buses to Costa Rica (central america)
Replies: 16 - Last Post: Dec 11, 2012 4:19 PM Last Post By: SoloHobo
jump to
buses to Costa Rica (central america)
Are there a lot of buses that go to Costa Rica and other countries in Central america besides the main ones?I am planning on travelling all the way to Canada by land. Any kind of tips would be helpful. Thanks
Edited by: dalisyd21
1
Yes. And I salute you for using public transportation, which helps cut down on air pollution (as opposed to everyone having a car) and traffic.Of course, Tica Bus is a deluxe company that can get you from Panama City to Guatemala City. They have a website. There are also many other bus companies. Albrook bus terminal is huge. I have taken buses all over Central America. It is also a good way to learn about the local culture and I have met lovely people.
Most people in Central America do not have cars and public transportation tends to be frequent although in some places not very comfortable. Mexico has a great and comfortable inter city bus system. As you get up to the USA, Greyhound can get you from point A to point B.
I hope you have a great trip.
PS- The advantage in taking a "deluxe" company over the borders in Central America would be that they help with the formalities. If you decide to just take a cheaper local bus and walk over the border and pick up another on the far side, you can do that too. Note that Costa Rica can ask to see a ticket onward before allowing entry. Meaning out of Costa Rica. One time they didn't ask me, another they did. The cheap "chicken" buses don't sell advance tickets so if you are asked you will be stuck buying a more expensive one. The bus companies seem to be in on this game and might have a booth right near the border post.
3
That's right, Steve. I forgot they also go to Mexico. Thanks for your input4
OP...you are going to Canada through CA...but where are you starting from?As above,there are loads of buses in CA...cheap and easy to travel this way,if a little time consuming.How long have you got?
6
I am starting in Colombia. I have as long as it takes...I dont have a deadline10
Some of the international Tica Bus routes fill up. If you can make a reservation/get a ticket a day or two before, that would be good. Otherwise you can take your chances and try to get a seat. If you are going at Christmas, I would try in advance.I've been on them when they are totally full, I've been on them when there are plenty of empty seats.
The cheaper local buses are "just show up and go" type buses.
I've used Melva getting between Guatemala and El Salvador and didn't need a reservation...it was comfortable, cheap and fine.
11
If you have 'as long as it takes'...and the budget and desire that goes with it..then there's no need at all to take those international buses.Do it slowly,bit by bit,and see something along the way (other than out of the bus window and night stops in large and unappealing capital cities).
As suggested above,this will mean you have to get off a bus at the borders and walk across,but that is easy enough to do......
13
I would think that a diesel bus, these are not cleaning burning diesel busses in CA, going all the way from Costa Rica, to US Border, then to Canada, is a larger carbon footprint than a jet aircraft. Not to mention the energy you use via hotels, cleaning the rooms sheets/towels, food harvest, prep and cooking, for 9 days, VS a 5 hours flight...heck using the bathroom on a bus for 9 days, that is a lot of pollution right there...heheFood for thought. Maybe there is a APP for calculating all that...haha
14
We can agree to disagree on that, Solo. L.A. would not have had the horrible smog it had gotten if it were not for the abundance of private autos. That is why they have been pushing public transportation in recent years. It is a health issue. Yes, buses in Central America let out alot of nasty exhaust but just imagine how much more if everyone on that bus used their own car. Not to mention the fact that the road systems in many countries are not geared for more cars. Nice, quiet backwoods places are jammed with traffic. And they have to park somewhere...what a lovely view.I don't own a car (although I can afford one and can drive). Sure, I travel by plane. But not having a car is a small gift I want to give back to the earth.
PS- if readers will tolerate my soapbox for one more thing: I live in an area of the USA where not having a car is considered shocking by some. My neighbors are so obese, a walk would do them good. I was told I am 'weird" by one (who is so unhealthy that she can hardly inhale) because I walk to the corner store. Yeah, I'm weird all right...weird to be healthy, weird to save money...
Edited by: RobertoGustavo
