Getting Around, Puntarenas Travel, Transport and Car Rental
(Puntarenas, Costa Rica)
Transportation in
Costa Rica is a real mixed bag. Arriving in San Jose by air is likely to be a pleasant travel experience, and from here, many holiday makers will choose to take a comfortable bus or hire car journey into Puntarenas.
Local bus trips along mountain roads can be slow and bumpy, although for many, the views will more than make up for the poor travel experience. If transportation is carefully arranged and isn't expected to be of a Western standard throughout, getting around Puntarenas, the Pacific Coast and inland Costa Rica won't be a problem.
Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) / Arriving by Air
Address: Juan Santamaria International Airport, Pan American Highway, Alajuela, Costa Rica, CR
Tel: +506 2437 2400
The nearest public airport is San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport, some 110 km / 68 miles away from Puntarenas. Flights arrive here from a number of
USA cities, including
New York,
Chicago,
Houston and
Los Angeles. A modern facility, its two terminals offer all the usual passenger services, including car rental provided by international companies. Onward transportation to Puntarenas city comes in the form of buses, hire cars and taxis - there is no train service.
Car Rental
Although the main road connections to major cities such as San Jose are in reasonable condition, the back roads, especially in the mountains, run from poor to downright dangerous. It is always important to have a reliable car, even if this means renting on arrival from a well-known international company in San Jose, either at the airport or in the city, before you leave for Puntarenas. There are no reliable car rental firms in Puntarenas, and although Thrifty is represented, visitors generally agree that it is not especially well run. If you are planning to tour the region, a hire car is essential, as public transport is unreliable, usually uncomfortable and often unsafe, especially when crowded.
Buses and Coaches
Buses run from
San Jose to Puntarenas, on the hour between 06:00 and 19:00 - a two and a half hour journey. Local bus transport in and around Puntarenas is quite poor, as are the roads they travel on. Charter buses for day trips may be available during the high season, while several bus companies run routes to other Costa Rican cities, including Filadelfia, Jaco, Liberia, Monteverde, Montezuma, Nicoya, Quepos, Santa Cruz and Santa Elena.
Taxis
Taxis are available around town and at the port, especially when a cruise ship docks. Drivers will undertake longer journeys, but if you are planning a trip off the main roads, bear in mind that the vehicle may have maintenance or old age problems! Fares should always be arranged in advance of the journey, while travelling late at night is not recommended.
Boats and Ferries
A ferry leaves Puntarenas harbour five times a day for the small town of Paquera, on the Nicoya Peninsula. Car ferries also run to the Playa Naranjo beach resort on the peninsula. A passenger boat service is on hand, being timed to meet arriving buses from San Jose and continuing on to Montezuma, with a similar service being available to Tambor.
- Google+
