Buses
Buses are by far the cheapest way to get around. The most expensive journey in the country (from Puerto Jimenez on the Osa Peninsula, to San Jose) costs US$7, while fares in the mid- to long-distance range vary from US$2.50 to US$5. Tickets on most mid- to long-distance and popular routes are issued with a date and a seat number; you are expected to sit in the seat indicated. Make sure the date is correct; even if the mistake is not yours, you cannot normally change your ticket or get a refund. Neither can you buy return bus tickets on Costa Rican buses, which can be quite inconvenient if heading to very popular destinations like Monteverde, Jaco and Manuel Antonio at busy times - you'll need to jump off the bus as soon as you arrive and buy your return ticket immediately to assure yourself a seat. San Jose is the hub for virutally all bus services in the country; indeed, it's often impossible to travel from one place to another without backtracking to the capital. Different companies have semi-monopolies on various regions. On the most popular buses, like the service to Golfito, it's advisable to book in advance , though you may be lucky and get on without a reservation. Services to popular tourist areas in high season - especially Monteverde - get booked up very fast, so again you should buy your ticket several days ahead of travel. For information on bus timetables check www.yellowweb.co.cr/crbuses.html . Though most Costa Rican buses are pretty good, the best of the bunch - arguably the best in Central America - is Ticabus , which runs the border routes from San Jose to Panama or to Managua. Old converted US Greyhound buses, they have comfortable seats, adequate baggage space, air conditioning and very courteous drivers.
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