How to get from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro, Panama (4 Best Ways)

You can get from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro by bus + ferry, shared shuttle, rental car, or taxi.

Costa Rica has been my playground for quite a few adventures, and I’ve gathered all sorts of tips on navigating through its breathtaking landscapes.

In this guide, I’ve laid out all the essential travel know-how you’ll need, straight and simple, to ensure your transition from Costa Rica to Panama is as smooth and spectacular as the countries themselves!

Quick Answer:
The cheapest way to get from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro is by bus and ferry (USD 20, approx. 3 hours). The most popular option is the shared shuttle (USD 48, around 3–4 hours). The fastest way is by taxi or rental car (about 3.5 hours).

Written from my personal experience and reviewed for accuracy by Jean Nájera, CEO of GuateGo.

Table of Contents

Transportation Options

The following table outlines all transportation options:

Method	Time	Price
Bus and Ferry	~3 hrs	$20
Shuttle	~3 hrs	$48
Taxi	3.5 hrs	–
Rental Car	3.5 hrs	–

How far is Bocas del Toro from Puerto Viejo?

The distance from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro in Panama is about 112 kilometers or 70 miles.

Getting to Bocas del Toro from Puerto Viejo

1. bus and ferry

Journey Duration: ~3 hours

The cheapest way to travel to Bocas del Toro is to catch a local bus from Avenida 73 & Calle 213 in Puerto Viejo to Sixoala at the border.

The bus leaves every hour from 06.30 AM and costs less than USD 3. Once you arrive at the bus stop in Sixaola, you must go to the immigration office to get your exit stamp in Costa Rica.

From there, you have to walk over a bridge to get to the immigration office in Panama. Once you have your arrival stamp in Panama, you can take a shuttle or taxi to the water taxi in Almirante.

Once you arrive in Almirante, you can take a water taxi for around USD 6 to Bocas town. Please note: The last water taxi to Bocas Town Panama leaves at 6 PM, so make sure to leave Puerto Viejo no later than midday.

The total cost of the trip is around USD 20.

2. Shared Van Shuttle

Journey Duration: ~3 hours

Amongst the available options, the shared shuttle service stands out as a common and practical choice for travelers seeking a blend of comfort, affordability, and convenience.

You can opt for this to avoid navigating public transport and get organized transportation from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro instead!

This shuttle service provided by Caribe Shuttles includes pickup from your hotel in Puerto Viejo, and direct transportation across borders, to Valencia dock in Bocas del Toro.

For budget-conscious adventurers, shared shuttles present a financially savvy option without compromising on comfort, with tickets priced only USD 48!

The journey duration is about 3 hours, depending on border crossing times. Additionally, shared shuttles often have experienced drivers who adeptly navigate through the border crossing process, allowing you to focus on the excitement of exploring a new destination.

I highly recommend choosing a shared shuttle for this trip. Book a departure time and secure your seats online in advance.

Caribe Shared Shuttle Schedule

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

Departure	Arrival	Duration	Price
08:00am	12:00pm	4h	$48
12:00pm	04:00pm	4h	$48

3. Rental Car

Journey Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes

If you don’t want to depend on bus or shuttle schedules, rent a car and drive yourself from Puerto Viejo to the water taxi gate in Almirante!

One of the most captivating aspects of renting a car is the liberty it affords in customizing your itinerary.

Want to stop for a scenic view or a lunch break? Or perhaps linger a little longer in a charming coastal village? A rental car gives you the keys to designing your trip, unfettered by pre-set schedules or routes.

However, as this is an international route, make sure you have all the paperwork. Ensure you’re thoroughly prepared with the essential documentation for both vehicle and passengers and stay abreast of the latest travel advisories.

Once you’re set, you can easily head on this three-hour road trip! Once you get into Panama, you can park your car in Almirante and take the next ferry to Bocas Town.

Find and reserve your rental car here!

4. Uber or taxi

Journey Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes

Taking a taxi or Uber from Puerto Viejo to the Costa Rican border in Sixaola is also possible.

Once you have crossed the border, you can take another taxi or shuttle to the water taxi gate in Almirante and buy your ticket for the boat trip to Bocas del Toro.

My Tip:

If you’re traveling light and on a budget, the bus and ferry combo is an affordable and fun local adventure. But if you want convenience and guidance at the border, the shared shuttle is the easiest and most popular option.