The less common choice of transport directly to downtown is by public bus, which you can catch across from the airport entrance. Ask the driver to be sure the bus you’re on is heading for San José. It drops you downtown across from the Parque Merced, Av 2 and Calle 12. The bus isn’t a good choice if you’re carrying a lot of luggage. There are numerous car rental desks at the airport; their shuttle will take you to your auto. If you plan to explore only around San José, consider that a car is a liability in the traffic and parking is hard to find. Public buses or taxis are the way to go.

Leaving
If airport transfers aren’t included in your hotel price, it’s most convenient to take a taxi to the airport for your departure. Or perhaps you can make a deal with a van driver at one of the hotels who pick up for the package vacation crowd. Agree on the price before you leave. From downtown, a public bus takes passengers with luggage to the airport. The bus terminal is the one for Alajuela, Av 2 and Calle 12, across from Parque Merced. Service is very frequent and takes a half-hour or less.

Don’t forget to leave yourself enough money to pay the departure tax, about US $20. You can pay it at any San José travel agent’s office or at the airport. If you pay at the airport, avoid the men outside the terminal who claim to be legit and will happily collect your money and even provide a receipt. It’s not legal. Flight reconfirmation and reservation phone numbers in San José are: Continental ( 506/296-4911), American ( 506 / 257-1266 ), Delta ( 506 / 257-3346 ), LACSA, ( 506 / 296-0909 ), and United ( 506 / 220-4844 ).