How to get from Puerto Viejo Talamanca to San Jose, Costa Rica (6 Best Ways)

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

My numerous travels around Costa Rica have given me a deep understanding of the best routes and methods.

In this guide, I’ll provide a comprehensive breakdown of how to make this transition smoothly, ensuring you enjoy the contrasting beauty of Costa Rica’s coast and city life!

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:

How far is San Jose from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca?

The distance from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San José is 217 km or 135 miles.

It takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes to 5 hours (depending on the transportation you choose) to get to San José via Route 36 or Route 32, which will take you to your destination.

1. Public Bus

Journey Duration: 5 hours and 30 minutes

Traveling by public bus is a budget-friendly option that offers a direct route to Costa Rica’s capital.

A one-way bus ticket costs approximately USD 10, making it the cheapest mode of transport for this journey​.

Buses run every four hours, ensuring multiple opportunities throughout the day to catch a ride. The service departs at various times.

Regardless of departure time, all services are direct, with no transfers required, and the journey takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes on average.

You will make a few stops to travel with more people, and the trip will take longer than other transport modes.

Additionally, bus comfort can vary, and while some may have air conditioning and Wi-Fi, others may not, so I recommend to prepare for the long journey with snacks, water, and entertainment.

All in all, if you are not pressed for time and wish to enjoy a more local travel experience, the public bus is a good option!

2. Shared Shuttle

Journey Duration: 5 hours

Interbus and Caribe Shuttles provide the shared shuttle service, which is comfortable and convenient!

The shuttles are roomy vans with air conditioning. They provide hotel pick-ups in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and drop-offs at your desired location in San José. The journey typically takes around 5 hours.

This is a popular option and a better alternative to the public bus. It offers a faster and more comfortable journey at an affordable price. Tickets range between USD 63 and 65, depending on the service provider.

The shuttles operate a few times a day, so I recommend booking your tickets online to save your seat!

Shared Shuttle Schedule

The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

Departure	Arrival	Duration	Price
06:00am	11:00am	5h	$63
12:30pm	05:30pm	5h	$63
06:00am	11:00am	5h	$65

3. Private Transfer

Journey Duration: Custom time

A private transfer offers door-to-door service with a professional driver and promises a trip duration of around 4 hours and 10 minutes.

The van provided can accommodate up to 13 passengers, and the price for the whole vehicle is USD 380. Once the cost is split among the group, it becomes affordable and convenient!

Prices for a private transfer:

• 1-13 passengers: USD 380

4. Flight

Journey Duration: 1 hour driving from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to the airport in Limon + 45 minutes flight

For the flight option from Puerto Viejo to San José, you would need to use the nearby Limón International Airport (LIO) to fly to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José.

The distance between Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and Limon is 55 km or 34 miles, and you will arrive at the airport in about an hour. At the airport of Limon, you can take a flight to San José.

Skyscanner lists flights operated by Sansa Regional, with direct flights available. The average flight time is a brief 40 minutes, which is significantly shorter than other modes of transportation.

The cost of the tickets varies throughout the year, so it’s best to check and book your seats in advance.

5. Rental Car

Journey Duration: 4 hours and 30 minutes

Renting a caroffers you the flexibility and independence to explore independently.

On average, a rental car in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca costs about USD 35 per day. Prices can vary between operators, so I recommend comparing car rental deals from different agencies to find the most economical option.

You must follow Route 36, which takes you to Limon, and then continue via Route 32, which will take you to the center of San José.

The road signs are mainly in Spanish, so you must be prepared!

6. Uber or Taxi

Journey Duration: 4 hours and 30 minutes

Sign up with Uber in Costa Rica, enter your pick-up location, and request a ride. The payment will be made online before you start your trip.

If you are planning to take a taxi, agree on a fixed price before you depart. I’ve learnt this the hard way!

My Tip:
If you’re on a budget and want a local experience, I recommend taking the public bus. If you value comfort and time, go for the shared shuttle. For families or small groups, a private transfer makes the trip smooth and stress-free. And if you’re short on time, flying from Limon is the best option!

Best day tours in San Jose, 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

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Universal Traveller — How to Get from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San José