Emilie L. Says:
Is it easy to get around Costa Rica by bus?
IL Contributor Kathleen Evans Writes:
All major regions of Costa Rica are accessible by public bus except for the North Caribbean Coast. You can get around town, from outlying neighborhoods and rural areas into town, or travel across the country on a large, efficient, low-cost, and on-time bus network.
Buses aren’t a particularly fast means of transportation, but they provide a close-up view of the countryside, a major plus in a place like Costa Rica, where the slightest change in elevation can alter the scenery.
They’re also plentiful. For example, there’s a bus every hour of the day between San José and Grecia, and based on recent exchange rates, the 60-minute trip costs only about $2.50. There are even two buses a day between San José and Tamarindo, on the North Pacific Coast, and the five-hour trip costs just $10. An in-town trip will be about 60 to 80 cents.
Although bus travel is cheap, the large number of Costa Rican bus companies sometimes makes it difficult to find schedules and to locate the most convenient stops. Hotels usually keep a schedule, but not necessarily one that’s up to date.
Both TheBusSchedule.com and CentroCoasting are useful aids.
Keep in mind routes and times listed are subject to change. Always contact the bus company directly to get the most up-to-date schedule information.
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