Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend booking at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially during high season (December-April and July-August). However, we can often accommodate bookings with as little as 24 hours notice, subject to availability. For holiday periods (Christmas, New Year, Easter), we strongly recommend booking 1-2 months in advance as demand is very high.

Yes! We can often accommodate same-day bookings if we have availability. Please contact us immediately via WhatsApp at +506-8596-2438 or email mybooking@rutapacificocr.com to check availability. However, advance booking is always recommended to guarantee your spot.

You will receive a confirmation email immediately after payment is processed. This email contains your booking details, pickup time, and booking reference number. If you don't see it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. You can always contact us to verify your booking status.

Yes, modifications are possible up to 48 hours before your scheduled pickup time. Changes may include pickup time, location, or date, subject to availability. Please email mybooking@rutapacificocr.com with your booking reference and requested changes. No additional fees apply unless you change the route or add passengers.

All our private shuttle prices are per vehicle (total trip cost), NOT per person.

We accept credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) through our secure payment gateway. Payment is required at the time of booking to confirm your reservation. All prices are in USD and include Costa Rica's 13% VAT tax.

No hidden fees! The price you see in summary page is the total price.

No, children don't pay separately. Since our pricing is per vehicle (not per person), children are included in your group at no extra cost. You only pay the base vehicle rate regardless of how many adults or children are traveling (up to maximum capacity).

Cancellations made at least 48 hours before your scheduled pickup receive a full refund minus 13% taxes and fees. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable. All cancellation requests must be sent by email to mybooking@rutapacificocr.com. Approved refunds are processed immediately, though bank processing times vary.

We monitor your flight status and adjust pickup times accordingly at no extra charge for delays. We include real-time flight monitoring as standard on all airport pickups, so if your flight is delayed we adjust your pickup automatically. If your flight is cancelled, contact us immediately via WhatsApp or email and we will work with you to find a solution.

If you do not arrive within 30 minutes of the agreed pickup time and have not contacted us via email or WhatsApp, the reservation is considered a no-show and is non-refundable. If your plans change, contact us as soon as possible via WhatsApp or email so we can try to accommodate.

We process approved refunds immediately (usually within 24 hours). However, the time for funds to appear in your account depends on your bank or credit card company and typically takes 5-10 business days. You'll receive an email confirmation once the refund is processed on our end.

Yes! We offer airport pickups at any hour, including late-night arrivals. There is no extra charge for nighttime pickups. Your driver will be waiting with your name sign regardless of the time. We recommend booking your pickup 90 minutes after your scheduled landing to account for immigration and baggage claim.

Immigration at Liberia (Daniel Oduber Quirós) Airport is usually quick — typically 20 to 45 minutes depending on flight arrivals and time of day. Peak times, when several international flights land at once, can take a bit longer. We recommend booking your pickup 60 to 90 minutes after landing to allow for immigration, baggage claim, and customs. We monitor your flight in real time, so if you clear faster just WhatsApp us and we will have your driver ready.

Standard luggage allowance is 1 large suitcase + 1 carry-on per person. For surfboards, golf clubs, or extra luggage, please mention it when booking so we can assign the right vehicle. Surfboards up to 7ft usually fit in our vans at no extra charge. For oversized boards or large groups with lots of gear, we may need to arrange a larger vehicle (subject to availability and pricing).

For almost every destination we serve, Liberia Airport (LIR) is the better choice. It is the closest international airport to the Guanacaste beaches — Tamarindo, Flamingo, Conchal, Papagayo, Nosara, Sámara, Playas del Coco — and to Rincón de la Vieja and the Nicoya Peninsula. Flights land into a small, modern terminal and immigration is usually quick. San José Airport (SJO) is farther from the coast and adds 4+ hours of driving, so we only recommend it if your trip also includes San José city, La Fortuna/Arenal, or Monteverde. We can still pick you up from SJO on request if your itinerary needs it.

For international flights, arrive 3 hours before departure. For domestic flights, arrive 1-1.5 hours before. If you have an early morning international flight (before noon), we recommend staying near the airport the night before to avoid stress and traffic delays.

Yes, please provide your flight number for airport pickups. This allows us to monitor your flight for delays and adjust pickup times accordingly. For hotel or rental pickups, flight information isn't necessary unless you want to coordinate timing with your flight schedule.

At LIR (Liberia / Daniel Oduber Quirós) Airport your driver will meet you right in the arrivals area holding a sign with your name. We stay in contact by WhatsApp from the moment your flight lands until you are inside the van, so there is no guesswork. If your pickup is from SJO (San José) on request, the driver meets you just outside the main exit doors with a name sign.

We recommend booking your pickup 90 minutes after your flight lands. This allows time for deplaning, immigration (can take 30 min to 2 hours on busy days), baggage claim, and customs. Your driver will monitor your flight and adjust if there are delays.

Yes! One of the main advantages of private shuttles is that we can pick you up anywhere - hotels, Airbnbs, vacation rentals, private homes. Note: There are houses and hotels that require 4x4. We'll let you know if an extra cost applies to your pickup place.

Don't worry! Your confirmation email includes our phone number and WhatsApp contact (+506-8596-2438.). Simply send us a message or call us. We'll be alert on your flight and the driver will be waiting at the designated meeting point with a sign showing your name.

Please provide as much detail as possible: full address, GPS coordinates (very helpful!), name on Google Maps/Waze, nearby landmarks, and your host's phone number. Our drivers are locals with excellent knowledge of the area. You can also share your location via WhatsApp on pickup day.

With Ruta Pacifico you get a 100% private service: the van is exclusively for your group, you choose your pickup time, and we go door-to-door (hotel, Airbnb, airport). Shared shuttles like Interbus operate on fixed schedules (usually 8am or 2pm), make 4-6 stops to pick up other passengers, and only stop at major hotels. For 4+ travelers, our private service often costs the same or less per person than shared options.

Main routes between popular tourist destinations are generally well-maintained paved roads. Some rural areas or remote destinations may have unpaved sections, especially during rainy season (May-November). Our drivers are experienced with all road conditions and drive safely. Travel times may be longer during heavy rain.

Our drivers monitor road conditions and will take the best available alternative route if there are closures or construction. In rare cases where roads are impassable due to weather or emergencies, we'll contact you immediately to discuss options. We're not liable for delays outside our control, but we always work to find solutions.

We use modern, air-conditioned vans and SUVs (2025 or newer models). All vehicles are fully insured, licensed by Costa Rican tourism authorities, and maintained to high safety standards.

Yes! All our vehicles have fully functioning air conditioning. Costa Rica can be hot and humid, so we ensure all our shuttles are comfortable. You can always ask the driver to adjust the temperature to your preference.

Our standard vehicles accommodate: Small Van (1-6 passengers + luggage), Van (7-9 passengers + luggage), Larger Van (10-12 passengers + luggage). Maximum capacity includes both adults and children. We ensure everyone travels comfortably with adequate space.

WiFi availability varies by vehicle. Many of our shuttles offer complimentary WiFi, though connection quality depends on the route and cellular coverage. Remote areas may have limited connectivity. Feel free to ask your driver about WiFi availability.

No, smoking is strictly prohibited in all our vehicles. This includes cigarettes, cigars, vaping, and any other smoking devices. Costa Rica has strict no-smoking laws in public transportation for the comfort and safety of all passengers.

Currently, our standard fleet is not equipped with wheelchair ramps or lifts. However, we can assist passengers who can transfer from their wheelchair to a vehicle seat. Please contact us directly to discuss your specific accessibility needs and we'll do our best to accommodate.

Yes! All our drivers speak at least basic English, and many are fluent. They can answer questions about Costa Rica, provide recommendations, and ensure clear communication throughout your journey. Most drivers are also happy to share local knowledge about the areas you're passing through.

Absolutely. All our drivers hold special permits required by Costa Rican law to operate tourism transportation. All vehicles carry full insurance coverage including liability insurance. Our drivers undergo background checks and have extensive experience with Costa Rican roads.

Yes! Our drivers will assist you with loading and unloading your luggage at both pickup and drop-off locations. However, we recommend you personally carry any valuables, fragile items, or important documents.

Definitely! Our drivers are locals who know Costa Rica well. They're happy to share information about destinations, recommend restaurants, explain what you're seeing along the route, and answer questions about Costa Rican culture. Many travelers find these conversations a highlight of their journey!

Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated if you're happy with the service. A typical tip is 10-15% of the fare or $10-20 USD for excellent service. Tips can be given in cash (USD or Costa Rican colones) directly to your driver.

Each passenger can bring: 1 large checked suitcase (up to 50 lbs/23 kg) plus 1 carry-on item (purse, backpack, small bag). Our vehicles have ample space for luggage. If you have oversized items or extra luggage beyond the standard allowance, please inform us at booking so we can arrange a larger vehicle if needed.

Surfboards and other large sports equipment can usually be accommodated in our vehicles. Please inform us at the time of booking so we can ensure the vehicle has adequate space or arrange for a roof rack if necessary. There may be an additional fee for oversized items depending on the equipment.

If you exceed the luggage allowance, please let us know at booking. We may need to arrange a larger vehicle, which could incur an additional fee. If you show up with excess luggage that cannot fit safely in the assigned vehicle, we may not be able to provide transportation and no refund would be issued.

Yes, all luggage is stored securely in the rear cargo area. You can keep small personal items with you at your seat. Please ensure you take all valuables and important items with you when exiting the vehicle at your destination.

Yes! We provide child car seats and booster seats FREE of charge. You must request them at the time of booking and specify the age of each child. Costa Rican law requires car seats for children under 12 years old. We have seats suitable for children 0 years and up.

We provide booster seats and forward-facing car seats appropriate for children ages 3-12 years (15-36 kg / 33-79 lbs). For infants and toddlers under 3 years, we strongly recommend bringing your own (we also have if you don't bring your own) FAA-approved car seat as local regulations and seat quality can vary.

If you're traveling with an infant or toddler (under 3 years), we recommend bringing your own FAA-approved car seat for safety and familiarity. For older children, our provided booster seats are adequate. If you bring your own seat, please allow a few extra minutes for installation at pickup.

Our drivers can assist with car seat installation, but you should be familiar with your own seat's installation. Note that not all vehicles have 3-point seatbelts in rear seats (Costa Rican regulations only require them in front seats), so plan for lap belt installation if needed.

Yes! For groups of +13 passengers, we can arrange larger vehicles or multiple shuttles. Please contact us directly at mybooking@rutapacificocr.com or WhatsApp +506-8596-2438 for a custom quote. Group rates are available and we'll ensure your entire party travels together (or in coordinated shuttles).

We offer competitive rates for large groups. While our standard pricing already offers great value (price per vehicle, not per person), we may be able to provide special rates for groups of 13+ passengers or multiple transfers. Contact us for a custom quote!

Absolutely, in our website you can book diferent rides in the same reservation.

Yes! Check out our Private Tours section at rutapacificocr.com/private-tours. We offer full-day private tours to popular destinations like Arenal Volcano, hot springs, waterfalls, wildlife tours, and more - all with your own private guide and transportation.

Yes! Safety is our top priority. All vehicles carry full insurance coverage including liability insurance and passenger insurance. Our drivers are licensed tourism operators with clean driving records. Vehicles undergo regular maintenance and safety inspections.

In the unlikely event of an accident or emergency, our drivers are trained to handle the situation and will contact emergency services if needed. All passengers are covered by our insurance. Please contact us immediately at +506-8596-2438 in any emergency situation.

We generally recommend daytime travel when possible for better visibility and to enjoy the scenery. However, our drivers are experienced with night driving and all our routes. If you have a late flight arrival, we'll safely transport you to your destination regardless of the time.

Please check carefully for all your belongings before leaving the vehicle. We are not responsible for lost items. If you realize you left something, contact us immediately at mybooking@rutapacificocr.com or +506-8596-2438. We'll try to coordinate with your driver to retrieve and return the item, though we cannot guarantee recovery.

Your shuttle is already pre-paid, so you don't need cash for that. However, we recommend carrying some cash (USD or Costa Rican colones) for tips, small restaurants, sodas, souvenirs, and rural areas where cards aren't accepted. Major hotels and restaurants accept cards. ATMs are widely available.

US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, so you don't need to exchange money before arrival. You can use ATMs at the airport or in towns to get colones if needed. Credit cards work in most places. Many businesses quote prices in USD.

Essentials: passport, booking confirmation, phone with WhatsApp, snacks and water (especially for long rides), sunscreen, light jacket (AC can be cold), motion sickness medication if needed, entertainment for kids, camera for photos along the way. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

Yes! Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America and welcomes millions of tourists annually. Use common sense: don't leave valuables visible in vehicles, use hotel safes, be aware of your surroundings. Our drivers are locals who can provide current safety advice for specific areas.

Dry season (December-April) is most popular with less rain and sunny beaches. Green season (May-November) has afternoon rains but is less crowded, greener landscapes, and often better prices. Both seasons are great! Roads are passable year-round on main routes, though rain can cause delays.

First, check your spam/junk folder - emails sometimes land there. If you still don't see it, contact us at mybooking@rutapacificocr.com with your name and booking date. We'll resend your confirmation immediately. Your booking is secure even if the email was delayed.

For modifications or cancellations, please email us at mybooking@rutapacificocr.com with your booking reference number and requested changes. This ensures we have a written record and can confirm changes properly. For urgent requests (within 24 hours), also WhatsApp us at +506-8596-2438.

Absolutely! We use Stripe, one of the world's most secure payment processors, with bank-level encryption. We never store your credit card information on our servers. All transactions are PCI-compliant and protected by multiple layers of security.

Pre-payment ensures your reservation is confirmed and allows us to coordinate logistics in advance. It also provides you with secure payment processing, email receipts, and clear cancellation policies. This is standard practice for professional transportation services worldwide.

Currently, we don't have a mobile app, but our website is fully mobile-optimized! You can easily book, view confirmations, and access all information from your phone's browser. Save our contact info for easy WhatsApp communication with your driver.