Costa Rica is well known as the “Central America Switzerland”, so it is no wonder that is one of the most beautiful and interesting destinations that exist today. But to get the most out of your experience in Costa Rica, you will have to 
travel through its highways, roads and rocky, mountainous trails over the country. This is why the easiest way to transported in Costa Rica is by making use of bus services that travel across the country.
Bus services as well as being cheap, are quite good. Costa Rica has a direct bus service that rarely stops until reaching their destinations, which cost a bit more. In the other hand, there are regular buses which stop at various points along the route. Similarly, there are private buses and minibuses, in which all passengers must be seated, which make the journey more pleasant and enjoyable and is why they coasts a little more.
The fares of the buses are usually displayed in the bus windshield or window or in the interior over the head of the driver. This is because bus fares in Costa Rica are subject to frequent changes, as these are updated with recent increases approved by the ARESEP, which are published in “La Gaceta”. To learn about the current buses fares visit www.aresep.go.cr and click on Current Rates, Transport and Buses and find the route number you need. As the rates of the buses in Costa Rica are changing frequently, it is best to ask someone in the line or call ahead to find out the price with precision. In fact it is best to reserve tickets in advance, because if you arrive at the terminal a few minutes before, it is very unlikely to find space and you must have to wait for the next bus, or staying in a hotel until the next exit in the morning, especially when buses are traveling long distances outside the Central Valley or on weekends and holidays. For example, in the Holy Week dates such as Thursday and Friday (March-April) can be reduced the bus services on certain routes. The same happens during the week of Christmas and New Year, and also for this dates some bus companies provide no service at all.
Most buses depart from “La Coca Cola” (former bottling plant) between 1st and 3rd Avenue, 16th St., in San José center, but many others have their “stops” or terminals scattered throughout the city. Similarly, most buses operate until 10 pm, after that, you have the option of a taxi. The taxi fares are through the “María” 
or the taximeter, which starts at around 450 colones ($0.86) for the first mile and then 380 colones ($0.77) per kilometer within the additional Metropolitan Area.
Few drivers and ticket sellers speak another language than Spanish, so it’s important to get information in advance about where to find your bus departure and arrival times. When you’re ready to get off the bus, you must click one of the red buttons that are on the sides, pull the string or just yell “Parada, por favor!” (Stop, please!) and walk out at least a 100 meters (300 feet) before dropping.
The following directory is a complete, detailed and updated list of the bus services, with their respective timetables and routes, where the symbol in the middle of BT means “Back Trip”.
Buses in the Central Valley:
La Ruta Periferica (Peripheral Route, website: www.lapericr.com)
L1 Hatillos – Barrio Cuba
50 m southwest of the Hatillo 1 Plaza. From Monday to Friday every 15 minutes from 5 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and then every 20 minutes from 6 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. Saturdays every 15 minutes from 5 a.m. to 6:25 p.m. and then every 20 minutes from 6:40 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. Sundays every 20 minutes from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and then every 30 minutes from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. BT: the same.
L2 Hatillos – Circunvalacion Sur
Hatillo center, 50m north of the Texaco gas station. From Monday to Friday every 15 minutes from 5 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and then every 20 minutes from 6 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. Saturdays every 15 minutes from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. and then every 30 minutes from 6 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. Sundays every 20 minutes from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and then every 30 minutes from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. BT: the same.
L3 Hatillos – UCR (Only during school hours of the UCR)
Polideportivo of Hatillo 2 eastern side. From Monday to Friday every 15 minutes from 5:45 a.m. to 8:10 a.m. and then every hour from 8:25 a.m. to 8:25 p.m. Saturdays every hour from 6:10 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. BT: From Monday to Friday every 15 minutes from 5:45 am to 9:30 a.m. and then every hour from 10:00 a.m. to 9:05 p.m. Saturdays every hour from 6:55 a.m. to 12 p.m.
L4 Hatillos – Guadalupe (Only during school hours of the UCR)
50m southwest of the Hatillo 1 Plaza. From Monday to Friday at 6:25 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. and then every 30 minutes from 2:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. BT: at 6:50 a.m., 7:20 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. and then every 30 minutes from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
San José – Heredia
Rapiditos Heredianos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 1st St., San José. Phone: +506 2233-8392. Stops in Tibás and also stops in Santo Domingo de Heredia. Every 5 minutes from 5:15 a.m. until midnight. BT: every 5 minutes from 4:30 a.m. 11:30 p.m. From Friday to Sunday every 30 minutes from midnight to 3 a.m. BT: the same.
Busetas Heredianas, 2nd Avenue, 12th and 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2261-7171. Every 5 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. BT: every 30 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Transportes Unidos La 400, 5th and 7th Avenue, 4th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2222-8986. By La Uruca every 5 minutes, from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. BT: from 4:20 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Heredia – Sacramento – Barva Volcano (1:45 hours)
8 km before the volcano on the west side of the Old Market last stop in Paso Llano. From Monday to Friday every hour from 5:20 a.m. to 6:20 a.m., then at 12 p.m. and at 4 p.m. BT: at 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturdays at 6 a.m., 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. BT: at 7:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sundays at 6:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. BT: at 7:50 a.m. 1 p.m. and 5:20 p.m.
San José – Alajuela, Juan Santamaría International Airport (35 minutes to 1 hour)
TUASA, 2nd Avenue, 12th and 14th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2442-6900. Every 5 minutes, from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. BT: the same, also for Heredia (Heredia-Alajuela-San José)
Station Wagon, 2nd Avenue, 2nd and 4th St., in San José. Phone: +506 8388-9263. Every 3 minutes, from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. Direct every 10 minutes from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. After midnight every 30 minutes. BT: every 3 minutes from 4:20 a.m. to 11 p.m. Direct every 5 minutes, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Alajuela – Poás Volcano (90 minutes)
COOPETRANSASI R.L, 100 m South from TUASA terminal in Alajuela. Phone: +506 2449-5141 / +506 2449-6040 / +506 2449-5378. At 9 a.m. BT: at 2:30 p.m.
San José – Grecia (70 minutes)
TUAN, west side of Abonos Agro in Barrio Mexico, San José. Phone: +506 2258-2004. Every 25 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 10:10 p.m. BT: every 25 minutes from 4:30 a.m.to 8:30 p.m. Sundays every 40 minutes from 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
San José – Sarchí (90 minutes)
TUAN, East side Abonos Agro in Barrio México, San José. Phone: +506 2258-2004. From Monday to Saturday at 12:15 p.m. BT: at 1:45 p.m. Sundays no bus.
San José – San Ramón (75 minutes)
Empresarios Unidos, 10th and 12th Avenue, 16th in San José. Phone: +506 2222-0064. Every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., every 45 minutes from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., every 30 minutes to 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. BT: every 30 minutes from 5 am to 8 p.m.
San José – Palmares (75 minutes)
Transportes Palmareños, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 16th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2453-3808. Every hour from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 5:20 a.m., 5:35 a.m. and 6:15 a.m., then every hour until 8:10 p.m.
Auto Transportes Palmares, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 16th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2452-0518. Every hour from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. BT: every hour from 4:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
San José – Atenas
Coopetransatenas, 50 meters west of the Municipal Market. Phone: +506 2446-5767. From Monday to Friday every 30 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. every hour from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., every 30 minutes from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., every hour from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., every 15 minutes from 2:30 to 10 p.m. BT: every 15 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 7 am, every hour from 7 a.m. to 10 am, every hour from 10 am to 1 p.m., every 30 minutes from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., every hour from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturdays and holidays every 30 minutes from 6:30 am to 7:30 a.m., every hour from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., every hour from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., then at 7p.m., at 8:30 p.m. and at 10 p.m. BT: every 15 minutes from 5:50 a.m. to 7 am, every hour from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and after 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sundays every 40 minutes from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., every hour from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., every hour from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. BT: every hour from 6 a.m.to 10 a.m. and after 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Alajuela – Naranjo (90 minutes)
TUAN, behind TUASA stop in Alajuela. Phone: +506 2441-3781. Every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. BT: the same
Alajuela – Fraijanes Lagoon (50 minutes)
Coopetransasi, South side of the TUASA stop in Alajuela. Phone: +506 2449-5141. Every hour from 6 am to 10:10 p.m. BT: same but until 9 p.m.
San José – Cartago
Lumaca S.A., 2nd Avenue, 3rd St., in San José. Phone: +506 2537-0347. Direct every 7 minutes from 4:45 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays every 30 minutes from 11:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. BT: the same thing every 45 minutes.
San José – Turrialba (Direct 1:40 hours, Regular 2 hours)
Transtusa, 6th and 8th Avenue, 13th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2556-4233. Every hour from 5:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. Direct every hour from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. BT: every hour from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday every hour from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Direct every hour from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays every hour from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Direct every hour from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
San José – Irazú Volcano (90 minutes)
Buses Metrópoli, across from Gran Hotel Costa Rica on 2nd Avenue, 1st and 3rd St., in San José. Phone: +506 2530-1064. Daily at 8 a.m. BT: at 12:30 p.m.
Cartago – Orosi Valley (45 minutes)
Auto Transportes Mata, 200 meters east and 125 meters south of the Municipality. Phone: +506 2533-1916. From Monday to Friday every 15 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., every 30 minutes from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., every 15 minutes from 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., every 30 minutes from 7:30 p.m. to 10:25 p.m. BT: every 15 minutes from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m., every 30 minutes from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., every 15 minutes to 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., every 30 minutes from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays every 30 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 10 am, every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., every 30 minutes from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. BT: every 30 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 10 am, every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., every 30 minutes from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., every 20 minutes from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. BT: every 15 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., every 30 minutes from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cartago – Lankester Gardens (25 minutes)
Coopepar. Phone: +506 2574-6127. Every 10 minutes from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. BT: every 25 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Ask the driver where to stop and walk 800 m)
San José – San Ignacio de Acosta (90 minutes)
Transportes San Gabriel S.A., 10th and 12th Avenue, 8th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2410-0330. By Aserrí, Tarbaca every hour from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. BT: every hour from 4:15 a.m. to 9 p.m. and until 8 p.m. on weekends.
Buses from the Central Pacific:
San José – Puntarenas (3 hours)
Empresarios Unidos, 10th and 12th Avenue, 16th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2222-0064. Every 2 hours from 4 am to 2 pm, then at 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Direct every hour from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. BT: the same except at 6 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Direct every hour from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m.
San José – Quepos / Manuel Antonio (3:30 hours)
Transportes Delio Morales, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 16th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2223-5567 / +506 2777-0318. At 6 a.m., 7 a.m., 10 a.m., then every hour from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Direct at 6 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. BT: at 6 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. It takes about 5 hours by Puriscal and leaves at 5:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. BT: 4:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
San José – Jacó (3 hours)
Transportes Jacó, 1st and 3rd Avenue, 16th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2223-1109. At 7:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Buses from the Northern Zone:
San José – Monteverde (4.5 hours)
Transportes Monteverde, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2222-3854 / +506 2256-7710 / +506 2645-7447 / +506 2645-5159. At 6:30 a.m. and at 2:30 p.m. They make a stop at La Radial in Alajuela. BT: the same.
San José – Bagaces – La Fortuna – Guayabo – Aguas Claras (4:30 hours)
Transportes Upala, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2221-3318. At 5:30 a.m. and at 2 p.m.BT: at 4:30 a.m. and at 1:45 p.m.
San José – Río Frío of Sarapiquí (90 minutes)
Empresarios Guapileños, 11th Avenue, Central St., San José. Phone: +506 2710-7780. At 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. BT: at 5:45 a.m., 8:25 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:16 p.m.
San José – La Paz Waterfall Gardens – Río Frío of Sarapiquí (3:30 minutes)
Empresarios Guapileños, 11th Avenue, Central St., San José. Phone: +506 2222-0610 / +506 2710-7780. At 6:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. B.T: at 5 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
San José – Puerto Viejo of Sarapiquí (2 hours)
Empresarios Guapileños, 11th Avenue, Central St., San José. Phone: +506 2222-0610. At 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., then every hour from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. BT: at 5:30 a.m., 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. By Varablanca takes approximately about 3 hours and 30 minutes and leaves at 6 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., BT: at 5 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
San José – Guatuso (5 hours)
Auto Transportes San José-San Carlos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2255-4318. At 5 a.m., 8:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. BT: at 8 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. and 3 a.m.
San José – Upala, Nicaragua Border (5 hours)
Transportes Upala, 3rd and 5thAvenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2221-3318. By Cañas at 10:15 a.m., 3 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. BT: 4:30 a.m., 5:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. By Santa Cruz takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes and leaves at 3:45 p.m. BT: at 9 a.m.
San José – Los Chiles, Nicaragua Border (5:30 hours)
Auto Transportes San Carlos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2256-8914 / +506 2255-0567 / +506 2255-4318 / +506 2255-4300. At 5:30 a.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
San José – La Fortuna (4 hours)
Auto Transportes San José-San Carlos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2256-8914 / +506 2255-0567 / +506 2255-4318 / +506 2255-4300. At 6:15 a.m., 8:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. BT: at 12:45 p.m. and at 2:45 p.m.
San José – Pital (4 hours)
Auto Transportes San José-San Carlos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2256-8914 / +506 2255-0567 / +506 2255-4318 / +506 2255-4300. At 7:40 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. BT: at 6:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
San José – Ciudad Quesada (3 hours)
Auto Transportes San José-San Carlos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2256-8914 / +506 2255-0567 / +506 2255-4318 / +506 2255-4300. By Zarcero every 45 minutes from 5 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. BT: every 45 minutes from 5 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Cuidad Quesada – Pital (75 minutes)
Auto Transportes San José-San Carlos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2256-8914 / +506 2255-0567 / +506 2255-4318 / +506 2255-4300. Every hour from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., then at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 12:40 p.m., 1 p.m., 1:40 p.m., 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. BT: In the Plaza of San Carlos every 30 minutes approximately from 4:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., then at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Ciudad Quesada – La Tigra (1 hour)
Transpisa, at the Municipal Bus Terminal. Phone: +506 2460-3480. At 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., then every hour from 4:30 p.m. to 6:60 p.m. BT: at 6 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Ciudad Quesada – La Fortuna (90 minutes)
Transpisa, at the Municipal Bus Terminal. Phone: +506 2460-3480. At 6 a.m., 6:30 a.m., then every hour from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. then at 12:15 p.m., 1p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:45 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. BT: at 4:50 a.m., 5:10 a.m., 5:40 a.m., then every hour from 6:30 a.m. 10:30 am to 12:15 pm, then at 3:15 pm, 4:40 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Ciudad Quesada – Puerto Viejo of Sarapiquí (2:30 hours)
Empresarios Guapileños, Ciudad Quesada Terminal. Phone: +506 2766-6141. At 4:40 a.m., 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, then every hour from 4:30 pm to 6:30 p.m. BT: at 5:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 2:30 pm and then every hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Buses from Guanacaste:
San José – Santa Cruz (4 to 5:30 hours)
Alfaro-Tracopa, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2222-2666. At 6:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. BT: at 5:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Tralapa, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 20th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2223-5859. By Tempisque Bridge takes about 4 hours and leaves at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. BT: at 3 a.m., 5 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. By Liberia takes about 4 hours and leaves at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. By Flamingo at 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. BT: at 4:30 a.m., 5 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and2 p.m. By Flamingo at 5 p.m.
San José – Tilarán (4 hours)
Auto Transportes Tilarán, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2222-3854. At 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 3:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 7 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
San José – Liberia (4:30 hours)
Pulmitan, 5th and 7th Avenue, 24th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2222-1650 / +506 2256-9552 / +506 2666-0458. Every hour from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays the same plus at 8 p.m. Direct at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. By Alajuela at 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.mBT: every hour from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m., then every 2 hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
San José – Brasilito / Conchal – Flamingo –Panamá Beach (5 hours)
Tralapa, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 20th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2221-7202. To Brasilito, Flamingo and Conchal takes about 5 hours and leaves at 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. BT: 2:45 a.m., 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. To Panamá Beach takes about 5 hours and leaves at 3:30 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m.
San José – Playas del Coco (5 hours)
Pulmitan, 5th and 7th Avenue, 24th St., in San Jose. Phone: +506 2222-1650 / +506 2256-9552 / +506 2666-0458. At 8 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. BT: at 4 a.m., 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.
San José – Tamarindo (5 to 6:30 hours)
Alfaro-Tracopa, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2222-2666. By Tempisque Bridge takes about 5 hours and leaves at 8:30 a.m. By Liberia takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes and leaves at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. BT: by Tempisque Bridge is at 3:30 a.m., 5:45 a.m. and 2 p.m.
San José – Coyote Beach , Caletas Beach and Bejuco Beach (6 hours)
ARSA, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2257-1835 / +506 2650-0179. At 6 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. BT: at 2:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
San José – La Cruz – Peñas Blancas, Nicaragua Border (5 hours)
Transportes Deldú, 1st Avenue,20th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2256-9072. At 5 am, 7 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 1:20 pm and 4:10 p.m. BT: at 5:15 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Sundays start at 3:30 a.m.
San José – Cañas – Upala (6 hours)
Auto Transportes Tilarán, 1st and 3rdAvenue, 16th St., 150 meters north of San Juan de Dios Hospital in San José. Phone: +506 2258-5792. At 5:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 11:50 a.m., 12:20 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. BT: at 4 a.m., 4:50 a.m., 5:40 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 11:20 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. To Upala leaves at 6 a.m. BT: at 2 p.m.
Buses from the Nicoya Peninsula:
San José – Nicoya (4 hours)
Empresa Alfaro-Tracopa, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2685-5032. By Tempisque Bridge takes about 4 hours and leaves at 5:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m., then every 2 hours from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m. BT: at 3 a.m., 4:30 a.m., 5:15 a.m., 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 12 p.m., 2:45 p.m. and 5 p.m. To Liberia takes about 6 hours and leaves at 9 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. BT: 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Nicoya – Nosara – Garza – Guiones (2:30 hours)
Empresa Rojas, at the Nicoya Main Station, 400 meters east of the southeast corner of the park. Phone: +506 2686-9089. At 5 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 7 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to Garza and to Guiones takes about 2 hours.
San José – Sámara (5:30 hours)
Empresa Alfaro-Tracopa, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2685-5032. At 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. BT: at 4 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
Sámara – Playa Carrillo (1 to 1:30 hours)
Empresa Rojas, Nicoya Main Station, 400 meters east of the southeast corner of the park. Phone: +506 2685-5352. To Sámara takes about an hour and leaves at 5 a.m., 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and then every hour from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., then at 8 p.m. and at 9:45 p.m. BT: is at 5 a.m., 5:30 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., then every hour from 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. and then every hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. To Carrillo takes about 1 hour and 30 minute and leaves at 5 a.m., then every 2 hours from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. then at 11 a.m. 12 p.m., then every hour from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and at 9:45 p.m. BT: at 4:20 a.m., 4:45 a.m., 5:15 a.m., 6:16, a.m., 7:45 a.m., 9:45 a.m., then every hour from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. and then every hour from 2:45 p.m. 5:45 p.m.
San José – Nosara (6 hours)
Alfaro-Tracopa, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2222-2666. At 5:30 a.m. BT: at 12:30 p.m.
San José – Mal País – Montezuma (5 hours)
Transportes Rodriguez. Phone: +506 2642-0219. Direct bus to Puntarenas at 7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Take the Paquera Ferry and from there take Paquera-Cóbano bus which leaves at 4:30 a.m., 5:50 a.m., then every 2 hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. BT: 6:30 a.m., then every 2 hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Buses from the Caribbean:
San José – Guápiles (90 minutes)
Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Empresarios Guapileños, 11th Avenue, Central St., at the Caribbean Bus Terminal. Phone: +506 2222-2727. Leaves when full from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. BT: from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. the same. Weekends and holidays from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
San José – Siquirres (2 hours)
Empresarios Guapileños, 11th Avenue, Central St., at the Caribbean Bus Terminal. Phone: +506 2710-7780. Every hour from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. BT: the same but every 2 hours.
San José – Cariari – Tortuguero (2 hours)
Empresarios Guapileños, 11th Avenue, Central St., at the Caribbean Bus Terminal. Phone: +506 2710-7780. At 6:30 a.m., 10:30 am, 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. BT: every hour at 5:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Rubén Bananeros. Phone: +506 2709-8005. To Tortuguero must get off at the last stop in Cariari, take the bus going to La Guees at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., and then take a boat at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. BT: at 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. Boat at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
San José – Limón (3 hours)
Transportes Caribeños, 11th Avenue, Central St., at the Caribbean Bus Terminal. Phone: +506 2221-2596. Every hour from 5 a.m.to 7 p.m. BT: the same. There are direct and to stop by Guápiles or by Siquirres.
San José – Cahuita National Park – Puerto Viejo – Manzanillo – Sixaola Panamá Border (5 hours)
Transportes Mepe, 9th Avenue, 12th St., at the North Atlantic Bus Terminal. Phone: +506 2257-8129. At 6 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. BT: To Sixaola takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes and leaves every 2 hoursfrom 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and at 3 p.m. To Puerto Viejo leaves at 7:30 am, 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. To Cahuita takes about 3hours aernd 30 minutes and leaves at 8 am, 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Buses from Southern Zone:
San José – Los Santos (2 hours)
Empresa Los Santos, 16th Avenue, 19th and 21st St., in Barrio Luján. Phone: +506 2546-7248. Via Santa María de Dota, San Marcos de Tarrazú and San Pablo de León Cortés, at 6 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 9 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. BT: every 2 hours from 5:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. then at 12:40 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.
San José – San Isidro de El General and Chirripó National Park (3:30 hours)
MUSOC, 22nd and 24th Avenue, Central St. Phone: +506 2222-2422. Every hour from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. BT: the same from Monday through Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sundays from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. New Direct Executive Service takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes and leaves at 1 p.m. and at 4 p.m. BT: at 4:45 a.m. and 7 a.m. From San Isidro must catch the bus going to San Gerardo de Rivas, which is the National Park entrance. It leaves the Church at 5 a.m. and from the Municipal Market at 2 p.m.
San Isidro de El General – Coronado de Osa (3 hours)
Transportes Blanco, 300 meters south side of the Court Building or on the Interamerican Highway. Phone: +506 2771-4744. At 4 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m.
San Isidro de El General – Uvita (2 hours)
Transportes Blanco, 300 meters south side of the Court Building or on the Interamerican Highway. Phone: +506 2771-4744. At 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. BT: at 6 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.
San Isidro de El General – Dominical (1:30 hours)
Transportes Blanco, 300 meters south side of the Court Building or on the Interamerican Highway. Phone: +506 2771-4744. At 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. BT: at 6:45 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
San Isidro de El General – Quepos (1:30 hours)
Transportes Blanco, 300 meters south side of the Court Building or on the Interamerican Highway. Phone: +506 2771-4744. At 7 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
San José – Dominical – Uvita (6 hours)
Transportes Delio Morales, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 16th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2221-4214 / +506 2223-5567 / +506 2777-0318. At 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. BT: at 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
San José – Ciudad Cortés – Palmar (7 hours)
Empresa Tracopa-Alfaro, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2222-2666. At 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.
San José – Palmar Norte (6 hours)
Empresa Tracopa-Alfaro, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2223-7685. At 5 a.m., 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 7 a.m., 8:15 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.
San José – San Vito (7:30 hours)
Empresa Tracopa-Alfaro, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2222-2160. At 5:45 a.m., 8:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
San José – Paso Canoas, Panamá Border (8 hours)
Empresa Tracopa-Alfaro, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2221-4214. To David, Panamá at 5 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. BT: 8:30 a.m. At 5 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. BT: 4 a.m., 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
San José – Golfito (8 hours)
Empresa Tracopa-Alfaro, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José . Phone: +506 2221-4214. At 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
San José – Puerto Jiménez (8 hours)
Transportes Blanco, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2771-4744. At 12 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m.
Other bus services:
To learn about the international bus service is in Costa Rica click here.
To learn about the services of buses and private bus (shuttle) is in Costa Rica click here.
Costa Rica is well known as the “Central America Switzerland”, so it is no wonder that is one of the most beautiful and interesting destinations that exist today. But to get the most out of your experience in Costa Rica, you will have to travel through its highways, roads and rocky, mountainous trails over the country. This is why the easiest way to transported in Costa Rica is by making use of bus services that travel across the country.
Bus services as well as being cheap, are quite good. Costa Rica has a direct bus service that rarely stops until reaching their destinations, which cost a bit more. In the other hand, there are regular buses which stop at various points along the route. Similarly, there are private buses and minibuses, in which all passengers must be seated, which make the journey more pleasant and enjoyable, and is why they coasts a little more.
The fares of the buses are usually displayed in the bus windshield or window or in the interior over the head of the driver. This is because bus fares in Costa Rica are subject to frequent changes, as these are updated with recent increases approved by the ARESEP, which are published in “La Gaceta”. To learn about the current buses fares visit www.aresep.go.cr and click on Current Rates, Transport and Buses and find the route number you need. As the rates of the buses in Costa Rica are changing frequently, it is best to ask someone in the line or call ahead to find out the price with precision. In fact it is best to reserve tickets in advance, because if you arrive at the terminal a few minutes before, it is very unlikely to find space and you must have to wait for the next bus, or staying in a hotel until the next exit in the morning, especially when buses are traveling long distances outside the Central Valley or on weekends and holidays. For example, in the Holy Week dates such as Thursday and Friday (March-April) can be reduced the bus services on certain routes. The same happens during the week of Christmas and New Year, and also for this dates some bus companies provide no service at all.
Most buses depart from “La Coca Cola” (former bottling plant) between 1st and 3rd Avenue, 16th St., in San José center, but many others have their “stops” or terminals scattered throughout the city. Similarly, most buses operate until 10 pm, after that, you have the option of a taxi. The taxi fares are through the “María” or the taximeter, which starts at around 450 colones ($0.86) for the first mile and then 380 colones ($0.77) per kilometer within the additional Metropolitan Area.
Few drivers and ticket sellers speak another language than Spanish, so it’s important to get information in advance about where to find your bus departure and arrival times. When you’re ready to get off the bus, you must click one of the red buttons that are on the sides, pull the string or just yell “Parada, por favor!” (Stop, please!) and walk out at least a 100 meters (300 feet) before dropping.
The following directory is a complete, detailed and updated list of the bus services, with their respective timetables, routes and fares, where the symbol in the middle of BT means “Back Trip”.
Buses in the Central Valley:
San – Heredia
Rapiditos Heredianos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 1st St., San . Phone: 2233-8392. Stops in Tibás and also stops in Santo Domingo de Heredia. Every 5 minutes from 5:15 a.m. until midnight. BT: every 5 minutes from 4:30 a.m. 11:30 p.m. From Friday to Sunday every 30 minutes from midnight to 3 a.m. BT: the same.
Busetas Heredianas, 2nd Avenue, 12th and 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2261-7171. Every 5 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. BT: every 30 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Transportes Unidos La 400, 5th and 7th Avenue, 4th St., in San José. Phone: 2222-8986. By La Uruca every 5 minutes, from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. BT: from 4:20 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Heredia – Sacramento – Barva Volcano (1:45 pm)
8 km before the volcano on the west side of the Old Market last stop in Paso Llano. From Monday to Friday every hour from 5:20 a.m. to 6:20 a.m., then at 12 p.m. and at 4 p.m. BT: at 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturdays at 6 a.m., 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. BT: at 7:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sundays at 6:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. BT: at 7:50 a.m. 1 p.m. and 5:20 p.m.
San José – Alajuela, Juan Santamaria International Airport (35 minutes to 1 hour)
TUASA, 2nd Avenue, 12th and 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2442-6900. Every 5 minutes, from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. BT: the same, also for Heredia (Heredia-Alajuela-San José)
Station Wagon, 2nd Avenue, 2nd and 4th St., in San José. Phone: 8388-9263. Every 3 minutes, from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. Direct every 10 minutes from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. After midnight every 30 minutes. BT: every 3 minutes from 4:20 a.m. to 11 p.m., Direct every 5 minutes, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
San Jose – Poás Volcano (90 minutes)
TUASA, 2nd Avenue, 12th and 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2442-6900. At 8 a.m. BT: at 2:30 p.m.
San José – Grecia (70 minutes)
TUAN, west side of Abonos Agro in Barrio Mexico, San José. Phone: 2258-2004. Every 25 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 10:10 p.m. BT: every 25 minutes from 4:30 a.m.to 8:30 p.m. Sundays every 40 minutes from 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
San José – Sarchí (90 minutes)
TUAN, East side Abonos Agro in Barrio México, San José. Phone: 2258-2004. From Monday to Saturday at 12:15 p.m. BT: at 1:45 p.m. Sundays no bus.
San José – San Ramón (75 minutes)
Empresarios Unidos, 10th and 12th Avenue, 16th in San José. Phone: 2222-0064. Every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., every 45 minutes from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., every 30 minutes to 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. BT: every 30 minutes from 5 am to 8 p.m.
San José – Palmares (75 minutes)
Transportes Palmareños, 3rd and 5th Avenue,16th St., in San José. Phone: 2453-3808. Every hour from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 5:20 a.m., 5:35 a.m. and 6:15 a.m., then every hour until 8:10 p.m.
Auto Transportes Palmares, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 16th St., in San José. Phone: 2452-0518. Every hour from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. BT: every hour from 4:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
San José – Atenas
Coopetransatenas, 50 meters west of the Municipal Market. Phone: 2446-5767. From Monday to Friday every 30 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. every hour from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., every 30 minutes from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., every hour from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., every 15 minutes from 2:30 to 10 p.m. BT: every 15 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 7 am, every hour from 7 a.m. to 10 am, every hour from 10 am to 1 p.m., every 30 minutes from2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., every hour from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturdays and holidays every 30 minutes from 6:30 am to 7:30 a.m., every hour from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., every hour from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., then at 7p.m., at 8:30 p.m. and at 10 p.m. BT: every 15 minutes from 5:50 a.m. to 7 am, every hour from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and after 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sundays every 40 minutes from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., every hourfrom 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., every hour from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. BT: every hour from 6 a.m.to 10 a.m. and after 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Alajuela – Naranjo(90 minutes)
TUAN behind TUASA stop in Alajuela. Phone: 2441-3781. Every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. BT: the same
Alajuela – Fraijanes Lagoon (50 minutes)
Coopetransasi, South side of the TUASA stop in Alajuela. Phone: 2449-5141. Every hour from 6 am to 10:10 p.m. BT: same but until 9 p.m.
San José – Cartago
Lumaca S.A., 2nd Avenue, 3rd St., in San José. Phone: 2537-0347. Direct every 7 minutes from 4:45 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays every 30 minutes from 11:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. BT: the same thing every 45 minutes.
San José – Turrialba (Direct 1:40 pm, Regular 2 hours)
Transtusa, 6th and 8th Avenue, 13th St., in San José. Phone: 2556-4233. Every hour from 5:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. Direct every hour from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. BT: every hour from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday every hour from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Direct every hour from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays every hour from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Direct every hour from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
San José – Irazú Volcano (90 minutes)
Metropolitan buses, compared to Gran Hotel Costa Rica on 2nd Avenue, 1st and 3rd St., in San José. Phone: 2530-1064. Daily at 8 a.m. BT: 12:30 p.m.
Cartago – Orosi Valley (45 minutes)
Auto Transportes Mata, 200 meters east and 125 meters south of the Municipality. Phone: 2533-1916. From Monday to Friday every 15 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., every 30 minutes from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., every 15 minutes from 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., every 30 minutes from 7:30 p.m. to 10:25 p.m. BT: every 15 minutes from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m., every 30 minutes from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., every 15 minutes to 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., every 30 minutes from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays every 30 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 10 am, every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., every 30 minutes from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. BT: every 30 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 10 am, every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., every 30 minutes from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., every 20 minutes from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. BT: every 15 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., every 30 minutes from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cartago – Lankester Gardens (25 minutes)
Coopepar. Phone: 2574-6127. Every 10 minutes from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. BT: every 25 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Ask the driver where to stop and walk 800 m)
San José – San Ignacio de Acosta (90 minutes)
Transportes San Gabriel SA, 10th and 12th Avenue, 8th St., in San José. Phone: 2410-0330. By Aserrí, Tarbaca every hour from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. BT: every hour from 4:15 a.m. to 9 p.m. and until 8 p.m. on weekends.
Buses from the Central Pacific:
San José – Puntarenas (3 hours)
Empresarios Unidos, 10th and 12th Avenue, 16th St., in San José. Phone: 2222-0064. Every 2 hours from 4 am to 2 pm, then at 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Direct every hour from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. BT: the same except at 6 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Direct every hour from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m.
San José – Quepos / Manuel Antonio (3:30 pm)
Transportes Delio Morales, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 16th St., in San José. Phone: 2223-5567. At 6 a.m., 7 a.m., 10 a.m., then every hour from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Direct at 6 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. BT: at 6 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. It takes about 5 hours by Puriscal and leaves at 5:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. VT: 4:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
San José – Jacó (3 hours)
Transportes Jacó, 1st and 3rd Avenue, 16th St., in San José. Phone: 2223-1109. At 7:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Buses from the North Zone:
San José – Monteverde (2 hours)
Transportes Monteverde, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: 2222-3854. At 6:30 a.m. and at 2:30 p.m. BT: the same.
San José – Bagaces – La Fortuna – Guayabo – Aguas Claras (4:30 pm)
Transportes Upala, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: 2221-3318. At 5:30 a.m. and at 2 p.m.BT: at 4:30 a.m. and at 1:45 p.m.
San José – Río Frío of Sarapiquí (90 minutes)
Empresarios Guapileños, 11th Avenue, Central St., San José. Phone: 2710-7780. At 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. BT: at 5:45 a.m., 8:25 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:16 p.m.
San José – Puerto Viejo of Sarapiquí (2 hours)
Empresarios Guapileños, 11th Avenue, Central St.,San José. Phone: 2222-0610. At 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., then every hour from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. BT: at 5:30 a.m., 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. By Varablanca takes approximately about 3 hours and 30 minutes and leaves at 6 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., BT: at 5 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
San José – Guatuso (5 hours)
Auto Transportes San José-San Carlos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: 2255-4318. At 5 a.m., 8:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. BT: at 8 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. and 3 a.m.
San José – Upala, Nicaragua Border (5 hours)
Transportes Upala, 3rd and 5thAvenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: 2221-3318. By Cañas at 10:15 a.m., 3 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. BT: 4:30 a.m., 5:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. By Santa Cruz takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes and leaves at 3:45 p.m. BT: at 9 a.m.
San José – Los Chiles, Nicaragua Border (5:30 pm)
Auto Transportes San Carlos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: 2255-4318. At 5:30 a.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
San José – La Fortuna (4 hours)
Auto Transportes San José-San Carlos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: 2256-8914. At 6:15 a.m., 8:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. BT: at 12:45 p.m. and at 2:45 p.m.
San José – Pital (4 hours)
Auto Transportes San José-San Carlos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: 2256-8914. At 7:40 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. BT: at 6:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
San José – Ciudad Quesada (3 hours)
Auto Transportes San José-San Carlos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: 2256-8914. By Zarcero every 45 minutes from 5 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. BT: every 45 minutes from 5 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Cuidad Quesada – Pital (75 minutes)
Auto Transportes San José-San Carlos, , 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: 2256-8914. Every hour from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., then at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 12:40 p.m., 1 p.m., 1:40 p.m., 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. BT: In the Plaza of San Carlos every 30 minutes approximately from 4:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., then at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Ciudad Quesada – La Tigra (1 hour)
Transpisa, at the Municipal Bus Terminal. Phone: -8379-3153. At 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., then every hour from 4:30 p.m. to 6:60 p.m. BT: at 6 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Ciudad Quesada – La Fortuna (90 minutes)
Transpisa, at the Municipal Bus Terminal. Phone: -8379-3153. At 6 a.m., 6:30 a.m., then every hour from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. then at 12:15 p.m., 1p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:45 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. BT: at 4:50 a.m., 5:10 a.m., 5:40 a.m., then every hour from 6:30 a.m. 10:30 am to 12:15 pm, then at 3:15 pm, 4:40 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Ciudad Quesada – Puerto Viejo of Sarapiquí (2:30 pm)
Empresarios Guapileños, Ciudad Quesada Terminal. Phone: 2766-6141. At 4:40 a.m., 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, then every hour from 4:30 pm to 6:30 p.m. VV: at 5:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 2:30 pm and then every hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Buses in Guanacaste:
San José – Santa Cruz (4 to 5:30 pm)
Alfaro-Tracopa, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2222-2666. At 6:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. BT: at 5:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Tralapa, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 20th St., in San José. Phone: 2223-5859. By Tempisque Bridge takes about 4 hours and leaves at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. BT: at 3 a.m., 5 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. By Liberia takes about 4 hours and leaves at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. By Flamingo at 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. BT: at 4:30 a.m., 5 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and2 p.m. By Flamingo at 5 p.m.
San José – Tilarán (4 hours)
Auto Transportes Tilarán, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: 2222-3854. At 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 3:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 7 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
San José – Liberia (4:30 pm)
Pulmitan, 5th and 7th Avenue, 24th St., in San José. Phone: 2222-1650. Every hour from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays only the same plus at 8 p.m. Direct at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. BT: every hour from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m., then every 2 hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
San José – Brasilito / Conchal – Flamingo –Panamá Beach (5 hours)
Tralapa, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 20th St., in San José. Phone: 2221-7202. To Brasilito, Flamingo and Conchal takes about 5 hours and leaves at 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. BT: 2:45 a.m., 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. To Panamá Beach takes about 5 hours and leaves at 3:30 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m.
San José – Playas del Coco (5 hours)
Pulmitan, 5th and 7th Avenue, 24th St., in San Jose. Phone: 2222-1650. At 8 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. BT: at 4 a.m., 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.
San José – Tamarindo (5 to 6:30 hours)
Alfaro-Tracopa, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2222-2666. By Tempisque Bridge takes about 5 hours and leaves at 8:30 a.m. By Liberia takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes and leaves at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. BT: by Tempisque Bridge is at 3:30 a.m., 5:45 a.m. and 2 p.m.
San José – Coyote Beach , Caletas Beach and Bejuco Beach (6 hours)
ARSA, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: 2258-3883. At 6 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. BT: at 2:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
San José – La Cruz – Peñas Blancas, Nicaragua Border (5 hours)
Transport Deldú, 1st Avenue,20th St.,in San José. Phone: 2256-9072. At 5 am, 7 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 1:20 pm and 4:10 p.m. BT: at 5:15 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Sundays start at 3:30 a.m.
San José – Cañas – Upala (6 hours)
Auto Transportes Tilarán, 1st and 3rdAvenue, 16th St., 150 meters north of San Juan de Dios Hospital in San José. Phone: 2258-5792. At 5:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 11:50 a.m., 12:20 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. BT: at 4 a.m., 4:50 a.m., 5:40 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 11:20 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. To Upala leaves at 6 a.m. BT: at 2 p.m.
Buses of the Nicoya Peninsula:
San José – Nicoya (4 hours)
Empresa Alfaro-Tracopa, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2685-5032. By Tempisque Bridge takes about 4 hours and leaves at 5:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m., then every 2 hours from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m. BT: at 3 a.m., 4:30 a.m., 5:15 a.m., 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 12 p.m., 2:45 p.m. and 5 p.m. To Liberia takes about 6 hours and leaves at 9 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. BT: 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Nicoya – Nosara – Garza – Guiones (2:30 pm)
Empresa Rojas, at the Nicoya Main Station, 400 meters east of the southeast corner of the park. Phone: 2686-9089. At 5 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 7 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to Garza and to Guiones takes about 2 hours.
San José – Sámara (5:30 pm)
Empresa Alfaro-Tracopa, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2685-5032. At 12 p.m. and 6:60 p.m. BT: at 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. Sunday at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Sámara – Playa Carrillo (1 to 1:30 pm)
Empresa Rojas, Nicoya Main Station, 400 meters east of the southeast corner of the park. Phone: 2685-5352. To Sámara takes about an hour and leaves at 5 a.m., 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and then every hour from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., then at 8 p.m. and at 9:45 p.m. BT is at 5 a.m., 5:30 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., then every hour from 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. and then every hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.To Carrillo takes about1 hour and 30 minute and leaves at 5 a.m., then every 2 hours from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. then at 11 a.m. 12 p.m., then every hour from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and at 9:45 p.m. BT: at 4:20 a.m., 4:45 a.m., 5:15 a.m., 6:16, a.m., 7:45 a.m., 9:45 a.m., then every hour from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. and then every hour from 2:45 p.m. 5:45 p.m.
San José – Nosara (6 hours)
Alfaro-Tracopa, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2222-2666. At 5:30 a.m. BT: at 12:30 p.m.
San José – Mal País – Montezuma (5 hours)
Transportes Rodriguez. Phone: 2642-0219. Direct bus to Puntarenas at 7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Take the Paquera Ferry and from there take Paquera-Cóbano bus which leaves at 4:30 a.m., 5:50 a.m., then every 2 hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. BT: 6:30 a.m., then every 2 hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Buses of the Caribbean:
San José – Guápiles (90 minutes)
Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Empresarios Guapileños, 11th Avenue, Central St., at the Caribbean Bus Terminal. Phone: 2222-2727. Leaves when full from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. BT: from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. the same. Weekends and holidays from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
San José – Siquirres (2 hours)
Empresarios Guapileños, 11th Avenue, Central St., at the Caribbean Bus Terminal. Phone: 2710-7780. Every hour from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. BT: the same but every 2 hours.
San José – Cariari – Tortuguero (2 hours)
Empresarios Guapileños, 11th Avenue, Central St., at the Caribbean Bus Terminal. Phone: 2710-7780. At 6:30 a.m., 10:30 am, 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. BT: every hour at 5:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Rubén Bananeros. Phone: 2709-8005. To Tortuguero must get off at the last stop in Cariari, take the bus going to La Guees at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., and then take a boat at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. BT: at 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. Boat at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
San José – Limón (3 hours)
Transportes Caribeños, 11th Avenue, Central St., at the Caribbean Bus Terminal. Phone: 2221-2596. Every hour from 5 a.m.to 7 p.m. BT: the same. There are direct and to stop by Guápiles or by Siquirres.
San José – Cahuita National Park – Puerto Viejo – Sixaola Panamá Border (5 hours)
Transportes Mepe, Transportes Caribeños, 11th Avenue, Central St., at the Caribbean Bus Terminal. Phone: 2257-8129. At 6 a.m., 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. BT: To Sixaola takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes and leaves every 2 hoursfrom 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and at 3 p.m. To Puerto Viejo leaves at 7:30 am, 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. To Cahuita takes about 3hours and 30 minutes and leaves at 8 am, 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Buses from South Zone:
San José – Los Santos (2 hours)
Empresa Los Santos, 16th Avenue, 19th and 21st St., in Barrio Luján. Phone: 2546-7248. Via Santa María de Dota, San Marcos de Tarrazú and San Pablo de León Cortés, at 6 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 9 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. BT: every 2 hours from 5:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. then at 12:40 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.
San José – San Isidro de El General and Chirripó National Park (3:30 pm)
MUSOC, 22nd and 24th Avenue, Central St. Phone: 2222-2422. Every hour from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. BT: the same from Monday through Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sundays from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. New Direct Executive Service takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes and leaves at 1 p.m. and at 4 p.m. BT: at 4:45 a.m. and 7 a.m. From San Isidro must catch the bus going to San Gerardo de Rivas, which is the National Park entrance. It leaves the Church at 5 a.m. and from the Municipal Market at 2 p.m.
San Isidro de El General – Coronado de Osa (3 hours)
Transportes Blanco, 300 meters south side of the Court Building or on the Interamerican Highway. Phone: 2771-4744. At 4 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m.
San Isidro de El General – Uvita (2 hours)
Transportes Blanco, 300 meters south side of the Court Building or on the Interamerican Highway. Phone: 2771-4744. At 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. BT: at 6 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.
San Isidro de El General – Dominical (1:30 pm)
Transportes Blanco, 300 meters south side of the Court Building or on the Interamerican Highway. Phone: 2771-4744. At 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. BT: at 6:45 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
San Isidro de El General – Quepos (1:30 pm)
Transportes Blanco, 300 meters south side of the Court Building or on the Interamerican Highway. Phone: 2771-4744. At 7 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
San José – Ciudad Cortés – Palmar
Empresa Tracopa-Alfaro, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2222-2666. At 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.
San José – Palmar Norte (6 hours)
Empresa Tracopa-Alfaro, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2223-7685. At 5 a.m., 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 7 a.m., 8:15 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.
San José – San Vito (7:30 am)
Empresa Tracopa-Alfaro, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2222-2160. At 5:45 a.m., 8:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
San José – Paso Canoas, Panamá Border (8 hours)
Empresa Tracopa-Alfaro, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2221-4214. To David, Panamá at 5 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. BT: 8:30 a.m. At 5 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. BT: 4 a.m., 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
San José – Golfito (8 hours)
Empresa Tracopa-Alfaro, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José . Phone: 2221-4214. At 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
San José – Puerto Jiménez (8 hours)
Transportes Blanco, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: 2771-4744. At 12 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m.
recycle waste and garbage generated at home, begin to qualify, that’s the key.
metal and cardboard.
economic source of the country. Large coffee crop in the last century, have been responsible for the Costa Rican development. Sugar cane, coffee and banana were the other mainstays of the national economy. After this another crops has being taking power, such as the cultivation of grains, vegetables, legumes, fruits and tobacco, which have given autonomy to the nation. Cocoa, pineapple and cotton have also
had a relative development, the first in the Atlantic coast and the other in the plains of northwest and northeast, in the provinces of Guanacaste and Alajuela.
Bribrís are settled in that territory, being in the Talamanca Bribrí Territory inhabited by the indigenous majority around 6467.
preserved by them for centuries. The Bribrís practices an animist religion based on an indigenous shamanism, being one of the oldest religions still practiced in Costa Rica. Their beliefs are based on the cult of Sibú and the Bribrí society structuring in clan.
Museums offer more than samples of art, history and science to every place, because those visitors may also participate in workshops, concerts and plays. Costa Rica has a rich history that is well represented in its museums with objects and findings since the pre-Columbian times with their customs, traditions and handicrafts, made in gold, jade and stone, until the conquests time, the colonial time and even the present time. Most are located in the Central Valley, but are equally throughout the country.
at a moment in which liberal ideas and principles of peace, progress and education material, characterized the society of 1880, where the laws related to education and the creation of cultural institutions prompted the birth of the museum. As an institution the museum belonged to the Development Ministry, to the University of Costa Rica and then again to the Education Ministry so that finally in the 1970s, became part of the Ministry of Culture and Youth.
1870 and in 1876 purchased the Costa Rican educator Don Mauro Fernández. The property was vacant from 1910 to 1914. In 1914 the government of Alfredo González Flores purchased it for the purpose of using it as barracks. In 1948 it stopped to serve as barracks, this is when the army was abolished as a permanent institution, and it became an education and cultural center, hosting since then The National Museum.
reflect the worldview, social structure, and jewelery from pre-Columbian people that lived in the actual Costa Rican territory.
The currency history in Costa Rica, from the “Real” to the “Colón”, is the new permanent exhibit at the Jaime Solera Bennett Numismatics Museum. This exhibit shows the evolution of the various means of exchange since 1502 until today, in a very dynamic way. The tour explains about money and its use, and portrays a very interesting history of the country’s currency as the use of barter, the use of metallic coins which had its beginnings in the colonial period, the use of foreign coins and coffee and banana tickets, the issue of banknotes of different banks until the Central Bank consolidation, the symbolism shown in coins and bills, among other interesting topics. The most beautiful and valuable coins, bills, dies and coffee and bananas tickets from the Central Bank’s collection are displayed in this exhibition.
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