How to Get Around Between Tourist Destinations in Costa Rica

Costa Rica does not have passenger trains between tourist destinations, and many roads to beach or mountain areas are long, winding, or heavy — the way you travel changes a lot depending on the destination.

Domestic flights: they are the fastest option for far‑away destinations (for example San Jose – Bahia Drake/Puerto Jimenez, on the Osa Peninsula). The two main domestic airlines are:

• SANSA: the one with the widest coverage, with flights to Liberia, Tamarindo, La Fortuna, Nosara, Puerto Jimenez, Golfito, Bahia Drake, Puerto Limon, Quepos, Tambor and Tortuguero, among others.

• Costa Rica Green Airways: more limited coverage (Quepos and Tambor from San Jose, plus Bocas del Toro in Panama).

There are also charter flights (e.g., Alfa Romeo, Adventure Air) for specific routes or groups.

Tourist shuttles: shared or private van services that take you door‑to‑door between airports, hotels, and tourist towns — more comfortable than the public bus but more expensive; they are hired from shuttle companies, not a state service.

Public buses: the cheapest way to travel between cities and towns, with fixed routes operated by different private concessionaires for each route (there is no single national company). Useful for those on a tight budget, but schedules are more limited than shuttles or a rental car.

Rental car: offers more flexibility, especially for exploring several destinations in one trip or reaching rural areas — but many mountain or beach routes require a 4x4 vehicle, especially during the rainy season (May to November).

Note: the complete list of tourist shuttle companies and specific bus routes between destinations was not confirmed in this verification — routes vary a lot and change frequently. For a specific route, confirm directly with the airline, the shuttle company, or the relevant bus terminal.