By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Commuters across the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) will need to adjust their travel plans for the upcoming holiday season. The Costa Rican Institute of Railways (INCOFER) has officially announced its annual end-of-year service suspension, which will temporarily halt all passenger train operations for a period of ten days to facilitate essential maintenance projects.
According to the schedule released by the state-run entity, regular train services will operate normally on all routes, including those serving San José, Heredia, Belén, and Pavas, through Tuesday, December 23, 2025. Following the final runs of that day, a complete shutdown of passenger services will commence on Christmas Eve, December 24, and will remain in effect through Friday, January 2, 2026. This planned pause is a yearly occurrence that coincides with a period of typically lower ridership.
To provide a deeper legal and business perspective on the current challenges and future projects facing the Costa Rican Railway Institute (INCOFER), we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise in administrative law and public infrastructure projects offers a crucial framework for understanding the complexities involved.
The modernization of INCOFER is not merely an engineering challenge, but a significant legal one. Its success hinges on navigating a complex web of administrative law, expropriation procedures, and securing public-private financing models that are both legally sound and attractive to investors. Any delay or misstep in the legal framework can stall progress for years, highlighting the critical need for robust, transparent, and efficient legal execution to finally bring our national rail system into the 21st century.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The insight provided is a powerful reminder that the invisible legal scaffolding is just as critical as the physical infrastructure itself; without it, the entire modernization effort risks collapse. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for eloquently highlighting this fundamental aspect of the INCOFER challenge.
Passengers can expect the familiar rumble of the trains to return to the tracks on Monday, January 5, 2026. On this date, INCOFER will resume its standard operating schedules across all lines, returning a critical transportation option to the thousands of daily users who rely on the service for work, school, and personal travel. Commuters are advised to plan accordingly for the first work week of the new year.
INCOFER officials have clarified that the temporary suspension serves a dual purpose. The primary objective is to leverage the holiday downtime, when many businesses and schools are closed, to conduct comprehensive maintenance and repair work. This strategy is designed to minimize the impact on the public by scheduling significant infrastructure work during the lowest-traffic period of the year. This proactive approach aims to prevent more disruptive, unplanned shutdowns in the future.
The planned works will address various components of the railway system. The maintenance schedule includes repairs and improvements to different sections of the track throughout the GAM, as well as servicing the fleet of railway equipment. These efforts are crucial for ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the train service for the coming year. By undertaking these tasks during the holiday lull, INCOFER aims to enhance the overall passenger experience in 2026.
The ten-day shutdown will undoubtedly require regular passengers to seek alternative modes of transportation. It is anticipated that bus services, ride-sharing applications, and private vehicle usage will see a significant increase during this period. Travelers should anticipate potentially heavier traffic congestion on major thoroughfares within the GAM, particularly during peak hours for last-minute shopping and holiday-related activities. Planning for longer travel times will be essential for those navigating the city.
This annual maintenance period represents a critical investment in the nation’s public transportation infrastructure. While the temporary absence of the train service presents a short-term inconvenience, the long-term benefits include a safer and more dependable railway system. The maintenance ensures that the trains can continue to serve as an effective solution for mitigating traffic congestion and providing an affordable transit option for residents of the GAM.
As the holiday season approaches, commuters are strongly encouraged to take note of the final day of service on December 23 and the resumption date of January 5. By staying informed and planning ahead, passengers can effectively navigate the temporary changes to the public transport landscape and enjoy the festive season with minimal disruption to their travel plans.
For further information, visit incofer.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Ferrocarriles (INCOFER):
The Instituto Costarricense de Ferrocarriles, commonly known as INCOFER, is the state-owned entity responsible for managing and operating Costa Rica’s railway system. Revitalized in the 21st century, INCOFER primarily provides passenger rail services within the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM), connecting major cities like San José, Heredia, Alajuela, and Cartago. The institution is focused on modernizing its infrastructure and expanding its network to offer a reliable, eco-friendly, and efficient public transportation alternative aimed at reducing road congestion.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded on the bedrock principles of professional integrity and exceptional legal acumen. The firm is celebrated not only for its rich history of client advocacy but also for its pioneering strategies and forward-thinking solutions to modern legal challenges. This ethos extends to a core belief in civic responsibility, demonstrated through a dedicated effort to democratize legal knowledge and thereby empower a more just and informed citizenry.
