The list of bus companies working in Costa Rica is long. But you will find in this article information about the 4 main companies that operate in the Costa Rica: MEPE, Grupo Blanco, Tracopa and Transporte Inteligente de Guanacaste.
If you want to know which company to take depending on your different arrival and departure destinations, consult our different blog articles "How to travel around Costa Rica" : most of the popular destinations are present there.
MEPE S.A
The company Autotransportes Mepe S.A, is in charge of the routes to the Southern Caribbean of Costa Rica. This is the only bus company that allows you to join the region of Limon, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca or Cahuita.
The most important MEPE Motor Transport terminals are:
Terminal Atlántico Norte.
Terminal Limón.
Sixaola.
Cahuita.
Puerto Viejo.
Where do I buy the Autotransportes Mepe S.A. ticket?
You can buy the ticket to travel with Autotransportes Mepe S.A directly at any of the ticket offices in its terminals, or reserve it by calling (+506) 2257-8129. The line is very busy, so it is advisable to call well in advance in case you have to try several times.
What is the schedules and ticket prices for Autotransportes Mepe S.A?
The Autotransportes Mepe S.A schedules vary depending on the area, some have their first bus at 4:00 a.m. m and others until 7:00 p.m., as well as the opening hours of the ticket offices, but you can be sure that at 7:30 all of them will be providing their service.
The price of the tickets depends on the destination, the most expensive is ₡8,560, but if you are going to some towns in Limón, the price would be reduced to ₡3,145.
The only payment method is cash. It is not yet possible to pay tickets with any type of card or through an online system.
Good to know:
Autotransportes Mepe S.A only has air conditioning in some of its units; normally, the use of this not only depends on the bus they send, but also on the driver who drives it.
How much should you pay for excess baggage?
The price you must pay for excess is ₡1000 and up, what they charge you as extra is if you carry very large packages such as 4 suitcases, bags, bicycles, etc.
Grupo Blanco
Grupo Blanco, in one of the companies in charge of taking its users on routes to Pérez Zeledón, Palmares and some specific places in Puntarenas. In 2013 it joined with the companies Transportes Blanco, Blanco Lobo, Mopvalhe and Barrantes Elizondo to form one.
To contact them, you can call (506) 2771-2550, from Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., you can also write to the email contraloriadeservicios@grupoblanco.cr.
The most important Grupo Blanco terminals are:
PZ Municipal Market Terminal.
San José.
Puerto Jiménez Terminal.
Blanco Transport Terminal.
Where do I buy the Grupo Blanco ticket?
This company has a platform enabled so you can buy tickets online, or, if you prefer, at the window.
You can buy tickets 3 days in advance if you buy them at the box office. If you buy them online, you can get them up to 15 days early.
If you are short on time, remember that you must make your purchase at least 20 minutes before the bus departure time.
When purchasing online you will have to pay an extra surcharge for services, the total is 350 colones.
What is the schedules and ticket prices for Grupo Blanco?
The buses of the Grupo Blanco company leave at very different times, the first bus leaves at 4:45 a.m. and at 6:30 a.m. all routes are already operating. The last bus to leave is at 10:15 p.m., but remember to check the schedules because some routes have their last trip at 3:00 p.m.
Good to know:
The bus from San José – Puerto Jiménez and Quepos – San Isidro have air conditioning.
Only the San José – Puerto Jiménez bus has Wi-Fi
Security cameras inside all units.
No child under three years old pays the fare even if they enter the bus walking. Every child over that age must pay the ticket, even if he is carried in the arms of his relative.
When the bus is full and there is no one occupying the preferential seats, they can be occupied by any user. The driver can ask a user to get up to give that space to people who do meet the requirements, however the driver cannot force anyone to get up.
How much should you pay for excess baggage?
All extra luggage (more than two carry-on bags) pays according to size, but the price does not exceed the value of two fares.
Can I travel with Pets?
According to law 9078, it is completely prohibited for users to transport pets; it is not possible to carry them in the trunk or with their owner in the seat.
Can I change the time and day of my ticket?
You can change your ticket if you buy it online (via the Web), up to one day before the bus leaves. But, it is not possible to change them at the counter.
Tracopa
The company TRACOPA has routes from San José, Costa Rica to David, Panama, covering key points for the inhabitants themselves and for tourists who like to travel economically to places far from the capital.
To contact them you can call (506) 22901308 or (506) 2214212, to find out information about routes, schedules, and stops. On WhatsApp (506)72983342, and at info@tracopacr.com for other types of questions or complaints you can, in the morning hours has a response rate almost immediate.
The most important Tracopa terminals are:
Coto 47.
Laurel.
Palmar Norte.
San Isidro.
David, RP.
Naranjo.
Río Claro.
San Vito.
Golfito.
Piedras Blancas.
Sabalito.
Sierpe.
Cuesta.
Paso Canoas.
Sabanillas.
San José.
Ciudad Neilly.
Copa Buena.
Buenos Aires.
Agua Buena.
Ciudad Cortez.
Where do I buy the Tracopa ticket?
Tracopa tickets can be purchased at any Tracopa station, including the ticket window at the bus station on the same day of travel and payment is made only in cash. Tickets can also be purchased online through Tracopa's official website www.tracopacr.com or using the Passer app, which also allows users to select seats. Some recommend buying tickets in advance during busy season. Among the recommendations is to arrive 30 or 50 minutes early at the window and thus avoid losing space.
What is the schedules and ticket prices for Tracopa?
The company has schedule availability from 04:30 in the morning to 07:30 at night, varying the schedules depending on the starting point. The website provides most of the schedules and prices.
Good to know :
Tickets can be purchased up to a month in advance.
Ask if the place you are going has a window to buy the return ticket, some places like Manuel Antonio, you must buy the arrival and return ticket in the same place.
The entry and exit tax to Panama is $7, it is purchased at a separate window when the ticket is paid.
On Easter Friday, schedules always change, so it is important to contact the company before going to buy the ticket.
Tracopa within its buses offers: free WIFI and Air-conditioning.
The buses do not have a bathroom inside the bus itself but they make periodic stops from 15 minutes to 30 minutes to eat, buy snacks or go to the bathroom.
How much should you pay for excess baggage?
All extra luggage (more than two carry-on bags) cost around 2,000 colones.
Can I travel with my pet?
Traveling with pets is prohibited on Tracopa company buses. The only animals admitted are guide animals that accompany people with disabilities. If you want to travel with your pet, an alternative is to go by car, travel with another company that accepts them or leave them at a pet boarding house.
Transporte Inteligente de Guanacaste
Transporte Inteligente de Guanacaste (TIG) is a public transportation provider in San José that operates bus routes. Transporte Inteligente de Guanacaste has 2 Bus routes in San José with 32 Bus stops.
The most popular routes of Intelligent Transportation Guanacaste
San José to Tamarindo - Tamarindo to San José
San José to Santa Cruz - Santa Cruz to San José
San José to Playa Flamingo - Playa Flamingo to San José
Where do I buy the Transporte Inteligente de Guanacaste ticket?
The tickets for Transporte Inteligente de Guanacaste (TIG) can be purchased online at tiguanacaste.com or at the following locations:
Tamarindo: Plaza Tamarindo Shopping Mall bus stop Pacific Park
Santa Cruz: Estacion de Buses Municipal
Playa Flamingo: Flamingo bus stop PARADA AUTOBÚS TRALAPA
Monteverde: Terminal 7-10
What is the schedules and ticket prices for TIG?
The company has different schedule availability, depending on the starting point. The website tiguanacaste.com provides most of the schedules and prices.
Good to know :
Transporte Inteligente de Guanacaste does not have bathrooms.
The buses don't have Wi-Fi on board on any of its routes.
You can use electronic tickets, so you do not need to print them.
Bus companies in Costa Rica : what to expect?
Costa Rica boasts a robust and user-friendly transport network, making travel easy and convenient for visitors. Public buses are among the best options for getting around, though the journeys can sometimes be lengthy.
The bus network is extensive, allowing access to almost any part of the country, with the notable exception of the North Caribbean Coast due to its swampy terrain.
While there is no national bus network or central terminal, downtown San Jose serves as the transportation hub, with regularly scheduled buses departing to various terminals across Costa Rica.
Public Buses Are Highly Affordable
Public buses in Costa Rica are not only convenient but also very affordable. Ideal for budget travelers or those wishing to explore extensively, numerous bus companies offer both fast (directo) and slower (normal) services.
Most bus trips cost around $10 and provide a comfortable ride. While each bus company maintains its own standards, those operating major routes generally offer modern and spacious buses. In contrast, buses servicing rural or remote areas are often repurposed school buses from the United States.
Plan Ahead
Given the popularity and convenience of the bus system, it is essential to plan and book your bus tickets well in advance. This ensures you won't get stranded, as buses are frequently used by both locals and tourists. Avoid last-minute bookings by securing your tickets as early as possible.
Expect Crowded Conditions
Due to high usage, bus stations and buses can become crowded. To navigate this, always be aware of your surroundings to safeguard against pick-pocketing and luggage theft. Never leave your belongings unattended and consider traveling light to make managing your luggage easier in crowded spaces.
Safety Tips
Stay vigilant in crowded conditions to avoid theft. Always keep an eye on your belongings, and pack minimally to ease your travel experience within Costa Rica's public bus system. This approach not only enhances safety but also ensures a more pleasant journey.
Conclusion
Costa Rica's transport network, especially its public buses, offers a convenient, affordable, and comprehensive means of travel for visitors. Despite occasional crowding and the need for advance planning, the system effectively connects travelers to most parts of the country. By staying vigilant and packing light, you can enjoy a safe and pleasant journey, making the most of your time exploring Costa Rica.
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