Getting Around Costa Rica: What's the Best Way?

Costa Rica is small on the map but slow to cross — mountain roads, winding routes and unpredictable traffic mean short distances can take longer than you'd expect. Choosing the right transport makes your trip smoother. Here's an honest comparison of the four main ways to get around.

Private shuttle

A private shuttle is the most comfortable and stress-free way to move between destinations. You get picked up at your hotel, travel on your own schedule with a professional driver, and arrive at your next hotel's door. Because the price is per vehicle, it's excellent value for couples, families and groups, and there's plenty of room for luggage, surfboards and child seats. It's the sweet spot between convenience and cost for most visitors.

Shared shuttle

Shared shuttles carry several travellers in one van at a set price per person. They're cheaper for solo travellers, but you're tied to fixed departure times and multiple hotel stops, which adds time to the journey.

Rental car

A rental car gives you total freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path spots and go at your own pace — ideal for longer trips and confident drivers. The trade-offs: mandatory local insurance, tolls, GPS navigation on unfamiliar roads, occasional rough access roads, and paying for parking. For point-to-point hotel transfers, it's often more hassle than it's worth.

Public bus

Costa Rica's public buses are inexpensive and reach much of the country, but they're the slowest option, have limited luggage space, and schedules and transfers can be confusing for first-time visitors. Best for flexible, budget-focused backpackers.

Our recommendation

For most travellers, a mix works best: use private shuttles for airport arrivals and hotel-to-hotel transfers between regions (where comfort and time matter most), and consider a rental car only if you plan to base yourself in one area and explore locally for several days.