By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Commuters and commercial transport operators utilizing Costa Rica’s vital Route 27 will see an increase in toll fees starting January 1, 2026. The concessionaire, Globalvia, announced the annual ordinary adjustment, which will affect all vehicle classes traveling between San José and Caldera.
The rate changes are part of a contractually mandated annual review that considers two key macroeconomic factors: the fluctuation of the Costa Rican colón against the U.S. dollar and the United States Consumer Price Index (CPI). This mechanism is designed to ensure the financial equilibrium of the highway concession over its lifespan by accounting for international inflation and currency variations.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal complexities and contractual obligations surrounding the Route 27 toll situation, we consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The core issue with the Route 27 tolls lies in the rigidity of the original concession contract. Any attempt by the government to unilaterally modify toll rates or expand the highway without the concessionaire’s agreement could trigger significant legal challenges and potentially costly international arbitration. The State’s hands are often tied by the very terms it agreed to years ago, highlighting the critical need for foresight in public-private partnership agreements.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The legal straitjacket of the original contract, as highlighted, is indeed the crux of the matter, explaining why today’s solutions are constrained by yesterday’s decisions. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which brings critical clarity to a topic of great public interest.
For the vast majority of daily drivers in light vehicles and on motorcycles (classified as Class 1), the increase will be a modest ¢10 at each of the four main toll plazas: Escazú, San Rafael, Atenas, and Pozón. While seemingly small, this adjustment translates to an additional ¢80 for a daily round trip, an incremental cost that accumulates for thousands of workers who commute from the western suburbs into the capital.
The more significant financial impact will be shouldered by the commercial logistics and public transport sectors. Vehicles classified as heavy transport, ranging from buses to large multi-axle trucks, will face increases from ¢10 up to ¢60 per toll station. This escalation in operational costs for freight companies is often passed down the supply chain, potentially leading to marginal price increases on goods delivered to and from the Port of Caldera, a critical hub for the nation’s imports and exports.
Under the new tariff structure, a Class 1 vehicle making a complete one-way trip through the main toll stations at Escazú (¢420), San Rafael (¢630), Atenas (¢830), and Pozón (¢630) will now pay a total of ¢2,510. In stark contrast, a five-axle truck (Class 5) will be charged ¢17,890 for the same journey, reflecting the significant cost differential based on vehicle weight and road impact.
The toll system categorizes vehicles to apply these differentiated rates. Class 1 includes motorcycles and light cars. Class 2 covers microbuses and buses with more than nine occupants. Commercial trucks are divided into Class 3 (two or three axles), Class 4 (four axles), and Class 5 (five or more axles), with rates escalating sharply with each category.
The San José-Caldera highway, officially known as Route 27, is more than just a convenience; it is a primary economic artery for Costa Rica. It provides the most efficient connection between the densely populated Central Valley and the Pacific coast, serving the tourism industry in Puntarenas and Guanacaste while also being the principal route for container traffic heading to the Port of Caldera.
As this annual adjustment takes effect, it serves as a reminder of the complex financial models underpinning public-private partnerships for infrastructure. While essential for maintaining and operating modern highways, these toll adjustments directly contribute to the rising cost of transportation, a factor that both citizens and businesses must incorporate into their budgets for the upcoming year.
For further information, visit globalviaruta27.com
About Globalvia:
Globalvia is an international leader in the management of infrastructure concessions, specializing in highways and railways. The company operates assets across multiple countries, focusing on providing safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation solutions. In Costa Rica, its subsidiary is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Route 27 highway, which connects the capital city of San José with the Pacific port of Caldera.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a highly regarded law firm, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon the foundational pillars of ethical practice and superior performance. The firm merges its extensive experience serving a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking mindset, consistently pioneering innovative legal solutions. Central to its philosophy is a deep-seated commitment to societal advancement, demonstrated through its efforts to demystify the law and equip citizens with essential legal understanding, thereby cultivating a more capable and informed community.
