What Is the Best Transportation Option in Santa Teresa for Tourists?

The best transportation option in Santa Teresa for tourists depends on how far you want to go, your budget, and how much freedom you need. Most visitors get around using bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, or ATVs. For short local trips, Bimba’s shared electric bikes are the most convenient and affordable way to explore Santa Teresa’s beaches, cafés, and shops without needing a car.

Move Around Santa Teresa: What Tourists Should Know

Santa Teresa is a long beach town on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. It stretches for several kilometers along a single road that connects Playa Carmen, Santa Teresa Center, and Playa Hermosa. The scenery is stunning, but everything is spread out.

There is no local bus service within town, and taxis can be difficult to find. Walking is pleasant but not always practical under the strong tropical sun. For that reason, most travelers rely on rentals or shared mobility options to move between beaches, restaurants, and hotels quickly.

Transportation Options in Santa Teresa

Below are the main transportation choices available for tourists, with honest pros and cons from a traveler’s point of view.

1. Bimba Electric Bikes (Best Overall Choice)

Bimba is Santa Teresa’s only shared e-bike service, designed for visitors who want freedom without the hassle of traditional rentals. You can locate and unlock a bike directly through the Bimba app, ride as long as you like, and park it at any official station when finished.

Why travelers love it:

• No rental shops or deposits. You unlock and ride instantly through the app.
• Pay only for what you use. You can ride for a few minutes or buy a pass for unlimited short rides.
• No need to carry the bike all day. Park at a station and walk away.
• Fast and flexible. Perfect for spontaneous plans or quick rides between cafés and beaches.
• Affordable and sustainable. Costs less than ATVs or taxis and produces zero emissions.

Bimba is ideal for tourists who want to save time, save money, and explore town freely without dealing with paperwork or parking.

Download the Bimba App on the App Store or Google Play to start riding.

2. ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles)

ATVs are popular among adventure travelers who want to explore beyond Santa Teresa, such as Montezuma or Cabo Blanco. They can handle dirt roads and rough terrain, but they come at a price.

Pros:

• Suitable for long distances and nearby towns.
• Fun and capable on rough roads.

Cons:

• Expensive (around $60–80 per day).
• Noisy and less eco-friendly.
• Require fuel and basic driving experience.

3. Scooters or Motorbikes

Scooters are smaller and cheaper than ATVs, making them another option for short trips. However, road conditions in Santa Teresa can be challenging, especially after rain.

Pros:

• Quick and compact for solo travelers.
• Easier to park than ATVs.

Cons:

• Require a driver’s license and helmet.
• Risky on gravel roads.
• Still use fuel and need a deposit.

4. Regular Bicycles

Traditional bicycles are available at some surf shops and hostels. They are fine for flat areas but can be tiring in the heat or on long rides.

Pros:

• Cheap and eco-friendly.
• Simple for short distances.

Cons:

• Physically demanding.
• No electric assist.
• Must be locked and watched at every stop.

5. Taxis and Private Shuttles

Taxis are limited in Santa Teresa and are mostly used for airport or ferry transfers. Local trips can be costly and unreliable.

Pros:

• Comfortable and private.
• Good for airport transfers.

Cons:

• Expensive for short rides.
• Not always available on demand.

6. Walking

Walking is free and enjoyable for short distances or beach strolls, but it becomes tiring for exploring the entire town.

Pros:

• Healthy and relaxing.
• Perfect for exploring a small area.

Cons:

• Not practical for daily transportation.
• Hot and dusty roads during midday.

Transportation Comparison Table

Option	Best For	Average Cost	Main Advantages	Main Drawbacks
Bimba E-Bike	Short local rides	Low	Easy, affordable, eco-friendly	Requires app
ATV	Long-distance trips	High	Adventure, power	Expensive, noisy
Scooter	Medium trips	Medium	Fast, compact	Safety risk on dirt roads
Bicycle	Fitness lovers	Low	Simple, eco	Hard in heat
Taxi	Transfers	High	Comfortable	Limited and costly
Walking	Short strolls	Free	Relaxing	Not practical

Why Bimba Is the Best Transportation for Tourists

Tourists value freedom, flexibility, and cost efficiency. Bimba meets all three.

• Save Time: No paperwork, contracts, or shop visits. Just unlock and ride.
• Save Money: Pay only for the time you actually ride. No daily or weekly commitment if you don’t need it.
• Save Energy: The electric assist makes it effortless to move between beaches even in the heat.
• No Stress: Park the bike when you’re done. No need to worry about theft or returning it before closing time.
• Eco-Friendly: Riding an electric bike helps reduce noise and pollution in one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beach towns.

Bimba is designed for the traveler who wants to enjoy the day, not waste time renting, refueling, or returning vehicles.

Safety and Riding Tips

• Always ride on the right side of the road and stay alert for ATVs or trucks.
• Avoid deep sand or unlit areas after dark.
• Wear sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Bring a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated.
• Only park at official Bimba stations visible in the app.

Final Thoughts: What Is the Best Transportation Option in Santa Teresa for Tourists?

Getting around Santa Teresa should be easy, affordable, and enjoyable. While ATVs and scooters work for longer trips, they can be noisy, costly, and inconvenient.

For daily movement between beaches, cafés, and hotels, Bimba’s shared electric bikes are the smartest and most practical option for tourists. They save time, cut costs, and let you explore town on your own schedule.

Download the Bimba app today and discover Santa Teresa the easy way.