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Walkability & Transport in Santa Teresa

Getting around

Low

Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: costarica-trip.com, costaricavibes.com

Overall2.1/10Harder to get around than about 85% of cities

Good to know

Good to Know

  • Downtown Santa Teresa is compact enough to walk for restaurants, shops, and beach access, but a rental vehicle (ATV, motorcycle, or 4x4) is practically essential for exploring beyond the main strip and accessing activities.
  • ATVs are the most popular and affordable local transport option; many rental companies offer free delivery and pickup, and discounts are standard for weekly+ rentals.
  • Most roads in Santa Teresa are unpaved, potholed, and dusty/muddy, especially in rainy season (May–November). A 4x4 or high-clearance SUV is strongly recommended if renting a car.
  • Public buses to/from San José are very cheap and include the ferry, but the journey is long (~6 hours) with early morning or afternoon departures; service is reliable but schedules can change seasonally.
  • Uber does not reliably operate in Santa Teresa; plan on taxis, pre-booked shuttles, or vehicle rentals instead.
  • Local taxi fares are not metered; always agree on price before getting in. For convenience, arrange rides through your accommodation.
  • Colones are the only currency accepted on local buses; plan accordingly.

Local Transit

Buses

  • Approximately 6 Hours
    Fare
    CRC 7,545
    Type
    Direct intercity bus (San José to Santa Teresa)
    Operator
    Transportes Cobano
    Frequency
    Two daily departures (6 AM, 2 PM)
    Notes
    Includes ferry ticket (~800 colones). Surfers pay extra 2,000 colones for surfboard.
  • 15-40 Minutes (Local Routes)
    Fare
    CRC 1,000
    Type
    Local colectivo buses within Santa Teresa area
    Frequency
    Multiple daily
    Notes
    Buses connect Santa Teresa to Cobano and other nearby towns. Limited schedule; pay on board in colones.

ATV

  • ATV (Standard Size, E.g., Kymco 250cc)
    Daily Rate
    CRC 3,600
    Weekly Rate
    CRC 2,500
    Notes
    Most popular local transport. Free delivery and pickup included with most companies. Discounts for 7+ day rentals. Helmets and storage box included.

Car

  • 4x4 / High-clearance SUV (Strongly Recommended)
    Daily Rate Max
    CRC 5,000
    Daily Rate Min
    CRC 2,400
    Notes
    Essential for unpaved roads and rainy season. Prices vary by season and vehicle class. Rates cheaper in green season (April-December). Mandatory insurance significantly increases final cost.
  • Compact Sedan / Economy Car
    Daily Rate Min
    CRC 1,200
    Notes
    Not recommended for Santa Teresa roads; unfit for rough terrain and potholes.

Motorcycle Scooter

  • Motorcycle/Scooter (E.g., Honda Navi 109cc or Kymco 250cc)
    Daily Rate
    CRC 3,000
    Weekly Rate
    CRC 1,750
    Notes
    Automatic transmission models available. Age requirement 21+. Valid driver's license required. Helmet included.

Taxi

Note
Taxis available but must be called or flagged on street. Pricing informal and variable. No meters; negotiate price beforehand. For long distances (e.g., airport pickups), expect $400–$500 USD depending on origin and season.

Rideshare

Uber Available
No
Note
Uber operates in Costa Rica but is unreliable outside San José. Sources explicitly recommend against counting on rideshare for Santa Teresa. Taxis are available locally but must be called or flagged; availability and pricing are inconsistent.

Walkability

Getting Around Tier
low
Getting Around Tier Rationale
While downtown is walkable, most activities and nearby attractions require motorized transport due to unpaved roads, dispersed locations, and lack of reliable public transit within town; reliance on ATV/bike rentals or taxis is essential for day-to-day mobility.
Description
Downtown Santa Teresa along the main beach strip is condensed and walkable for daily activities and dining. However, the broader area from Mal Pais to Playa Hermosa stretches over 12 kilometers on mostly unpaved roads, making walking impractical for most travel beyond the central zone.

Shuttle Services

Shared Shuttle

Approximate Cost
CRC 3,000
Notes
From San José or airports. Door-to-door service. Must book in advance.

Operator Examples

  • Tropical Tours Shuttles
  • Interbus
  • Easy Ride

Private Shuttle

Cost From Sjo
CRC 144,000
Cost From Liberia Lir
CRC 153,000
Notes
For 1-5 or 1-6 people, one-way. Extra charge of $20 (after 9 PM) or $30 (late night) for odd hours.
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.

  1. 1.costarica-trip.com
  2. 2.costaricavibes.com
  3. 3.centrocoasting.com
  4. 4.mytanfeet.com
  5. 5.ride.guru
  6. 6.lostransportadores.net
  7. 7.tropicaltourshuttles.com
  8. 8.quadtourscostarica.com
  9. 9.atvalerioscostarica.com
  10. 10.adobecar.com
  11. 11.drinkteatravel.com
  12. 12.puravidatraveling.com
  13. 13.yokovillage.com
  14. 14.mytanfeet.com
  15. 15.crie.cr
  16. 16.ride.guru

More About Santa Teresa

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.