Getting Around

To save time, many people take domestic flights to their ultimate destination. SANSA flies to various destinations from its hubs in San José's Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría and Liberia's Aeropuerto Internacional Daniel Oduber Quirós. Nature Air flies out of San José's domestic airport, tiny Aeropuerto Tobias Bolaños. Both offer flights to resort areas, especially those near the beaches. Regional airports are very small, sometimes with no terminal at all and a staff that arrives at about the same time as the plane.

Costa Rican towns are connected by regular bus service. Buses between major destinations have comfortable seats and air-conditioning. If you have to transfer along the way, you may get a converted school bus cooled only by the tropical breezes. If you're traveling a long distance, make sure to request a directo (express) bus. Otherwise you may stop in every small town along the way.

The country's recently improved highway system means renting a car is a great way to get around. You can travel on your own schedule, stopping where you like. San José and Liberia have rental desks; at smaller airports a representative will meet you and drive you to the nearby office.