skymaster2024
If you’re considering driving in Costa Rica to cross the country to get to destinations, the first thing you should know is that it will take you longer than you expect.
COSTA RICA IS NOTORIOUS FOR ITS POOR ROADS AND TRAFFIC JAMS.
Even if you know the area, driving in Costa Rica can be a difficult, especially in downtown San José.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE ROADS OF COSTA RICA
Traffic in Costa Rica can be unpredictable and chaotic. The roads are narrow, congested, and often in disrepair. Drivers tend to be aggressive sometimes and often break traffic laws.
Additionally, the road system in Costa Rica is not well-maintained, and many roads are poorly lit and riddled with potholes. This makes driving at night particularly treacherous.
I’ll be honest, once you get away from the San Jose downtown, the roads can be quieter and more beautiful. But it is not atypical that a trip of only 100 kilometers (62 miles) can take 3 hours.
ENJOY COSTA RICA FROM THE SKY
Getting to the most beautiful destinations in Costa Rica, such as beaches and mountain paradises, can be a high sacrifice in terms of time. For example, getting from San Jose to Playa Tamarindo in the best case is a 5 hour drive, if there is an accident on the road or traffic is very dense, be patient, your trip can take 8 hours.
Think about it, if your time in our country is limited, spending 16 hours in traffic jams does not seem very sensible.
THE REALITY OF COSTA RICAN ROADS, WHAT TO EXPECT
DURING RECENT TIMES, IT IS NORMAL TO SEE ROAD REPAIRS THAT SLOW DOWN THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC IN GENERAL.
It’s important to note that some roads in Costa Rica are often poorly lit and there is a lack of signage. This can make it difficult to navigate, especially at night. Additionally, smaller roads tend to be in even worse condition than major highways, and it’s not uncommon to find roads blocked by fallen trees or landslides.
REALTES NEWS:
- Costa Rica is the Third Country in Latin America With Highest Car Density
- Why San José’s epic traffic jams are also an opportunity
- Road Conditions Of Specific Routes In Costa Rica
HOW TO AVOID TRAFFIC JAMS IN COSTA RICA
If you’re considering driving in Costa Rica, the best way to avoid traffic jams is Book a charter flight. Aero Caribe can take you anywhere in Costa Rica, once you get to your destination, you can rent a car or take a cab and make the most of your stay in our country.
Unlike driving, a charter flight can take you to your destination between 15 and 40 minutes max.
On the flight you will be able to see the virgin lush jungles of Costa Rica, the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean and some volcanos, which if I may say so, is spectacular.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET LOST
Okay, let’s say you choose to drive in Costa Rica despite our advices. It’s not the end of the world, if you have time to spare, we understand it’s an option.
HOWEVER, THE POSSIBILITY OF GETTING LOST IS THERE.
If you find yourself lost on the roads in Costa Rica, the best thing to do is to find a safe place to stop and ask for directions, Waze App is very useful in Costa Rica, the app is well updated with the roads of Costa Rica as it is very popular among Costa Ricans.
It’s best to avoid stopping in dark or isolated areas.
Try calling 911.
The locals are often very friendly and can help you with directions or orientation. However, avoid talking to strangers in dangerous places near San Jose. Use your instinct, there are neighborhoods where you can get lost, and the locals may not have the best intentions.
ALTERNATIVES TO DRIVING IN COSTA RICA
THERE ARE TWO OPTIONS IF YOU WISH TO AVOID DRIVING IN COSTA RICA:
1. Use public services: Getting around by bus isn’t a very good idea. Public services in Costa Rica are slow and poorly organized. In addition, due to poor management, all public bus services in Costa Rica must go to downtown San Jose, causing hours of traffic jams.
Cabs and uber service are a better option. We recommend Uber for safety and ability to complain with the company.
2. The other option is to take a flight to your destination. Once at your destination (beach, mountain, town or some other), you can rent a car, taking a local bus service or get around with local cabs or using uber service.
A charter flight is always the best option, you can choose the time of your flight and you will not spend hours in traffic or at the airport. Aero Caribe service can pick you up at the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). This way, you will be at your destination in one hour or less, and onwards, our crew can pick you up anywhere in Costa Rica to continue your adventure in the skies and lands of Costa Rica.
FINAL CONCLUSIONS AND ISSUES TO CONSIDER REGARDING TRAFFIC IN COSTA RICA
ENJOY COSTA RICA FROM THE SKY!
Costa Rica is still one of the safest countries in Latin America, however, it suffers from poor road organization and some places can be dangerous. If you are going to travel in our country, take the necessary precautions and get as much information as you can. In Aero Caribe we have more than 25 years of experience helping visitors from all over the world to get the best out of their trip through our beautiful country.
If you have any questions or need any kind of help, do not hesitate to contact us.
