Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BUS
Bus transportation in San José can be bewildering. There is no public bus system and no
central terminal. Instead, dozens of private companies operate out of stops scattered
throughout the city. Many bus companies have no more than a stop (in this case pay the
driver directly); some have a tiny office with a window on the street, while some operate
from bigger terminals servicing entire regions. See below for a summary of the major ter-
minals, a list of bus companies with their contact info, and a table showing prices and
times for major destinations.
Note that bus schedules and prices change regularly. Pick up a copy of the free (but not
always up-to-date) booklet
Itinerario de Buses
from San José's downtown tourist office, or
download a PDF version from
www.visitcostarica.com
(most easily located in your search
engine by typing 'Costa Rica Itinerario de Buses'). Buses are crowded on Friday evening
and Saturday morning and packed to the gills at Christmas and Easter.
For buses that run infrequently, it is advisable to buy tickets in advance. For a hassle-
free start to your trip, consider contacting
A Safe Passage
( 8365-9678, in USA
970-439-5446;
www.costaricabustickets.com
)
, which can purchase bus tickets in advance for a
small fee. It also arranges airport transfers.
Bus Terminals
Collectively, the following four San José terminals serve Costa Rica's most popular destin-
ations. Chances are you'll be passing through one or more of them during your trip. Be
aware that thefts are common in many bus terminals. Stay alert, keep your valuables close
