Traveling by Bus in Costa Rica

Tips on Traveling by bus

• Travel light. Leave any excess luggage in your hotel in S. José.
• Long distance buses have storage compartments but short distance and local buseshave very limited storage space....(your surf board may not fit!)
• It is advisable to buy your ticket in advance expecially during the high season or you might be in for unpleasant surprises like riding “ en pie” (standing) or not riding at all!
• Smoking and alcoholic beveragesare not permitted.
• Never put valuables on an overhead rack. Keep them with you.
• Buses may leave promptly but hardly arrive on time, potholes, landslides, mechanicalbreakdowns are all part of… the fun.
• Buses in Costa Rica can be divided into two categories: “Corriente” (regular service) and “directo” (direct). Althought it is notalways possible totell the difference, the “corriente” makes unscheduled intermediate stops to pick up and let off passengers, while the “directo” should get you to destination by making onlythose necessary stops for food and toilet service.
• Use the “servicio sanitario” (toilet) before you board your bus. Keep some coins handy, a clean toilet means an attendant charging a small fee for the use of toilet facilities. Carry some toilet paper or tissues with you, attendants are not always generous when it comes to give you your “share” of toilet paper.
• Oh, yes....you'd better laugh now…..because it will be difficult to do so when the emergency arises!!!
• Buses with toilet service are a rare sight, such facilities can be found on international routes only.

The Coca Cola Bus Terminal

Regula Bus Routes