Taxis in Costa Rica

Costa Rica taxis provide an inexpensive and efficient way to get around urban areas in Costa Rica.  Taxis or cabs in Costa Rica are red with a yellow upside-down diamond situated on the side of the car, usually the door and are easily spotted.  They are either organized in groups of semi-independent owners known as ‘Cooperatives’ or they are privately owned.

When taking a taxi in Costa Rica, make sure the driver starts the meter, which is nicknamed the ‘Maria’. At present, the meter starts at around 565 colones (approximately US$1.10). For each additional kilometer, it costs around 230 colones, or 55 cents. The 4WD taxis in the mountain and beach towns charge a little more for the extra mileage. Also, if you get a private taxi that has no meter, it’s recommendable to settle on a price before you begin your trip. 

Most taxi drivers in Costa Rica know how to locate all the major attractions such as malls, hotels and other. Keep in mind, that unless you are heading to a private residence, you probably won’t even need to provide the driver with a specific address.

Costa Rica also has a lot of ‘pirate taxis’ (‘piratas’) that are not regulated, and often not insured.  These are usually red cars and can confuse you – so be careful and always look for the taxi emblem on the door.   Taxis traveling to and from the international airport in San José are orange, and are authorized to charge a flat, government rate. 

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Feel free to contact us at www.costaricaguides.com, or toll free at 877. 281.8515, useful information to help you learn more about Costa Rica, and assist you in planning your trip to Costa Rica, such as recommending hotels, tours, transportation, not to mention the special offers for the month of September.