"In San José, high-risk

areas for theft include the

Coca Cola bus station,

the inner downtown area,..."

The Canadian Embassy

"Pickpockets and purse

slashers are rife in San Jose....

Stay away from the

red-light district...."

Frommers

 Costa Rica Bus Service

Traveling Costa Rica by bus can be an inexpensive, practical, enjoyable experience. Most buses are comfortable and modern, the service is reliable, and bus routes reach even the remote, quaint pueblos. However, for tourists, getting from the airport to the right San Jose bus station and catching a bus can be confusing, time consuming and risky.

Travel guides and local publications warn that San Jose’s bus terminals are a problem:

"Be aware that the Coca Cola Bus Terminal is located in San Jose’s Coca Cola district–... one of San Jose’s most notorious areas for pickpocketing and petty theft. Much of this crime is directed towards tourists and travelers, especially in and around the San Jose bus terminal itself."

About.com - Central America Travel

"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."

Tico Times

The Recommended Solution

  • "An excellent way of avoiding the hassle of public buses is to book your onward travel through A Safe Passage" Lonely Planet

  • "A Safe Passage is designed to save tourists the trouble of going to San Jose bus terminals." The New Key to Costa Rica

  • "...you should stay clear of the old Coca-Cola area. A Safe Passage can help you out."  Hunter Guide

For over a decade, we have offered the safe, easy, reliable way for travelers to get from the airport and on the right bus. Our innovative HomeBase program is also an excellent way to start and end your vacation.

If you are planning to travel Costa Rica by bus, consider A Safe Passage. We are here, experienced, and at your service.

Costa Rica’s San Jose airport can be daunting for travelers who are overwhelmed by independent porters and taxi drivers harassing new arrivals. To avoid the hassles and confusion, we will meet you at the Malinche Restaurante. It is a short, two-minute walk from the restricted area but miles away from the fray.

This was the perfect. We just walked passed the people yelling at us offering rides and we went straight to the restaurant, had lunch and got on the internet."

Shannon P.

 

The Malinche Restaurante is a great place to relax in air conditioned comfort before the next leg of your trip. They offer inexpensive, “fast, good and healthy” food and a free Wi-Fi connection so your can let family and friends know you arrived. And don't worry if you arrive late. We will do everything possible to get you on your bus. 

Book Pick Up and Delivery

Ticket Only - Catching the Bus on Your Own

If you want to catch the bus on your own, we can purchase your bus ticket in advance and leave it at "will call" or your Alajuela hotel. With a pre-purchased ticket, your seat is resrverd. If you are staying in Alajulea, you may be able to can catch your bus at the local bus station or flag it down at the highway bus stop.

"If you’re traveling outside San José, it is recommended to buy your tickets in advance. Buses often fill up, especially on weekends and holidays." 

CostaRicaTraveler.com

Be aware that buses do sell out. Travelers without tickets may have to travel a day later, ride standing up, or pay a taxi to take them to their destination. With your ticket purchased in advance through A Safe Passage, your seat will be reserved for the time and date you request. If you are staying in an Alajuela hotel, and are on a bus headed north or west of San Jose, we can arrange for you to be picked up en route.   

Book Ticket Only

HomeBase - A Great Way to Start

Our HomeBase service provides safe, convenient first and last night’s lodging in a local B&B, hotel, or hostel in Alajuela. Known as the Mango City, Alajuela is five minutes from the airport, and en route to many of the country's popular destinations. Its peaceful charm and variety of local restaurants make it a great place to relax, unwind, and explore before and after your travels.

Depending on the kind of vacation you wish to enjoy, where to stay options for every kind of traveler can be found throughout Alajuela.

www.govisitcostarica.com

With a HomeBase, you will enjoy a taste of Costa Rica shortly after you arrive. We will point out Tico restaurants, answer your questions, and get you ready for your journey. When you return from your travels, your room will be ready, and we'll arrange to take you to the airport the next day.

Book HomeBase

A Safe Passage

The safest, fastest and easiest way to get from the airport and to your Costa Rica destination.

Since 1999

 

Costa Rica Bus Tickets

Email: rchoice@racsa.co.cr

Telephone: 011.506.8365.9678  / 2440.2414

970.439.5446 - USA