User:Hobbitschuster/Rail travel in Costa Rica

Costa Rica likes to call itself "The Switzerland of Central America" and just like the actual Switzerland has perhaps the best railroad system in Europe, Costa Rica could lay claim to the best railroad system in Central America. Given however, that countries like Nicaragua or El Salvador have no railroads left, this is in part a victory by default. That said, in and around the Central Valley (Costa Rica) railroads are a fun affordable and - compared to congested streets - sometimes even relatively fast way to get places. Sadly, they are hampered by decades of neglect and slow line speeds.

Understand
The Costa Rican railways have had a long history of ups and downs, in part reflected by the fact that there's an "Atlantic Station" and a "Pacific Station" in San José but currently (2018) no trains to either coast. That said, since the 2010s there has been political movement towards trains as a mode of transport and construction is ongoing to expand the network, double track existing single track sections and keep it in an overall state of good repair.

That said, if you're looking for speed, this is the wrong place. The trains are largely old diesel loco hauled types lumbering over largely single track gauge tracks with many, many, many level crossings which passengers will note by the train honking to announce its passing.

Virtually all trains these days are run by Incofer, the national railway who also have schedules and prices on their website.

Tickets and Discounts
Ticket prices are cheap and there are no discounts on the regular adult fare unless you qualify for the usual suspects (student, elderly, very young). The tickets are sold at the platform prior to boarding and then a validation slip is collected by the conductor. There is no prebooking and tickets come without assigned seating anyway.

Stations
Aside from the historical stations built during the first golden age of railroads, stations are rather utilitarian affairs but nonetheless they do their job. Unfortunately, there isn't much in the way of onward transport such as local buses or taxis and even many locals seem to be confused when asked for the bus to the station.

San José main stations