www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I have noticed on several posts recently mentions of riding with "Juan Carlos for $17" and other statements that make it seem like there is a special ride arrangement from the airport to the sportsmans lodge. Am I just misunderstanding something? Which is the best way to go, taxi, bus, or private ride? (I'll be staying at the sportsmans on my upcoming virgin trip).

You can several options: taxi, hotel pickup, private pickup, and Interbus. I won't even mention bus for obvious reasons.

Taxi's (easiest option) are the orange-colored ones parked just outside of the terminal. Once you get outside, you'll probably be approached by a driver (they usually have an ID badge around their neck). He'll direct you to pay at the taxi booth window. It should be $18-19, no more than $20.

You can also arrange a hotel pickup thru Sportsmens, just email them. The cost is $20.

Juan Carlos is a driver many CRT know who does pickups. I don't know what deal people make with him, it's all negotiable. You can PM those who posted his name for info.

Interbus is a shuttle service that costs only $6. It's cheap, but you hay have to wait for other passengers and then make stops at other hotels to drop people off before yours, so it will take longer than a taxi. Also, you have to book them at least 3-4 days in advance at www.interbusonline.com

My suggestion, take a taxi. Easiest and fastest to your hotel.

I'd have to 2nd Orange...

as you get outside, make a hard left, and go to the people behind the booth. They setup the taxi for you...

I've never paid more than 18, and gotten away with as little as 14...



Having said that, I'm renting a car from now on... I can't believe how cheap I can rent one ($13 / day) and I can EASILY spend that much in taxi's over a 3 day trip... (20 each way to airport, plus several taxis throughout the trip)...

And for me driving in CR is EASY..... But I learned how to drive in Mexico City, and graduated to driving in Rio...

QBF,
Heads up. Make sure you know exactly what you're getting into with the rental company. In CR, the insurance is different than good old Hertz. If you get into an accident, return the car with any damage, or have it stolen, you'll be paying dearly out of pocket.

We rented a car on my first trip. They authorized my CC for $1500 just in case, even though I bought the overpriced insurance. That's the deductible you'll pay if there's a scratch on the car.

In the end, you really don't save anything. Gas is more expensive there. You'll pay for parking, which is cheap but adds up. And with insurance on top of the $13 plus other crap they throw in, it'll be like $30-40/day. We paid $350/9 days at Dollar Rent-a-car.

Ah, don't forget the bribe for the cop if you get pulled over for DWG.

Never again!

I can't say enough good things about either of these gentlemen. I met them through my first trips to CR while staying at SL and even though I have moved onto other venues, I use these guys exclusively for transportation. I would recommend using them for Airport pickup and transport to hotels. Nothing like first class service, there when you land and ready to go. If you need stops by a bank to exhange money or a quick trip to a pharmacy for your favorite pills, the 20 you spend if for an hour, so a little extra running around is no problem.

Interbus $6, can't beat it. Book in advance.

I agree, have used them twice since Feb and the service has been great.

For the the more adventurous and certainly not appropriate for a virgin trip - the local bus can take you to San Jose for 355 colones. There are also buses to take you to Heredia, Alejuela and prob mor of the nearby destinations. I've never actually taken it - but found it when my flight home was delayed and I wandered around the airport a bit. (Looking for a cheaper Imperial of course)

The bus stop is on the spur road to the airport on the Eastbound (Airport) direction. I sat and watched the goings on and it looked OK - normal bus operations and safe. May check it out next trip - and spend the savings at Europa2000.

Phoenix Rising

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Why settle for just one woman when you can enjoy them all?

thought about taking the bus in march than figured Im paying the 18 dollars for an escort to the hotel. I think you will stick out with the suitcase in tow.

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But mama, that's where the fun is

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