Getting around
Moderate
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: mytanfeet.com, moovitapp.com
Overall4.7/10Harder to get around than about 60% of cities
Good to know
Good to Know
- Downtown is walkable but sprawls beyond center; Barrio Escalante and Barrio Amón are safer, more pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods.
- Petty theft is a real concern in crowded markets and after dark; don't wear flashy jewelry and keep valuables secure.
- Public buses are extremely cheap but require local knowledge to navigate (use Moovit or Yo Viajo Bus Info apps).
- Uber is the safest and most convenient rideshare option within San José; DiDi and InDriver available but less reliable.
- Renting a car requires confidence in aggressive traffic and poor road conditions; many nomads prefer Uber or taxis to self-driving.
- ATM fees in Costa Rica can be as high as $10 USD per transaction; Banco Popular has lower fees.
- Taxis are metered and safe; always confirm meter is on. Official taxis are red with province codes (TSJ = San José).
Local Buses
- Description
- Extensive network of buses operated by multiple private companies. Buses run frequently within the city.
Fares
- Short Trips
- CRC 300
- Note
- Short trips typically range 150–500 CRC depending on distance. Pay as you board in colones (cash).
Long Distance Buses
- Note
- No centralized reservation system; most tickets sold in-person at terminals only. Bus stations are scattered across downtown—arrival and departure terminals may be miles apart.
- Description
- Multiple terminals throughout downtown San José serve different regions. Buses connect to most tourist destinations nationwide.
Sample Routes And Fares
San José to Tamarindo
- Fare
- CRC 5,635
- Distance Km
- 258
- Travel time
- 5–6
San José to La Fortuna
- Fare
- CRC 5,000
- Distance Km
- ~200
- Travel time
- 4–6
Car Rental
- Note
- Multiple agencies available at airport. Driving in San José is challenging due to heavy traffic, lack of road signs, and aggressive drivers. Not recommended for unfamiliar travelers. Use GPS/Waze. Valid passport, driver's license (2+ years old), and credit card required. Minimum rental age typically 23 years.
Small Car
- Low Season Month
- September
Medium Car
- Low Season Month
- September
Walkability
- Overview
- San José's downtown core is fairly walkable, but overall the city sprawls. Avenida Central (pedestrian street) and routes like Paseo Colón are pleasant for daytime walks. Barrio Escalante and Barrio Amón neighborhoods are considered safer and more walkable.
- Pedestrian Safety
- Downtown has petty theft risks (pickpocketing, bag-snatching especially in markets). Key precautions: avoid flashy jewelry, keep backpack on front, don't walk alone at night intoxicated, be especially cautious in Mercado Central and Mercado Borbón. Some neighborhoods require high vigilance, particularly after dark.
- Getting Around Tier
- moderate
- Getting Around Tier Rationale
- Downtown San José is walkable and rideshare/taxis are widely available, but safety concerns and urban sprawl limit ease of getting around without a car.
Bike And Scooter Rental
- General Note
- Multiple rental companies available. Driver must have Geneva Pact reciprocity agreement with home country. Requires International Driving Permit in some cases.
Scooter
- Daily Cost EUR
- 40
- Weekly Cost EUR
- 245
- Note
- Prices vary; converted from European sources. Small 50cc scooter may require only B (car) or AM license; larger bikes require A1/A2/A class.
Motorcycle
- Daily Cost EUR
- 127
- Weekly Cost EUR
- 854
- Note
- Motorcycling in San José is stressful due to aggressive drivers, poor road conditions, and potholes. Helmet mandatory. Avoid night driving due to lack of lighting and road signs. Intersection speeds 40 km/h urban / 80–90 km/h highways.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this walkability & transport research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About San José
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.