Costa Rica Travel: Costa Rica Transportation

Driving in Costa Rica
While driving in Costa Rica, use caution, avoid driving downtown San Jose, and enjoy the ride.

Costa Rica is a very small country and most tourist destinations are within a few hours drive of the capital San Jose. Not only will you drive through beautiful countryside, but some small, out-of-the-way places will only be discovered by driving a car. The adventure lover will appreciate the freedom to explore.

We do not recommend renting a car while in San Jose. Traffic and parking can be difficult and finding your way around is almost impossible as most buildings don't have addresses. Taxis are not only cheap, but the drivers know where everything is. We suggest you pick up your rental car (or have the rental car company deliver it to your hotel) on the day you will be leaving San Jose for the beaches or National Parks. Driving outside of San Jose is considerably easier and can even be enjoyable.

Driving over the mountains of Costa Rica to get to either coast at night, especially your first night in town, is not recommended. We've lived in Costa Rica for over 8 years and never have driven through the mountains at night, unless a passenger with a local resident or Costa Rican. During the day youll get your share of potholes, cars and motorbikes passing where they shouldn't. Or you get stuck behind some big truck going 5 mph. However, if you take your time and drive defensively you shouldn't have any difficulty. Costa Rica's dry season, Jan. - April are the busiest, so you may not want to chance it, and book the vehicle of your choice ahead.

When Driving in Costa Rica Do:
Carry a valid driver license from your country and your passport. If stopped, they'll be looking for your Costa Rica Entry Stamp.
Allow extra time - it's a beautiful country and you're on vacation.
Ask your rental agent to mark the best way out of San Jose on a city street map.
Take a good map of Costa Rica - Signs at turnoffs usually point only to the next town, and it can be confusing.
Always have everyone in the front seat use a seat belt - they enforce the seat belt law strictly in Costa Rica.

When Driving in Costa Rica Don't:
Speed or at least don't go faster than the other traffic - there are radar traps.
Attempt to bribe the traffic police if you are stopped - take the ticket and let the rental agency handle it.
Drive at night if it is not necessary - it's harder to see the road hazards.

Four Wheel Drive
Since Costa Rica's road conditions are constantly changing, it is difficult to advise when you need 4-wheel drive. During the dry season, most tourist destinations can be reached without it, however we do advise 4-wheel drive for the following areas:

Monteverde National Park and general area
Rincon de la Viejo National and general area
The Nicoya Peninsula south of Samara
Anywhere south of Golfito, Pavones, Zancudo, etc.
The Osa Peninsula