Managing to get around Costa Rica without a vehicle will save you a lot of money. Going without a vehicle is not only cost-effective for travelers but also for people who live here. With long-term rentals in Tamarindo going up, many folks can still afford that Costa Rica beach condo of their dreams, but it can help to find cost-cutting measures like going car-free. So, can you get around Costa Rica without a car or resorting to taking the bus? Let’s find out!

If you plan to stay by the beach in Costa Rica, there are a couple of options for those who plan to be car-free. The biggest beach towns along the North Pacific Coast of the province of Guanacaste are Tamarindo and Playas del Coco. These communities are considered to be walkable because there are plenty of stores and restaurants within walking distance, especially if you live in the downtown area. So, if you don’t want to make car buying or car renting a part of your stay, be sure to get yourself a beach condo or long-term rental in Tamarindo or Playas del Coco.

Taxis in Costa Rica

Sometimes you just need a ride, especially if you want to travel to the next town over or you’re hauling your groceries home. for these circumstances, your best bet is to grab a cab, or taxi as they are called in Costa Rica.

Official taxis in Costa Rica are red with a yellow triangle on the side indicating the taxi number and company. Taxis are a safe means of transportation and are relatively cheap in Costa Rica. Aside from the fact that they are licensed, they are also inspected twice a year.

You can trust the price of a taxi by asking for the cost beforehand or having them turn on the meter, which is called the “maria”. If your driver forgets, you can ask them to “ponga la maria”, which means turn on the maria. This is typically only necessary in bigger cities such as San Jose as there is usually a flat rate in the smaller beach towns like Tamarindo and Playas del Coco. For instance, the going rate for a ride around town in Coco is 1,500 to 2,000 colones ($2.80 to $3.75 USD). It is also lawful to negotiate the rate of longer rides out of town.

You can call a taxi company to have a car come and pick you up, making riding taxis simple and stress-free. You can even request a taxi that has 4x4 or is wheelchair accessible. In Tamarindo, the taxis usually sit outside Plaza Conchal. You can also try calling CGT Taxi (506) 2254-6667, TG344 Taxi (506) 8918-3710, and Rafael Taxi (506) 8835-3714. In Playas del Coco try the taxi central line at (506) 2670-1616. If you can’t find a taxi, ask at a local store or bar.

At the airport, only certain types of taxis are allowed to operate. These taxis are often orange in colour and cost more than the red ones. Both international airports in San Jose and Liberia have an official taxi stand found right outside the exit where you can call an official red taxi.

Colectivos in Costa Rica

Colectivos are not as straightforward as taxis. Colectivos, or piratas (pirates), are unlicensed car-share rides. These can be operated by anyone looking to make a few extra bucks and are definitely not a licensed or legal means of transportation in Costa Rica.

While colectivos are not legal, they are generally tolerated. The issue with the unmarked pirate taxis is they have no official meter, flat rate, official license, or safety inspection requirements. It is important to negotiate the price of your ride upfront when traveling in a colectivo. If you don’t agree with the price, don’t get in the car. If you don’t like the looks of the driver, don’t get in the car. While considered a reliable and safe means of travel by many in the country, it is best to get a recommendation of a credible pirata from someone you know or get in with someone who knows the ropes for your first ride.

Typically you will not be riding alone in a colectivo. They usually go around picking up other riders along the way until the car is full, hence their name. This is how they keep their fares so cheap, which can be as low as 500 to 1,000 colones ($1 to $2 USD). The best way to spot a colectivo is to stand on the side of the road watching the traffic or to stand by a bus stop. A driver in an unmarked car will flash their lights at which point you wave them down. They may also call out “taxi” to people waiting at the bus stop.

Uber in Costa Rica

While not official or technically legal, Uber does operate in Costa Rica. While this is a reliable means of transportation in San Jose, you can not be guaranteed to find a ride on the app in smaller cities and towns.

If you decide to use the Uber app in Costa Rica, all of the standard benefits will apply. You can map your route in advance, pay with a credit or debit card, you’ll have a record of your trips, and the final rate will be set before you click “confirm”.

If you’re not using Uber, it is best to have cash in the local currency when taking a taxi or colectivo, or at the very least have small US bills ($1).

There are ways to get around without a car if you are staying at a short-term or long-term rental in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. If you still have your heart set on that Costa Rica beach condo or dream home, be sure to talk to an expert in Tamarindo real estate.

Enis at Costa Rica Vacation Realty has lived and worked in the Tamarindo-Flamingo area for nearly a decade and is happy to answer your questions!

Blog by: Jennifer LaCharite – Costa Consultants, International