Travel Channel

Getting There/Around

Getting There:

By Air: The Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) lies 11 miles north of downtown. Major airlines include:
American Airline (+1 800 433 7300/ http://www.aa.com)

Continental (+1 800 525 0280/ http://www.continental.com)

Delta (+1 800 221 1212/ http://www.delta.com)

Mexicana (+1 800 531 7921/ http://www.mexicana.com )

Iberia (+1 800 772 4642/ http://www.iberia.com)

United (+1 800 241 6522/ http://www.ual.com)

US Airways ( +1 800 428 4322/ http://www.usairways.com )

Buses marked 'Ruta 200 San Jose' exit from the airport about every 15 minutes between 6AM-10PM. Since San Jose lacks a central terminal the buses drop passengers off near the city center on Avenida 2. Rides take 35 minutes and cost USD.55 cents. Luggage space is limited. If you are saddled with backpacks and/or suitcases consider a taxi.

Taxi Unidos (+011 506 221 6865) is the official cab company of the airport. These orange taxis charge a fixed rate, usually around USD12. Rides last 20 minutes. Avoid the unregulated cabs that lurk about the front terminal. The drivers are famous for ripping off tourists.

Rental Car Companies include:

Alamo (+1 800 327 9633/ http://www.alamo.com)

Budget (+1 800 527 0700/ http://www.budget.com)

Europcar (+011 506 443 2336/ http://www.europcar.com)

Hertz (+1 800 654 3131/ http://www.hertz.com)

Thrifty (+1 800 367 2277/ http://www.thrifty.com)

By Train: Due to tracks being ravaged by earthquakes and mudslides there is no international train service into San Jose.

By Bus: Despite being known as the transportation hub of Costa Rica there is no central bus station. Nor is there one predominant bus line. Instead there are a number of small bus companies, many of which whose 'terminals' consist of a window facing out on the street. Tica Bus (+011 506 221 8954) is the closest thing to an international bus company, providing service to San Salvador, Panama City, Guatemala City, and Managua.

By Car: San Jose can be accessed via the Inter-American Highway, which is part of the Pan American Highway. Bear in mind that Costa Rica holds the world's highest car fatality rate. Despite this dire statistic the highway abounds with staggering jungle scenery and is well maintained.

Getting Around:

Because most locals don't own cars San Jose's bus system is extremely extensive, seemingly servicing every street corner. Rides cost around USD.15 cents. Buses are usually crowded making them heaven for pickpocket opportunists, so keep guarded attention on valuables.

Red taxis are easy to hail from the street. Drivers are supposed to charge via meters, or 'marias' as the locals say, so be sure it is on before entering. Rates start at USD.75 cents the first mile and USD.35 cents thereafter. If you would prefer to call ahead for a taxi try Coopetico (+011 506 224 7979) or Coopeguaria (+011 506 226 1366).

Walking is the best means of transportation through downtown. It is faster than driving. Most of the main attractions such as the Jade Museum and the National Arts Museum are all close to each other. Avoid, however, wearing expensive jewelry and carrying cameras and loose handbags or you will become a marked target for thieves.

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