I know a lot of people that are nervous about driving in the United States, never mind a country they’ve never been to.

If you’ve never driven in another country, Costa Rica might not be the country to test your skills. You should probably opt for a private transfer or shared shuttle instead.

Avoid Driving After Dark

As we mentioned earlier, we don’t recommend driving at night in Costa Rica, especially if you’re traveling inland.

Narrow roads, no street lights, and lack of road signs can make for challenging driving conditions. It’s best if you plan all your driving for earlier in the day during daylight hours.

Consider Multiple Transportation Options

The great thing about Costa Rica is that you don’t need to tie yourself in to one type of transportation.

For example, if you’re spending a few days inland and then heading to the beach, you could rent a car for the first few days and then return it.

While staying at the beach, you can make use of tours that include transportation and hotel courtesy shuttles. Then you can book a shared shuttle to get to the airport.

There are numerous ways to combine different options so don’t ever feel like you need to stick with one.

Answering Your Questions About Getting Around Costa Rica

How do tourists get around Costa Rica?

Tourists get around Costa Rica by rental car, private transfers or shared shuttles.

Is it better to rent a car or shuttle in Costa Rica?

Whether you rent a car or book a shuttle will come down to what you feel more comfortable with. Cars offer flexibility while shuttles offer peace of mind.

How can I get around Costa Rica without a car?

There are multiple ways to get around Costa Rica without a car including private transfers and shared shuttles. Also, many tours include pick up and drop-off services at your hotel.

Our Final Take: How to Get Around Costa Rica

So, that’s it, our top tips and recommendations for how to get around Costa Rica. We’ve done pretty much all of them and there is no right or wrong way to get around. It really comes down to what you’re comfortable with.

The best way to get around Costa Rica is the one that lets you enjoy your vacation. For us, that’s usually renting a car because we love the freedom to stop wherever the day takes us.

But after years of visiting, we’ve also learned that every transportation option has its place. Think about the type of trip you want, choose the option makes the most sense for you, and you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable Costa Rica adventure.

Talk soon!

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