Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [69]
Terminal San Carlos (Map; cnr Av 9 & Calle 12) A small, rather decrepit terminal serving destinations in the north and northwest, such as Monteverde, La Fortuna and Sarapiquí.
Bus schedules change regularly. Pick up the useful but not always up-to-date master bus schedule at the ICT office (Click here), or you can download a PDF copy from their website (www.visitcostarica.com; click on the link that says ‘General Info’). Buses are crowded on Friday evening and Saturday morning and packed to the gills at Christmas and Easter.
For buses that run infrequently, it is advisable to buy tickets in advance. If you want to avoid hassle, book your travel through A Safe Passage (8365-9678; www.costaricabustickets.com), which can purchase bus tickets in advance for a small fee. They also arrange airport transfers.
Be aware that thefts are common in many bus terminals. Stay alert, keep your valuables close to you and don’t stow anything important (such as passports and money) in the overhead racks or luggage compartment of a bus.
Schedules and prices change regularly. Inquire locally before setting out.
INTERNATIONAL BUSES FROM SAN JOSÉ
International buses get booked up fast. Buy your tickets in advance – and take your passport. For more on border crossings, Click here.
Changuinola/Bocas del Toro, Panama Transportes Bocatoreños (Map; 2227-5923; cnr Av 5 & Calle 16, in front of Hotel Cocorí) US$28; six hours; departs 9am.
David, Panama Tracopa (off Map; Calle 5 btwn Avs 18 & 20) US$25; nine hours; departs 7:30am.
Guatemala City, Guatemala Tica Bus (Map; www.ticabus.com; cnr Calle 9 & Av 4) US$74; 60 hours; departs 6am, 7:30am and 12:30pm.
Managua, Nicaragua King Quality (Map; 2258-8834; Calle 12 btwn Avs 3 & 5) US$36; nine hours; departs 3am; Panaline (Map; cnr Av 5 & Calle 16, in front of Hotel Cocorí) US$23; nine hours; departs 5am; Tica Bus (Map; cnr Calle 9 & Av 4) Normal/executive US$21/32; nine hours; departs 6am, 7:30am and 12:30pm; Trans Nica (Map; Calle 22 btwn Avs 3 & 5) US$21 to US$31; nine hours; departs 4am, 5am, 9am and noon.
Panama City, Panama Panaline (Map; 2256-8721; cnr Av 5 & Calle 16, in front of Hotel Cocorí) US$25; 15 hours; departs 1pm; Tica Bus (Map; www.ticabus.com; cnr Calle 9 & Av 4) Normal/executive US$26/37; 15 hours; departs noon and 11pm.
San Salvador, El Salvador King Quality (Map; 2258-8834; Calle 12 btwn Avs 3 & 5) US$62; 48 hours; departs 3am; Tica Bus (Map; cnr Calle 9 & Av 4) Normal/executive US$53/58; 48 hours; departs 6am, 7:30am, 12:30pm and 11pm.
Tegucigalpa, Honduras King Quality (Map; 2258-8834; Calle 12 btwn Avs 3 & 5) US$60; 48 hours; departs 3am; Tica Bus (Map; cnr Calle 9 & Av 4) US$42; 48 hours; departs 6am, 7:30am and 12:30pm.
DOMESTIC BUSES FROM SAN JOSÉ
For destinations within Costa Rica, consult the following listings.
To the Central Valley
Alajuela Tuasa (Map; Av 2 btwn Calles 12 & 14) ₡400; 40 minutes; departs every 10 minutes from 4am to 11pm, every 30 minutes after 11pm.
Cartago (Map; Calle 13 btwn Avs 6 & 8) ₡500; 40 minutes; departs hourly between 5:15am and 10pm.
Grecia (Map; Av 5 btwn Calles 18 & 20) ₡900; one hour; departs every 20 minutes from 6am to 10:20pm.
Heredia (Map; Calle 1 btwn Avs 7 & 9) ₡400; 20 minutes; departs every 10 minutes from 5am to 11pm.
Sarchí (Map; Av 5 btwn Calles 18 & 20) ₡1000; 1½ hours; departs every 30 minutes from 5am to 10pm.
Turrialba (Map; Calle 13 btwn Avs 6 & 8) ₡1100; two hours; departs hourly from 5am to 10pm.
Volcán Irazú (Map; Av 2 btwn Calles 1 & 3) Round-trip ₡2500; two hours; departs 8am.
Volcán Poás Tuasa (Map; Av 2 btwn Calles 12 & 14) Round-trip ₡3400; five hours; departs 8:30am.
To Northwestern Costa Rica
Cañas Empresa Cañas (Map; 2258-5792; Calle 16 btwn Avs 1 & 3) ₡2300; 3¼ hours; departs 5:30am, 8:30am, 11:40am, 12:20pm, 1:30pm, 3:30pm and 5pm.
Ciudad Quesada (San Carlos) Autotransportes San Carlos (Map; 2255-4300; Terminal San Carlos) ₡2500; 2½ hours; departs every 30 to 45 minutes