Costa Rica By Bus

The bus system is thorough, cheap, and reliable. From San José, you can travel almost anywhere in the country for under US$6. However, it’s not always immediately clear where the buses arrive, when they leave, where tickets can be purchased, or even how much they cost. Some tickets can only be purchased on the bus, while others must be purchased at a ticket window ahead of time. Just ask around and people will know. The bus system is a maze; every destination is served by a different company, and each company is located in a different part of town. Note, however, that a seemingly microscopic, direct distance between two points on a map often translates into hours on a bumpy, windy road. You can find the most accurate bus information, including detailed schedules and maps at the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo ( ICT; ☎299 5800, from the US 1-866-COSTARICA/267827422), along C. 5 in San José, next to El Museo de Oro (see San José: Buses).

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