TRANSPORTATION

Traveling by Land | Traveling by Plane

There are many ways to travel around the country and selecting which one is right for you depends basically on your interests and budget.  Besides, it’s always important to consider the area you are going to visit, how long it will take you to get there and the conditions of the road. It’s wise to consider a domestic flight when driving or taking the bus is a waste of time or energy (for example going to Corcovado).

There’s always the possibility of combining air and land transportation to make the best use of your vacation time. Different options of land transportation can also be combined in one trip.

 

TRAVELING BY LAND

Shuttle Transfers | Private Transfers | Private Driver/Guide Services | Renting a Car

Traveling by land is probably the most common means of transportation around Costa Rica. Among land transportation services we offer:

• Scheduled non-private transfers (Shuttle Service): Shuttle departs at scheduled times, are non-private and are very reasonably priced. These transfers are with a Spanish speaking driver only and the bus picks up / drops off guests at the different hotels in the area. There are many routes available departing to/from San Jose and also inter-connection routes.

• Private transfers: Our private services are done with a bilingual driver / guide that will only take the clients who have hired the service. Although it’s more expensive than the shuttle bus, it offers a higher level of comfort and a personalized service

• Private driver/guide services: Having a guide with you throughout your trip (or at least in some vital areas) provides more opportunities to learn about the country, get the real facts, spot more wildlife and in general have a much more fulfilling experience. We personally recommend this option for families with children, families traveling together, birdwatchers and nature lovers.

• Rental Car: Those who like to travel more independently and like to have a car to move around while at the different destinations will appreciate renting a car. Our rental car partner, Europcar, offers  GPS navigation systems available for rent, which provide a more confident ride for drivers.

 

SHUTTLE TRANSFERS (Seat on bus)

Shuttles transfers are affordable and there are many destinations served by them. Moreover, it’s obvious that due to their nature they take longer than a direct private transfer and don’t offer the personalized service and guidance of a private one. If you were considering moving around by public transportation, we’d rather recommend you the seat on bus transportation that for a small extra amount offers many inter-connections and a reliable operation.

Shuttle transfers have the following regulations:

• Children under 12 pay 50% of the adults rate
• If for any reason the passenger is not at the place and time indicated when they purchase their seat on the bus, the same is not refundable.
• Maximum luggage allowance is one bag per person plus a carry on. A carry on must never be left unattended.
• Child seats are available at no extra cost.
• Surf boards (7 ft. max) have an extra cost of $ 10.00 USd
• There’s always a rest stop on the way
• Maximum waiting time at each hotel is 10 minutes

Routes shown below operate one way and vice versa (with changes in departure times) and are just a sample of some of the many available,

Route	Departs
Arenal – Jacó	8:00 or 14:00
Arenal – Manuel Antonio	8:00 or 14:00
Arenal – Monteverde	8:30
Arenal- San José	8:30 or 13:30
Arenal – Sarapiquí	06:00
Ml Antonio – Monteverde	8:30 – 14:00
Ml Antonio – San José	8:30 – 13:00
Monteverde – Guanacaste	Variable
Monteverde – San José	8:30 – 13:00
Guanacaste - Arenal	Variable
Pto Viejo Limón – San José	07:00 -14:00
Pto Viejo Limón - Sarapiquí	10:00
Pto Viejo Limón - Arenal	10:00
Rincon de la Vieja - Arenal	14:15
Rincón de la Vieja - Guanacaste	11:00
Rincón de la Vieja – San José	14:15
San José - Arenal	08:00 – 15:00
San José - Guanacaste	07:30 – 15:00
San José - Jacó	08:00 – 15:00
San José – Ml Antonio	08:00 – 15:00
Guanacaste - Monteverde	14:00
Tambor / Montezuma – San José	8:30

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PRIVATE TRANSFERS

These are a great option to move around the country. Our professional bilingual driver / guides offer a professional, comfortable and personalized service to our visitors. We offer transportation services throughout the country and departure times are set depending on your needs and interests. We will only set time in advance whenever a check in time is required (International or local flights for example).
We operate with 12 passenger units, which we usually use with a maximum of 8 passengers for added comfort. All the vans are recent / new model and have air conditioning.

The following are the most requested routes for transfers; however, we can also customize any other route according to a specific itinerary. All prices shown are for 1-4 people. Please contact us if traveling in larger group.

Route

San José - Braulio Carrillo - San José

San José - Irazú Volcano - San José

San José - Irazú- Orosi - San José

San José - Poás - San José

San José - Poás - Sarchí - San José

San José - Sarchí - San José

San José - Jacó Beach

Private City tour of San José

San José - Cahuita

San José - Limón

San José - Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

San José- Arenal

San José - Flamingo or Tamarindo or Coco

San José - Manuel Antonio (Quepos)

San José - Monteverde

San José - Sarapiquí

San José - Puntarenas

San José - Sámara / Nosara

San José - San Ramón

San José - Rincón de la Vieja

San José - San Gerardo de Dota

San José - San Isidro General or Dominical

Overnight transfers of two or more days

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PRIVEATE DRIVER / GUIDE SERVICES

Having a guide with you throughout your trip (or at least in some vital areas) provides more opportunities to learn about the country, get the real facts, spot more wildlife and in general have a much more fulfilling experience. We personally recommend this option for families with children, families traveling together, birdwatchers and nature lovers. Areas like Arenal, Monteverde, and Sarapiqui among others, are thoroughly enjoyed with a private tour guide (who serves as a driver at the same time).

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RENTING A CAR

It’s a great way to travel more independently. You can travel at your own pace, stop when and wherever you want and have a means of transportation while at each of the destinations you visit. Although some people consider it might not be safe to drive in Costa Rice due to the road conditions, we believe it’s only a matter of taking some precautions that will make your life a lot much easier. In fact, road conditions have been tremendously improved, road signs have been posted, and with the help of a GPS (readily available for rent at the rental car’s counter), driving around Costa Rica is not difficult, but a true adventure.

Besides, as part of Travelers’ Haven exclusive service to our clients, each of our visitors who select a package with a rental car receive detailed driving instructions, specific to their itinerary and route upon arrival to Costa Rica.

Even though our roads have many potholes and aren’t even paved in many areas, they are not unsafe; many of our clients drive.  We do suggest you rent a 4-wheel drive vehicle, drive slowly and do so during the day.  This will help you prevent accidents and will allow you to truly enjoy the beautiful landscapes.  Remember Costa Rica has many mountains and hills, which is what makes this country so special, but it also makes our roads small and full of curves.

Recently, the Government has put up more signs on the roads and dirt roads like the one to Monteverde and the last few miles to Puerto Viejo de Limón have been leveled and are not as bumpy as they were a few of years ago. Always respect the speed limits and avoid driving at night. Just think of it as an adventure: take your time and enjoy the scenery!  It’s all part of the beauty of Costa Rica.

In order to rent a car you must,
a. Be at least 21 years or older.
b. Have a valid driver’s license
c. Have an International Credit Card with at least $ 750.00 USD available for the mandatory deposit (insurance in Costa Rica is mandatory).

About Car Insurance

Insurance in Costa Rica is mandatory and there’s only one available. The insurance company is ruled by the government because this service happens to be owned by them as a state monopoly (electricity, telecommunications, fuel refinery services as well).

The LOSS DAMAGE WAIVER (LDW) is mandatory. It covers the vehicle in cases of accident, overturn or collisions with another movable or unmovable object or any animal, or those caused by running over persons, total theft or total loss. This is the ONLY cover with an excess, whose amount depends on the category of vehicle rented. LDW coverage includes CDW (Collision Damage Waiver), and THW (Theft Waiver). The excess amount must be held on the main driver’s credit card during the rental. No cash deposits are allowed.

Additional cover, known as SLDW is not included in our rental fee and is available at an extra $10 per day, and frees the renter of paying any excess amount in case of an accident. In case you’re interested in getting the Full Cover, you must add the TDC (Tire Damage Cover) available for $ 5.00 USD per day. Total Full Cover: $ 14.00 USD

The full coverage insurance has the following restrictions:

The client will be responsible for partial damages, tires and gasoline as well. Also, the damages caused by careless driving or similar behavior, driving under the influence of narcotics or alcohol. The client will also be responsible for the damages caused by crossing rivers even if it is not too deep and trying to drive over places where there is not even an existing road.

It is absolutely forbidden by our law to drive any motor vehicle through beaches, consequence of that, insurance will not be effective on any matter. Other situations considered as negligence and that will leave the insurance without effect, include: Improper advances, which cause collisions or flip over. Running over red lights that may result in collisions or vehicle flip over.  Driving at a higher speed than what is established by Law for the particular road. Leaving keys on car doors or on the ignition while vehicle is unattended, leaving doors open or unlocked during absence.  When the vehicle is parked in a “no parking” zone or in a place where theft or damage of the vehicle is fomented.

Neither the insurance company nor the car rental companies will be responsible for towing expenses in any of the above expressly shown cases.  Due to the Costa Rican insurance monopoly, none of the car rental companies accept waiving the insurance with any credit card insurance plan, even if the client’s credit card is a gold or platinum one.

Europcar will keep a deposit of $750 on your credit card until the car is returned, make sure it is torn when the car is returned. This deposit covers the excess amount of the basic insurance. In the event you purchase the SLDW (Super Loss Damage Waiver), this deposit is lowered to $ 100 USD.

Other covers / fees available and not included in your rental are:

LPF:     License Plate Fee (Road tax): $ 1.25 per day MANDATORY
TDC     Tire Damage Cover: $ 5.00 per day
DAC     Damaged accessories Cover: $ 5.00 per day
PAI       Personal Accident Insurance: $ 3.00 per day
ADC     Additional driver’s cover: $ 5.00 per day
            Baby or infant seat: $ 5.00 per day
            Mobile phone rental: $ 2.00 per day + $.75 p/min (local) or $ 1.5 p/min (Intl)
            Refueling charges: $20.00 per 1/8 tank (subject to change)

Deliveries/collections outside San Jose area (please ask for drop off chart)
           

The following list shows the 4x4 models we recommend in standard shift models. Automatic shift cars are available in all categories (except for the Toyota Prado 5 and 7 passenger vehicles) at an extra cost. Please contact us if you require additional information.

Picture	Car	Description	Recommended for:
	Daihatsu BeGo	1800 c.c. engine, 5 doors, 5 passengers A/C, CD player, adjustable seats, 5 seatbelts, headrests, power steering, electric windows and central locking system Luggage space for 1 large suitcase, 1 small suitcase, 2 medium bags. Rates & more info...	02 to 03 adult passengers or 02 adults and 02 children
	Toyota Rav 4 Superior	2400 c.c. engine, 5 doors, 5 passengers A/C, CD player, adjustable seats, 5 seatbelts, headrests, power steering, electric windows and central locking system Luggage space for 2 large suitcases, 2 medium bags. Rates & more info...	03 or 04 adults or 02 adults + 02 children
	Toyota Prado 5 passengers	2800 c.c. engine, 5 doors, 5 passengers A/C, CD player, adjustable seats, 5 seatbelts, headrests, power steering, electric windows and central locking system Luggage space for 2 large suitcases, 2 medium bags . Rates & more info...	04 adults or 03 adults + 01 child
	Toyota Prado 7 passenger	3000 c.c. engine, 5 doors, 7 passengers A/C, CD player, adjustable seats, 5 seatbelts, headrests, power steering, electric windows and central locking system Luggage space for 2 large suitcases, 2 medium bags. Rates & more info...	04 adults or 03 adults + 02 children

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TRAVELING BY PLANE

Both airlines offer summer season and green season schedules, usually with fewer flights during the green season due to weather conditions. 

Natureair is said to be more reliable than Sansa with fewer flights canceled and more itineraries completed on time, but it’s also a little bit more pricy. Natureair departs from the local airport in Pavas about 5 miles west of downtown San Jose and about 10 miles from the international airport and Sansa does it from a hangar next to the International Airport.

Natureair has a fleet of 6 Twin-Otter planes with capacity for 19 people each and Sansa operates with Cessna Grand Caravans with capacity for 12 people. .

Nature Airs Twin Otter

Sansa´s Grand Caravan

When taking domestic flights please consider the following,

• Passengers are allowed to take 30 lb (13.5 kilos per person). Extra luggage will be taken at an extra cost ($1.00 per pound) and is subject to space on the aircraft. We recommend you use the hotel’s storage facilities
• Besides the air ticket cost passengers must cover an airport tax and a fuel surcharge. These are added to the ticket price and depend on the airline selected.  Natureair’s airport and gas taxes are $ 10.00 for one way tickets and $ 20 for round trip tickets (per person)
• Avoid flying with sinusitis or ear problems as cabin pressure changes during the flight may cause discomfort. If you experience problems during the flight try to have some gum or candy on hand or hold your nostrils and gently blow through your nose, this should equalize the pressure in most healthy people.
• Drink plenty! Bring water with you on our flights, this is the tropics and it is hot.
• Infants under 0-24 months sitting in parent’s lap travel free. When twins or 2 infants under 2 years of age are flying with one adult, one infant will fly free and the other one pays 75%of the fare and must bring authorized car seat to be seated in aircraft seat.
• Children 2-11 pay 75% of the fare, children 12 and over pay as an adult, children flying alone only if there are over 6 years of age and up. Between 2 and 5, 11 month are not permitted but only with and adult or 15 year old teen companion.
• Check in at the airport is 60 minutes prior to plane departure time.
• Always check the airline’s regulations, waivers and cancellation policies before purchasing your ticket (these very depending on the airline selected).
• All fares and schedules are subject to change without prior notice.
• Some routes have stopovers.

Although we work with both airlines, we usually go first with Natureair, but we will always select the airline depending on the schedules which better suit our clients’ needs.
Please note that we work solely as agents for the domestic airlines, and we are subject to their regulations / terms and cancellation policies.

The following is a table of some of the destinations served departing from San José:

Route	Frequency	Operated by	A.M. or P.M.
Arenal	Daily	Natureair	A.M.
Barra del Colorado	Daily	both	A.M.
Golfito	Daily	Sansa	A.M. & P.M
Liberia	Daily	both	A.M. & P.M
Limón	Daily	Natureair	A.M.
Nosara	Daily	both	A.M. & P.M
Palmar Sur	Daily	both	A.M.
Drake Bay	Daily	both	A.M. & P.M
Puerto Jiménez	Daily	both	A.M. & P.M
Punta Islita	Daily	both	A.M.
Quepos	Daily	both	A.M. & P.M
Sámara	Daily	Sansa	A.M. & P.M
Tamarindo	Daily	both	A.M. & P.M
Tambor	Daily	both	A.M. & P.M
Tortuguero	Daily	both	A.M.
INTERNATIONAL
Bocas del Toro	M,W,F,Su	Natureair	P.M.
Granada	Tu,Th,Sa	Natureair	A.M.

Natureair offers inter-route flights such as Arenal – Liberia, Tamarindo or Quepos. Also, Limón – Tortuguero, Quepos – Puerto Jiménez or Palmar Sur and Quepos – Punta Islita. .

Please contact us for any additional information.

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