Traveling by public bus is a good choice; buses in general are efficient, safe and comfortable. Moreover they offer a unique option to learn more about the culture of Costa Rica.

Public transportation in Costa Rica is the most economical option to shuttle between two points. Depending on the route, you may take direct buses, as they will make very few stops on the road and will save you some time. The indirect buses are those that will stop very often to pick up passengers along the way.

The transportation by bus from Costa Rica offers routes to the main tourists’ destinations, small towns and international destinations of Central America, Panama and Mexico.

Local buses in Costa Rica.

In order to reach the majority of the regions, the most common, it is to start at the capital city San José, which is the center of the public transportation. The most advisable in order to assure yourselves a space and seat, it is to buy the ticket in advance. Otherwise you lose an entire day since you will have to go and buy the tickets one day and come back the next one to travel.

Some companies will charge an extra fee if you need to change the time or date of the ticket. Usually the tickets are not refundable.

Usually the companies will begin selling the tickets at their windows around 8 days prior to the date of travel. None of the companies offers the online ticket sales service, but do not worry because we will help you to make the reservations.

International buses in Costa Rica.

The main international destinations from Costa Rica by bus are: Changuinola and David both of them in Panama. Panama City. Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador y Tapachula Mexico.

In order to reserve tickets in companies such as Tica Bus, Trans Nica and King Quality you must present an ID card or the respective passport. The passenger has the freedom to stop and stay in each country as long as he or she wishes. Equally, you are free to continue your trip whenever you wish as long as you have a prior and confirmed booking. You can reserve bus tickets no more than 6 months in advance. The border crossing paperwork differs from border to border and depends on the nationality of the passengers. On average you will need between $5-$7 per crossed border.

Advance booking costs.

Choose a fast and safe way of reserving your public bus tickets in Costa Rica. We reserve the bus tickets in advance, so you can enjoy your time and take the best of your trip without worrying about details. Just available in bus routes departing from San José. For bookings within 48 hours or less, call us to our office to coordinate the service.

How to reserve local bus tickets?

We will send our messenger to buy them; therefore there is no space guarantee. But it is very common to find spaces, especially when there is a booking with 8 days in advance.

The service is available just in routes departing from the capital city San Jose. Check the bus schedules here.

Send us by e-mail your name, travel route to be reserved, schedule and number of people. Indicate the place to deliver the tickets: our office, your hotel or destination country.

For international tickets, you must send a copy of all travelers’ passports (with their personal information included).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How the payment is made?

We accept Visa and Master Card credit cards. Once your service has been confirmed, a link will be sent to you ( with a secure server) where you can pay safely.

How many days in advance may I purchase the bus tickets?

Usually the local bus companies will start to sell the tickets 8-15 days prior to the date of the travel. You can buy the international bus tickets 6 months prior to the date of the travel.

How do I receive my bus ticket?

Options include:

1. You can collect them at our offices in San Jose downtown. From Monday to Saturday between 900 hours to 1800 hours (9am to 6 pm).
2. We can take it to your hotel.
3. If you reserve the ground transportation of the international airport, our driver will give you the bus ticket.
4. By post mail to your country. Only applies for international tickets. This takes around 8-15 days depending on the country. To USA it can take around 21-30 days due to additional safety reviews.
5. Scanned copy, for immigration purposes only.

Can I travel with a scanned bus ticket?

It is not possible. The ORIGINAL bus ticket is required. Scanned copies only works for immigration purposes (please, check with your travel agency or airline company).

Is it possible to change the day and time of the purchased ticket?

On local routes some companies will charge additional fees, most of the companies will not make changes and usually the bus tickets are not refundable. On international routes, it is very easy to make changes, but extra charges may apply.

Is it possible to buy a roundtrip ticket at the same time?

On local routes it is not possible, with the exception of the following destinations: Manuel Antonio and Jaco.
On international routes you can buy a roundtrip ticket at the same time.