You can get from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo by bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, or rental car.
The cheapest transportation option from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo is by public bus, which costs USD 10. The journey takes about 8 hours.
The most popular option is the shared shuttle, offering direct transport and convenience at a very affordable price.
The fastest way to travel to Puerto Viejo from La Fortuna is by private transfer or rental car, which takes about 5 hours.
I’ve traveled the stretch from La Fortuna’s volcanic landscapes to the Caribbean calm of Puerto Viejo multiple times, learning the best travel practices along the way.
This piece is your go-to guide, offering a reliable blueprint for making this scenic transition as enjoyable and straightforward as possible!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo. Here, you can find more information about transportation in Costa Rica.
Transportation Options from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo
The following table outlines all transportation options from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Public Bus from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo | 8 hrs | $10 |
| Shuttle from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo | 6 hrs | $74 |
| La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo Private Transfer | ~5 hrs | $400 |
| Rental Car | 5 hrs | – |
How far is Puerto Viejo from La Fortuna?
La Fortuna is located 167 miles or 269 kilometers from Puerto Viejo. You can reach Puerto Viejo in 4 to 5 hours, depending on your mode of transportation.
Getting to Puerto Viejo from La Fortuna
1. Shared Shuttle from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo
Journey Duration: 6 hours
You should consider taking a shared van shuttle when traveling long distances like this one. Since Puerto Viejo is a smaller village, fewer transportation options are available, and this could be one of the best!
If you are traveling alone or with only one partner, this is an economical, safe, and comfortable way to get to your next vacation spot.
Book your tickets as soon as possible since only one shuttle departs daily from La Fortuna at 06:00 AM and arrives in Puerto Viejo at 12:00 PM, so you don’t miss your trip!
Caribe offers door-to-door service, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your luggage everywhere, and the tickets cost only USD 74.
La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo Shared Van Shuttle Schedule:
The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable for trips from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:00am | 12:00pm | 6h | $74 |  |
2. Indirect Public Bus from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo
Journey Duration: 8 hours
The public bus is your best option if you are looking for the cheapest way to travel to Puerto Viejo. Costa Rica has excellent bus transportation, but if you are trying to get from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo, you must first stop in San Jose.
Although this option is not the easiest, it might appeal to those willing to detour and explore!
So, if you enjoy adventure and want to save money while exploring Costa Rica, this trip is for you. Although the journey takes a bit longer than usual due to the bus transfer, you can also explore San Jose on the way!
After taking a bus from La Fortuna to San Jose, you must catch the next bus at Terminal de Autobus Atlantico Norte, located on Calle 12 in Barrio, Mexico, between Avenidas 7 and 9.
Be sure to get the bus to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca or Puerto Viejo de Limon since there is another town in Costa Rica called Puerto Viejo.
The bus costs only 10 USD, and seven daily express buses leave from San Jose to Puerto Viejo!
3. Private Transfer fromLa Fortuna to Puerto Viejo
Journey Duration: Custom Time
Booking a private transfer in advance for your Costa Rica vacation is one of the best things you can do, especially if you travel long distances like this one.
The benefit of booking a private transfer is that you can schedule your trip, which gives you much more flexibility.
This option will also allow you to see some interesting sights and places you would not otherwise have a chance to see. Stop along the way, have a lunch break, and enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica’s nature!
Besides, this is great if you’re traveling with a larger group since you can split the cost and enjoy an incredible experience at a great price!
Prices for a private transfer to Puerto Viejo:
- 7-9 passengers: USD 400
4. Driving with a Rental Car
Journey Duration: 5 hours
Finally, renting a car in La Fortuna is the best and fastest way to reach Puerto Viejo.
This is an excellent solution if you’re up for a long drive and wish to explore while driving at your own pace. Renting a car in Costa Rica isn’t very expensive and certainly provides you with loads of flexibility and freedom!
However, as soon as you arrive in this small Costa Rican village, you won’t need a car, and you’ll find out why for yourself!
Best day tours in La Fortuna, 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.
Here, you can find some of the best tours in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do they speak English in Puerto Viejo?
Because Puerto Viejo is home to many Jamaican descendants and American and Canadian ex-pats, English is widely spoken there.
Are there crocodiles in Puerto Viejo?
They have only ever been seen on rare occasions. Several years ago, one was spotted walking along the shoreline in front of a house. The environment ministry takes care of such situations, even though they rarely happen.
Can you drink the water in Puerto Viejo?
Even though the water is safe to drink, bottled water is available for a reasonable price if you prefer. Or, you can bring or purchase a refillable bottle and refill water anywhere.
How do you get around Puerto Viejo?
Bikes are the most popular mode of transportation in Puerto Viejo. Rental prices range from USD 3-12 a day for bikes to USD 35-40 for scooters. However, a taxi is the best option if you leave after dark or early in the morning.
More Routes from La Fortuna, Costa Rica
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AnaMaria is a dedicated SEO specialist and content strategist with profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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Jean Nájera is the CEO of GuateGo, an online marketplace to buy transportation tickets in more than 200 cities. He has profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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