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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Hamhed" data-source="post: 3036895" data-attributes="member: 70825">Just catching up on this thread (thanks for having faith, Niels!).  My wife and I have used the bus service in Costa Rica on several trips, including going to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui and back.  The bus for this particular area leaves from San Jose (Los Carib) so we took a taxi from the airport in Ajaluela to the proper station.  The 45 minute taxi ride was many times more expensive than the 90 minute bus ride to Puerto Viejo.  There is a bus from Alajuela to San Jose but it takes a much longer long time and there is still some taxi time.We found that the trade offs of using the bus system are:-lost time, both waiting in the station for buses that never seem to run on scheduled times and the stop and go routine of most buses.  Mingling with the locals may not really be considered lost time.  We've had many an interesting "half" conversations in our limited Spanish.  As Nohatch avers, they are mostly very friendly people.  Many of the stations have employees posted looking for people who are confused and need help, lost tourists for example.  -The bus station may not be your final destination!  You will often have to take a cab or walk to your lodging.  If your lodging doesn't provide meals, birding, laundry, etc., you might need a taxi to get around.-Most than a few times, we've had to stand for long periods because the bus is fully seated.  The driver will continue to stop and load passengers until the aisles are also packed.  Great place for a pickpocket to operate but we've never had a bit of trouble.  As Patrick points out, the comfort level can be compromised.  You don't get your choice of music!  We remember that our easiest conversations have been with children who are learning English and not shy to practice if you give them half a chance.  -Though I can't say we've ever contracted any serious health problems from so much contact with a variety of travelers, when using the bus system, we regularly use hand sanitizer and try not to breathe very often.  <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink    ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" />Us Americans are so used to the convenience of going anywhere at anytime, fast and now, there is some mental adjustments to be made whether you use the bus (big adjustment) or drive a rental car (still some adjustment) in Costa Rica.  We like avoiding the stress of driving, especially through San Jose, but alternative traveling systems can use up valuable vacation time.  One possibility would be to advertise in Birdforum's "Companions for Birding Trips" and go in a small company of other birders to split the rental costs and draw straws every morning for driving responsibilities.  Steve</blockquote>

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