How to Navigate the Bus System in Costa Rica Like a Pro

An Easy Guide for Travelers

If you're heading to Costa Rica and want to see the country without breaking the bank, the bus system is the way to go. I was super nervous about this but with the help of my first AirBnB host, I was able to navigate perfectly.

Traveling by bus is scenic, affordable, and surprisingly extensive. But... it's also a little old-school, with different terminals, few online schedules, and a "figure it out as you go" kind of charm.

I know it sound confusing, no worries—this guide will help you travel like a local from coast to coast.

Major Bus Terminals in San José

Since most routes begin and end in San José, it's important to know which terminal to go to. There's no central station, so different companies run from different terminals.

Popular Bus Routes & Prices

Buy tickets at the terminal (especially for Tracopa and MEPE), or reserve online for some companies like Tracopa or Ticabus (international).

Terminal Name	Destinations	Google Maps Link
Terminal 7-10	Sarapiquí, Guápiles	View Map
Caribeños (Caribe Terminal)	Puerto Viejo (Talamanca), Limón	View Map
Terminal Tracopa	Uvita, Dominical, Manuel Antonio	View Map
Terminal Alfaro	Nicoya, Tamarindo, Nosara	View Map
Terminal Coca-Cola	Various Central Valley towns	View Map
Terminal TUASA	Alajuela, Puerto Viejo (MEPE)	View Map
MEPE	Alajuela, Puerto Viejo (MEPE)	View Map

Do Buses Have Bathrooms? Do They Make Stops?

• Onboard bathrooms? Almost never.

• Scheduled stops? Yes, especially on rides longer than 3 hours. Expect 1 rest stop where you can use the restroom and grab a snack.

• Terminal bathrooms? Usually available, sometimes for a small fee (~₡200 or 30¢ USD). Have your travel toilet paper with you for these situations.

• Snacks on board? Bring your own—there’s no service like on planes.

What to Expect on the Bus

• Comfort: Varies by company. Tracopa/Mepe is generally comfy with A/C. Local buses are more basic.

• Luggage: Store big bags underneath; get a luggage tag. Keep valuables with you on the bus.

• Tickets: Buy early in high season (Dec–April & July), or arrive 30–60 minutes before departure.

• Language barrier? Many agents speak Spanish— Make sure you have "googletranslate" downloaded on your phone.

P.S.- Rome2Rio is a great app to familiarize yourself with different routes and different ways to travel those routes. You can book through them as well. I have used the the app on several different occasions and it is very helpful.