Is There Uber in Costa Rica? What to Check Before Your Transfer

Uber lists service in Costa Rica, including San José and Liberia, but app availability does not establish that a driver is authorized to provide paid passenger transport or use an airport pickup area. For airport travel, confirm both the transport provider’s authorization and your actual pickup arrangements.

Prefer to arrange your private airport transfer before you travel? Ozzy Transportation can help you plan your flight pickup, exact destination, passengers, luggage and requested child seats.

Get your private transfer quote — Book Now

Airport transfers: permits and enforcement matter

In a statement dated July 10, 2025, Costa Rica’s Public Transport Council warned that drivers providing unauthorized transport can face fines, removal of license plates and vehicle seizure.

Based on Ozzy Transportation’s experience, some app drivers may be reluctant to accept airport pickups or drop-offs because of enforcement concerns. Confirm the actual pickup arrangements before travel and choose a transport provider with the authorizations required for your journey.

Can you use Uber at Liberia or San José Airport?

Uber publishes pages for Liberia Airport (LIR) and San José Airport (SJO). The pages checked for this guide describe rides to the airports. For an arrival pickup, check the app’s current instructions for your airport and trip rather than assuming the drop-off arrangements also apply to arrivals.

Uber also advertises advance reservations. Check whether that option is offered for your actual route and date, and review the terms shown before confirming. A reservation option by itself does not establish airport pickup authorization.

Compare these details before choosing

  • Pickup: Confirm where to meet, what time the pickup is arranged for and how to contact the provider if plans change.
  • Passengers and luggage: Include every adult and child, checked bags, carry-ons, strollers and oversized items. Passenger count alone does not establish luggage space.
  • Child seats: Confirm the seat arrangement before booking. Do not assume a suitable seat will be available in whichever vehicle arrives.
  • Price and terms: Review the full trip price, selected extras and the applicable change and cancellation terms.
  • Your next journey: Check the return pickup or next hotel transfer separately, particularly when it starts from another town or property.

Why arrange your private transfer with Ozzy?

Ozzy Transportation provides private airport and hotel-to-hotel transfers throughout Costa Rica, with the permits, licensing and insurance required for its service. Your transfer is private, with the vehicle arrangement confirmed for your party.

For airport arrivals, provide your airline and flight number so Ozzy can coordinate the pickup. Share your exact destination, every passenger and your luggage details together. Child seats and booster seats are available as reservation add-ons; select what you need and confirm the arrangement before travel.

For example, a family bringing suitcases, a stroller and a requested child seat should provide all those details together. That lets Ozzy assess the complete arrangement rather than just the number of passengers.

Have your pickup and destination, date, passengers and luggage details ready, then get your private transfer quote. If your route or requirements need clarification, contact Ozzy before booking.

Get your private transfer quote — Book Now

Sources checked October 31, 2026: Uber Costa Rica locations, Uber LIR, Uber SJO and the CTP statement linked above. Check Uber’s app for current trip options.