1

as you exit the airport, a nice gentleman will ask you, "taxi?" just say "yes" and he will direct you to a taxi driver. he will probably ask you where you want to go. in the past, there has been a booth where you prepay, but now i think they just go by the meter in the taxi. there are official airport taxis - the only ones allowed to pick people up at the airport. from the airport to 5 miles away should be around 4,000 colones or about $8. (i think the airport taxi rates are 600 colones for the first kilometer and then 500 colones for every kilometer after that. the rates might be a bit more than that now.)

2

Just an FYI

I recently had this question prior to our trip, but didn't bother posting the question on Thorn Tree.

Having done it a few weeks ago, I can tell you what we did which was cheaper but perhaps not the safest option.

I was told by someone in the airport that the cheapest (more risky) option is to leave the airport arrival area and walk a few meters to the street. At the corner, unofficial airport cabs park and wait. Most likely you will have to arrange the fare with the driver prior to getting in. They will probably resist using the meter like ours did.

I got a trip to Hostel Trotamundos in Central Alajuela for 6 dollars which was slightly cheaper then the 8-10 dollar rate that was quoted by the official taxis who are allowed to enter the airport.

Have a great trip.

3

yeah, you can use one of the pirate taxis and they are cheaper. but you never really know what you're getting and in case of an accident, you are not covered by insurance.

if you think that saving $2 or so is worth it, that's your choice. i don't use the pirates anymore because they are often driving old, beat-up cars and because of the lack of insurance. also - you are taking something away from a guy who has "jumped through the hoops" and is operating legally with license and insurance.

4

i'm not going to sweat the $2. just wanted the rough going rate and general protocol at this airport. i should be good to go now

gracias senores

5

Get a Orange Taxi at exit, figure $4-$6

6

correction to taxi rates: 835 colones for first kilometer and 750 colones for each kilometer after that. (sorry - i was out of date with the first information)

7

thanks again y'all

fwiw, not to hijack this thread but i can't login to my account from my ipod touch over wireless.. anybody have suggestions?

8

btw, it's not a wireless issue to be more clear. i have access to the site. i can get to the sign in screen but it just keeps kicking me back to the home page when i sign it (verified i'm typing in the right info a couple of times). and then i can't get back to the sign in screen but i'm not logged in either???

i was counting on this gadget on the road :)