About Tropical Tours Shuttles

Travel with a family business

About Tropical Tours Shuttles

A local Costa Rica shuttle team with 25+ years on the road.

Local Operator

Based in Santa Teresa

Certified Company

Insured and professional

Family Owned

Personal local service

Reliable Service

Door-to-door travel

Our story

Transportation made simpler by people who knows Costa Rica

For more than two decades, Tropical Tours Shuttles has helped travelers move comfortably between Costa Rica’s airports, hotels, beach towns, national parks, and popular destinations.

The company is locally operated and family owned, which keeps the service personal, practical, and reliable for the travelers visiting.

Our goal is straightforward: provide dependable Costa Rica shuttle service so visitors can spend less time solving transportation and more time enjoying the country.

Ready to plan your shuttle?

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Professional company

Goverment Permits and Insurance

Our transportation services are organized with the required operating standards for professional travel in Costa Rica. All our vehicles include all mandatory insurance required by the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT), Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) and the National Insurance Institute (INS).

Company Location

Where are we in Costa Rica?

Our main office is in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica in front of the National Bank on the Nicoya Peninsula. We would be more than happy to assist with your next trip or tour.

What we do

Get to know what we offer as a travel agency

From airport arrivals to cross-country beach connections, our services are designed around real Costa Rica travel days.

Daily Shared Shuttle services in Costa Rica

Daily shared shuttles

Scheduled door-to-door transportation between popular destinations, airports, and beach towns.

Explore shared shuttles
private Costa Rica shuttle service

Private transportation

Flexible pickup times and dedicated vehicles for families, groups, airport transfers, and custom plans.

Explore private services
Tours we offer in Costa Rica

Tours and Activities

Local experiences that will make you fall in love with Costa Rica. Check our variety of tours offered.

Explore all adventures

Why travelers choose us

A practical, local approach to Costa Rica transportation.

1

Local route knowledge

We understand ferry timing, beach access, airport corridors, and the routes travelers ask about most.

2

Clear service options

Choose shared value, private flexibility, or airport-focused transfers depending on the trip.

3

Human confirmation

Requests are reviewed before approval so the final plan matches the route, travelers, and timing.

4

Traveler trust

Our reviews reflect years of helping visitors move through Costa Rica with less stress.

Meet the team

Friendly support from people who know the country.

From first questions to route details, our reservations and operations team helps travelers make practical transportation plans across Costa Rica.

Wuin from Tropical Tours Shuttles

Reservations support

Wuin

Helps travelers understand route options, timing, and trip details before confirmation.

Rachel from Tropical Tours Shuttles

Sales agent

Rachel

Supports quote requests, traveler questions, and service details for upcoming rides.

Leandro from Tropical Tours Shuttles

Transportation operations

Leandro

Keeps route planning grounded in real road timing, service needs, and local conditions.

JC from Tropical Tours Shuttles

Customer care

JC

Helps coordinate practical transfer details and answers traveler questions along the way.

FAQ

General Questions

A dedicated space for the questions travelers ask most.

FAQ category

General FAQs for Private and Shared Shuttles

How long has Tropical Tours Shuttles been operating in Costa Rica?

Tropical Tours Shuttles has been providing transportation services throughout Costa Rica for more than 20 years. During that time, we have helped thousands of travelers reach destinations such as Santa Teresa, Montezuma, Tamarindo, Nosara, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, and many other locations across the country.

What transportation services do you offer?

We offer shared shuttle services, private transportation, airport transfers, taxi services, and connections between many of Costa Rica's most popular tourist destinations. Our services are designed to provide a comfortable and reliable alternative to public transportation and rental cars.

What types of vehicles do you use?

Our fleet includes modern vehicles ranging from 2020 to 2026 models. We currently operate approximately 12 minibuses and 2 Toyota Prado SUVs, allowing us to accommodate solo travelers, families, and larger groups comfortably.

Do you offer both shared and private transportation?

Yes. Travelers can choose between our shared shuttle service, which follows scheduled daily routes, or private transportation, which offers greater flexibility with pickup times, stops, and travel schedules.

How does the booking process work?

Our booking process begins with an inquiry. After receiving your request, our team verifies availability and sends a confirmation along with payment instructions. Reservations are only confirmed after payment has been received and a confirmation email has been issued.

Can I pay with a credit card?

Yes. We accept major credit cards and PayPal payments. All transactions are processed securely, and payment links are sent only after availability has been confirmed by our reservations team.

Why don't you charge my card when I submit a form?

Submitting a booking request does not automatically reserve a seat or process payment. We first verify availability and then send a secure payment link. This helps ensure that customers are only charged for services that are available.

Are your drivers experienced?

Yes. Our drivers have extensive experience operating throughout Costa Rica and are familiar with the country's highways, beach destinations, ferry crossings, and mountain routes. Safety, professionalism, and customer service are always top priorities.

Do you provide airport transportation?

Yes. We provide airport shuttle services and private airport transfers to and from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), and many destinations throughout Costa Rica.

Why might shuttle pickup times vary?

Shared shuttle services follow scheduled routes and collect passengers from different locations. As a result, pickup times may vary slightly depending on traffic conditions, route logistics, and the location of other passengers being collected along the route.

Is it normal to switch vehicles during a shared shuttle trip?

Yes. On some routes, passengers may transfer between vehicles at designated connection points. These transfers are planned in advance and help us efficiently connect travelers to destinations throughout Costa Rica.

Are there rest stops during longer trips?

Yes. Most shared shuttle routes include a brief stop of approximately 15 to 25 minutes. This allows passengers to use restrooms, purchase refreshments, and stretch before continuing their journey.

Do you work with other transportation providers?

Some routes may involve trusted transportation partners that meet our service standards. When this occurs, we work closely with those providers to help ensure a safe and reliable travel experience.

Can families travel with Tropical Tours Shuttles?

Absolutely. Families travel with us every day. We welcome travelers of all ages and strive to provide safe and comfortable transportation throughout Costa Rica.

Can groups travel together?

Yes. We regularly transport families, wedding groups, retreat attendees, and other travel groups. Private transportation is often the best option for larger groups seeking flexibility and convenience.

FAQ category

Luggage & Surfboard FAQs

How much luggage can I bring on a shuttle?

Each passenger is allowed one large suitcase, one small bag, and one carry-on item as part of their reservation. If you plan to travel with additional luggage, please let us know during the booking process so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Is there an extra charge for additional luggage?

Yes. Additional luggage beyond the standard allowance may be subject to an extra charge of $10 per bag. To avoid delays or space limitations, please inform us about any extra luggage before your travel date.

Can I bring a surfboard on your shuttles?

Yes. Surfboards are welcome on many of our routes; however, dimensions must be provided during the booking process so we can confirm available space and any applicable transportation fees.

Why do I need to provide surfboard dimensions?

Providing surfboard dimensions helps us ensure there is enough space in the vehicle and allows our team to assign the most suitable transportation option for your trip.

What happens if I arrive with more luggage than I declared?

Additional luggage that was not disclosed during booking may be subject to extra charges or transportation restrictions depending on available vehicle space. We recommend informing our team of all luggage items in advance.

Can groups bring multiple suitcases?

Yes. Groups and families often travel with additional luggage. When making your reservation, simply let us know the total number of bags so we can ensure sufficient luggage capacity for everyone.

Do private shuttles allow more luggage?

Private shuttles generally offer greater flexibility for luggage and special items. If you are traveling with multiple suitcases, surfboards, or oversized equipment, our team can recommend the best transportation option for your needs.

Can I travel with oversized items or sports equipment?

Possibly. Oversized items such as surfboards and certain sports equipment can often be accommodated when arranged in advance. Please include details about the items in your inquiry so we can confirm availability and pricing.

FAQ category

FAQs when Traveling with Pets

Are pets allowed on your shuttles?

Pets are only permitted on our private shuttle services. For the comfort and safety of all passengers, pets are not allowed on shared shuttles.

What types of pets are allowed on private shuttles?

Dogs and cats are welcome on private shuttle services. Pets must travel inside an appropriate carrier, hutch, or cage during the journey.

Can I bring my dog on a shared shuttle?

No. Shared shuttle services do not allow pets. If you are traveling with a dog or cat, we recommend booking a private shuttle where pets can be accommodated safely.

Do I need to notify you if I am traveling with a pet?

Yes. Please let us know during the booking process if you plan to travel with a pet. This allows our team to prepare the appropriate vehicle and confirm any requirements before your departure.

Can service animals travel on your transportation services?

If you are traveling with a service animal, please contact our team before booking so we can review your specific travel requirements and recommend the most appropriate transportation option.