Will I regret trying to take the bus?

November 12, 2009 9:06 AM

Costa Rica Filter: Public bus from San Jose to Monteverde? Also, any recommendations on where to stay?

I'll be going to Costa Rica soon, and I'd like to take the public bus from San Jose Airport to Monteverde.

Does the bus still run from the Coca Cola bus stop? How dangerous is that bus stop? How to get there from the airport? Is this doable by someone who doesn't speak English? How and where do I pay for the ticket? Are there luggage racks above the seats? If I do take the bus, I'll have to take the afternoon route, not the morning one. Will this pose any special problems? Is it really worth it to pay 10x as much for a shuttle? How will I be able to tell what bus I want to take? Will it transfer? How will I know when we've reached Monteverde?

As much info as possible would be great. I feel awkward enough on the bus in the US, much less in a country where I don't speak the language.

Any other Costa Rica/Monteverde tips would be appreciated. Any particular restaurants that must be tried/hotels that are a cut above average?

posted by Nonce to travel & transportation (4 comments total)

Previous posts on Costa Rica.
posted by hhc5 at 9:22 AM on November 12, 2009

There are plenty of people at the San Jose airport who speak English. Just ask someone there which bus goes to Monteverde. If you are really nervous about it, it might be worth the extra $$$ to take a shuttle. I can't help you much otherwise, because I drive when I am there.
posted by bolognius maximus at 1:23 PM on November 12, 2009

I ventured out from San Jose a lot back in 2005, when I was studying abroad there. Coca Cola is (or at least was) a bit sketchy, but a little common sense, and keeping an keen eye on your belongings, and you should be fine. Don't sleep on the bus. Keep a watchful eye on your things if you put them above, and keep all necessary things with you. I've known many many people who have had their bags stolen from the top racks while asleep.

We stayed at a hostel - I don't remember the name. But it was in the center of Monteverde, across from the Bank.

If I remember correctly, there are ticket windows at Coca Cola - you might be able to purchase them as you board, but the bus driver might charge you a little more. There are always other tourists buzzing around Coca Cola during bus departure times, so don't be afraid to ask someone who looks like they know what they're doing, if you have questions.

You'll know when you reach Monteverde - it should be the final destination, and this is where everyone will get off. Also, not to frighten you, but you will know you're there because bus driver will have successfully conquered the unbelievably narrow 2-way, bumper-less roads up the mountains.

For Central American standards, Costa Rica is quite well off - but petty crime does happen. Never look away from your bags. If you're at a restaurant and have a backpack, put it on the floor, and put one of the shoulder loops under the leg of the chair. Act confident, use your common sense, and you'll be fine.

Being a raincoat and sturdy shoes, and some layers as it is a bit cooler up the mountain than down in San Jose.

Have fun! Monteverde is quite beautiful - you'll have a great time.
posted by raztaj at 8:29 AM on November 13, 2009

Yeah, I did the reverse of this (Monteverde to San Jose) about 4 years ago when I was last in Costa Rica, so I know it's doable. Unfortunately I don't remember the specifics of the route, but like most buses in Central America, I would guess that the buses are pretty frequent and pretty cheap. The good news is that there are many, many, more buses in a place like Costa Rica than there are in the States and so it usually not to difficult to get just about anywhere if you have a little patience and can ask people to point you in the right direction. Your best bet is probably just to wait until you get the airport and ask someone what the best way to do it is, recognizing that you may need to take a cab or bus into San Jose first to catch one the of local buses out.

Be aware though that as a tourist who does not speak any Spanish (if I'm reading your question right), you may very well get over-charged at some point. One question I would be sure and ask in the airport is how much the taxi should cost and how the bus should cost. But even if you are over charged a bit, you will still end up spending a lot less than you would if you buy a ticket on a tourist-oriented shuttle bus. Buena suerte!

On preview: seconding raztaj's advice -- it's all very sound.
posted by dyslexictraveler at 8:31 AM on November 13, 2009