www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Don't hassle with Interbus. Use the USA based http://www.shuttlebus.co.cr/

While this company will book your reservation with Interbus....they will charge you LESS than if you book with Interbus yourself and you will be able to pay via PayPal or USA credit card.

The person who runs http://www.shuttlebus.co.cr/ worked as the chief financial officer for Interbus; is most friendly with the company and, in fact, his brother is one of the "supervisors" at Interbus. As I recall, http://www.shuttlebus.co.cr/ is based in Michigan.

http://www.shuttlebus.co.cr/ provides a great service. Hasn't let me down once in over five years.

_________________
"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

Yeah, I never understood how that worked so well...
but then again, never look a gift gift horse in the mouth.

I always take the Tuasa tico bus from the street in front of the airport to their terminal on Ave 2, between C12 and C14 for about $1 each way. The ride takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic, and the bus comes about every 15 minutes during the day. A taxi from the bus terminal to the gulch is about $2. I usually walk for the exercise.

The money that I save by doing that goes to the girls.

RAC

Rac provides an excellent alternative IF you're not humping luggage. However, if you've got a bag or bags.....it don't work so good. Been there; done that. *shrug*

_________________
"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

Hey Rac,
when you leave the arrival terminal do you make a right or left to get to the bus stop.

cheers,
Attila

I also take the Bus. Take a left walk down the ramp to the street. Then go right about 150 ft to bus stop.
I have never waited over five minutes for a bus. Excellent way to travel. I always ride the bus to and from
San Jose.

There is a curved driveway that comes up from the street in front of the airport and goes between the parking garage and the terminal building, then back down to the street. The driveway has two levels.....upper for departures, and lower for arrivals...just like many modern airports in the states.

Walk down that driveway (sidewalk) from either the upper level or the lower level of the terminal building to get to the street.

The bus stop is mid-way between the entrance and exit of the driveways. It is in the "midline" of the of the terminal building, on the sidewalk that is on the terminal side of the street. You want the RED TUASA BUS.

There is usually a bus worker on the sidewalk who can answer your questions. Just ask the driver "directo to San Jose?" If he says "ci" or nods yes, get on. You'll need colones, but the driver makes change. The fare is about $1 USD.

Send a PM to me if you want to know any more.

RAC

$15 shuttle service 8656-4324, 7053-1746 www.biotranscostarica.com

Thank u Rac and 59Vette for the info. Will be down in a week. Limited budget for miscellaneous expenses....except my budget for the chicas.

cheers,
Attila

That's a new one to me, WiseAsh, thanks. What is your experience with this outfit? How effective are they on a hote pickup at 4am? (I see they're offering airport pickups for $13 via their online system). How does one pay these guys?

Also, I think it's great that use of the bus and "budget oriented" methods are under discussion. This fake "high roller" stuff is quite the giggle (as is use of the term "penthouse")! WHY spend all that money on cab when you don't need to?

_________________
"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

For what it's worth, I wouldn't take the public bus (TUASA) in the dark.

RAC

I haven't used them because I run the Havana Humidor Room 7 days a week. But a crt member who has used them several times gave me the contact.

Good price but only includes 1 carry on and one checked in luggage, additional $10 for extra bag.

I agree with Rac. I would not take the bus after dark. I would also be cautious during the day because I arrive carrying all my cash, camera, laptop, phone, credit card and ofcourse my passport. Best to get to the hotel as quickly as possible and store away those goodies. Cab or Shuttle bus is the safest way.

_________________
Softbob

There is nothing either good or bad
but thinking makes it so.
HAMLET

If I got my numbers right, total cost for tico bus to Tuasa bus depot and than taxi to hotel comes to $3. Taxi from airport to hotel $25. That's a savings of $22 that could better be use at the mp .

cheers,
Attila