Question 1

What is Pura Vida Traveling’s role in my transportation booking?

Accepted Answer

As a travel agency, we handle all your logistics by booking and organizing your ride with our transportation partners. We work with all transportation providers in Costa Rica to find the ride that fits your needs. This means we coordinate your trip for a smooth experience but are not the actual transportation providers.

Question 2

Who provides the transportation services?

Accepted Answer

Pura Vida Traveling partners with trusted transportation providers in Costa Rica. While we coordinate your transportation, these companies operate the shuttles and are responsible for the rides.

Question 3

Is booking with Pura Vida Traveling more expensive than going directly to transport providers?

Accepted Answer

Our prices come directly from our transportation providers and include a commission they pay us for booking. Typically, our prices match what you'd pay if you booked directly, though sometimes they may vary slightly. We aim to align our prices with our providers' rates whenever possible to avoid overcharging.

Question 4

How do I know which shuttle service I’ll be using?

Accepted Answer

After booking with us, we will follow up with an email fully confirming your transportation. With this confirmation, we’ll inform you which shuttle company is scheduled for your trip and provide a contact phone number so you can contact the shuttle provider directly if needed. Each of our partners meets high safety and service standards to ensure a comfortable journey.

Question 5

Can I request a specific shuttle company?

Accepted Answer

We try accommodating requests for specific shuttle providers based on availability, route, and timing. However, assignments depend on partner schedules, and we work to offer the best available option for your itinerary. Please email us and include your confirmation number to request a specific provider.

Question 6

How far in advance should I book my transportation?

Accepted Answer

We recommend booking at least 72 hours in advance to secure your preferred schedule. Early bookings (5-7 days in advance) are highly recommended during peak season.

Question 7

What are the shuttle departure times?

Accepted Answer

Shuttle times vary by provider and route. Shared shuttles have to pick up other passengers and can run 10-20 minutes late. We’ll confirm the available time options upon booking and email you your final schedule. Some popular routes operate several times daily, while others may have limited service. Most shuttles run in the morning and afternoon, with the latest shuttles leaving at around 5 PM. There are no shuttles with night-time departures.

Question 8

When should I be ready for pick-up, and how will I know the exact time?

Accepted Answer

Pick-up times are approximate. Your confirmed pick-up time will be based on your pick-up location and provided with your confirmation email. We recommend being ready 10-15 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. This helps ensure timely departure, as some routes operate on tight schedules.

Question 9

Where will I be picked up and dropped off? Can I be picked up from a specific location?

Accepted Answer

Most shuttles offer door-to-door service (from and to any Hotel or Hostel), which we will confirm based on your pickup and drop-off locations. If door-to-door service is unavailable, we will arrange pickup at the nearest accessible location. Extra charges could apply for drop-off outside the designated areas (from an Airbnb, for example). We will notify you beforehand if your pick-up or drop-off location requires an additional cost.

Question 10

Where can I meet the driver at Liberia LIR Airport?

Accepted Answer

If you are traveling from the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, your pick-up spot will be the Britt Cafe right outside the airport on the right side of the arrivals area. You will need to pass both immigration and customs (30-120 minutes) to get to the meeting point, so if you are requesting a pick-up, make sure to book a shuttle that picks you up 60-120 minutes after your plane is scheduled to land and always provide us with your flight information so that we can be aware of any delays or cancelations.

Question 11

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Reservations that have not been fully confirmed by Pura Vida Traveling are fully refundable. Once a confirmation email has been sent, the following cancelation policy will be enforced: All cancellations of fully confirmed travel will be charged a 10% cancelation fee (10% of the total reservation being canceled). All Pura Vida Traveling transportation reservations become fully non-refundable 72 hours before the scheduled pick-up time. Cancelations made more than 72 hours before the service can be eligible for a partial refund, depending on the transportation provider used. Provider-specific policies: Easy Ride — 40% refund if canceled more than 72 hours before travel, fully non-refundable within 72 hours. Ride CR, Tropical Tours, Caribe Shuttle, Interbus — refund if canceled more than 72 hours before travel, with a 10% cancelation fee. Zuma Tours — refund if canceled more than 72 hours before travel, with a 25% cancelation fee.

Question 12

Where can I meet the driver at San José SJO Airport?

Accepted Answer

If you request pick-up from the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), your pick-up spot will be restaurante Malinche. Restaurante Malinche is located right outside the airport on the right side of the arrivals area. You must pass through immigration and customs (30-120 minutes) to get to the pick-up spot. Make sure to book a shuttle that picks you up 60-120 minutes after your plane is scheduled to land, and always provide us with your flight information so that we can be aware of any delays or cancelations.

Question 13

What happens if my shuttle is delayed?

Accepted Answer

Shared shuttles have to pick up other passengers and can run 10-20 minutes late. Our providers strive to stay on schedule, but traffic, weather, or other factors can sometimes affect timing. If your shuttle is more than 20 minutes late, please contact the shuttle company directly to connect to the shuttle driver. We provide the shuttle companies WhatsApp number in your confirmation email.

Question 14

How can I make changes to my booking?

Accepted Answer

You can contact us directly to modify your booking by sending us an email at support@puravidatraveling.com. We’ll work with our partners to accommodate any schedule changes as best as possible. However, changes may be subject to provider availability and potential fees.

Question 15

How do I contact customer support on the day of my ride?

Accepted Answer

Pura Vida Traveling’s support team is here for assistance, and we’ll coordinate with the shuttle provider if needed, but the best is always to reach out to the provider directly. We provide the shuttle company's direct contact information in your confirmation email.

Question 16

How much luggage can I bring?

Accepted Answer

Each passenger is allowed 1 large suitcase and 1 carry-on. Additional luggage or oversized items (like a surfboard, 7 feet max) will be charged $15. You can add them when you make the reservation.

Question 17

Can I travel with my pet?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately no, our partner transport services do not accept to transport pets.

Question 18

Can I pay in cash?

Accepted Answer

No, for security reasons, we do not accept cash. All reservations must be paid before your service date only via our specific reservation website: Pura Vida Traveling Rezdy.

Question 19

Is there an age requirement for children to travel alone?

Accepted Answer

Most providers require children under 18 to be accompanied by an adult. If you are planning travel for a minor, please contact us to discuss any special arrangements.

Option	Cost	Comfort	Speed	Best for
Public bus	$	Basic	Slowest	Budget travelers and slow travelers
Shared shuttle	$$	Comfortable, air-conditioned	Moderate	Solo travelers, couples, small groups
Private shuttle	$$$ per vehicle	Very comfortable	Faster than bus	Families and groups
Rental car	$$–$$$ per day	Comfortable	As fast as you drive	Flexible itineraries and explorers
Domestic flight	$$$$	Comfortable, small planes	Fastest	Long distances and tight schedules
Taxi / Uber	$ per short ride	Varies	Good in towns	Short hops, not intercity travel

Book your shuttle in Costa Rica

Popular routes

Airport shuttles: San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR)

San José Airport (SJO) shuttles

Liberia Airport (LIR) shuttles

Costa Rica transportation compared

Our transport providers

Caribe Shuttle

Easy Ride Costa Rica

Exploradores Outdoors

Go Jaco Shuttle

Interbus

Ride CR

Santa Teresa Expeditions

Transporzuma

Tropical Tours Shuttle

Zuma Tours

Why choose our shuttle service in Costa Rica?

Convenience

Safety

Sustainability

Stress-Free Planning

Frequently asked questions

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