How to Get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica (5 Best Ways)

You can get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo by bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, flight, or rental car.

Having worked in tourism in Costa Rica for one year, I’ve learned much about its transportation system.

Let me guide you through the most practical and enjoyable ways to travel around this vibrant country easily!

This guide is based on my personal travel experiences and has been fact-checked by transportation expert Jean Nájera, CEO of GuateGo, to ensure accuracy.

Transportation Options

The following table outlines all transportation options:

1. Public Bus

Journey Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

Bus transportation in Costa Rica is excellent, and around seven express buses are serving this route daily.

The direct buses from the Terminal de Autobus Atlantico Norte located on Calle 12 between Avenidas 7 and 9 in Barrio, Mexico, in San Jose.

Make sure to board the bus to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, also known as Puerto Viejo de Limon. There is a second town called Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica.

The trip takes around 4.5 hours and includes a 15-minute stop at the bus terminal in Limon. The price is about 10 USD, and the bus leaves at 06:00 AM, 08:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 02:00 PM, 04:00 PM, and 06:00 PM.

Alternatively, you can take a bus to Limon, which takes around three hours, and transfer to another bus to Puerto Viejo.

The second bus ride will take another 1.5 hours. That’s only interesting if the direct bus is either fully booked or you don’t like the schedule.

2. Shared Van Shuttle

Journey Duration: 4-5 hours

A shared shuttle strikes an ideal balance between cost-effectiveness, convenience, and comfort, making it a top choice for tourists and locals.

The shuttle is typically a modern, air-conditioned vehicle with comfortable seating and ample luggage space. It’s the perfect alternative to public transportation if you want to opt for a more comfortable alternative.

Most shuttles accommodate 10-15 passengers, allowing for a communal yet cozy traveling experience. Depending on traffic and road conditions, the journey takes about 5 hours.

One of the most significant benefits of a shared van shuttle is the door-to-door service. The van will drop you off at your accommodation, saving you the stress of navigating local transportation upon arrival. 

Multiple daily departures, some in the morning and some in the afternoon, ensure you have options to fit your travel schedule.

However, remember that the shuttle services can get booked up, particularly during peak travel seasons. 

Shared Van Shuttle Schedule:

Departure	Arrival	Duration	Price
05:30am	10:30am	5h	$63
02:00pm	07:00pm	5h	$63
07:00am	12:00pm	5h	$65

3. Private Transfer

Journey Duration: ~4 hours

A private transfer offers an unmatched level of convenience and flexibility, making it a favorite for travelers seeking a more personalized experience.

Booking a private transfer is easy. Several companies offer this service online. Simply select your desired pickup location, time, and destination, and the company will handle the rest!

The private transfer is typically conducted in a well-maintained, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.

Depending on your group size and the amount of luggage, this might range from a luxury sedan to a larger van or SUV. 

One of the primary advantages of a private transfer is the ability to set your own schedule. You’re not tied to the set times of a shared shuttle, allowing for a more relaxed, stress-free journey.

The journey is similar to a shared shuttle, traversing through scenic landscapes and lasting approximately 4-5 hours. The difference, however, lies in the additional comfort and convenience of a private transfer. 

Once you reach Puerto Viejo, your driver will drop you off at the exact location of your choice. 

Prices for a private transfer:

• 1-4 passengers: USD 285
• 1-13 passengers: USD 380
• 5-12 passengers: USD 435

4. Flight

Journey Duration: ~1 hour 30 minutes

Unfortunately, there is no airport directly in Puerto Viejo.

However, flying from San Jose to Limon airport is possible, around 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Puerto Viejo.

A flight takes only about 40 minutes; however, you should consider the extra time it takes to get from the airport to Puerto Viejo, which should add about one more hour.

Prices for flight tickets start at USD 112.

5. Rental Car

Journey Duration: ~4 hours

By getting a rental car, taking the wheel yourself opens up a realm of freedom and flexibility to explore Costa Rica at your own pace.

This method of travel can add a sense of adventure and personalization to your journey. Depending on your intended travel itinerary and potential excursions off the beaten path, a 4×4 is often recommended.

This vehicle type is better suited for navigating the varying terrain and unexpected road conditions Costa Rica can sometimes present.

However, a standard vehicle should suffice if your route is planned primarily between San Jose and Puerto Viejo.

The roads on this stretch are well-maintained and drivable, even for those unfamiliar with Costa Rica’s roadways.

As always, ensuring you’re comfortable with the vehicle and the driving conditions for a safe and enjoyable road trip is important.

What I’d do:

I hop on the public bus if I travel light and have time. It’s cheap, laid-back, and you get to see the countryside roll by. Plus, grabbing a quick snack in Limón feels like part of the adventure. But when I’ve just landed or want to avoid hassle, I go for a private shuttle. Door-to-door comfort with zero stress? Totally worth the splurge. Either way, the journey’s part of the fun: Enjoy it!

Best day tours in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sharing helpful info? Feel free to cite this guide:
Universal Traveller — How to get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo