Is it safe to take public buses in Costa Rica?

Yes, public buses are the standard way to travel. Keep your valuables in your lap or a bag at your feet rather than in overhead bins.

Do buses have toilets on board?

Most long-distance buses (like Tracopa) do not have toilets, but they make a 15-minute rest stop halfway through long journeys.

Navegar el sistema de transporte público en Costa Rica

Use the 'Empresa Alfaro' or 'Tracopa' bus lines for long-distance travel and use the 'Moovit' app or local 'buseta' vans for city navigation. Always carry local colones in small denominations, as drivers rarely accept bills larger than 2,000 colones.

Identify your bus station. San José does not have a central bus terminal. Buses depart from various private terminals scattered around the city based on your destination. Use the 'Yo Viajo CR' website or app to find the specific terminal for your route.
Buy your ticket. For long-distance routes, buy your ticket at the terminal window at least 30 minutes before departure. For local city buses, you simply pay the driver in cash when you board.
Signal the driver. If you are catching a bus at a designated stop, wave your hand clearly as the bus approaches. If you don't wave, the driver will not stop.
Request your stop. Buses do not stop at every station. When your stop is next, pull the cord or press the button to alert the driver. If you're unsure where to get off, tell the driver your destination when you board; they are generally helpful.

Is it safe to take public buses in Costa Rica?: Yes, public buses are the standard way to travel. Keep your valuables in your lap or a bag at your feet rather than in overhead bins.
Do buses have toilets on board?: Most long-distance buses (like Tracopa) do not have toilets, but they make a 15-minute rest stop halfway through long journeys.