Driving and Getting Around Costa Rica
Every CRS Tours vacation package includes an in-app map you can open on your phone, with driving directions and current travel information for each day of your trip. It works whether you’re heading between cities or out to more remote areas, so you can keep moving without second-guessing the route.
Driving in Costa Rica: What to Expect
Costa Rica’s roads range from well-paved highways to unpaved rural tracks. A few things worth knowing before you set off:
- Main roads: Major routes such as the Interamericana Highway are well maintained and make it easy to travel between provinces. Expect heavier traffic around San José.
- Rural roads: Outside the towns, many roads are unpaved, narrow and winding. They can be slower going in the rainy season, with potholes and muddy stretches.
- Signage: Road signs can be sparse, especially in the countryside. Major highways are marked, but smaller roads often are not, so GPS or our app is essential for staying on course.
Personalized Directions from CRS Tours
When you book with us, you receive a customized itinerary with daily driving routes planned around your trip. The app includes:
- Driving directions to your next destination.
- Current road conditions, so you know if a route needs extra caution or an alternate path.
- Points of interest along the way, including recommended stops for viewpoints, meals and activities.
This is especially useful in remote areas where standard GPS can be unreliable.
Road Conditions by Season
Conditions vary by region and time of year, so it pays to be prepared:
- Dry season (December–April): roads are generally in good shape and driving is easier.
- Rainy season (May–November): expect wet, occasionally flooded or muddy roads, particularly on rural routes. The app flags conditions and updates as you go.
- 4×4 vehicles: for remote destinations such as Drake Bay or Rincón de la Vieja, a 4×4 is strongly recommended for safer travel.
Private Transfers Between Destinations
If you would rather not drive, CRS Tours arranges private transfers between destinations so you can sit back and take in the scenery. The main advantages:
- Less stress: an experienced local driver handles the journey and gets you there safely.
- Convenience: no rental car, unfamiliar roads or parking to worry about.
- Flexible: transfers can include stops at points of interest along the route.
Whether you’re travelling between beach resorts and rainforest lodges or from the airport to your hotel, transfers keep the travel part simple.
Tips for Driving in Costa Rica
- Keep a charged phone with the app for maps and directions.
- Fill the tank before heading into rural areas — gas stations can be far apart.
- Local driving habits differ from what you may be used to, so stay alert.
Explore Costa Rica with Confidence
With CRS Tours’ maps and personalized directions, you get the freedom of a self-drive trip without the guesswork of unfamiliar roads. Prefer not to drive? Our private transfers are a comfortable alternative. Volcanoes, national parks or the coast — you’ll always have a reliable guide to hand.
