www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Hello guys,

While researching budget transportation from San Jose to other points, I came across this website:

http://costaricabustickets.com/about_bus.htm

I was shocked at their front-page contention that "most deaths to American tourists happen near the CocaCola bus terminal," which is why they sell public bus tickets (average cost $5.00) for up to $40.00 each, including delivery service and transportation from airport to the waiting buses.

I've never walked around the CocaCola terminal area, which I believe is in the NW quadrant of the downtown San Jose grid.
Is the crime situation around the CocaCola all that bad?

Even in the U.S., Greyhound stations are not located in the best parts of any city, but this looks like a pile of hype to me. Obviously, ticos still travel the buses every day, as do thousands of gringo tourists.

Veterans who take these buses are encouraged to reply, particularly if you've used Transportes Morales S.A. to get to Jaco/Quepos/manuel Antonio.

Thanks.

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Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

It is not a good neighbothood but I have certainly seen worse.I have traveled form there numerous times and never had any kind of problem.Taxis will take you right where you need to go to get tickets.Also taxis are always right there waiting when your bus comes in to take you where ever.It is not the kind of place where it would be wise to walk much past dark but that covers a lot off San Jose.You see few typical american tourist using the buses but a good many of Europeans and backpackers.It is a very efficient way to travel on a budget especailly the express buses.rbc100

I'd like to second what RBC just said. The link you cited was from an outfit that is trying to sell you on their service to buy tickets for you (for a huge premium). What else would you expect them to say? The bus stations are located in various locations around SJ, but many of the stops are in the Coca Cola area which is just west of the Mercado Central, not the safest area in general, but not the worst area if you keep your wits about you and avoid it after dark. Most of the time you'll be taking the bus during the daytime anyway, though you may arrive back in town in the early evening. It is easy to get a cab there, but you MIGHT have to wait a few minutes after you arrive back unless you're quick since others on your bus may be trying to catch cabs at the same time. The other problems that site mentioned are much more apt than the safety issue. On popular routes at busy times of the year or week, its a good idea to purchase your tickets in advance. Its also a good idea to get to the station early so you can get a good seat at such times. The front seats provide a much smoother ride and also enable you to get off the bus ahead of the other passengers so you can grab your luggage before someone else does. The last thing you want to have happen is arrive right before departure and end up having to stand. You see, there's nothing to worry about. Really, I highly recommend taking buses for most everyone and plan to on my next trip.

The replies I have received so far to this question are as expected.

This site particularly pisses me off. This kind of fear-mongering is simple bull-dung.

I almost feel like dropping them a line, demanding the statistics to prove their outrageous claim that most Americans who die in Costa Rica meet their doom at the urban bus stations.

You and I are all pretty savvy about the real scene in Costa Rica, but think of Mr. and Mrs. Retiree from East Overshoe ND. They're going to read this nonsense and think that they need to pay 8 to 10 times the going fare for a bus ride. It sucks.


May they be haassled by the Costa Rican authorities. May they develop anal warts.

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Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

Look on the bright side.............keeps the terminally timid away from CR when they read shit like that. We don't need them in the way when we are trying to catch a bus.
Lanrac2

I ride a local bus to Coca Cola terminal 2 or 3 times a week. I walk from there to the gulch and sometimes shop in the area of Coca Cola. I have never had a problem and have never felt myself to be in danger.

There are of course caveats to all that. I am always aware of my surroundings, aware of pick pockets, avoid hustlers selling watches etc, do not have a back pack and never never am in that area at night.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Thanks all for the reassurance.

I should correct something. I went back to

http://www.costaricabustickets.com

and re-read the "About the Bus" section. The statement about gringos being killed in the vicinity of the CocaCola terminal were taken out of context from an article in a Lonely Planet guide, although the intent of the web business is obviously to scare the novice traveler to C.R. into using their service.

I still can't believe it. For the princely sum of $45.00, they'll buy your $4.00 bus ticket for you, pick you up at the airport and transport you SAFELY to the bus... what a load of crap!

Lanrac2, you're probably right. Let the nellies stay home.

The more research I do about Costa Rica, the more I am amazed at the amount of racism, fear-mongering, ignorance and just plain bad information I find. Much of it comes from businesses which are ostensibly trying to lure travelers to Costa Rica...doesn't make much sense. Thanks all for replying and all who post additional information/opinions after this post.

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Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

Like DD, I'd like to add my own personal experience with the Coca Cola Bus station. I've taken the Airport/Alajuela bus into town which lets out near Coca Cola. The only safety problem I ever had walking back to the Gulch even WITH a backpack was none of those listed above. The only thing that ever happened to me was nearly killing myself, spraining my ankle tripping over a hole in the sidewalk (my sneaker was actually ripped off my foot). Fortunately it was mainly my pride that was hurt.

El Ciego amigo mio, I have taken the buses with no problem however, I walked to the station the day before to purchase the ticket. Backpackers, tourists and locals board the bus. The advice given above is good, watch your luggage, don't walk around the area at night, and also, there are some shady characters that may try to talk you into letting them drive you to your destination instead of using the bus.
Also,
There is a service called " interbus" that was very reliable and inexpensive. The service takes you from hotel to hotel throughout the country. I mentioned their service in my trip report "beyond the gultch".
Their website is www.interbusonline.com and email at interbus@costaricapass.com. Example $ san Jose to manuel Antonio =$25.
In conclusion, the public and direct bus seemed safe to me, we had no problems however, there is no toilet on the bus so go before you board.

Enjoy, kenj8