Uber in Costa Rica: Where It Works and Where It Doesn’t

Yes, Uber works in Costa Rica, and it’s the cheapest easy way to get around San José and the rest of the Central Valley. Outside the cities it thins out fast: a few drivers in Liberia, Jacó, Tamarindo and La Fortuna, and effectively none in places like Monteverde or the Osa Peninsula. Riders face no legal risk, though the service has never been formally regulated. This guide is for visitors deciding how to get around: where Uber in Costa Rica is reliable, how airport pickups work at SJO and LIR, what rides cost, and when to book a transfer or rent a car instead.

Uber in Costa Rica	At a glance
Legal for riders?	Yes; the gray area affects drivers, not passengers
Best coverage	San José, Escazú, Heredia, Alajuela, Cartago
Thin coverage	Liberia, Jacó, Tamarindo, La Fortuna
No real coverage	Monteverde, Santa Teresa, Osa, most rural areas
SJO airport	Works; short walk to the pickup area
Other apps	DiDi and inDrive; Lyft doesn’t operate here
Payment	Card or cash (colones)

The legal picture

Is Uber Legal in Costa Rica?

Uber has run in Costa Rica since August 2015 without a law that either authorizes or bans ride-hailing. The tax agency has collected value-added tax on fares since 2020, while the public transport council has pushed for years to shut the apps down. For you as a rider, none of that matters much: using the app is not illegal, and enforcement has been aimed at drivers.

A bill to regulate platforms (No. 23.736) has worked its way through the Legislative Assembly since 2023. It would register drivers and vehicles, require visible ID stickers and set a minimum earning per kilometer. An earlier version would have barred app pickups at airports; an August 2026 political agreement aimed to allow them again in designated zones. As of October 2026 the bill hadn’t been voted on in first debate, and a vote may not come until extraordinary sessions between November 2026 and April 2027. Until it passes, nothing changes for riders.

Coverage

Where Uber Works in Costa Rica

San José and the Central Valley: reliable

San José, Escazú, Santa Ana, Heredia, Alajuela and Cartago have plenty of drivers and short waits. This is where an app ride beats flagging a taxi. If you’re staying in the capital, see our San José guide for first-time visitors.

Liberia, Jacó, Tamarindo and La Fortuna: hit or miss

You’ll usually find a driver for a short ride in town, such as dinner or the supermarket. Expect longer waits and cancellations, especially at night and outside high season, and don’t plan an airport transfer or a long beach run around the app. In La Fortuna, lodges outside town are better reached by hotel shuttle, taxi or rental car.

Everywhere else: plan on no service

Monteverde, Santa Teresa, Nosara, Puerto Viejo, the Osa Peninsula and most rural areas have little or no coverage. Uber also doesn’t connect regions well: a driver who takes you three hours to the beach has no return fare, so long trips get declined.

Airports

Uber at SJO and LIR Airports

Juan Santamaría (SJO), San José

App drivers can’t pick up at the arrivals curb, which is reserved for the licensed orange airport taxis. The app directs you to a pickup point a short walk from the terminal, usually about five minutes with luggage. Check the driver’s name, photo, plate and car before you get in, and ignore anyone who approaches you claiming to be your Uber.

Since mid-2026 the Uber app has also offered the orange airport taxis as a ride option from SJO, as part of a pilot. In June 2026, a ride from the airport to central San José cost about ₡8,200 (roughly $16) on UberX and about ₡16,000 for an orange taxi booked through the app. Drop-offs at departures are straightforward.

Daniel Oduber (LIR), Liberia

Uber can get you into Liberia town, but drivers rarely take the long runs to Tamarindo, Flamingo, Nosara or the Papagayo resorts. If you land at LIR, book a shuttle or private transfer ahead of time or pick up a rental car at the airport. Our guide to choosing between SJO and LIR covers how this affects your flight choice.

Costs

Uber vs. Taxi vs. Private Transfer

Option	Best for	Cost	Watch for
Uber / DiDi	City trips in the Central Valley	Usually the cheapest option	Little coverage outside cities
Red taxi	Towns where apps don’t reach	Regulated meter rates (about ₡720 per km for sedans, set in May 2026)	Ask for the meter (la maría) or agree on a price first
Orange airport taxi	Curbside pickup at SJO	Higher fixed airport rates	Confirm the fare before loading bags
Private transfer	Airport to a beach town or lodge	Flat rate, booked ahead	Book before you fly

Card and cash both work in the app; if you pay cash, carry small bills in colones. See our guides to the best currency to take to Costa Rica and how much cash you need.

Other apps

DiDi, inDrive and Other Ride Apps

• DiDi has operated in Costa Rica since November 2019 and works much like Uber in the same cities. Many drivers run both apps, so having both installed improves your odds of a quick match.
• inDrive arrived in 2019. You propose a fare and drivers accept or counter, which can suit groups or longer city trips.
• Lyft doesn’t operate in Costa Rica.

Install at least two apps before you travel. It takes a few minutes and saves you from standing outside a restaurant at night watching an empty map.

Beyond the city

When to Skip Uber and Plan Something Else

If your itinerary moves between regions, the app isn’t a transport plan. Your options:

• Rental car for flexibility, especially in Guanacaste and on the Nicoya Peninsula. See our Costa Rica car rental guide and driving tips.
• Private or shared transfer for airport runs and point-to-point travel without driving. See the pros and cons of private transfers.
• Public bus for the cheapest option to almost anywhere. See our Costa Rica bus guide.

Practical tips

Tips for Using Uber in Costa Rica

• Pin your destination on the map. Many Costa Rican addresses are descriptive (“200 meters north of the church”), and hotel names repeat across towns.
• Check the plate and driver before you get in, and share your trip with someone. Our Costa Rica safety tips cover the rest.
• Don’t be surprised by a request to sit up front. Some drivers ask, because a passenger in front draws less attention.
• Don’t count on a ride back from tours. Getting to a trailhead or beach is easy; finding a driver to leave can be hard.
• Tipping isn’t expected, though rounding up is appreciated. See our tipping guide.
• In an emergency, call 911. See our Costa Rica emergency numbers.

FAQ

Uber in Costa Rica FAQ