Rent a car. Several well-known car rental agencies, including Alamo, Budget and National, are located in the San Jose airport. Others, such as Hertz and Avis, can be found in cities throughout the country. Expect to pay for insurance in addition to your car rental fee. You will likely receive a four-wheel-drive vehicle, which will be helpful on rural roads and the many streets that have potholes.
Take a taxi. When you need a quick ride, or your destination is not too far away, hail a cab. All city taxis have meters; make sure the meter is turned on before the driver starts driving. Cabbies in some of the smaller cities, especially beach and mountain towns, charge a flat rate rather than use a meter. If you happen to hail one of these taxis, make sure to agree on the fare first. Also, it is good to remember that taxi fares increase when you leave the city.
Take the bus. Costa Rica offers bus transportation not only within cities but also between cities. The fare is cheap, typically between 50 cents and $2 around town, while longer trips may cost up to $30. Always remember to travel safely and keep an eye on your belongings. There is limited luggage space, and there are no bathrooms. Bus schedules may change without notice, so be prepared to be flexible.
Fly. Costa Rican airlines also provide travel between cities. Most air travel departs from the Juan Santamaria San Jose International Airport or from the airport in Pavas called Tobias Bolanos. And remember, air travel will be between airports. You will need to arrange for additional transportation once you arrive.
