www.CostaRicaTicas.com

From a safety standpoint, keep in mind........those cab drivers are aware that many of the gringos just arriving from Bumble Bee Hollow, USA are most likely flush with cash, making them an easy target.

Zebra

For safety, price etc. I just don't see how you can beat Interbus. A friend and I took them from the airport today. I made a reservation but he didn't. However, when I found the guy with the sign with my name on it, it was no problem for my friend to hitch a ride with me for the same $6.
For security, hard to beat because of the company that backs them up unlike with the independant taxis. Plus, they pick you up right at the curb outside the airport. Avoids dragging your bags down to the road...

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The only thing that matters is happiness in all it forms...

That wasn't my experience with Interbus. My flight to SJO was delayed by 2 hours last June. When I cleared customs, there was a friendly driver holding a sign with my name on it. I told him I was glad he waited for me. His response was: "No problem, delays happen all the time."

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Blue Devil

Pura Vida...enjoying life to the fullest...

I believe that they have a unwritten policy to accommodate whenever possible, however their written policy is as follows:

“100% charge for no shows due to any reason, including flight delays”

As I said before, there are exceptions for EVERYTHING in Costa Rica.

Yes, the Interbus rules seem to be very flexible. On the website, it says one bag and one carryone with a $10 charge for each extra. Both me and my buddy had two suitcases and two carry-ons and the drivers never said a word. Total of $12 for the two of us.
I too was worried about that 'no refund' policy for late/delayed/missed flights but even if that were to happen, the next trip on Interbus would still more than make up for the cost of an airport taxi. Also nice to have someone meet you and not have the worry of getting the 'wrong' taxi driver...

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The only thing that matters is happiness in all it forms...

If I recall, when you setup a reservation, you indicate what flight you are arriving on. Therefore, I believe they are monitoring your flight arrival and know of any flight delays, and they should be there when you arrive.
Then again, they may not be that efficient.
noq

I know for a fact that they do monitor flights. That is not really the issue concerning delayed flights. If your flight is delayed, you go into a second priority status. It then becomes a function of what else they have going on at the time your flight does arrive.

The other situation where you could run into challenges with Interbus is when your flight is delayed into the wee hours of the morning. If they have to justify keeping a driver on shift for several extra hours and you are a lone $6 pick-up on that flight, your odds of finding a driver waiting for you are not that good.

They are a very good company, they provide a great service at a great price. Just don't loose sight of the fact that they provide a $6 service and you have to look at their service in that light. Don't expect the same commitment as if you were hiring a private Limo service.

As far as the other poster's "worry about getting the wong taxi". All you have to do is make sure it has a BIG YELLOW TRIANGLE. It is pretty damn unmistakeble!!! I use taxis all the time here and I have never had a problem.

z

Transportation to the City,
I have used Interbus twice - they picked me up, very good service and would use them again.
Duessel

I was just refering to the suggestion you skip the marked airport taxis and walk down to the street for a cheaper taxi. We all know that some paint fake triangle, don't have meters etc... IMHO, taking a taxi from the street in front of the airport with all your baggage is offering a Tico an opportunity I just wouldn't wanna give them, especially if it is in the evenings...

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The only thing that matters is happiness in all it forms...

Security with your valuables is a consideration and your point is well taken.

All I can say is that it is a heavily used transfer point serving the entire region and as well as the Pacific Coast. I frequently use this area as a transfer point on my frequent return trips from Quepos (with luggage). I also use the public bus system as part of my daily life and this very transfer point is on one of the routes that I frequently use. Needless to say I have used this area many, many times and I have never had a problem and I have never perceived a threat. I can further report that I have never heard it said that this is an unsafe area. But who knows, things can happen to you just about anywhere? For some the peace of mind my be worth paying a premium rate.

Personally, besides being less expensive, I find it less hassle than going to that booth (bags in hand) and buying a ticket to get into a cab.

The hand painted signs are obvious and (I will say it again) ALWAYS ask them if they are going to run the Maria (meter). If they hesitate, NEXT, no discussion.

It is true that everyone needs to find his own comfort level and how much stuff you are carrying is something to consider. This is not for everyone. I am only advocating this as a viable option. Everyone has to make their own decision as to what is the best option for their own circumstances.

About 8 years ago I met a nice young man outside the airport who worked as a pirate Taxi guy at the airport for 20 years. His name was Kenneth Lopez a small in stature but stand up guy. One time he took me to a local place near the airport for a nice lady. I always kidded him about her she was fun. I always looked for him . Last month I was told Kenneth had passed away at the age of 41 . It seems he had a heart attack. I will miss him outside the airport. If any of you guys ever used him or 1 of his drivers you will miss him as I already do. Take Care and have a nice day, H.

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Always nice to wake up and see what will happen today

Herman actually brings up the best option if you a frequent CR traveler...or any monger destination for that matter. Find a regular driver you know and trust to pick you up and drop you off on a regular basis. They are usually cheaper on a volume discount basis...and more trustworthy than unknown street taxis. Good point Herman. My favorite taxista Alan keeled over dead from a heart attack one night at age 31...a blow to everyone and his wife with 3 K*ds. Being a taxista can be hazardous to your health apparently.

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All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts...

Great point! It also adds a personal touch to your trip that is hard to quantify. Ticos are much more "friendly" than Gringos and these people will quickly become your "lifelong" friend. It is a very nice aspect to Tico culture that is not often brought up here.

While it is nice to have someone from Interbus waiting for you with a sign with your name on it, it s so much nicer to have a friend waiting for you.