Granada Nicaragua to San Jose Costa Rica Bus

After spending 7 days in Nicaragua solo travel, my next stop was Costa Rica. In this blog, I am sharing how I did a solo border crossing from Granada Nicaragua to San Jose Costa Rica by bus. So if you are looking to do the same, read on.

Costa Rica is a small country located in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Known for its natural beauty, biodiversity, and eco-tourism opportunities, the nation attracts millions of visitors every year. Its diverse landscape includes lush rainforests, active volcanoes, stunning beaches, and rugged mountains.

My goal for this one month Central America itinerary was to see something unique in each of these 7 countries. So I skipped Monteverde Cloud Forest, La Fortuna, and Manuel Antonio National Park as have seen something similar with mountains, and hanging bridges many times before. Plus I had to spend 7 days extra waiting for my emergency passport in Nicaragua so I didn’t mind skipping the north of Costa Rica for the Capital city San Jose, and the coast. But first, let me share how to do the Granada Nicaragua to San Jose Costa Rica border crossing.

Granada Nicaragua to San Jose Costa Rica border crossing

There are a few different transportation options for traveling from Granada, Nicaragua to San Jose, Costa Rica:

Bus: You can take a direct bus from Granada to San Jose, which usually takes around 8-10 hours. The bus journey involves crossing the border between Nicaragua and Costa Rica, which can take some time due to immigration procedures. There are several bus companies that operate this route, including Tica Bus, Nicabus, and TransNica.

I chose this option with an early start which meant I’d have to be at the bus stop in Granada at 530 A.M. You can buy the ticket on their website and take a taxi to the bus stop as it’s a little off the main square. I was planning on walking but I could not in the early morning as it was still dark & chilly.

Also, when I arrived in San Jose, had to take a taxi to the hostel because the bus wasn’t running frequently & again i cbb waiting around forever at the terminal.
Private Shuttle: Another option is to hire a private shuttle or taxi to take you from Granada to San Jose. This can be more expensive than taking the bus, but it offers the convenience of door-to-door service and may be faster.
Fly: If you’re looking for a quicker and more convenient option, you can fly from Managua, Nicaragua to San Jose, Costa Rica. There are several airlines that operate this route, including Copa Airlines and Avianca. You can either take a taxi or shuttle from Granada to the airport in Managua.

Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to check the latest travel advisories and border crossing requirements for Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

Is Costa Rica safe for solo travellers?

Costa Rica is generally considered to be a safe destination for solo travelers. The country has a stable democracy, a low crime rate compared to other Latin American countries, and a friendly and welcoming culture. However, as with any destination, it’s important for solo travelers to take some basic safety precautions:

Be aware of your surroundings: Keep your belongings close to you and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar or isolated areas, especially at night.
Use common sense: Don’t flaunt expensive jewelry or electronics, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Research your accommodations: Choose reputable hotels or hostels with good reviews and in safe neighborhoods. (recommended ones below)
Learn some Spanish: Knowing some basic Spanish can help you communicate with locals and navigate more easily.
If feeling unsure consider taking organized tours: Joining organized tours or activities can be a great way to meet other travelers and stay safe while exploring.

Overall, solo travelers should exercise caution and common sense while traveling in Costa Rica but should feel confident in exploring this beautiful and welcoming country.