Taxis in Costa Rica: A Practical Guide for Visitors

Taxi Numbers by Region

Taxis in Escazú:

2289-0026

2228-3159

Jacó (Central Pacific):

2643-2020

If you happen to be dialing from outside teh country, use country code +506

Getting around Costa Rica by taxi is straightforward once you know a few basics: how to spot an official taxi, what to expect at the airport, and when ride-hailing apps make more sense. Here’s what you need to know.

How to Recognize an Official Taxi

Legally registered taxis in Costa Rica are red, with a yellow triangular sticker on the front doors and a license plate starting with the letter “T.” They’re required to use a taxi meter, locally called la María. If a driver won’t turn on the meter, you’re free to ask for it, or negotiate a fixed price before getting in.

Unregistered cars offering rides, often called taxis pirata, are not regulated, don’t carry the same insurance guarantees, and are known for overcharging tourists. Stick to red taxis with the yellow triangle, or orange airport taxis.

Airport Taxis

At Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), only orange taxis are authorized to pick up passengers curbside. They will approach you as you are walking out of customs, and their counter just outside the arrivals area. You pay on the counter before boarding, so the price is set upfront and there’s no need to negotiate or worry, super easy.

Approximate cost, for reference:

Airport → San José (city center): roughly $25–30 USD (about ₡15,000), 20–25 minutes (depending on traffic).

Airport → Escazú: roughly $35–45 USD, 20–30 minutes (again, depending on traffic).

These are typical ranges reported by travelers and airport-transfer sources, not fixed government rates for those specific destinations, true cost depends on traffic and exact drop-off point. Costa Rica’s transport regulator (ARESEP) sets the underlying per-kilometer rate for airport taxis, which was ₡730/km as of the most recent published tariff (effective May 2026); this is the meter rate, not the total trip price.

San José and Escazú

Both areas are well covered by red taxis, which you can hail on the street or call to request pickup. If you’re staying in Escazú, note that it’s a separate taxi zone from downtown San José, use the number for Escazú provided above.

Facts about Using Uber (and Other Apps)

• Uber is not officially regulated in Costa Rica, but it’s widely used and accepted by locals and tourists, and safe to use. A few things to know:
• Uber is not permitted at the airport, go for airport, or red taxis.
• Uber coverage is strong in San José and the Central Valley, but weak or unavailable in many beach towns and national park areas.
• The upfront fare is a real advantage: unlike a taxi, you see the exact price before you book, no need to negotiate or watch a meter.

Tipping Taxi Drivers

Tipping taxi drivers is not customary in Costa Rica. It’s not expected, though rounding up or leaving a small amount for good service is always appreciated. 

Avoiding Overcharges

Only use red taxis (with the yellow triangle) or orange airport taxis.
Ask for the meter (“la María, por favor”) or agree on a price before the ride starts.
If paying in US dollars instead of colones, expect the exchange rate applied to work in the driver’s favor, pay in colones if possible.
Keep small bills on hand; drivers often can’t break large notes.

Taxi Numbers by Region

For most areas, the fastest way to request a taxi is a phone call to a local central de taxis (taxi dispatch). Find a full list of taxi dispatch numbers by region on the spanish version of this page: Taxis Rojos en Costa Rica