Exploring Costa Rica by bus is a safe, practical and economical way to see the country. Costa Rica has a very efficient bus system with comfortable - late model buses bound for most popular tourist destinations.  However, before going into the Coca Cola or the 'Zona Roja' area of San Jose to buy bus tickets or board a bus here is what they experts say:

Frommers 'Pickpockets and purse stashers are rife in San Jose'

The Lonely Planet 'In recent years thefts from travelers happen around the Coca Cola...'

Explore Costa Rica  'Petty crime can be a problem in the city (San Jose) day or night - and tourists are the obvious target.  Main trouble areas are around the Coca-Cola bus terminal...

The Tico Times 'Its easy to get lost and not to hard to get robbed around the Coca-Cola bus terminal and the 'red light district' of San Jose from where many of the provincial buses leave. Yet visitors who plan to explore the country by bus need to go there twice - once to buy their tickets, which often need to be purchased the day before, and once to catch the bus...

The New Key to Costa Rica 'A Safe Passage is designed to save tourists the trouble (and danger) of going to San Jose bus terminals in advance'.

Pick-Up and Deliver

Our Pick Up and Deliver is our most popular option. It is the fastest, safest and easiest way to get from the San Jose International airport (SJO) and on your bus.

When you book our Pick up and Deliver we will pick you up when you arrive and take you to a local bus stop and get you on your bus where we are with you until you board. And time permitting, we can take you by the bank, market and to get something to eat before you start your journey. Your ticket and ground transportation are included. 

'It was great getting off the plane and on to the bus. By picking us up at the airport and taking us to the bank and the market then to the bus you saved us a least a day in San Jose and we gained another day to surf. I will tell anyone I know coming to Costa Rica to use your service.'  Steve S. - Saskatchewan Canada

'What a great idea.  After traveling all night and facing a 5 hour wait from all we read we dreaded the thought of just sitting in a San Jose bus station with all of our luggage before our 4 hour on the bus ride.  Your Waiting Room was just perfect for us.' David P.  Manchester, England

The Waiting Room

We know traveling can be a tiring ordeal, especially after a long flight and having to wait hours before a bus. Our Waiting Room option was developed so you can get some sleep, shower and shave before continuing your journey. Or you can simply use the hotel as a drop off location so you can get out and explore!

After you rested and before boarding your bus, we will take you by the bank where you can get a favorable exchange, to the market so you can get some snacks or fruit for your trip and for a delicious lunch before getting on the road. Naturally, lunch is included. 

Why wait for hours at a bus stop when you can kick back, have some fun and enjoy a typical meal before your journey?  In opting for a Waiting Room you will be well rested and ready to better enjoy your journey.

   Add $30 per person / $45 per couple 

Ticket Delivery to Alajuela Hotels

Both seasoned travelers and popular travel guides advise 'it is best to purchase your bus ticket in advance as buses sometimes run full to popular tourist destinations.' With a ticket in hand you are able to go to a local stop, board the bus and be guaranteed your seat. Without a ticket you face the possibility of riding standing up or waiting for another bus.

Our new Ticket Delivery is a service in which we purchase your ticket in advance and have it waiting for you at a participating Alajuela area hotel. Alajuela is 5 minutes from the airport and buses to many tourists destinations stop in or close to Alajuela in route. 

$25 per person / $40 per couple

Onward Bus Ticket / Journey International

If you are flying into Costa Rica and are planning on travelling to another Central American country by bus, we can purchase your onward ticket in advance and fax you a copy and have the original here when you arrive. If you are flying on a one way ticket you will need proof of onward travel to enter Costa Rica.  We purchase tickets to all destinations served by Tica Bus, Nica Bus, Nica Expreso, PanaLine and Tracopa.

You need to be aware that International buses often fill and it is required that you purchase your ticket in advance in order to travel. If you are traveling in peak seasons such as the Christmas Holidays or Semana Santa, it is best that you arrange to have your tickets purchased a few weeks in advance. 

With our Journey International Package we can also provide you with lodging at a local hotel the night before you travel then take you into San Jose the next morning and get you on your bus. Contact us for more information.

For entry into Costa Rica, U.S. citizens must present valid passports that will not expire for at least thirty days after arrival, and a roundtrip or outbound (onward) ticket. Airlines should not permit passengers to board flights to Costa Rica without a roundtrip ticket unless they have Costa Rican residency or visa. Check here for entry requirements for different countries and other Costa Rica information.