San Jose Travel Guide

San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica. The undisputed cultural and economic center of Costa Rica's central valley, where most of the population lives, San José is also the most important transportation hub for domestic travel even though the international airport is in Alajuela. Many international visitors bypass San José altogether or spend only the time it takes to change from one bus to another, but its museums, cultural output and the opportunity to meet the "real Costa Rica" make it well worth staying a few days.

9.993889-84.2088891Juan Santamaría Airport(SJOIATA) (The city closest to the airport isAlajuela.).17 km (11 mi) from the center of San José. The airport is pretty close to what you'd be used to in the US or Europe, including pretty shameless price gouging (a ₡ 6000 burger, anybody?) and tacky souvenir shops. However, the experience is generally smooth, quiet and air conditioned.

Public transport system includes buses, various administrations have mulled some type of light rail for the city but as of mid 2018 there has been nothing more than talks on the subject. Bus lines, maps, schedules and ticket prices are available onMoovit. This is the preferred bus navigation app among locals.

In San José and throughout the nation's urban centers, the traffic is wild and dangerous. It is not the norm for cars to stop for pedestrians; in fact, they generally drive very fast, which can make crossing streets dangerous. Traffic laws and particularly "Alto/Stop" signs are frequently disregarded by locals (although that doesn't mean you should do the same).

As San José is the undisputed economic, cultural, academic and political center of the country there are plenty of hotels and hostels of all kinds aimed at Ticos and foreigners alike who are here on business or pleasure.