www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Greetings and Merry Christmas, gentlemen!

Can anyone recommend best way to the SL from SJO? I'll be arriving 2/21, and assume that taxi is the best route. However, despite precautions, I've been taken for more than a ride by taxis at the airport or train station in Mex City, Rome, and Prague.

So,...any problem with the cabs in San Jose? Does a van service exist?

Many thanks!

I've had good luck with Interbus (actually a van) and it only costs $10 from SJO to SL. It is usually $25 for a cab from the airport.

http://www.interbusonline.com/

Merry Christmas!

Sam

I second what Iamsam said. I have used Interbus and never had any problems.

If you are alone, Interbus is the way to go. It's cheaper and not much slower than a taxi. You will have to wait 5-10 minutes after you leave the terminal for the van to arrive once you make contact with the Interbus guy who will have your name on a piece of paper.

If you are with somebody, a taxi is the way to go. There are official airport taxis that you can pre-pay at the kiosk just after you exit the terminal through the automatic doors. The airport taxis are orange colored and they are legit, you pre-pay them at the airport taxi window. No upcharges, just a small tip for good service. There are also pirate taxis but you shouldn't take those, especially if you are a newbie and aren't very familiar with the area. Those guys may take you for more than a ride.

Small discount using http://www.searchcostarica.com . This outfit brokers through InterBus and has been nothing but reliable. As well, one can use PayPal for payment which is much less cumbersome in my view.

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"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

Have you actually ever ridden in a non-orange taxi from the airport? I seriously doubt it and I don't recall over the past 4 years on this site anyone ever having a major issue about the "red" taxis at the airport who are trying to make a living like everyone else. I don't recall anyone reporting being robbed, shot, stabbed... I can recall no major complaints. Your statement paints, with a very broad brush, a less than valid picture.

I say all of that to say out of the 15 plus trips to CR I have taken an orange cab once. The rest of the time it has been the "scary pirates" who have hauled me into town. Never once has there been an issue. Those guys have been, hands down, the most friendly taxi drivers I have encountered... even on my very first trip to CR. Not everyone is out to screw every gringo who comes along.

JR... should you decide to take whatever cab... red, orange, Interbus... whatever... you'll be fine. The one place you're more likely to be ripped off is in the Del Rey or in your room some some sticky fingered chica.

Berk.....

DISCLAIMER... one can be shot, robbed, beaten, pick-pocketed, murdered, jumped or whatever anywhere in CR at anytime. The "pirate taxis" have nothing on any of the other "thugs" one might encounter. The "pirates" are a myth similar to "don't pay your exit tax at the airport" because you'll be in line for hours. Pay for it at some other location prior to leaving for the airport. Never had an issue waiting for more than 5 minutes at the airport to pay the tax.

Orange cabs at airport are the most expensive ($25). Interbus is arround $10.
Red cabs can easily be had by turning left once you exit the baggage claim area and walking to the main road (about 150 feet) they run their meters and the cost is $10 to $15. Gypsy cabs can be had but don't have meters and may try to rip you off. Get the price up front. The cheapest if you are traveling light is the bus stop outside of the airport that will take you downtown for less than a dollar then catch a cab to your hotel. Hotel to SL for about $2.

I've taken a red taxi to the airport twice in the last 30 days. Both times, it was between 8-9k colones ($16-17) on the meter. There was little traffic.

I making my first trip to CR on February 12 and didn't want to fool around with negotiating a taxi or finding the right bus to take so I am having SL send me a driver to take me from the airport to SL. They are charging $25.00. I'm sure I'm getting ripped offer but this is just the first time. After I'm comfortable I'm sure I'll find cheaper transportation on subsequent trips.

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Bunda Man

I'm not touting this company as I have never used them though I do like to give sponsors my business... Admin just added this sponsor.. https://costaricaticas.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=26659 at $20.00 for a Van Pick up.. its a bargain.

If anyone uses them please report as I intend on giving them a try in March.

$25.00 is a very fair price you are not getting ripped off. An orange taxi would be that or slightly more. For a person make their first trip to CR I think you made the right choice. Enjoy your first, it will not be the last, San Jose adventure.

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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

Just e-mailed Johnny. Will be coming down to SJO on Jan 29. Will let you know how everything went

I always prepay for the orange cab at the door and walk escorted to the cab. Yes it is more espensive, but when I arrive in CR with much cash, I want the womb of protection from airport to the door of my hotel that the orange cab provides. After my money is in my room safe with my other valuables etc, I use cheaper means of transport.

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Providing humanitarian assistance to self employed chicas, one cash grant at a time.

i've used interbus for all my trips and have been very happy.. although i did have to wait outside for about 8 minutes on one of the trips.. i was okay, although it was fun to watch the gunslingers and dance hall girls coming and goinG!!!

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I know nothing, nothing!

Good info but to many options I think I will just walk How long will that take?