Bus transportation in Costa Rica can be a practical solution to the question: “How to get around in Costa Rica?” If you have the time and are willing to put up with inconveniences, the country offers an extensive public transit system. Bus transportation in Costa Rica can be an exciting adventure. Immersed among the population going about their daily affairs, you are bound to have unique experiences you would not be exposed to, traveling in a tour group or rental vehicle. Traveling by bus will open a window to special insights of Costa Rican culture as you share your travel time with the local population.
Costa Rican Bird Feeder
The buses transport students to and from school, individuals to and from work, and locals heading out to shop, visit, run errands or making their way home. Because the bus transportation is inexpensive and relatively efficient you will see fellow tourists as well. No doubt the budget minded traveler with more time than money may find bus transportation in Costa Rica an attractive alternative to renting a vehicle. This more so if they are headed for a location like the beach, where a rental vehicle might be parked unused for days. Why pay for something you are not using as much as you thought you would? Even the cost of “a great deal” on a car rental inflates when the insurance costs are tacked on. Saving those costs makes bus travel a lucrative alternative.
Seated among the locals you have a front seat view of their daily lives. When you get a front, or window seat you will have a scenic view as well. While you don’t have the option to get out whenever you wish a closer view of something, you still at least get to see it and if it works out, you can plan to come back at a later date. Buses that travel longer distances will often stop to provide for meal and bathroom breaks. You can get off the bus, stretch your legs and sample the local cuisine. Often local vendors will be selling snacks, drinks and fruit. Don’t be surprised if they get on the bus to travel a short way and sell you their wares.
Palm Trees at Playa Carillo
It is a good idea and often necessary to buy your ticket ahead of time. For longer trips, your ticket not only reserves you a place on the bus, it assigns you a seat as well. If the seats are sold out, a ticket can guarantee you standing room. The location of the bus stations depend on your destination. You should be able to get this information from the internet or the local population.
Always keep a close eye on your luggage and carry your valuables on your person and out of sight. A soft comfortable money belt like Rick Steves Silk Money Belt
To sum it up, bus transportation in Costa Rica allows you to extend your travel budget, sight see, travel to your destination, and mingle with the local population. If you have the time, are personally flexible and do not mind the inflexibility of bus schedules and schedule changes, why not hop on board and test drive bus transportation in Costa Rica?
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