Being a very small business we mostly get feedback from our customers face to face or over the phone.  We’ll be happy to provide phone numbers and email addresses of people who have traveled with us recently and agreed to be contacted as reference of our work.

We all loved our trip to your country and found the people gracious and wonderful.  I especially liked being able to contact you directly and the personalized attention you paid to my anxieties and questions.  San Jose, Arenal and Tamarida areas were all exciting.  If it had just been me travelling, I would have stayed much longer in the Arenal area.  Costa Rica is such a wondrously diverse country in flora and fauna.  We loved the variety of animals, insects, birds, trees, plants…just unbelievable.  I thank you so very much for the individualized attention and being so personable.  You did not direct us wrong in a single thing.
L. Anderson – May 2012

Everyone my sister and I dealt with in C.R. was friendly and accommodating. Mario was a pleasure to work with. I could not have asked for a better company to set up our transportation needs, he is trustworthy, friendly and a man of his word. Overall a great experience and we are planning our next trip for 2013…
Linda – May 2012

We loved our experience with your company. Everything was great, from planning the trip, to riding with the drivers. Everyone provided us with plenty of information. Everyone was polite and timely. Thank you!
Beverly – April 2012

Over the past 11 years in this business we have learned that our American customers often plan their trips based on two important misconceptions about transportation in Costa Rica.  The prices and implications of both services are very different in Costa Rica from what they are in the USA or in Europe.

1. Private transfers between hotels cost less than renting an SUV for a week
2. Renting a car gives more trouble than freedom

This article describes perfectly some of the pros and cons of each transportation solution.

Advice on Transfers vs. Renting a 4×4 Costa Rica

 There is always the temptation to hire the guy who approached you at the exit of the airport or outside the bank to drive you to the beach; his price was almost half of that advertised on the internet.  Chances are though, that this guy drives a “pirate” (illegal) van or taxi and does not have the right license and insurance. 

Hiring a LEGAL driver vs. an ILLEGAL Pirata or Driving Oneself in Costa Rica

 Send us an email at info@transportationcr.com or contact us to inquire about our transportation services.

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Our “Van and Driver” plan has all the benefits of hiring private transfers plus the added value of having a bilingual driver that stays with your group the whole time.  The vehicle is available to transfer you from location to location, but also in the evening to go to dinner or to take as many sightseeing stops and side trips as you wish.

Hiring a Van and Driver in Costa Rica is the ideal solution for small groups, visiting families, community projects or church and school groups.

All vehicles used for “Van and Driver” are recent model mini vans and coaster vans.  They all have air conditioning and all the government licenses, inspections and insurance. All our expert drivers are locals; they know the routes and road conditions very well because they drive here on a daily basis.  They know the good places to stop and eat, the best routes to get where you’re going and the places with the amazing view for the pictures.  And most important is that most of them actually own the vehicles they drive and therefore take great care of them.  All drivers carry a cell phone.

This service has a daily fee that includes fuel, parking, tolls and room and board for the driver.  Send us an email with the details of the trip you are planning and we’ll respond with a price quote. If you find our prices to be high compared to other websites, keep in mind that vehicles pay very high importation taxes in Costa Rica and that low prices are usually the result of using older, poorly maintained vehicles and underpaid drivers.

Contact us for a price quote or more information

 This is not a public bus, but a scheduled daily or even twice daily service in comfortable, air conditioned vehicles.  Generally a 12-passenger van is adapted to transfer no more than 8 people for greater comfort. Smaller vans considerably reduce the time lost during pick-ups and drop-offs, leaving passengers with more time to enjoy their vacation. Occasionally they’ll use 25-28-passenger vehicles, but in these cases only 16 passengers are allowed onboard. 

 Shuttles are non-smoking and your luggage always travels inside the vehicle.  They will make at least one mandatory 15 minute stop at a pre-defined spot, usually a souvenir store or restaurant with clean bathrooms. On some routes you must change buses at this stop. 

 This service is especially convenient because it is safe, efficient and delivers you directly from one hotel to another.

 Originally created for tourists, the Shuttle Service is so convenient that more and more ticos are using it.  Traveling time can be half of using the public bus.  Prices are higher than the local buses but still reasonably low compared to hiring a private transfer or rental car.

 Destinations include San Jose, Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Arenal Volcano, Jaco and many beaches in Guanacaste.   Click here for an extensive list of routes, departure times and prices.

 Reservations must be made at least two days in advance.

 If you want to use shuttles as part of your Custom Tour with Destino Tropical, we’ll be glad to advise on which routes and times are more convenient.  We’ll also organize your activities based on the shuttle departure times to maximize your quality vacation time.

Ordered alphabetically by Destination

 200(A,B) ALAJUELA / AIRPORT from San José – DEP. ev. day ev. 5 mins. A.2, C.10/14 from 4:00 to 22:00; RET. from 4:30 to 22:00hrs; 17 km; 30 minutes. Tuasa company, Tel. 222-5325

433 BARVA VOLCANO from Heredia – DEP. Mon.-Fri. from Central Market at 6:30, 11:00, 16:00; RET. 7:30, 13:00, 17:00. Sat. 6:30, 11:00, 16:00. Sun. 11:00, 16:00; RET. 1 hour later. Walk 6km to the park entrance, then 4km to the lagoon.

725 BRIBRI from Limón – DEP. Ev.day from Radio Casino at 5:00, 8:00, 10:00, 13:00, 16:00, 18:00, RET. 6:15, 9:00, 11:15,12:30, 14:15, 16:15; 2hrs $1.35 **. Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel. 758-1572

725 BRIBRI from San José – DEP. Ev.day from Terminal Caribe at 6:00, 10:00, 13:30, 15:30 RET. 6:00, 8:30, 10:30, 15:30 Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel. 257-8129

223 BUTTERFLY FARM from Guacima Abajo in Alajuela – DEP. ev. day 1 block South, 1 block West from Tikal Supermarket at 6:20, 9:00, 11:00, 13:00; RET. 9:45, 11:45, 13:45, 15:45, 17:45; 22 km; 0:40 hrs.

750 CAHUITA (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Caribe at 10:00, 13:30, 15:30; RET. 7:30, 9:30, 11:00, 16:00; 195 km; 4:00 hrs. You can buy tickets in advance. $6.00 ** Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel. 257-8129

725 CAHUITA from Limón – DEP. ev. day from Radio Casino at 5:00, 8:00; 10:00, 13:00, 14:30, 16:00, 18:00; RET. Ev. day 6:30, 7:30, 9:15, 11:00, 13:00, 16:00, 18:00, 18:15, 19:00; 1hr. $0.75 ** Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel 758-1572

501 CAÑAS (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from just outside Terminal Coca Cola at 8:30, 10:20, 12:20, 13:20, 14:30, 16:45; Fri & Sun also at 18:15; RET. 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 9:15, 12:15, 13:50 (Sun also 15:00 and 17:15); 188 km; 3:30 hrs.

300 CARTAGO (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day, ev. 0:10 from Terminal Cartago from 5:00 to 24:00; RET. from 4:45 to 23:00; 22 km; 0:45 hrs. On Fri/Sat buses also from 24:00 to 5:00 ev. hr. After 20:30 the bus leaves in front of Grand Hotel Costa Rica (Ave 2, Calle 3/5). SACSA company. Tel. 233-5350

205 CIUDAD QUESADA (SAN CARLOS) (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day, ev. hr. from Terminal Atlántico Norte from 5:00 to 19:30; RET. from 5:00 to 18:15; 110 km; 2:15 hrs. Atuo-Transportes San José-San Carlos company. 255-4318

500 COCO BEACH (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from A.1/3,C.14 at 8:00, 14:00; RET. same; 251 km; 5:00 hrs. You can also take the bus from Liberia to Coco Beach ev. day: DEP. 5:30, 12:30 (14:00) 16:30; RET. 7:00 (9:15) 14:00. $4.50 ** Pulmita-Liberia company. Tel. 222-1650

610 DOMINICAL from San Isidro – DEP. ev. day at 7:00, 9:00, 13:30, 16:00; RET. 7:00, 7:15, 14:45, 15:30 Pulmita-Liberia company. Tel. 222-1650

610 DOMINICAL – SAN ISIDRO from Quepos – DEP. ev. day from Mercado Municipal at 5:00, 13:30; RET. 7:00, 13:30; 80 km; 3:30 hrs. Transportes Morales company. Tel. 223-5567

599 FLAMINGO, BRASILITO AND POTRERO (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from ½ block west of Terminal Coca Cola at 8:00, 10:00; RET. 9:00, 14:00; 320 km; 6:00 hrs. $8.39 ** TRALAPA company. Tel. 223-5859

516 FLAMINGO, BRASILITO AND POTRERO from Santa Cruz – DEP. ev. day at 6:30, 15:00; RET. 9:00, 17:00; Potrero 64 km TRALAPA company. Tel. 223-5859

211 FORTUNA (Arenal Volcano) from San José – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Atlántico Norte at 6:15, 8:40, 11:30; RET. 12:45; 14:45, 130 km; 4:30 hrs. $3.76 ** Auto-Transportes San José-San Carlos company. Tel. 255-4318

286 FORTUNA from Ciudad Quesada – DEP. ev. day from Parada Municipal at 6:00, 10:30, 13:00, 15:30, 17:15, 18:00; RET 5:00, 8:00, 12:15, 15:30. There are 4 different routes and we recommend Chachagua at DEP. 6:00 and 10:30 and RET 8:00, 12:15. Ask for details at the station. 40 kms, 1hr. $0.95 ** Auto-Transportes San José-San Carlos company. Tel. 255-4318

1202 FORTUNA from Tilarán – DEP. ev. day at 7:00, 12:30; RET. 8:30, 17:30; 101 km; 4:00 hrs. $2 ** Auto-Transportes Tilarán company. Tel. 222-3854

612 GOLFITO (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Alfaro / TRACOPA at 7:00, 15:00; RET. 5:00, 13:00; 339 km; 8 hrs. $5.70 ** TRACOPA company. Tel 222-2666

GUAPILES AND BRAULIO CARRILLO NATIONAL PARK from San José – DEP. Mon. to Fri. from Terminal Atlántico Norte from 5:30 to 21:45 (ev. 0:30 hr.) Sat./Sun. from 6:00 to 21:00; RET. 5:30 to 19:00; 75km; 1:20 hrs. For Braulio Carillo, get off at the Zurquí or Quebrada González Station. Wait on highway for bus to come back. $1.36 ** Atlántico Norte company. 256-8963

400B HEREDIA from San José – DEP. ev. day, ev. 0:10 from Terminal Heredia from 5:00 to 24:15 and at night from 24:15 to 4:00 a.m. ev. 0:30; RET. from 5:00 to 23:00; 11 km; 30 minutes. You can also take a minibus (400A) on A.2,C.10/12 ev. 0:15 from 6:00 to 20:00.

307 IRAZU VOLCANO (express bus from San José) – DEP. Sat. and Sun. from A.2,C.1/3 opposite Gran Hotel Costa Rica at 8:00; RET. 12:15; 54 km; 1:30 hrs. You can also take this bus at Cartago ruins at 8:30.

655 JACO BEACH and Carara Biological Station (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Coca Cola at 7:30, 10:30, 15:30; RET. 5:00, 11:00, 15:00; 102 km; 2:30 hrs. $2.11 ** Transportes Morales S.A. company. Tel. 223-5567

232 LAGUNA DE FRAIJANES from Alajuela – DEP. Mon.-Fri. 3 blocks west of Central Market at 9:00, 13:00, 16:15, 18:15; RET. 6:00, 10:00, 14:00, 17:00; 15 km; 0:50 hrs. Sat. 6:30, 8:00, Sun. 7:00, 17:15. Fraijanes opens Tue.-Sun. 9:00-15:30.

336 LANKESTER GARDENS (bus to Paraíso, from Cartago) – DEP. ev. day, ev. 0:30 from south side of Central Park Cartago from 5:00 to 22:30; RET. same; 8 km; 0:15 hrs. Get off at the entrance of the Gardens (in front of Campo Ayala) and walk ½ mile; open ev. day 8:00-15:00.

500 LIBERIA (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from A.1/3,C.14 at 6:00, 7:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:30, 13:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, 20:00; RET. 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00; 217 km; 4:00 hrs. The 15:00 and 17:00 departing buses are direct; the 4:00 and 5:00 return buses are also direct. $3.76 ** Pulmita-Liberia company. Tel. 222-1650

703 LIMON (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day, ev. hr. from Terminal Caribe from 5:00, 5:30, 6:45, from 7:30, to 18:30 ev. hr; RET. 5:00, 5:30, 6:45, from 7:30, to 19:00 ev. hr ; 162 km; 2:30 hrs. $2.86 ** Auto-Transportes Caribeños company. Tel. 221-2596

1229 LOS CHILES Y CAÑO NEGRO (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Atlántico Norte at 5:30, 15:30; RET. 5:00, 15:00; 217 km; 5:00 hrs. Call the park administration for reservation of lodging and food, tel. 4601301; boat to the park at 7:30 Tue. and Thu. Atlántico Norte company. Tel. 256-8963

750 MANZANILLO (express bus from San José) – DEP ev. day from Terminal Caribe at 16:00; RET 6:30. You can buy tickets in advance. $5.37 ** Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel. 257-8129

725 MANZANILLO from Limón – DEP. Ev. day 6:00, 14:30; RET. 8:30, 17:00. 1:30 hrs. $1.56 **

675 MONTEVERDE (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Atlántico Norte at 6:30, 14:30; RET. 6:30, 14:30; 167 km; 4.5 hrs. $4.56 ** Transmonteverde. Tel. 222-3854, 645-5644

625 MONTEVERDE (Santa Elena) from Puntarenas – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Empresarios Unidos at 14:15, leaves Monteverde for Puntarenas at 6:00 am. Transmonteverde. Tel. 222-3854, 645-5644

~~MONTEZUMA AND MALPAIS BEACHES (CABO BLANCO NATL. PARK) from Puntarenas docks by boat -DEP. ev. day at 6:00, 11:00, 15:15; RET. 7:30, 12:00, 17:00; 1:30 hrs. Take the bus Paquera-Montezuma that is waiting for the boat; RET. 5:30, 10:00, 14:00. $1.79 **; to Malpaís from Cobano DEP. 10:30, 14:30; RET. 7:00, 12:00.

~~MONTEZUMA AND MALPAIS BEACHES (CABO BLANCO NATL. PARK) from Puntarenas docks by ferry -DEP.ev. day at 5:00, 8:45, 12:30, 14:00, 17:00, 20:15; RET 6:00, 8:30, 11:45, 14:30, 18:00, 20:30

~~NARANJO BEACH, Nicoya Península (ferry boat from Puntarenas) – DEP. ev. day from 1 block North Balneario/Ferry Salinero, at 3:15, 7:00, 10:50, 14:50, 19:00; RET. 5:10, 8:50, 12:50, 17:00, 21:00; 1:30 s.

503 NICOYA (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Alfaro at 6:30, 8:00, 10:00, 13:30, 14:00, 15:00, 17:00; RET. 5:00, 7:30, 9:00, 12:00, 14:30, 17:00; 296 km; 6:00 hrs. Buses from Liberia to Nicoya: ev. hr., from 5:00 to 19:00; RET. same. Buses from Santa Cruz to Nicoya DEP. ev. hr. from 6:30 to 21:30; RET. same. $5.20 ** Alfaro Bus company. 222-2666

550 NICOYA from Liberia – DEP. ev. day at 6:00, 8:00, 11:00, 16:00; RET. 4:30, 5:30, 9:30, 14:30.

503 NOSARA from San José – DEP. ev. day Terminal Alfaro at 6:00; RET. 12:45; 361 km; 6:00 hrs. Alfaro Bus company. Tel. 222-2666

548 NOSARA, GARZA AND GUIONES from Nicoya – DEP. ev. day from Main Station at 13:00; RET. 6:00; Nosara 65 km.

339 OROSI VALLEY from Cartago – DEP. Mon. to Sat. ev. hour from South-west corner of the Church ruins at Cartago from 8:00 to 22:00; Microbus 13:30, 15:30; RET. same; 18 km; 0:40 hrs. Sun ev. 45 min. from 8:00 onwards. This bus will stop in front of the Orosi look-out point.

601 PALMAR NORTE (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Alfaro at 5:00, 7:00, 8:30, 10:00, 13:00, 14:30, 18:00; RET. 5:25, 6:15, 8:15, 10:00, 13:00, 14:30, 16:45; 258 km; 5:00 hrs. $4.42 ** TRACOPA company. Tel. 222-2666

570 PANAMA AND HERMOSA BEACHES (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from 1 block south of Terminal Atlántico Norte at 15:20; RET. 5:00; 265 km; 5:00 hrs. Connections from Liberia to these beaches DEP. 11:30, 19:00; RET. 5:00, 16:00. TRALAPA company. Tel. 223-5859

~~ PAQUERA from Puntarenas by boat DEP. ev. day 6:00, 11:00, 15:15; RET 7:30, 12:30, 17:00.

601 PASO CANOAS (South Border) from San José – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Alfaro at 5:00, 7:30, 11:00, 13:00, 16:30, 18:00; RET. 4:30, 7:30, 9:00, 15:00; 349 km; 8:00 hrs. $6.03 ** TRACOPA company. Tel. 222-2666

527 PLAYA HERMOSA from Liberia – DEP. ev. day at 7:30, 11:30, 15:30, 17:30, 19:00; RET. 5:00, 6:00, 10:00, 16:00, 17:00.

1241 POAS VOLCANO (express bus from San José) – DEP. Every day from A.2,C.12/14 (same as 200B) at 8:30; RET. 14:30; 55 km; 2:00 hrs

699 PUERTO JIMÈNEZ (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from just outside Terminal Atlántico Norte at 6:00, 12:00; RET. 5:00, 11:00; 378 km; 10:00 hrs. $6.26 ** Atlántico Norte company. Tel. 256-8963

PUERTO JIMÈNEZ from Golfito by boat – DEP. ev. day from Municipal Dock (Muelle) at 11:00; RET. 6:00; 1:30 hrs. Puerto Jiménez is the gateway to Corcovado National Park. First call park admin. office tel. 7355036.

406 PUERTO VIEJO SARAPIQUí (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Atlántico Norte at 6:30, 8:00, 10:00, 11:30, 13:30, 15:30, 16:30, 18:00; RET. 5:30, 7:00, 8:00, 11:00, 13:30, 15:00, 16:30, 17:30; 97 km; 1:30 hrs; Buy tickets. This bus goes through Braulio Carillo Nat’l Park. Buses through Heredia (scenic route – duration 4:00
hrs): DEP. Terminal Atlántico Norte at 6:30, 12:00, 15:00; RET. 7:75, 11:30, 16:15. $2.22 **. Atlántico Norte company. Tel. 256-8963

284 PUERTO VIEJO SARAPIQUí from Ciudad Quesada – DEP. ev. day from Parada Municipal at 5:00, 17:30; RET. 5:45, 8:45, 12:15, 14:00, 15:30; 69 km; 3:00 hrs.

750 PUERTO VIEJO DE TALAMANCA (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Caribe at 6:00, 10:00, 13:30, 15:30; RET.: 7:00, 9:00, 11:00, 16:00; 215 km; 4:30 hrs. You can buy tickets in advance. $4.42 ** Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel. 257-8129

725 PUERTO VIEJO DE TALAMANCA from Limón – DEP. Ev.day from Radio Casino at 5:00, 8:00, 10:00, 13:00, 16:00, 18:00. RET. 6:00, 13:00, 15:00, 16:00, 16:30, 1:30; 1.5 hrs. $1.07 ** Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel. 758-1572

600 PUNTARENAS (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day, ev. 0:40 from Terminal Puntarenas from 6:00 to 19:00; RET. from 4:15 to 19:00; 110 km; 2:00 hrs. Empresarios Unidos company. Tel. 222-0064

695 QUEPOS from Puntarenas – DEP. ev. day from Main Bus Station at 4:30, 10:30, 15:00; RET. 5:00, 11:00, 14:30; 231 km; 3:30 hrs.

613 QUEPOS AND MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Coca Cola at 6:00, 12:00, 18:00; RET. 6:00, 12:00, 17:00; 145 km; 3:30 hrs. Indirect bus to Quepos (5 hours): DEP. 7:00, 10:00, 14:00, 16:00; RET. 5:00, 8:00, 14:00 16:00. $4.72 ** Transportes Morales company. Tel. 223-5567

QUEPOS from San Isidro El General – DEP. ev. day from Main Bus Station at 7:00, 13:30; RET. 5:00, 13:30; 231 km; 4 hrs.

REFUGIO NACIONAL DE VIDA SILVESTRE LA ENSENADA (Puntarenas) – take bus to Abangaritos DEP. ev. day from terminal Puntarenas at 10:45, 11:45, 16:45; RET. 5:45, 13:45; Hostel is available at $35.00 pp

548 SAMARA AND CARRILLO BEACHES from Nicoya – DEP. ev. day 3 blocks east of Nicoya Park at 8:00, 15:00, 16:00; RET. 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, 13:30, 16:30; Samara 45 km.

503 SAMARA BEACH (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Alfaro at 12:30; RET. Mon.-Sat. 3:45; Sun. 13:00; 331 km; 6:00 hrs. $5.95 ** Alfaro Bus company. Tel. 222-2666

157 SAN IGNACIO DE ACOSTA from San José – DEP. ev. day, ev. hr. from A.12/14,C.8 in front of Baptist Church from 5:30 to 22:30; RET. from 4:30 to 21:00; 29 km; 1:00 hrs. This bus goes to Ram Luna restaurant in Tarbaca.

100 SAN ISIDRO (Chirripó National Park) (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day, ev. hr. from just outside Terminal Coca Cola from 5:30 to 17:00 (two different bus companies); RET. from 5:30 to 16:30; 136 km; 3:00 hrs. Buy ticket. To get to the entrance of Chirripo Natl. Park, take the bus to San Gerardo de Rivas from San Isidro at 5:00, 14:00; RET. 7:00, 16:00, costs $2.85.

204 SAN RAMÓN (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day, ev. hr. from Puntarenas from 5:15 to 19:30; RET. from 6:00 to 19:00; 1:00 hr.

599 SANTA CRUZ (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from ½ block west of Terminal Coca Cola at 7:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00; RET. 3:00, 4:30, 5:00, 6:30, 8:30, 10:15, 11:30, 13:30, 17:00; 274 km; 5:00 hrs. Buses from Liberia to Santa Cruz: ev. hr. from 5:30 to 19:30; RET. same. $5.20 Alfaro Bus company. Tel. 222-2666

154 SANTA MARIA DE DOTA, los Santos (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Los Santos at 7:15, 9:00, 11:30, 12:30, 15:00, 17:00, 19:30; RET. 4:30, 5:40,7:15, 9:15, 12:00, 15:00, 17:00; 65 km; 2:30 hrs. This bus goes through San Marcos de Tarazú (buy ticket).

505 SANTA ROSA AND PEÑAS BLANCAS (from San José) – DEP. ev. day from 100 mts north of Terminal Coca Cola at 4:30, 5:00, 7:00, 7:45, 13:20, 16:10; RET. 5:00, 7:15, 10:30, 10:40, 13:30, 14:45, 15:30. Only DEP. 4:30 , 7:00 and RET: 10:30, 13:30 are express buses. 293 km, 6:00 hrs.

608 SAN VITO from San José – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Alfaro at 5:45, 8:15, 11:30, 14:45; RET. 4:30, 7:30, 8:30, 10:00, 15:00. Alfaro Bus company. Tel. 222-2666

230 SARCHí from Alajuela – DEP. ev. day, ev. 0:30 from A.Ctl/1,C.8 from 5:00 to 22:00; RET. from 5:00 to 22:00; 52 km; 1:30 hrs. You can also take a direct bus from San José to Sarchí DEP. Mon.-Fri.12:15, 17:30, 17:55; Sat. only 12:00 (1:30 hrs, 70km).

701 SIQUíRRES from San José – DEP. ev. day, ev. hr. from Caribe at 6:30 and from 8:30 to 18:00; RET. 6:30, and from 8:30 to 18:00; 100 km, $2.15. Linaco company. Tel. 221-1334

750 SIXAOLA (express bus from San José – gateway to Bocas del Toro, Panamá) – DEP. ev. day from Caribe at 6:00, 10:00, 13:30, 15:30; RET. 5:00, 7:30, 9:30, 14:30. 240 km; 5 hrs. You can buy tickets in advance, $6.00. Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel. 257-8129

750 SIXAOLA from LIMÓN- DEP. ev. day from Radio Casino at 5:00, 8:00, 10:00, 13:00, 16:00, 18:00; RET. 5:00, 8:00, 10:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00; 4 hrs, $1.90 Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel. 758-1572

503 TAMARINDO BEACH (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Alfaro at 15:30; RET. 6:00, Sun. 6:00, 13:00; 285 km; 5:30 hrs; You can also make bus connections between Santa Cruz and Tamarindo. The bus leaves at 20:30 to Tamarindo; RET. 6:45 to Santa Cruz. Alfaro Bus company. Tel. 222-2666

(signo mar) TAMBOR BEACH (ferry from Puntarenas) – See Montezuma and Malpais beaches.

502 TILARÁN (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from ½ block north of Terminal Atlántico Norte at 7:30, 9:30, 12:45, 15:45, 18:30; RET. 4:45, 7:00, 7:45, 14:00, 17:00; DEP. 9:30 and RET. 4:45, don’t run on Sun; 191 km; 4:00 hrs. Buy ticket at terminal, $2.50 Auto-Transportes Tilarán company. Tel. 222-3854

.591 TILARÁN from Santa Elena – DEP. ev. day at 7:00; RET. 13:00; 40 km; 3:00 hrs. Auto-Transportes Tilarán company. Tel. 222-3854

302 TURRIALBA (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day, ev. hr. from Terminal Turrialba from 5:00 to 22:00; RET. from 5:00 to 21:00; 65 km; 1:30 hrs. Turrialba is the gateway to Guayabo National Monument. Buses leave on Sun. 9:00; RET. 17:00. TRANSTUSA company. Tel. 222-4464

639 UVITA (Marino Ballena Nat’l Park) from San José – DEP. from Terminal Coca Cola Mon-Fri 15:00, Sat/Sun 5:30, 15:00, RET Mon-Fri 5:00, Sat/Sun 5:00, 13:00; 7 hrs… Be at terminal 1 hr in advance (Durintg th summer the 5:30 bus runs ev day), $5.00. Transportes Morales company. Tel. 223-5567

175 UVITA (Marino Ballena Nat’l Park) from San Isidro – DEP. ev. day at 9:00, 16:00; RET. 6:00, 14:00, 2 hours, $1.80.

214 ZARCERO (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day, ev. hr. from Terminal Atlántico Norte from 5:00 to 19:30; RET. from 5:00 to 19:30; 77 km; 1:30 hrs. This is the Ciudad Quesada bus that goes through Zarcero.

International Buses 
GUATEMALA CITY (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from terminal Tica Bus at 6:00, 7:30; RET. 12:00 (Guatemala); 60:00 hrs. Overnight stay in Managua and El Salvador. Tica Bus company. Tel. 221-8954

TEGUCIGALPA HONDURAS (bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from terminal Tica Bus at 6:00, 7:30; RET. 7:30; 909 km; 48:00 hrs; Overnight stay in Managua. Tica Bus company. Tel. 221-8954

MANAGUA NICARAGUA (express bus from San José) – DEP. Mon., Wed., Fri., Sun. from terminal Sirca at 5:45; RET. 6:00; 450 km; 11:00 hrs.

MANAGUA NICARAGUA (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from terminal Tica Bus at 6:00, 7:30; RET. 6:00, 7:00; 450 km; 11:00 hrs Tica Bus company. Tel. 221-8954

MANAGUA NICARAGUA (express bus from San José)- DEP. ev. day from terminal Transnica at 5:30, RET. 7:00; 450 kms, 10 hrs. Deluxe Service. Transnica company. Tel. 256-9072

CHANGUINOLA PANAMA from San José – DEP. ev. day from opposite terminal Alfaro (same as route 505) at 10:00; RET. 10:00; 225 km; 8:00 hrs. Alfaro Bus company. Tel. 222-2666

601 DAVID PANAMA (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from terminal Alfaro at 7:30; RET. 7:30; this is an extra bus; 400 km; 9:00 hrs, $9.00. Alfaro Bus company. Tel. 222-2666

PANAMA CITY (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from terminal Tica Bus at 22:00; RET. 12:00 (Panama time); 903 km; 20:00 hrs; Buy tickets in advance. Tica Bus company. Tel. 221-8954

PANAMA CITY from San José- DEP. ev. day 275 at 14:00; RET. 12:30; 225 kms, 18 hrs (pay at the bus), $43.00 Round trip.

This is a unique combination of ground and water transportation used as a shortcut between La Fortuna (the village near Arenal Volcano) and Monteverde or vice versa. 

There is no direct road connecting La Fortuna/Arenal and Monteverde.  You must drive 135 km on slow windy roads, around Lake Arenal or via San Ramón; a good section of it on gravel. 
 
Faster than driving, the Jeep-Boat-Jeep takes you through very scenic landscapes at a relaxed pace.  Originally done with 4×4 vehicles, the trip today is done with air conditioned mini-vans and covered pontoon motor boats. 

Two departures each way are available every day, year round:

From Fortuna   8:30 am   2:30 pm
From Monteverde:   8:00 am  2:00 pm
The trip consists of:

1. Pick up in La Fortuna or your hotel in the Arenal Volcano area and 15 – 20 minute drive on a paved road to the Arenal Lake Dam dock. 

2. 30 minute boat trip across Lake Arenal arriving at Rio Chiquito Dock.  Water birds and iguanas are common on the lake and the boat will stop for pictures. 

3. 1.5 hour drive on gravel road from Rio Chiquito Santa Elena/Monteverde.  Drop off at your hotel in this area

4. Departure from Monteverde works in the opposite direction, on the same route.
Please note this is not a one day tour and we do not recommend booking it as a round trip on the same day.  It takes around 3.5 hours to complete one way.

We suggest spending one or two nights at each destination and then continue on to your next destination without having to go back over the same ground.

This service is only for passengers.  This is not a car ferry.