We just came back from Costa Rica two days ago. We used Grayline to go to Manuel Antonio and we had a good experience with this company. On the way back from Manuel Antonio to San Jose we used Interbus due to Grayline being full. It was a black and white experience. We paid $40 per person, the condition of the Van was really bad we could feel every bump it was a really shaky ride. But the really bad note is that every time we went uphill (and this happen a lot in Costa Rica) the driver will turned off the ac.
He used all the side roads possible which explained the condition of the van.
There is a toll road which we used on the way to Manuel Antonio, Interbus will not use the highway so you will be stuck riding the unsafe roads of the mountains. When we questioned the driver why he will not used the tollway he said "its a policy of the company to avoid the tollway, they don't want to pay" we end up very upset and the driver pull to the side of the road and contact Interbus on the phone, even thought they charge $40 + per person they don't want to used the highway in order to save the few bucks on the toll. When the other passengers of the van offered to paid for it the driver said it was prohibited for customers to do this and that he could loose his job.
Its a big difference, we are talking about serious curves and hills on the mountains on a two way road full of 18 wheelers, using the highway makes a big difference.
I would never recomend anyone to use this company, go with Grayline; there is a big difference in customer safety, service and comfort.

I've always had great trips using Interbus. It's possible they avoid using the tollway since it has had so many problems, landslides, rock slides etc.

So you didn't like Interbus, but...what about your trip? Certainly you didn't register on fodor's only to slam a company and not post anything about your trip?

Sorry to hear about your experience. I've used Interbus many times and have always had a great drive, including the leg you describe, so I'm gonna have to agree with tully on this one.

Interbus does get consistently good reviews. How was the rest of your trip?

I have never used Interbus but know many who have and have nothing but praise for it. The reviews of this company are great and the recommendations are numerous. I have traveled both the toll highway and 2 different highways through the mountains. Given a choice between the two, and a good driver and good weather, I would probably choose the mountain route that you seem to dislike. In private cars or vans, the air-conditioning is usually turned off on the upward route because of strain on the engine in the higher temperatures. Whereas there is often road work on the mountain route, there is usually road work on the toll highway. There have been lane or complete highway closures on the toll highway for reinforcement of the mountain side to prevent landslides and falling rocks. This is a major issue and will continue to be for some time to come.

I find the mountain routes interesting and beautiful, especially when someone else is doing the driving. The original poster hasn't convinced me to avoid Interbus, but travelers who feel the same way about the choice of routes should be alerted to inquire about the routes used when booking.

Have to agree with others. I would think the experience described by Prisca is the exception. The vans I have ridden in have been newish, clean and in good shape.

I don't see that it is necessary for the driver to speak English. Do you expect taxi drivers to speak English?

If you want an inexpensive and convenient shared van shuttle, you can use Interbus - or Grayline or Costa Rica Shuttle or EcoTrans. If you want an English speaking driver that talks to you and caters to your every whim, hire a private driver.

I also use Interbus a lot and have never had a problem with them. Sorry Prisca had a bad expperience but as hsmithcr stated, this is an exception. The only bad review I've ever heard.

I think that Interbus is a good option for the budget traveler. The only complaints that I have ever heard had more to do with the other passengers, than with the service itself. They do tend to pack em in during busy times, and the complaint I heard from one client was about a seat mates hygiene!

Interbus does not own all of those vehicles. From what I understand, they use subcontractors in the various areas. My guess is that this particular subcontractor was trying to do it on the cheap, or may have been a last minute substitution.

I would send an email to Interbus detailing your experience. I am sure that they would like to know about something like this. I doubt you get a refund, but you could help avoid a reoccurrence of this kind of behavior. Make sure you give them the date and pick up time, so that they can follow up.

Hope this helps! Let me know if I can offer any more advice.

Warm Regards,
Pat Hewitt
Travel Professional

Same here, never had a problem with Interbus. Im thankful that the company have kept me safe throughout my stay in Costa Rica. The most scariest ride was going to Monteverde, it was raining like nonstop and the road/going up the hill was definitely not safe, but the driver managed to keep it going. Hence, I was the only passenger and we saw a married couple with their baby covered in a blanket riding on a motorcycle.. Imagine this, it was raining, cold, windy,.. i felt bad and i was expressing this to the driver. Thank God, he asked me if it was okay if we let them in the car? The driver gave the mother and her baby a ride to her house which was a couple a blocks away from my hotel..
Even though it wasn't his responsibility to give them a free ride, i was definitely please to see how he was willing to help his fellow people. And for that kinda gave the company a good image. So that is why when i come back to CR, i will use Interbus again.

interbusonline.com gets mostly good reviews here

more than Grayline as a matter of fact.

Nothing but good personal experience with them

though personally prefer to rent mostly

for freedom and flexibility.

I was laughing so hard when I read this!! can you imagine asking the bus driver to change his route!! I feel that I am in more danger on the Long Island Expressway than the roads in Costa Rica!

I am curious...what was your drivers name. I was recently in Costa Rica and took 3 interbus rides to different locations. One of the drivers had an attitude. I am wondering if its the same person. The other guys were great and took the main highways.

On the other hand...maybe he had a crappy van and day! The van "Mr Attitude" was driving had great airconditioning!

Joy2Creel: "<i> . . .what was your drivers name. . .</i>"

Don't hold your breath. Prisca only ever posted twice on Fodors -- on this and another thread back in April, both to bad mouth InterBus. Never to be heard from again