LivingTravelCoca-Cola bus terminal in San José, Costa Rica

Coca-Cola bus terminal in San José, Costa Rica

The Coca-Cola Bus Terminal is the main bus terminal in San José, Costa Rica, and a hub for the entire Costa Rican bus system. It is located on the site of the first Coca-Cola bottling plant in Costa Rica, hence its name.

The Coca Cola Bus Terminal is located on Calle 16 and Avenidas 1 a 3 in San José, Costa Rica.

Trip by bus

Costa Rica’s bus system is the most practical and economical means of transportation in the country. If you are traveling by bus in Costa Rica, taking a bus at the Coca-Cola bus station in San José is almost inevitable. Basic knowledge of Spanish will definitely help the ticket buying process and reduce your chances of being the target of pickpockets.

Please note that estimated arrival times and stops are often treated as guidelines or suggestions rather than requirements. San José is a very busy city and traffic throughout Costa Rica moves very slowly. If you are traveling by bus, take a little more time around planned arrivals.

Terminal security

Note that the Coca Cola Bus Terminal is located in the Coca-Cola district of San José, also called the Red Zone, or the Red Light District of San José. The Red Zone is one of the most notorious areas in San José for theft and petty theft.

Much of this crime is directed at tourists and travelers, especially in the San José bus terminal and its surroundings. Keep an eye on your bags and backpacks at all times, and keep your passport and important document in an underwear money belt. Do not let anyone else see or handle your luggage.

Bus schedules

The best Costa Rica bus schedule available is offered on the Costa Rica Toucan Guides website. However, bus schedules in Costa Rica are definitely erratic. It’s worth getting to the San José bus station early, but be prepared to wait.

While Costa Rica’s bus system is relatively inexpensive and convenient (as it spans the entire country), it is wise to do a little advance planning. The Toucan Guide is helpful, but there is no central website that has all the bus routes and schedules available, and the Coca-Cola station is hectic and crowded, with several windows throughout the building.

Your best option is to buy tickets in advance, either by phone or online.

Rent a car or taxi

While many tourists get around well using the bus system in Costa Rica, there are some scenarios where you may want to consider renting a car if your budget allows. If you have luggage (which could be lost, or worse, stolen) and you are not visiting remote areas (where roads may be less passable), renting a car might make more sense for you.

There is also a robust taxi industry in Costa Rica, but beware of unregistered car services, especially if you depart from the Coca-Cola station or any part of the surrounding neighborhood.

If you plan to visit neighboring Central American countries like Guatemala to the north or Panama to the south, your best option may be Ticabus, which has connections from San José stations.

Latin American countries that celebrate their independence in September

In the ninth month of the year, seven countries commemorate the anniversary of their independence. We tell you what they are and on what dates they celebrate it.

This Central American country wants to enter a trade agreement where Mexico, Japan and...

The country requested to join the free trade agreement known as CPTPP where 11 countries from Asia and America participate, including Mexico.

A guide to the traditions and customs of the Costa Rican wedding

Destination weddings in Costa Rica (especially on the beaches of Costa Rica) are tropical fantasies by definition. All I know

Travel to Costa Rica: before you go

Costa Rica is a nation of impossible natural beauty. The misty purple volcanoes, the radiant sunsets, the smoky rainforests and

Researcher raises abandoned baby sloths

Natural scientist Sam Trull supports orphaned sloth cubs. She wants to help the animals and also provide more information.

More