Transport is very different to Western Countries

Transport in South and Central America is completely different from Western countries, where everything runs on schedules, rules and predictable infrastructure. In Central America, chicken buses (old U.S. school buses) are the cheapest and most chaotic way to travel — they’re loud, fast, colourful, always crowded, and stop anywhere to pick people up. They’re authentic and fine for short distances, but not ideal for valuables or long trips. Because of this, many travellers use private shuttles or transfers, which are popular in countries like Guatemala, Costa Rica and Nicaragua—they cost more, but they’re safer, faster, and pick you up directly from your hostel. In South America, long-distance travel is dominated by comfortable, modern buses (especially in Chile, Argentina, Peru and Colombia), often with reclining seats and meals, unlike anything in Central America. Some countries prefer ride apps (Brazil, Colombia, Mexico), while others rely heavily on collectivos (shared vans), like in Peru and Bolivia where they run frequent but leave “when full” instead of on a timetable. Because every country has its own preferred system—chicken buses in Guatemala, shuttles in Costa Rica, metro systems in Chile, long-haul luxury buses in Argentina—travelling feels less structured than in Western nations. You choose transport based on distance, budget, and safety, and locals often mix buses, vans, motos, and rideshares in a way that feels chaotic to Western travellers but works seamlessly for them.

🚌 Chicken Buses (Central America)

• $1–3 USD for most trips
  (Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras)

🚐 Private Shuttles

• $10–25 USD short–medium distances
  (Guatemala, Nicaragua)

• $30–60 USD in Costa Rica (more expensive country)

🚕 Taxis & Ubers

• Airport → city: $10–25 USD

• Short rides in city: $2–5 USD

• Longer city rides: $5–12 USD

🚌 Long-Distance Buses (South America)

• Short trips: $5–10 USD

• Overnight 8–12 hrs: $15–40 USD
  (Varies by comfort level)

🚐 Collectivos (Shared Vans)

• City/local routes: $0.30–$1 USD

• Inter-town: $2–5 USD