Costa Rica Bus Company - Coach
Costa Rica Bus Company - Coach

Costa Rica is quite literally a tropical paradise, with much for visitors to see and do. Although some people choose to rent a car during their vacation, many tourists opt to see the sights by bus. Not only is taking a tourist bus a great way for visitors to save a few bucks, it's also an ideal opportunity for travelers to get to know the real Costa Rica and meet the locals. Let's explore how you can get around by bus!

One of the main advantages of using a bus company like Interbus or Greyline's Fantasy Bus is that you'll be in the hands of a local. If you're planning on heading to the more remote areas of the country, taking the bus is a great way to relax and let someone else do the driving so you can focus on taking pictures of the breathtaking landscapes!

Guanacaste Escape Adventure Tour
7 Days / 6 Nights
Starting at $779 per person

Some of the roads in Costa Rica can be pretty narrow, especially in mountainous or heavily forested areas. Sure, you could rent a four-wheel drive vehicle and tackle them yourself, but tourist buses in Costa Rica are reliable, affordable and a great way to get where you're going.

Taking a tourist bus is also really convenient. Rather than spending hours poring over maps to figure out how to get from point A to point B, you can always hop on one of the frequent bus lines that operate between major towns and cities. However, you should always buy your tickets ahead of time, especially during the high season. Don't leave it to chance and get stranded!

Some bus companies operate newer, air-conditioned vehicles, but most use slightly older buses. However, if you're looking for an authentic Central American vacation, taking the bus to a new place can be a real adventure. Also, be sure to travel light. Even if you're heading to remote areas like some of the national parks, only pack a small bag you can carry easily. Not only will this make getting around easier, it's also less stuff to try and fit in the overhead storage compartments!

Both Interbus and Greylines Fantasy Bus will pick you up at most major hotels and drop you off at pretty much any hotel at the destination. The capital of San Jose serves as a major transportation for both of these tourist buses and they will go most major destinations. Before you book your bus trip, why not check out our maps to see where you'd like to go?