www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I always take the bus both ways if it is still running. Carry my bag on if not crowded. Never had a problem storing it under either.rbc100

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In Search of Fine Kittens,
Please... Bring back the Muff

Your guess would be wrong. The reason that I went to the airport to pick up a car is not because of traffic ( I live in traffic daily), but because they wouldn't let me return the car at the airport if I rented from Paseo Colon. Not even for a fee. And I didn't want to drop off the car at PC on my departure day, then have to drag my suitcases (and K*ds) around to catch a cab. I preferred to go to the airport rental car place (you only pay the airport tax if you have them shuttle you from the terminal) by bus and pick up the car and then be able to drop it off there.

Another thing, I never stated or meant to imply that the bus was "dangerous" as Prolijo has gone out of his way to point out ( ). I said there was a chance somebody could swipe your bag, even if the chance is small. The main reason against it would be having to drag your bag(s) behind you from airport to bus, the having to catch a taxi. It may be worth it to some to save $18-20, not to me.

If you look back I said it was only "my guess", but apparently I was at least right about your actually going to one of the nearby rental car lots rather than to the terminal itself and that commentary was really only tangential to the main point we've been discussing any way. If you also look back, while you never exactly said it was "dangerous", I never said you did either. OTOH, you DID say "It's not worth risking all my shit to save a few pennies", which does imply serious "danger" to "all" your personal belongings (rather than what you're now much more accurately describing as a "small chance") AND which grossly understates the cost savings (which you're now much more accurately describing as "$18-20").

I would actually describe that "chance" as infinitesimally small to the point of not really being a serious consideration. I'd give what you describe as "having to drag your bag(s) behind you from airport to bus, the having to catch a taxi" as being a much more likely consideration (and have already said as much). But, even there, the extra distance that one has to "drag" their bags is not much different than the distance one ALREADY has to "drag" their checked luggage from the baggage claim to the front exit of the terminal and MUCH less than the distance one ALREADY has to "drag" their carryon bags from the arrival gate. And the difficulty in catching one of the dozen or so cabs that are nearly always waiting at the final bus terminal near Parque Merced is no more difficult than catching one at the airport (the only difference there is that the fare will be less than $2 instead of over $20). I might also add that, unlike the sidewalks downtown, the one from the airport exit doors to the curbside bus stop is as smooth as a ribbon and most guys who are physically challenged by carrying large bags usually have wheeled luggage which would make "dragging" their bag that extra distance really no big deal.

OTOH, I'll grant you that being outside for that 50-75 yards, instead of inside an airconditioned airport, won't be quite as pleasant, particularly if it is excessively hot and/or rainy and there is also the longer time factor due to waiting for the bus and the several stops along the way (which you didn't even mention). So I'd never say taking the bus is for everyone or for every circumstance.

HOWEVER I wouldn't so quickly dismiss it for most people or situations either as you seem to be doing. Once again, IMHO, your depiction of the "difficulties" or trade-offs involved in taking the bus vs. taking a cab belie a personal bias you have against it and don't fairly or accurately describe the real differences. Actually, I think most people should try taking the bus for themselves at least once and decide for themselves how much more arduous it actually is. Naturally, YMMV, but that's the way I see it.

i survived the bandit's...taking the bus from the airport

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Jaco is called little USA by all ticos

But how hard was it for you to drag all that larger luggage?

Very easy,in fact i have been taking the bus everyday here in san jose to allsort's of place's...escazu bus even had a flat screen t.v. to watch onboard,255 colones each way,cartago 505 colones each way,bought my large suitcase onboard from airport,only a few passengers heading into san jose...

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Jaco is called little USA by all ticos

I always take the express bus if it is still running both ways. It is actually quite few pennies cheaper so to speak,$.75 for the bus versus what ever it is for a taxi these days. Takes about 25 min and never have to wait more than 5 min or so. If it isn't busy take my small bag and backpack on or if full stow undeneath. Never had a problem.rbc100

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In Search of Fine Kittens,
Please... Bring back the Muff