Getting Around Costa Rica Without Renting a Car – My Journey Through the Country

Hi! I’m Lukas, 22 years old, originally from Hamburg, Germany. A few months ago, I packed my backpack and set off on a dream trip through Costa Rica. I didn’t rent a car—not because I didn’t want to, but because I wanted the freedom to relax, look out the window, and not worry about winding mountain roads or confusing signs.

After exploring every corner of the country—from the volcanic trails of La Fortuna to the cloud forests of Monteverde and the surf towns of the Nicoya Peninsula—I can confidently tell you that you do NOT need to rent a car to see Costa Rica.

Let me show you how I did it.

1. Shared Shuttles – Affordable, Social, and Reliable

My journey started with shared shuttles. These vans pick you up from your hostel or hotel and drop you off right at your next stop. It’s a super popular option among backpackers and solo travelers. I met people from Canada, Spain, Argentina—just on the drive from San José to La Fortuna!

The drivers are always on time, the vans are clean, and it’s surprisingly comfortable. Plus, the company I used (Expedition Costa Rica!) made booking super easy via WhatsApp.

2. Private Transport – Worth It When You’re in a Group

When I traveled with people I met at hostels, we sometimes split the cost of private transport. For example, from Monteverde to Santa Teresa, we booked a van for 6 of us. It was door-to-door, flexible on departure time, and allowed us to stop at cool places along the way.

Trust me—having AC, space for your bags, and being able to stop for a smoothie in the middle of nowhere is a vibe.

3. Day Tours With Transportation Included

One of the best things in Costa Rica is how many tours already include transportation. I didn’t have to figure out how to get to the hanging bridges or the thermal rivers—they picked me up, gave me an awesome day, and dropped me off at my hostel with a smile.

4. Drivers for the Day – Next Level Freedom

This was a game changer. In the Nicoya Peninsula, I wanted to explore hidden beaches, eat at small sodas (local restaurants), and go wherever the mood took me. Hiring a driver for the day gave me the flexibility of a rental car—without the stress.

We had a local guy named Mauricio who told us stories, showed us a waterfall we never would have found on our own, and became a friend by the end of the day.

5. Why I Skipped the Rental Car (And I’m Glad I Did)

• Narrow roads + potholes = no fun if you’re not used to it

• Parking can be tricky in small beach towns

• Public transport in some areas is slow or confusing

• Honestly? I just wanted to relax and enjoy the journey

Also, I met people who DID rent cars and ended up stressed or stuck—one guy’s tire exploded on the way to Tortuguero!

Bonus Tip: Stay Flexible

In Costa Rica, things don’t always go as planned. Weather changes, buses are late, or the driver decides to stop to show you a sloth. That’s part of the magic.

Stay open. Ask questions. And don’t be afraid to trust the locals—they know how to get you where you need to go.

Pura vida isn’t just a slogan. It’s the best way to travel this beautiful country.