Should I use a bus or a car?

If you are strictly beach hopping, rent a car. Public buses are cheap but don't reach the more secluded, beautiful beaches.

Is it safe to drive at night?

Avoid it. Roads often lack lighting, have steep drop-offs, and are frequently shared with pedestrians and stray animals.

How to plan a beach-hopping itinerary in Costa Rica

Stick to one coast per trip to minimize transit time, as driving between the Caribbean and Pacific sides takes 7-9 hours. Spend at least 3 days in each location to actually enjoy the surf instead of living out of a suitcase.

Choose your coast. Select the Pacific for surf culture, sunset views, and rugged cliffs, or the Caribbean for laid-back reggae vibes, snorkeling, and calmer turquoise water. Don't try to do both in under 14 days.
Rent a 4x4 vehicle. Rental cars are essential for beach hopping. Book a high-clearance 4x4, as many coastal access roads are unpaved, prone to washouts, or flooded during the rainy season.
Map your transit. Limit your driving to 3-4 hours per day. Use the Waze app—it is significantly more accurate than Google Maps for real-time road hazards and bridge closures in Costa Rica.
Sequence your stops. Start at your furthest point and work your way back toward your departure airport (SJO for the Pacific/Center, LIR for the North Pacific). This avoids a long, stressful drive on your day of departure.

Should I use a bus or a car?: If you are strictly beach hopping, rent a car. Public buses are cheap but don't reach the more secluded, beautiful beaches.
Is it safe to drive at night?: Avoid it. Roads often lack lighting, have steep drop-offs, and are frequently shared with pedestrians and stray animals.