How to Get Around Costa Rica

Domestic flights (mainly Sansa and Sky Way) are the fastest way to reach more remote destinations like the Osa Peninsula or Tortuguero, which have limited or no road access.

A rental car, ideally 4WD, is the most flexible way to see the country and genuinely necessary for some destinations -- many rural roads are unpaved and river crossings are common in the rainy season. Shuttle van services connecting major tourist towns are a comfortable, popular alternative.

Public buses are extensive and cheap between larger towns. Tortuguero specifically is reachable only by boat or small plane -- there's no road access at all.