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Private and Group Shuttles in Costa Rica - A Traveler's Guide

Updated: Mar 21



Make traveling inside Costa Rica fast, easy, and comfortable by booking a private or group shuttle to your next destination! PuraVidaTraveling.com partners directly with most travel companies in Costa Rica and can schedule your transportation for you at no additional cost to you. Transport providers are reliable, insured, and honest.


About Group and Private Transportation:

There are two similar shuttle options available in Costa Rica: private and shared. With either option, you will be riding in a small-to-medium-sized van that should be air-conditioned, insured, and properly licensed by the government. Shuttles can typically hold between 5 and 14 passengers and drivers typically speak some basic English while some are completely fluent. Shared shuttles are a great way to travel around Costa Rica because you get to your destination fast, secure, and on time while meeting other people.


Shared Shuttles are available daily. They typically have morning and afternoon departures (depending on the destination). They offer door-to-door hotel and hostel service and they are not too expensive when compared to other travel options.





Main Differences Between Shared and Private Shuttles


Number of People

Shared shuttles have other passengers on board, while private ones carry only you and your traveling party.


Pick-up Time and Location

Shared shuttles run on a set schedule and pick up only at certain places, mostly hotels (i.e., hotel-to-hotel service). Private shuttles, on the other hand, will pick you up at a custom time and place, including vacation rentals.


Airport Pick-ups

Because shared shuttles run on a set schedule, your flight has to get in early enough to make the designated time(s). If you booking a shared shuttle, make sure to reserve a shuttle that is leaving at minimum one hour after your arrival time, as it can take one to one and a half hours to get through customs and immigration at the San Jose Airport.


Private shuttles can pick you up right at the airport when your flight arrives. The driver will wait for you outside the airport doors and will typically have a sign with your name on it in their hands. If you book a private shuttle, make sure you provide the transportation company with your airline, flight number, and arrival time so that your private driver can monitor your flight. for delays.


Length of Trip

Be aware that shared shuttles can tend to take a bit longer than expected sometimes because they have to make stops to pick up and drop off other passengers. While this may not seem like a big delay, sometimes it can be because some hotel pick-ups/drop-offs can be far out of the way. Private vans are direct so they take about the same amount of time as if you drove yourself.


Shuttle Stops

Shared shuttles include a short stop to use the restroom or grab food. Most private shuttles include an hour for time to stop along the way (if desired) to see a quick attraction, grab a bite to eat, stop at the grocery store, etc. There are great fruit stands and markets all along Costa Rica highways.


Luggage

When traveling in a shared shuttle, you are limited to one carry-on and one piece of luggage per person. Surfboards and other bulky may be allowed but you must notify the shuttle provider of your luggage requirements and it is likely you will have to pay an extra bag fee ($15-$20) for each bag over the allotted amount.

Private shuttles are only limited by the amount of space they have and can normally add luggage to their roof racks to make more room for travelers.


Car Seats

Both shared and private shuttles can provide car seats and booster seats free of charge. Just make sure you request them in advance.


Kids

Kids traveling in group shuttles are offered a discounted rate. While differences exist between transport companies, ages 0-2 are normally free and ages 3-10 normally get a discounted rate.


Cancelation

All transportation reservations are fully refundable as long as they are canceled 72 hours before the pick-up date. They may become partially refundable if you cancel within 72 hours. They become completely non-refundable 48 hours before the day of travel.


Group and Private shuttle companies in Costa Rica

There are a variety of private and shared shuttle companies servicing Costa Rica. Most companies have very similar offerings and generally have the same prices. These companies provide excellent customer service and are very clear about costs, cancelation penalties, and trip details. Their drivers are normally veterans and tend to know the roads like the back of their hands. Here are a few of the group and private transport companies we work with in Costa Rica. You can contact them directly via phone or email or you can reserve the travel you need using one of the buttons on this blog post. The transport and pricing should be the same for you either way.







Company Name: Pura Vida Traveling

Company Phone Number: (+506) 8345-1516

Operating countries: Costa Rica





Company Name: Caribe Shuttle

Company Phone Number: (+506) 8585-8448

Operating countries: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama





Company Name: Go Jaco Shuttle

Company Phone Number: (+506) 8380-5030

Company email: book@shuttlejaco.com

Operating countries: Costa Rica






Company Name: Easy Ride CR

Company Phone Number: (+506) 8812-4012

Operating countries: Nicaragua and Costa Rica





Company Name: Interbus

Company Phone Number: (+506) 4100-0888

Operating countries: Costa Rica






Company Name: Ride CR

Company Phone Number: (+506) 2469-2020

Company Website: https://www.ridecr.com/

Company email: info@ridecr.com

Operating countries: Costa Rica







Company Name: Tropical Tours Shuttles

Company Phone Number: (+506) 2640-1900

Operating countries: Costa Rica





Company Name: Pink Bus Shuttles

Company Phone Number: N/A

Company Website: https://mypinkbus.com/

Company email: N/A

Operating countries: Costa Rica and Panama




Company Name: Tico Shuttle

Company Phone Number: (506)2244-0379

Company email: info@ticoshuttle.com

Operating countries: Costa Rica




Frequently Asked Questions

How do tourists get around in Costa Rica?

Tourists get around in Costa Rica by bus, rental car, group shuttle, private shuttle, taxi, and on domestic flights. For detailed information, visit our blog post> What is the best way to get around in Costa Rica?

How much do shuttles cost in Costa Rica?

How much does a private transfer cost in Costa Rica?

How easy is it to get around Costa Rica without a car?

Should I hire a driver in Costa Rica?

What is the best mode of transportation in Costa Rica?

Why are rental cars in Costa Rica so expensive?




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