The Bus-System

Ok, admittedley the topic may initially not sound overly exciting. But as there are basically only buses as means of public transport it is important to be mentioned. 

One thing in advance: there will be no such thing as logic in the following sentences!

Next you have to differentiate between long-distance and short-distance buses.

Let's look firstly at the ones that operate on short distances:

- there exist no ticket vending machines, you have to pay the driver in cash when you embark ( coins   are prefered)

- try to get on quickly and have your money ready to hand over ( the drivers dislike it if people stand in the entrance for too long, as the result of the photoelectric barrier might get messed)

- you ALWAYS pay the same fare - no matter where you get on and of

- the fare is displayed in the front windscreen as is the destination

- there is no airconditioning, but several windows instead

- stations can sometimes be hard to spot since they oftentimes only consist of unapparent signs

Secondly, let's analyse the long-distance buses:

- you CAN buy tickets in advance and SHOULD do so, as they only run a couple of times a day and seats are asigned with your purchase. Consequently you might have to wait for the next one if you haven't aquired tickets in advance ( the downside is that you can only purchase your ticket at the respective terminal your bus will depart from and these are usually not very comfortable places)

- watch out as there are direct connections and busses that are collective which means they have numerous stops along the way ( this can add at least 2 hours to the time of the direct route! )

- NEVER showcase any valuable objects and keep your luggage, bags and all your belongings on your lap, don't store it in any case under or above your seat!

- these buses will make a stop at a service area for roughly ten to fifteen minutes where you can refresh, buy something to drink or a bite to eat

For any kind of travel in Costa Rica I highly recommend keeping coins in some sort of outer pocket of your bag in order to avoid exposing where you store your wallet ( which obviously makes you an Easy target for robbery)

Pictures will follow!