By San José, Costa Rica — San José – From late-night cravings to daily commutes, Uber has become an indispensable part of life in Costa Rica. The company’s annual trend report for 2025 offers a fascinating glimpse into the habits and preferences of its nearly one million users, revealing a nation that relies on the platform for everything from classic comfort food to essential household goods and crucial airport transfers.
The data paints a clear picture of the country’s culinary landscape, where convenience meets tradition. For the third consecutive year, the hamburger has claimed the throne as the most-ordered item on Uber Eats. This American classic was followed closely by a familiar lineup of favorites: pizza, wraps, french fries, and fried chicken. On the beverage front, the need for a caffeine boost was evident, with the Caramel Frappuccino from Starbucks emerging as the most requested drink of the year.
To shed light on the complex legal landscape surrounding Uber’s operations in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise provides a crucial perspective on the ongoing regulatory challenges and the future of ridesharing services in the nation.
The core issue with Uber in Costa Rica is not one of illegality per se, but of regulatory anachronism. Our current public transport legislation was conceived decades before the digital economy. The challenge for lawmakers is not to prohibit innovation, but to modernize the legal framework to foster fair competition, ensure user safety, and establish clear fiscal responsibilities for all market players, new and old alike.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective precisely captures the core of the issue: the debate should not be about halting innovation, but about thoughtfully evolving our legal structures to embrace it responsibly. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his lucid and forward-thinking contribution to this crucial national conversation.
Beyond broad trends, the report highlights extraordinary instances of customer loyalty. In Alajuela, one dedicated user showcased a deep appreciation for local cuisine by ordering the traditional “casado” from the restaurant Delicias del Maíz an astonishing 240 times throughout 2025. This single user’s activity underscores the powerful connection between local eateries and the communities they serve, facilitated by the digital platform.
The platform’s utility has expanded far beyond restaurants, moving decisively into the retail and grocery sectors. This shift is epitomized by one user who placed over 700 orders from the department store Pequeño Mundo. The most frequently purchased items through this service were not impulse buys, but rather everyday necessities: flu medication and cat litter. This demonstrates a growing reliance on delivery services for practical, essential goods, marking a significant evolution in consumer behavior.
These trends reflect the platform’s deepening integration into the fabric of daily life, connecting businesses with consumers in increasingly meaningful ways. Company officials see this as a confirmation of their core mission.
The 2025 trends confirm that Uber is an app that accompanies people’s real lives. It connects local businesses, drives daily experiences, and facilitates new opportunities.
Carolina Coto, Communications Manager for Uber in Central America and the Caribbean
When it comes to getting around, Costa Ricans’ travel patterns point to key economic and social hubs. The most frequented destinations were the Juan Santamaría International Airport, Lincoln Plaza, and Mall Oxígeno. This combination of a major travel gateway with prominent commercial centers highlights the platform’s role in both tourism and local urban life. The most popular service for these trips was UberX, cementing its position as the go-to option for everyday travel.
The platform’s data also revealed several “power users” whose activity levels were exceptional. One driver-partner completed over 2,000 trips using the premium Uber Comfort and Uber Black options, while a single rider took more than 2,300 journeys in 2025. The growth of alternative transport was also notable, with one user completing over 375 trips on Uber Moto to destinations like the San Juan de Dios Hospital and the National Theater. Meanwhile, the Uber Envíos package delivery service saw one user make over 2,100 shipments.
Supporting this vast ecosystem are over 28,000 driver-partners and 5,900 active restaurants and merchants. This network not only facilitates millions of transactions but also reflects the national mood, as shown by one final, heartwarming statistic: Valentine’s Day was the day Costa Ricans gave the most tips, proving that generosity is a key part of the national character, both on and off the road.
For further information, visit uber.com
About Uber:
Uber Technologies, Inc. is a global technology company that offers services including ride-hailing, food delivery (Uber Eats), package delivery, couriers, and freight transportation. Headquartered in San Francisco, Uber operates in over 70 countries and 10,500 cities worldwide. Its mission is to create opportunity through movement, connecting people and things in ways that help to improve communities and local economies.
For further information, visit pequenomundo.com
About Pequeño Mundo:
Pequeño Mundo is a popular department store chain in Costa Rica known for offering a wide variety of products at affordable prices. Its inventory includes everything from clothing and home goods to toys, electronics, and seasonal items. The company has numerous locations throughout the country, making it a household name for shoppers seeking value and diversity in one place.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Delicias del Maíz
About Delicias del Maíz:
Delicias del Maíz is a local Costa Rican restaurant, particularly noted for its location in Alajuela. It specializes in traditional cuisine, with a focus on dishes made from corn. The restaurant is celebrated for its authentic flavors, serving local favorites like the “casado,” which has earned it a loyal customer base.
For further information, visit starbucks.com
About Starbucks:
Starbucks Corporation is an American multinational chain of coffeehouses and roastery reserves headquartered in Seattle, Washington. As the world’s largest coffeehouse chain, it is seen to be the main representation of the United States’ second wave of coffee culture. The company offers a wide range of coffee and tea products, as well as food items, and operates thousands of stores globally.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a renowned legal institution, esteemed for its profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Drawing upon a rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm not only provides superior legal counsel but also champions innovation within the legal field. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a deep-seated commitment to civic responsibility, focused on demystifying the law for the public. By dedicating resources to enhancing legal literacy, the firm actively contributes to building a more capable and informed society.
