Capital city, Costa Rica
Getting around San José
How to get around San José
Uber, DiDi and taxis are the easiest way around; buses are cheap but confusing. There is no metro, and the commuter train is limited. Rush hour is slow.
Ways to get around San José
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Uber / DiDi | 2,500–5,000 CRC for 5 km | Tolerated in practice; sit in the front seat if asked |
| Red taxi | About 1,300 CRC plus per-km meter | Official taxis use a meter, called a 'maría'; insist on it |
| City bus | 400–1,000 CRC | Cash only; many routes stop at stops without signage |
| Long-distance bus | Typically 3,000–9,000 CRC | Different terminals per coast; check operator before travelling |
Ride-hailing apps in San José
A 5 km ride costs about ₡2,500–5,000 ($5.5–10.9).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Cheapest and most reliable; legal status is grey but it works |
| DiDi | Often cheaper than Uber at peak times |
| inDrive | Negotiate the fare; fewer drivers |
- Official red taxis use a meter ('maría'); refuse flat prices. At the airport, use the orange taxi counter or the app pickup point.
Arriving in San José
Juan Santamaría International (SJO)
Official orange airport taxi about $30–35 (set price, 25 min); Uber or DiDi about $15–25 plus airport fees; Uber pickup is outside the terminal.
Driving and onward travel
- Driving: on the right. Foreign licences are valid for the length of your tourist stay; carry your original passport when driving.
- Onward travel in Costa Rica: Cheap public buses reach almost everywhere from San José but are slow. Shared shuttles, Sansa domestic flights and rental cars (4x4 in rainy season) are faster.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in San José?
Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, DiDi, inDrive.
What's the best way to get around San José?
Uber, DiDi and taxis are the easiest way around; buses are cheap but confusing. There is no metro, and the commuter train is limited. Rush hour is slow.
How do I get from the airport to San José?
Official orange airport taxi about $30–35 (set price, 25 min); Uber or DiDi about $15–25 plus airport fees; Uber pickup is outside the terminal.
Is San José walkable?
Walkable center.
More about San José
Going to San José solo?
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Sources
- Interbus (shared shuttles)
- Sansa (domestic flights)
- Juan Santamaría International Airport
- Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT)
- Costa Rica Social Security (CCSS)
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.