You Should Drive On the right-hand side of the road in costa rica! Undoubtedly, Costa Rica is a lovely country with abundant wildlife, stunning beaches, scenic views, and landscapes that you cannot help but marvel at. However, if you are planning to visit Costa Rica and drive in it, then it’s essential to learn about Costa Rican driving culture.
This will help you a lot, especially if you are from a country where they drive on the left-hand side. So you can begin to acquaint yourself with driving on the right-hand side by trying it out in less-busy areas before you hit the major city roads.
I am saying this out of experience because the first time, it looked pretty strange and weird to me, as it’s not the driving culture I was used to.
I had to practice driving on my left hand for a full day with my friend’s car before going to a car rental company to get a car for my trip around Costa Rica.
In this guide, I’ve detailed important information on all you need to know about driving in Costa Rica.
Key Takeaways
- The official driving position in Costa Rica is on the right-hand side.
- Familiarizing yourself with the driving culture before hitting the road will help you gain confidence when driving.
- The road network in Costa Rica is divided into highways and rural roads.
- Using GPS will help you navigate the country faster.
- Practicing defensive driving is the best way to drive safely in Costa Rica.
- Always have emergency contacts handy.
Driving Side In Costa Rica
Official Driving Side
The official driving side in Costa Rica is the right-hand side. This is the first thing you should know if you plan on driving in Costa Rica.
It is the same in the U.S., Canada and other European countries.
So, if you are from a country where the driving side is on the left, like in Britain and Ireland, I would advise you to familiarize yourself with driving on the right-hand side first in a less busy area before hitting the highways so you can enjoy your trip.
Steering Wheel Position
The steering wheel position is on the left, which corresponds with the right-hand side of driving in Costa Rica.
Adapting to Driving in Costa Rica
1. For First-Time Visitors
As a first-time visitor who wants to drive in Costa Rica but has been used to driving on the left-hand side of the country, switching from left-hand to right-hand driving may not be that easy for you.
You may find yourself driving in Costa Rica as you were in your country because your subconscious isn’t used to driving on the right-hand side yet.
In fact, the confusion may likely start the moment you step into the car to find the steering wheel position on the left side. I want to tell you that it’s very normal, and everything you know about driving is the same, just that it’s on the opposite side now.
And if you follow the practical tips that you need to have a smooth transition, you will be just fine.
Below are some practical tips to adapt to driving in Costa Rica:
Familiarize Yourself with the Car: The moment the car rental company hands you the car keys and you step into it, take time to get to know the controls of the right-hand drive car while not in motion.
Observe where the indicators, wipers, and gearstick are positioned before driving on the road.
Drive Along: Before driving, get someone (could be a friend or so) that is already familiar with right-hand driving to drive while you become the passenger.
Observe how the person navigates turns, roundabouts, junctions, etc. and get used to it. You can make a video to watch in your spare time before hitting the road yourself.
Start Small: Before hitting the road, practice driving in a low-traffic area to familiarize yourself with driving on the right-hand side or better yet, consider taking a driving course in the country in order to build your confidence.
Visual Cues: Take note of road markings and the position of other cars in front of and beside you as a constant reminder of your lane position.
Doing this will help your subconscious be aware of the lane you are to drive in and make you familiar with the driving culture in the country.
Keep Left, Pass Right: Always bear in mind that the overtaking lane is to your left, and slower traffic should keep to the right.
Scan Both Ways: As someone who has been driving on the left-hand side for a long time, you may have been accustomed to looking in one direction first.
However, when driving in Costa Rica, ensure to check both ways before hitting the road or making turns.
Road Positioning: Always remember that the center line is now on your left, and adjust your in-lane positioning accordingly so you do not drift too close to oncoming traffic.
GPS: At first, you may really get confused about everything because you are new to it, but here’s one thing that will help you blend in with ease: a GPS!
Use the one with lane assist features to help you predict the road ahead and also give you extra guidance on multi-lane roads or one-way systems.
Stay Alert: Remain vigilant when driving, keep a calm demeanor, and don’t rush your decisions on the road. While driving in Costa Rica, patience will help you reduce stress and the likelihood of making mistakes.
Reference Points: Sometimes just putting a sticker on your windshield as a reference to indicate the lane you are to drive in or make a u-turn can help you stay consistent in your position.
In general, adapting to the right-hand side of driving is a gradual process and should not be rushed to avoid making mistakes that can lead to accidents.
It’s best to watch how the others are driving and keep a 50-100-meter distance from the car in front to watch how they drive.
2. Navigating Turns
Learning how to navigate turns should be one of the things you quickly adapt to when driving in a country like Costa Rica with right-hand side driving.
Below are some of the steps to take when making left and right turns:
Left Turn
Making a left turn is much easier than making a right turn.
If you are turning into a two-way traffic road, you should instantly get in the lane to the right of the centerline, or the lane meant for left turns.
Avoid crossing the centerline when you are at the intersection and stick to your lane until it is safe to change lanes.
Below are step-by-step procedures you should follow to make a left turn:
- Give a signal that you intend to make a turn when you are about 30 meters away from the intersection and only slow down after signaling.
- If the road is multi-lane and you are not near enough to the left lane, turn on your signals and only move when it is safe.
- Then check the mirrors to see if there are potential dangers.
- And stay as close to the centerline of the road as possible.
- If the road is busy and you cannot see all intersection areas, you need to stop entirely when you get to the intersection.
- Then check if the traffic is clear and if it is safe to continue, ensuring there are no approaching cars from your right.
- And left-turn the steering wheel when the front wheels touch the intersection center.
- The moment the car gets in the straight position, return the steering wheel to the usual position so the front wheels can straighten before increasing your speed.
- Finally, once you have made the turn, switch off the signal so that other road users don’t get confused and misled.
Right Turn
Making a right turn is almost the same thing as making a left turn, but there are little differences.
To start with, you should be on the lane designated for right turns or at least on the right-hand lane.
And once you have made the turn, remain in the right lane until you are safely away from the intersection.
Below are the steps to follow from start to finish:
- Give a signal when you are at least 30 meters away from the intersection, and then slow down after signaling.
- Then check the mirrors to ascertain that all areas around you contain no danger, and keep to your lane.
- Ensure to keep about a one-meter distance from the sidewalk and top fully when you get to the intersection, then watch the traffic.
- And check your left side for any incoming cars.
- Once the front right wheel reaches the corner, turn the steering wheel to the right side.
- And as your car gets into a straight position, turn the steering wheel back to its original position to straighten the front wheels and then increase your speed.
- Finally, once you are done with the turn, turn off your signal light so you do not confuse and mislead other drivers.
Basic Tips Before Making Turns
Relax: Maintain a calm demeanor and do not become anxious as you approach an intersection. Relax and fix your hands properly on the steering wheel.
Slow Down: If you were speeding, you need to slow down as you get to the intersection so you can easily make a turn.
If you do not slow down, making a turn may not be easy for you because you may not have the time to think through your moves and make corrections to estimate the distance to the intersection, thereby causing an accident or damages.
It is more rewarding to slow down because you are in control.
Turn on the Signal Light: Before making a turn, turn on the signal light in the direction you want to turn to alert other drivers of your next move.
Check the Mirrors: Before making a turn, ensure to check the mirrors and watch beyond your shoulders for pedestrians, cyclists, other cars, or any object that you might crash into.
And turn only when it is all cleared.
Check Speed: Always check your speed level before making a turn. It should be no more than 15 KMP if you are making a right turn and 20 KMP if you are making a left turn.
Original Hand Position: After making the turn, do not forget to return your hands to their original positions on the steering wheels.
Road Conditions and Driving Norms
The Costa Rican road network is divided into two, namely, highways and rural roads.
The highways are mostly located in major cities like San Jose and Liberia, while the rural roads connect remote towns to the highways.
Here is detailed information about both types of roads in Costa Rica:
Major Highways
The major highways are paved, wide, and well-maintained. They lead to major cities in the country and connect the borders of neighboring countries.
Good road conditions help reduce travel times and there are enough road signs, directions and speed limit indicators.
It mostly comprises single and double lanes, toll booths, well-maintained and designed intersections like roundabouts, bridges, tunnels, and, of course, some stunning scenic views.
However, traffic is always heavy on the highways, requiring more caution and patience; otherwise, one can easily be bashed.
Rural Roads
Unlike the highways, rural roads are mostly unpaved, narrow, less maintained, and full of potholes, cracks, and gravel. They can be difficult to drive on during the rainy season because they are muddy and slippery.
Rural roads connect rural areas and remote towns to the highways and comprise single lines. There are little or no road signs, mostly written in Spanish, and little or no bridges, so you have to drive your car across a river (you can only do this in the dry season when the river current is low and when you are driving stronger cars like 4×4).
You will mostly find animals sleeping or walking on rural roads, and the traffic is slow because the roads are narrow. However, the scenic views are mesmerizing.
To comfortably drive on rural roads, always carry a spare tire(s) in your trunk, fill up your gas from the major cities as there are limited gas stations, and drive cautiously so you do not bump into potholes and cracks.
Also, use GPS apps and devices to navigate the roads and check the weather forecast so you don’t drive on a rainy day when the road is muddy and slippery.
Local Driving Practices
When you begin driving in Costa Rica, you will notice certain behaviors that are very common and normal for Costa Rican drivers.
Behaviors like overtaking without caution and signals in front of an oncoming slower-moving vehicle like buses and trucks, but you must not behave that way if you do not want to have panic attacks.
- Always wait until it’s safe before entering the road or any intersections.
- Do not drink or press your phones while driving.
- Do not go above the speed limit or ignore traffic signs.
- Always check out for pedestrians, cyclists, and animals on the road, especially in rural areas.
- Use your turn signal accurately and horn when necessary, but not aggressively like the others.
- And you will be fine at the end of the day!
Traffic Signs And Signals
For you to be able to drive in Costa Rica you need to understand some traffic signs and signals.
While most may appear similar to those used in your country and most countries in the world, like the United States, they are mostly written in Spanish words. So it will require you to learn and understand a little bit of Spanish for you to understand these signs.
However, I have written below some of the most frequent Spanish traffic signs you will encounter while driving in Costa Rica and their meanings in English:
Alto –stop. It is also a red octagon.
Velocidad maxima–maximum speed.
Ceda el Paso – yield. Is also a red-and-white triangle.
Puente Angosto –narrow bridge.
Desvio –detour
Despacio –slow
Cruce de monos –monkey crossing (or some other animal, they will put a picture of it)
Una via –one way
Carretera en mal estado –road in bad condition
Puente en mal estado –bridge in bad condition
No estacionar –no parking
Curvas peligrosas adelante –dangerous curves ahead
No hay paso –don’t enter
No virar en u –no U turns
Calle sin salida –dead end
Tarifa liviano –lightweight fare (you will see this at the toll booths)
One thing you should always remember is that Costa Rica uses the metric system, so the speed is measured in Kilometers and at gas stations, fuel is measured in liters, unlike in the United States.
Safety Tips for Driving in Costa Rica
Defensive Driving
One way to maintain safety when driving in Costa Rica is to always use your seatbelts and practice defensive driving. Keep a safe distance of about 100 meters from the cars in front of you so you do not hit them from behind in case they stop suddenly.
Also, when driving in Costa Rica, you will notice the aggressiveness of most local drivers, who yell and overtake even in unsafe conditions.
In scenarios like this, stay calm and allow them to pass.
Emergency Contacts
Anything can happen at any time, especially on a Costa Rican road, so stay alert and prepare yourself ahead of any emergencies by asking for the contact information of a roadside assistant in case of an emergency from your car rental company.
And also have the general emergency contact of Costa Rica which is 911, as with the United States.
In situations where you have an accident, do not move your car out of the spot; leave it there until a police officer comes to investigate. If you are driving over a long distance, carry enough water and snacks.
Weather Conditions
Always check the weather forecast before setting out. Even if the day starts out sunny, it can rain at any time because Costa Rica’s weather is not stable.
So check the weather condition to know if you are driving over a long distance or not.
Benefits Of Driving In Costa Rica
Driving in Costa Rica has some benefits over hiring a private shuttle, taxi, or bus.
Below are some of the benefits:
Flexibility: Renting a car allows you the opportunity to create your own schedule and explore at your own pace without being tied to public transportation timetables.
Freedom: When you drive a vehicle, you can visit off-the-beaten-path destinations and make unexpected detours to any location of your choice. This cannot happen in a public bus or car.
Privacy: Nothing beats enjoying the privacy of your own space and convenience of the car that meets your preference while driving. It makes you drive leisurely and not miss out on the adventure that comes with it.
Convenience: Most car rental companies like Adobe make picking up and returning vehicles easy. Whether you are at the airport or any popular tourist location, your vehicle can be sent to you. This starts your trip off in the right direction.
Support and expertise: A good car rental company will never leave you stranded, especially as a first-timer; they will give you valuable advice, local travel tips, and support when needed that will enhance your travel experience.
Comparison With Other Transportation Options
| Car Rental | Shuttles | Buses | Tour Package |
| Renting a car in Costa Rica is an excellent way to explore the city on your own terms and enjoy all the privacy and convenience you need. However, you will have to manage the navigation, car maintenance, and bad road conditions yourself. | Shuttles are great because they give you more privacy than buses and operate on shared and private services. And it also takes off the hassle of navigating the country all by yourself from you. However, it is quite expensive and operates on a fixed schedule. | Taking a bus is one of the most cost effective means of transportation if you are touring Costa Rica. However, you may not be comfortable due to how crowded the bus can be, the frequent stops for passengers’ transfers, and the bus’s moving on its own timetable rather than yours. | Guided tours are an excellent way of exploring the country for the first time because it handles all your logistics, accommodations, meals, etc. However, it is more expensive than all the other means of transportation in Costa Rica. |
Pros and Cons of Renting a Car
From the above table, renting a car is the best option if you are looking to explore the country’s rich biodiversity at your own pace, navigate remote towns where public transportation may not reach, and travel with a family or in a group to cut costs on expensive shuttle and tour fares per person.
However, bear in mind that you will have to navigate the road all by yourself, which can be stressful and incur additional costs such as rental fees, fuel, insurance, etc.
Also, find out if GPS Works in Costa Rica to ensure you stay on track during your travels.
Conclusion
The right side of the road to drive in Costa Rica is the right hand side. It is good for someone who is not used to driving on the right-hand side to acquaint themselves with the driving culture in less busy areas before hitting the highways.
About Michelle Schmidt
Born in California, Michelle traveled extensively through the USA and Europe before moving to South Florida during the pandemic. Her career in Marketing has taken her all across the world. Her favorite country is France but she'll never turn down a beach vacation!
