You can travel from San Jose to Tortuguero by bus and boat, shared shuttle, rental car, or flight.
Having traveled from San Jose to Tortuguero numerous times, I’ve curated a blend of personal experiences and essential tips.
This transportation guide is based on my travels and confirmed for accuracy by Jean Nájera, CEO of GuateGo.
Quick Answer:
The cheapest way to get from San Jose to Tortuguero is by bus and boat (USD 9, about 5 hours). The bus and boat are the most popular option for its affordability and scenic route. The fastest way is by flight (35 minutes, starting at USD 99). Private boat hires and rental cars to La Pavona are also available for more flexibility.
Transportation Options
The following table outlines all transportation options:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus and Boat | ~5 hrs | $9 |
| Shuttle | ~5 hrs | $55 |
| Flight | 35 min | $99 |
| Rental Car | 3 hrs | – |
How far is Tortuguero from San Jose?
Tortuguero and San Jose distance is 61 miles or 98 kilometers.
1. Flight
Journey Duration: 35 minutes
As in many cases, the fastest way to reach Tortuguero from San Jose is by air. Sansa has regional flights to Tortuguero from Juan Santamaria International Airport, then lands at the town’s small strip.
The view from above is majestic, making the rather expensive air ticket entirely worth the stunning scenery.
The cost to fly from SJO to TTQ is 99 USD. It only takes 35 minutes to reach Tortuguero by air, so it’s an excellent option.
You have to add two hours or more for boarding and baggage processing. Sansa Air offers three daily flights to Tortuguero.
You have to get on a ten-minute boat ride from the airport to the town. A water taxi trip will cost you 12 USD.
If you don’t have big luggage, you can walk along the beach for 45 minutes and reach the north side of town.
2. Bus and boat
Journey Duration: ~ 5 hours
Choosing to ride with the locals is one of the many ways to learn more about a foreign place’s culture. Opt to take a bus and boat to Tortuguero and witness a day in the life of the Costa Ricans.
From San Jose, you can ride a boat to Tortuguero via La Pavona. The journey will take you to mangrove forests and river systems, offering a superb view of vast wildlife species and rich botanical life surrounding the areas.
Before getting too excited, know you must ride a bus from San Jose to La Pavona.
In San José, go to the Grand Carib terminal and board a two-hour bus to Cariari. Get off in Cariari and transfer to a bus going to La Pavona.
This takes another 1.5 hours, making the whole travel leg 3 and a half hours long. The total cost for two buses is 6 USD.
Once you arrive at the La Pavona loading dock, you need to buy your ticket at the restaurant called Rancho La Pavona. It costs three USD for a one-way ride.
The longboat can transport 20 passengers at a time. Cover your baggage with rainproof materials, as it tends to rain along the way. That goes for you as well!
By boat, it takes one hour and fifteen minutes to reach Tortuguero from La Pavona. When low tide comes, the whole travel takes about an hour more.
You will reach Tortuguero in less than five hours by taking a bus and boat from San Jose.
It is possible to hire a private jetty for your traveling group. The average price for a personal trip is 30 USD. This will give you the convenience of leaving the dock without any schedule to follow.
3. Rental Car
Journey Duration: 3 hours
Via La Pavona, you can rent a car and drive to the more famous dock to Tortuguero. From San Jose, you have to drive via Route 32 to Guapiles.
You will pass by the Braulio Carrillo National Park on your way there. While the road is scenic, it can also be dangerous as you pass the Central Volcanic Mountain Range.
Guapiles is the first town you will find after driving through the mountains. Continue driving to Route 247 all the way to La Pavona.
You can leave your rented car in the dock and pay 10 USD for parking.
You can also use the car one-way, with a representative from the rental company meeting you in La Pavona for proper turnover. This option will cost you an extra 75 USD in approximation.
As with the other modes of travel, you will have to take a boat to Tortuguero. Buy your ticket at Rancho La Pavona and take a public or private boat to reach your destination.
4. Shared Shuttle
Journey Duration: ~ 5 hours
As long as your hotel is near the Juan Santamaria International Airport, the shuttle company will likely be willing to pick you up from your accommodation.
Caribe Shuttle offers a daily shuttle service to Tortuguero. This is a good choice, especially for groups traveling. The cost of this option starts at 55 USD.
Should you choose a private shuttle, your baggage will be allowed a certain weight, so it is best to coordinate with the transport company ahead of time.
Most, if not all, are strict with their timings, so you must be ready to be picked up at least 15 minutes before your schedule.
As mentioned, you must take a boat to Tortuguero once you reach La Pavona.
Best day tours in Tortuguero, 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 Tortuguero, Costa Rica.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Tortuguero from San Jose?
Tortuguero is approximately 61 miles or 98 kilometers northeast of San Jose. However, due to the region’s geography, the journey can take much longer than the distance suggests.
Can I drive directly to Tortuguero?
No, you cannot drive directly to Tortuguero, as there are no roads leading straight into the village. You can drive to places like La Pavona or Cariari; from there, you’ll need to take a boat to Tortuguero.
How long is the boat ride to Tortuguero?
Depending on where you start (e.g., La Pavona or Cariari), the boat ride can take 1 to 2 hours. The scenic journey offers an opportunity to see local wildlife and the region’s unique landscapes.
Passing this info along? Acknowledge the guide:
Universal Traveller — How to Get from San Jose to Tortuguero
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