Costa Rica has several toll roads, mainly around the Central Valley and leading to popular destinations. Will find them mainly if you’re driving in or out of San José, Jaco, or towards the Pacific Coast. You’ll likely encounter toll booths along the way.
These are called “Peajes,” and there will be a sign before each toll booth.
Where Are the Toll Roads in Costa Rica?
Toll roads are mostly found on the Route 27 (San José – Caldera) and Route 1 (the Inter-American Highway). Some key locations include:
- Near SJO Airport: If you’re heading from San José to the airport, there’s a toll booth on Route 1.
- Route 27: The main highway from San José to the Pacific beaches (Jaco, Manuel Antonio, etc.) has multiple toll booths.
- Route 32: The road connecting San José to the Caribbean coast also has toll stations.
How Much Are the Tolls?
- Toll fees generally range from ₡200 to ₡1,000 (approximately $0.40 to $2) per stop, depending on the road and vehicle type. Since you are likely driving a car, look for the term “Automóvil” on the signage. it will be where the toll prices will be displayed before each toll booth.
- You’ll encounter multiple toll booths on longer routes like Route 27, so having some extra cash is a good idea.
- Tolls are NOT one-way! You will have to pay tolls both when heading to and returning from your destination.
How to Pay for Tolls in Costa Rica
- Cash or Card?
- Most toll booths now accept credit and debit cards (Visa/MasterCard).
- However, it’s still a good idea to carry some Costa Rican colones (CRC) in case the card machine is down.
- Quick Pass vs. Manual Lanes
- Some locals use a prepaid toll pass called “Quick Pass”, which allows for fast, automatic payment.
- Rental cars typically DO NOT come with Quick Pass. If it is your case, make sure to enter the lane labeled “Vía Manual” to pay with cash or card.
- If you accidentally enter a Quick Pass lane, you’ll have to back up and switch lanes. Pay attention to the signs!
Tips for Tourists Driving in Costa Rica
- Have small bills or coins handy in case card payments aren’t working.
- Tolls are charged both ways, so budget for round-trip payments.
- Watch for toll booth lines during peak traffic hours, especially on Route 27.
Navigation Tip: Google Maps or Waze?
Either way, both apps will show toll roads on your route, so you can plan ahead.
Waze tends to be more accurate for real-time traffic and road conditions. Also, it includes toll updates and the total price for the selected route until your final destination.
Google Maps works well for general route planning but may not always show toll booth fees correctly.
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