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Transportation Information
Getting to the Puerto Viejo area is pretty easy. There are a number of different options for getting there from San José:
There are a number of options for getting around in the Puerto Viejo area:
Getting to and from Bocas del Toro in Panama, an archipelago of islands just across the border:
Buses to/from San Jose to Puerto ViejoBuses for Puerto Viejo leave from the Caribe Sur Bus Terminal located on Calle Central about 8 blocks North of the Parque Central. Caution: there are two towns called Puerto Viejo that you can catch a bus to from this terminal. You want Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (also known as Puerto Viejo de Limon). The bus company that goes there is Transportes Mepe and their ticket office is at the end of the terminal. Ticket prices are currently 4,535 colones (about $8 US) for this approximately 5 hour trip and the bus makes one 20 minute stop in Limon for bathrooms and something to eat. The trip to Cahuita from San Jose is 3,900 colones (about $7 US) and takes 4 1/2 hours. Schedule is below. If the express bus schedule does not meet your needs, you can also take one of the very frequent buses to Limon (2 1/2 hours) and then transfer there to a bus heading to Puerto Viejo which will take another 1 1/2 hours or so. Before you head to Limon though, make sure there will be a connecting bus to Puerto Viejo otherwise you'll be stuck in Limon overnight or taking a taxi. You can also save about $3 going this route. Note that in Limon you will need to transfer from the main bus terminal where the San José buses arrive to the Puerto Viejo terminal which is a few blocks away. If bogged down with luggage it would be best to take a taxi which should cost no more than $1.
Transportes Mepe direct service between San José and Puerto Viejo:
These buses do sometimes sell out at peak times so you should purchase or reserve your tickets in advance if at all possible. There is a service for the Caribbean where if you are arriving at the airport, a driver will meet your flight at the airport with your bus ticket already purchased so you are guaranteed a ticket and bring you to the bus terminal in San Jose where you catch your bus. To get more information or purchase this service:
Tickets for Transportes Mepe buses are only available at the Bus Terminals. In San Jose at the Caribe Sur, in Puerto Viejo at the bus stop (locate it on map) and in Cahuita at the bus stop. For buses from San Jose to Puerto Viejo or Cahuita, except the 6 a.m.departure, you can call the Transportes Mepe office in San José to reserve a ticket the day before or the day of but note they will generally only speak Spanish. No credit card number or deposit is required but you must show up at the ticket office at least 30 minutes prior to departure to pay for and collect your reserved ticket. Transportes Mepe Phone Numbers: Schedules are subject to change and do change sometimes based on weather conditions and demand. Confirm the schedule when purchasing your ticket or call ahead. From San José to Puerto Viejo, seats are reserved so please look for your assigned seat number on your ticket. On the way back, seats are not reserved so if seating is important to you, push your way to the front of the line! Transportes Mepe service between Limon and Puerto Viejo:
The above buses come into Puerto Viejo and then return to the highway and continue to Bri Bri and Sixaola. However, Several buses a day from Limon also continue past Puerto Viejo towards Manzanillo and service the beach communities of Cocles, Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva and Manzanillo:
Other Bus SchedulesFor routes in other parts of Costa Rica, you can find bus schedules and pickup locations for every public bus in Costa Rica from the official Costa Rica tourism board site here.
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Tourist shuttles to/from Puerto Viejo
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Notes: 1. Operated by Interbus. 2. Operated by Grayline. 3. Operated by Panaline
For $49 US, there are also daily shuttles between the Arenal Volcano area (La Fortuna is the name of the largest town but they'll deliver to all the area hotels and resorts).
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Notes: 1. Operated by Interbus
We can also book you on the full national network of Interbus, Grayline and other shuttle companies. Click here to see the schedules for the full national network of all the shuttle companies.
You must book these services in advance; some shuttles only run if there are enough people booked and they do often sell out at peak times. To book:
We DO NOT recommend you book directly with Interbus or Grayline on their websites as they make it very difficult/expensive to change or cancel reservations that were made on their website (see their terms here). If you make the reservation through the form on our site instead, you can change/cancel your reservation up to 48 hours in advance.
Private Van/Bus Transfer
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The 8 passenger van. Click here for pictures of other vehicles in their fleet. |
If your schedule doesn't work with the shared ride van services schedules or you have 2 or more people or lots of luggage or animals to transport, you might consider hiring a van or bus with driver for a private transfer to Puerto Viejo or to anywhere in the country. The company we use is very reliable and will pick you up right at the International Airport and bring you straight to your hotel - no stops for other passengers, no waiting for the scheduled time.
And it's surprisingly affordable: San Jose to Puerto Viejo is $190 for a 8 passenger van. When you compare that to a night in San Jose you didn't really want plus regular transfer service per person rates, you'll find it a great deal. They also have 20 passenger luxury vans and 50 passenger buses. All are air-conditioned and comfortable.
We can book this for you too. You can browse rates for different destinations on our booking form or go ahead and make a reservation:
If you're planning to spend a night or two in San Jose before heading to the Caribbean, we can also help you with airport pickup from San Jose International Airport to your San Jose hotel. Note we use much bigger vehicles than the small taxis at the airport so this is a great option for groups or if you have lots of luggage (or if you have a pet). And isn't it nice to have someone waiting for you in arrivals?!
Getting to Puerto Viejo on the river?
Another option is to book a rafting trip on the Rio Pacuare, Rio Sarapiqui or Rio Renovacion. These all day trips are priced from $79 to $99 and they will pick you up in your choice of Puerto Viejo, San Jose or Arenal and drop you off in your choice! So it's kind of like getting your transportation for free! These trips run most days.
If you'd like more information on the rafting trip options or to have us book one for you, click to:
Leaving Puerto Viejo via Arenal, Tortugero or Bocas del Toro
Yet another option to get from Puerto Viejo is to book a
multi-day package which includes transportation from Puerto Viejo to
San Jose or Arenal. Our multi-day packages include
transport from Puerto Viejo and give you the option of ending your
trip in San Jose or Arenal (depending on the package). For example,
our
Bocas del Toro, Panama package can include a flight back to San
Jose, our
Tortugero package ends in San Jose and our Arenal Volcano
package ends in Arenal. Check out all the options on our
tours page.
Driving to/from San Jose to Puerto Viejo
Car Rental
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If you're considering renting a car and driving to Puerto Viejo, all the major international car rental companies operate at or nearby San José International Airport as well as in downtown San José. Keep in mind that rates quoted online generally do not include any sort of insurance (which is sometimes even more than the rental rate) and that the car rental companies will definitely require proof of coverage elsewhere before agreeing to let you waive any insurance coverage they will sell you.
Please also keep in mind that only one car rental company, the Costa Rican company Poas, currently has offices in the South Caribbean area so if you want to pick up or return your car in Puerto Viejo (they have offices in Hone Creek but will deliver cars to local hotels), that is your only choice.
There are two routes possible if you're driving:
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The hazards of driving in Costa Rica |
Route 1: Via Guapiles, Siquirres, Limon
Driving to Puerto Viejo is really easy (except for road conditions at times). You will have to find the highway to Limon. It has easy access from downtown and once you are on that highway, it is almost impossible to get lost.
Please note that if you have not left San Jose by 2:00pm in afternoon, you will be driving part of the way at night. We do not recommend this for first time travelers in driving in Costa Rica. Roads do not have lines. Rain can be bad and there are potholes and people walking/cycling that you can not see very well.
You will first go through the mountains and will be very high up. It is likely that you will encounter fog (clouds) and rain. Please drive with your lights on. Half of the local drivers do not.
The drive through the mountains is beautiful. You will see many vistas and real rain forest jungle. As you are about to exit mountains into flat land (just after a bunch of ugly billboards) there is a restaurant on your right (usually with many trucks out front). It is called El Yugo and it is a very good local restaurant. In fact the many times I have driven this route, it is the best I have found. It is also a good break after about 1.5 hours into the trip.
The road from there to Limon (approx 2 hrs) is practically straight with no hills. It is small towns and banana plantations. Please note there are many trucks as Limon is a port city and this is the truck route. Also note, you will see a sign or two for Puerto Viejo on the way to Limon. This is not the correct Puerto Viejo. You have to reach Limon and drive down coast. Also note on this stretch, there are many speed traps and local cops love foreigners as it can mean a free lunch.
When you hit Limon, just before you enter city centre you will see a sign (at the Texaco Station) where you turn right to go to Puerto Viejo. If you need gas, this is a good place to get it. There are no “legal” gas stations in Puerto Viejo. From that sign you just follow the coast all the way down (approx 1 hour). The drive is beautiful but mind the pot holes.
After about 1 hour of driving, you will come to the little town of Hone Creek. At that point the main paved road continues on to the Panama border at Sixaola and a gravel road heads about 5 km into Puerto Viejo. Just before Puerto Viejo you will find Playa Negra. To get to the communities of Cocles. Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva and Manzanillo, drive through Puerto Viejo and continue following the beach road.
Route 2 - Via Cartago, Turrialba, Siquirres, Limon
This route is mentioned for the convenience of more experienced drivers who would like to take a different route or who are starting their trip from the eastern part of the Central Valley (such as from Cartago). It is a very scenic route and the roads are some of the best in the country.
Again, once you find the highway to Turrialba, it would be difficult to get lost but you will need to navigate to Cartago and onto the Turrialba highway first. It would be simpler in the other direction though as there are more signs pointing towards San José. From San José to Puerto Viejo by this route takes a little longer, perhaps 5 hours.
There are several signs in San Jose pointing you towards Cartago, and several signs on the way to Cartago. If you stay on the main road leading into Cartago and go until the street ends (you will have just passed the Basilica - a very large, beautiful church) on your left. You would turn right at the stop sign and then left at the next stop sign (100 meters). This is the road to Paraiso. You'll continue on about 6km before you reach the center of Paraiso, marked by the usual church and park. Once you reach the stop light at the corner of the park, you'll continue one block and take a left. You'll see signs pointing you towards Turrilalba.
This beautiful, windy road will lead you directly into Turialba. It will take you about 1 hour and 20 minutes from downtown Cartago, or 1 hour from Paraiso. Once you are at the bottom of the very steep hill and you enter the actual town of Turrilalba, you'll want to stay on that main street (many people will be turning left) until it looks like the street is ending (several blocks). You will see signs for Limon telling you to turn left. At the next street light, maybe 2 blocks ahead, you'll turn right, again following the sign to Limon.
This continues on another windy and scenic road. After about 30-minutes you'll come to the outskirts of the town of Siquirres. You'll see a sign on your right telling you to go straight ahead for Siquirres or to turn left to go to "San Jose 99km." Take this left. (The sign to Limon has been stolen.) Once you turn left, you are brought around a circle and are dumped out at a very major road. Go left to head to Limon. One hour later you'll find yourself in downtown Limon.
Driving from Arenal to Puerto Viejo
- Leave La Fortuna to the west towards Tanque/Muelle S. Carlos/Aguas Zarcas
- In Tanque you have to turn left (small intersection right in town)
- Follow the street until it goes down and immediately up hill again, there turn right towards Muelle S. Carlos/Aguas Zarcas
- In Muelle S. Carlos there is a big intersection where you go straight ahead
- Once the street ends, turn right and follow the street until you are in Aguas Zarcas
- In Agua Zarcas, turn left (right in town) and keep following the street until you reach St. Miguel de Sarapiqui (end of the street)
- In St. Miguel de Sarapiqui turn left towards Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
- Follow the street until you reach Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
- Take the first street (bigger) to the right and you will pass a petrol station and afterwards a bridge
- Follow this street until you reach a big intersection (it is the N32 coming down from San Jose), there turn left
- Stay on the N32 until you reach Limon
- From Limon on, follow the signs to Cahuita/Puerto Viejo/Manzanillo
- Once you have passed Hone Creek (you will know as the street is getting worse, bumpy and unpaved) follow it until you can see the sea
- Turn right for the last kilometer into downtown Puerto Viejo
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Flying to Limon
The closest airport to Puerto Viejo is in Limon. But unfortunately although both domestic airlines have promised flights to Limon and for a while you could search for tickets to Limon (but seemingly never find any), there is no regular service.
There may be some regulatory hassles with using the airport. Rumours are circulating about the government wanting to develop this as an additional international gateway airport but it's odd given the great demand for flights to the Caribbean that none have been offered.
Nature Air does fly to Bocas del Toro in Panama so if you want to see both Bocas and Puerto Viejo you can do a circle by travelling by land (and boat) from San Jose to Puerto Viejo to Bocas and then return by air (or vice-versa).
Check back here for updates if this service is offered again or check the Nature Air website or the Sansa website directly.
Local transport in the Caribe Sur
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Local Bus for transport between Cahuita, Hone Creek, Puerto Viejo, Cocles. Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva and Manzanillo:
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Bike and Scooter Rental
Many Hotels rent bicycles. If your hotel doesn't have bike rentals available, there are several options in downtown Puerto Viejo. Just ask around or look for the bike racks outside and signs. Make sure you always lock your bike.
Several places in town also rent scooters.
Taxi
Several taxis operate in Puerto Viejo. You should be able to find a Taxi in downtown Puerto Viejo (for example from the main bus stop to your hotel). If you're not in Puerto Viejo and need to call a taxi, ask a local establishment to call one for you. Note that the majority of the taxis in Puerto Viejo are not metered so you should agree on a fare with the driver before getting in. Or, if you get a metered taxi, ask him to use the meter.
One of the taxi association, Transportes Privados Jireh supplied us with the price list below, so this should be used as a guideline with all taxis or you can order at taxi from them directly at 2750-2073. Note the other taxi company and independents do not have fixed prices so make sure to pre-negotiate the rate to your destination. Prices are in Costa Rican colones (approximately 500c to the US$):
| Pto. Viejo | Pizote | c1,000.00 | Pto. Viejo | Rocking J's | c1,000.00 | |
| Pto. Viejo | Pandulce | c1,500.00 | Pto. Viejo | Agapi | c1,500.00 | |
| Pto. Viejo | Pen | c1,500.00 | Pto. Viejo | Cabinas Tesoro | c1,500.00 | |
| Pto. Viejo | Chimuri | c2,000.00 | Pto. Viejo | La Isla | c2,000.00 | |
| Pto. Viejo | Perla Negra | c2,000.00 | Pto. Viejo | Cariblue | c2,000.00 | |
| Pto. Viejo | Banana Azul | c2,000.00 | Pto. Viejo | Costa Papito | c2,000.00 | |
| Pto. Viejo | Hotel Hawa | c3,000.00 | Pto. Viejo | Plaza | c2,000.00 | |
| Pto. Viejo | Home Creek | c2,500.00 | Pto. Viejo | Casa Camarona | c2,000.00 | |
| Pto. Viejo | Cacao Trail | c3,500.00 | Pto. Viejo | Yaré | c2,000.00 | |
| Pto. Viejo | Samasati | c4,500.00 | Pto. Viejo | Super | c2,000.00 | |
| Pto. Viejo | Punta Riel | c4,000.00 | Pto. Viejo | Ole Caribe | c2,500.00 | |
| Pto. Viejo | Puerto Vargas | c5,000.00 | Pto. Viejo | Bugambilia | c3,000.00 | |
| Pto. Viejo | Cahuita | c7,000.00 | Pto. Viejo | Villas del Caribe | c3,000.00 | |
| Pto. Viejo | Lilan | c8,000.00 | Pto. Viejo | Punta Cocles | c3,000.00 | |
| Pto. Viejo | Penshurt | c10,000.00 | Pto. Viejo | Playa Chikita | c3,500.00 | |
| Pto. Viejo | Aviarios | c12,000.00 | Pto. Viejo | Shawanda | c3,500.00 | |
| Pto. Viejo | La Juaria | c15,000.00 | Pto. Viejo | Selvin | c4,000.00 | |
| Pto. Viejo | Colon Caribe | c18,000.00 | Pto. Viejo | Ita-Ita | c4,000.00 | |
| Pto. Viejo | Limón | c20,000.00 | Pto. Viejo | Punta Uva | c4,000.00 | |
| Pto. Viejo | Moin | c25,000.00 | Pto. Viejo | Punta Uva ( playa) | c4,500.00 | |
| Pto. Viejo | Siquirres | c50,000.00 | Pto. Viejo | Arresife | c5,000.00 | |
| Pto. Viejo | Guapiles | c70,000.00 | Pto. Viejo | Suerre -Palmas | c5,000.00 | |
| Pto. Viejo | Turrialba | c70,000.00 | Pto. Viejo | Almendros y Corales | c6,000.00 | |
| Pto. Viejo | Bribri | c7,000.00 | Pto. Viejo | Manzanillo | c7,000.00 | |
| Pto. Viejo | Margarita | c10,000.00 | ||||
| Pto. Viejo | Paraiso | c15,000.00 | ||||
| Pto. Viejo | Sixaola | c20,000.00 |
Notes: • Each hour of waiting is $5 US. • These tariffs apply between 6 am and 11 pm
Car Rental
If you're considering renting a car and driving to Puerto Viejo, all the major international car rental companies operate at or nearby San José International Airport as well as in downtown San José. Keep in mind that rates quoted online generally do not include any sort of insurance (which is sometimes even more than the rental rate) and that the car rental companies will definitely require proof of coverage elsewhere before agreeing to let you waive any insurance coverage they will sell you.
Please also keep in mind that only one car rental company, the Costa Rican company Poas, currently has offices in the South Caribbean area so if you want to pick up or return your car in Puerto Viejo (they have offices in Hone Creek but will deliver cars to local hotels), that is your only choice.
Check the driving instructions section to search for the best priced car rental.
Local Driving Conditions
The highway is paved and in good condition all the way from San Jose to Hone Creek, 5km from Puerto Viejo. But at Hone Creek you turn off for the final 5km to Puerto Viejo and encounter our local roads. The road is wide but is bumpy, full of potholes and has lots pedestrians, cyclists and slow vehicles so please take it slow and easy! The road south of Puerto Viejo to Cocles, Playa Chiquita, Punta Una and Manzanillo is also not paved except in some small sections.
However, a 4WD vehicle is not necessary anywhere on this route (although may make driving faster) unless you leave the main road for any distance. But there are few places to go off the road, the one local exception being the back road between Punta Uva and Sixaola which a 4WD would definitely be recommended. But this road is not signed and it would be easy to get lost so it is not recommended unless you have a local along.
If you do get into an accident anywhere in Costa Rica, the procedure is to not move your vehicle -- even if it is blocking the road! -- until police have been able to inspect the scene and make a report.
Note that there is no gas station in Puerto Viejo, although several local entrepreneurs will sell you a can of gas to keep you going. The nearest gas station is in Penzhurt which is on the highway back to Limon. Please take note: make sure the attendants set the pump back to zero before filling up. Problems have been reported there on more than one occasion. We recommend if you can filling up at the Texaco station in Limon on the corner before you head to the South Caribbean. If you're heading in the direction of Sixaola/the Panama border, there is also a filling station between Bri Bri and Sixaola where Margarita Rd connects with the highway to Sixaola.
Getting from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro, Panama
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The author crossing the old railway bridge between Costa Rica & Panama..
The route map for Boca Marine from Almirante to Bocas Town. Note the Finca 60 route no longer operates. |
 We now offer
single day, one or two
night packages from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del
Toro including round-trip transport, hotel, breakfasts and tours. Click
here if you'd like more information on this option or would like to reserve a trip.
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The Easy Way - Guided Transport to Bocas
There are now easy ways to get to Bocas without the hassles! Several companies are now offering shuttle service where they pick you up in your Puerto Viejo hotel and drive you to the border. There they'll assist you with luggage as needed as you deal with Costa Rica exit and Panamanian entry customs. With Caribe Shuttle, you walk across the Rio Sixaola bridge and a van is waiting to take you to Almirante where you have a reserved seat on the boat to Isla Colon (aka Bocastown) and then hotel drop-off at Isla Colon hotels. With Panaline, the same vehicle takes you all the way to Isla Colon and hotel dropoff is included.
Price is from $28 per person for all transport -- you are responsible for the Panama Tourist Card fee ($5) if that is applicable to your country.
To book:
Choose Puerto Viejo as your pickup city and Bocas del Toro as your destination from the dropdowns and then choose the service/schedule you'd like. The schedule is:
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Or below are two ways to do the crossing self-guided...your choice!
Route 1 - Bus or Taxi to Sixaola, Van Shuttle to Almirante, Lancha to Bocas
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Update:
the water taxi from Finca 60 to Bocastown is out
of service as the banana canals the boat travelled in were
damaged in flooding and need dredging. So when traveling to Bocas it is necessary to travel to Almirante instead - this
is a $10 per person taxi ride from Guabito. See the full
details on the Talamanca News.
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From Puerto Viejo, there are frequent buses to Sixaola which is the Costa Rica town on the Panama border. See schedule above.
If you are taking a taxi, a 4WD taxi could also take you a slightly different route to Sixaola, especially if you were starting from east of Puerto Viejo (Cocles, Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva or Manzanillo) as there is a rough road which crosses the mountains, leaving the coastal road near Punta Uva and connecting to the main highway partway between Bri Bri and Sixaola. Do NOT attempt this route on your own, as it is not marked.
From the end of the bus line in Sixaola, it is a short walk across the bridge that cross the Rio Sixaola which marks the international border to the Panamanian town of Guabito. Make sure to stop at both the Costa Rican customs office for your exit stamp (no fee) and the Panama customs office for your entry stamp to Panama ($5US fee for a tourist card for many but not all nationalities). Note that there is nothing to impel you to enter these office (no gates, etc) but you WILL have problems later if you do not have the right paperwork. In the other direction, you must also stop at both offices for exit and entry stamps, although no fee is payable at either.
The border stations are only open as follows so make sure you arrive at the border in time or you'll be spending the night in Sixaola or Changuinola to get your paperwork completed:
| Costa Rica border station | Panama border station | Note | |
| Open hours | 7am to 5pm (Costa Rica time) | 8am to 6pm (Panama time) | Because Panama time is one hour later these times are synchronized. |
| Lunch closure | 12pm to 1pm (Costa Rica time) Sat and Sun only. | 12 noon to 1pm (Panama time) daily | Note the lunch hours are not synchronized so on weekends you may find the border closed for 2 hours in the middle of the day. |
On the Panamanian side of the border, shared taxis should be waiting (especially if you arrive via bus) which will drive you to Almirante dock. Note that if you arrived on a bus the drivers will try and group everyone into as few vehicles as possible and as few destinations as possible but by taking a shared taxi like this you will generally be charged about $10US per person. If you are alone, you would perhaps pay $15 for a private taxi. You could also take a public bus from Guabito to Almirante with a change in Changuinola.
Bocas del Toro marine operates a scheduled lancha (water taxi) service from Almirante to Isla Colon and the main town of Bocas Town ($4 US per person and about 45 minutes from Almirante).
There is also a car ferry from Almirante to Bocas but it does not run every day so check enquire ahead if you must drive. Also note that if you are driving a rental car, your rental contract will almost certainly prohibit taking your car out of Costa Rica.
The website for Bocas Marine has the latest lancha schedules.
Route 2 - Bus or Taxi to Bri Bri, Bocasdeltoreño bus to Almirante, Lancha to Bocas
A slight variation on the above is to take a daily direct bus from company Transporte Bocatoreño:
Leaves San José, Calles 14-16,
Ave 5 frente Hotel Cocori (costado de Tracopa). Tel 227-9533 /
385-7581.
Daily at 9 a.m., 6 hours., returns from Changuinola bus station at 9
a.m. (Panama time) daily. (Other sources I saw said 10 am so
make sure to confirm the time with the bus company).
This bus makes a scheduled stop in Bri Bri at 1pm daily where you
can board for transport to Bocas.
Or go by air
Nature Air also flies from San Jose to Bocas Town.
More Information
I have made every attempt to make sure this information is current and correct. But schedules do changes as do road conditions and weather so please confirm information if it's important (e.g. you'll miss your flight). Please email info@puertoviejosatellite.com with any corrections or additional information that you think would be helpful.
Thanks!
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Thanks to Colin at Banana Azul who wrote the route 1 driving instructions, proofread everything and offered lots of suggestions.
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Thanks to Scott at Tropical Adventures for the detailed route 2 driving instructions.
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Thanks to Costa Rica Guide for formatting the MEPE bus schedule in an easy to read way so I didn't have to do it again.
Additional comments from our visitors about Puerto Viejo Transportation
Need to get from San Jose CR to Bocas (Isla Colon) Mar 31 or April 1st? Amanda March 06, 2010
Hello my travel companion and I are planning to travel to bocas del toro from San Jose, CR our flight to San Jose gets in on March 31st at noon, since the border closes and everything and probably cannot get a bus on that day we will probably have to find a hotel in San Jose, I am looking into what our options are many people tell me since this will be Semana Santa (April 1st) I will have a hard time finding a bus/transport? I am interested in the private vans on here too from SJ to Bocas for $51/pp is this available on April 1st, if not what buses are available and how would I go about getting a ticket and in advance (someone in CR that I kind of know suggested they can pick them up for us in advance for $25) anyways I am just trying to find the best/easiest way possible (not flying) to get from San Jose to Bocas del Toro hopefully on April 1st 2010. Thanks for any help you can provide !
Buses on Holidays Colin from Playa Negra, Puerto Viejo March 07, 2010
As a resident of the area, it is my observation that it almost takes a hurricane for the local buses to stop running. They run on holidays as well. Given that it is a holiday in CR the buses will be very busy. Best to buy tickets in advance with the service offered on this site.
As for private shuttle to Panama from San Jose, just contact the people at Gecko Trail and see if it is running on that day. I am pretty sure it will be.
Re: Travel Plan Amanda March 08, 2010
Hi Patrick,
Yes I just booked transport on here for April 1st :) Best wishes to you & happy travels.
Peurto Viejo travel Murray White from Vancouver Canada February 24, 2010
After looking all day for transportation from San Jose to Bocas del Toro found it accidentally at your site. When you "click here to make shuttle reservations" you are able to choose pick up at San Jose air port at 7:00 & destination city of Bocas del Toro drop off at your hotel at 16:30 all for $51.00 each way!! This resolves the connection problems, the return ticket problems at the border. Having to stay overnight in Peurto Viejo (though it is a lovely spot to stay)& many connection problems with buses, shuttles , taxis, water taxis, etc.
BUS MEPE Pierre from Montreal, Canada February 23, 2010
Can we purchase BUS MEPE tickets in advance via a website? does anyone know the website? opr we have to show up at The BUS Terminal early in advance. Thank You for your assistance.
Doug Dosdall from Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica February 23, 2010
MEPE bus tickets can be RESERVED in advance the day of or day before only and only from San Jose by calling their San Jose ticket office at (506) 2257-8129. Their agents speak Spanish only though! They will hold the number of tickets you ask for. Alternatively you can book the taxi and bus service here which includes advance purchase of your bus tickets and pickup by taxi at the airport or your San Jose area hotel and delivery to the bus terminal.
I believe there are some competing services which offer pre-purchase of the bus ticket only (without the taxi service) but they also just buy the tickets the day before at full price and then charge a fee to deliver them to a San Jose hotel and the fee is similar to what the Taxi/Bus service charges and you get pickup!
puerto viejo transportation kelly from virginia, u.s. February 21, 2010
my boyfriend and i are arriving in san jose airport at 10:20 AM. is the best way to travel to book the 2 PM bus ticket? we were planning on reserving the tickets ahead of time. it is our first trip to costa rica and we're staying on the outskirts of puerto viejo. any suggestions or advice would be so helpful!
Car rental margo wilkinson from usa February 16, 2010
I would contact renta4x4incostarica. They have all inclusive rates. That is very rare. We rented from Dollar and we had to tack on insurance , because our credit card would not cover our car if we were on gravel roads. Duh? Costa Rica has lots of those! We enjoyed having a car. Poas is not cheap! Taxi's are plentiful and so are buses . We ride bikes and take taxis. Even to the store. All bikes have baskets on them. Have fun. Driving is a little stressful in C.R.
Car Rental Aggie from Chicago, IL February 15, 2010
We're arriving in Puerto Viejo on Sunday morning and we'll be staying in a rental property. We've been throwing around the idea of renting a car just to have for convenience purposes (i.e. groceries, quick errands, etc). Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Good idea...bad idea? has anyone ever used Poas car rental company? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks,
Aggie
LATE NIGHT ARRIVAL Anthony Adamo from USA February 13, 2010
I have a girl friend that is getting in San Jose alone around 8 PM. I need to get her to Puerto Viejo somehow that night. Any suggestions?
Doug Dosdall from Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica February 13, 2010
For an arrival that late, the only possibilities are rental car and private transport/driver. However, I do not recommend the rental car option for driving alone at night. Private transport is $190 and they will meet her at the airport.
12:40 at SJO is 2 PM bus possible? Jenny from nyc February 10, 2010
How likely am i going to be able to catch the 2 pm bus if i arrive at 12:40 PM? Am i reading correctly that if i don't make the 2 i need to take the 4 since the the other tourist buses (more expensive options)leave in the morning? Thanks
Doug Dosdall from Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica February 10, 2010
I'd say with a 12:40pm arrival you have a 50-50 or less chance of making the 2pm bus if you prebuy your bus ticket; almost no chance if you don't buy your ticket. It usually takes close to an hour to get out of the airport and about half an hour to get from the airport to the bus terminal. Bus if you prebook the 2pm taxi/bus service and don't make it you won't lose the taxi portion you'll just have to buy the later bus ticket. But my advise would be to not stress and just book the 4pm. You can head to the Caribbean Bus Terminal or to downtown, have a nice lunch and then grab the 4pm bus (Café del Mundo is nice and not far from the terminal, the taxi driver can leave you there instead and then you can take another $2-3 taxi to the station).
And yes, the door-to-door tourist shuttles to the Caribbean coast leave only in the morning.
cab to mepe Jenny from nyc February 14, 2010
hi doug - thanks for the info... Do i really need to book the taxi/bus package if i have that much time? How much does a taxi ride cost it i am to catch one on my own?
Also what are my options for returning to san jose? My flight home is at around 1-2 pm. Can i get a bus ticket in puerto viejo? I can't tell what interpret what the return schedule is.
Thanks again
jenny
Doug Dosdall from Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica February 14, 2010
If you're taking the 4pm, you have enough time but you're not guaranteed a ticket for or a seat on the bus, they do occasionally sell out or only sell standing tickets. And the taxi/bus service is at a minimal additional cost when you add up about $20-25 for a taxi plus $9 for each bus ticket.
Air Transportation San Jose to Puerto Viejo peter deamicis from worcester, ma., us February 09, 2010
I am looking for airtransport from SJ to Puerto Viejo but I do not see a destination I recognize on the 2 regional airlines. Thank you in advance for any guidance.
Doug Dosdall from Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica February 09, 2010
The nearest Costa Rican operating airport to Puerto Viejo with regular flights is ... San Jose. Yup, sorry, the Caribbean coast is poorly served by Sansa and Nature Air. This was all covered above in the "Flying" section.
The other airports which could be of interest would be Changuinola or Bocas del Toro in Panama (if you wanted to go into Panama at all anyway) or Tortuguero (again, if you wanted to go there, you could book a Tortuguero package that included air into Tortuguero and then onward transport to Puerto Viejo).
Pre booking bus tickets online? Nicky from Winnipeg, Canada February 08, 2010
My boyfriend and I are arriving in San Jose at 2pm and are hoping to make it to Puerto Viejo on the 4pm bus. We were wondering if we should pre book our tickets online and arrange for transportation to the bus station to minimize our time spent in San Jose.
We dont mind spending more money to not spend the night.
Thanks :)
Doug Dosdall from Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica February 08, 2010
Your timing will be tight so I'd definitely recommend this. Not only will you save 10-15 minutes by having your ticket pre-purchased, you will be guaranteed a ticket and a seat on the bus. Standing on that bus as it winds down the hills is not a pleasant experience. Nor is them telling you that they've sold out which does happen (although if there are enough extra people they might put on an additional bus)
2/14/'10 ride from SJ Airp to Puerto Viejo Mara from NYC February 08, 2010
I arrive in San Jose Airport at 12:55 on Sunday, Feb 14, 2010.
Is anyone interested in sharing a ride to Puerto Viejo?
Share a taxi/ bus trip on 2/16/2010? Jenny from NYC February 08, 2010
I"m arriving San jose via USAir at 12:40 PM on Tuesday 2/16. Anyone coming in at around the same time to book a taxi/bus reservation?
Bus schedule CherryAnn from Boston, USA January 29, 2010
Hi, I am considering buying my shuttle ticket online but have one concern. My flight gets in about noon and I would like to take the 2pm shuttle to PV but you never know with traffic/customs. If I book/pay for the 2pm but miss it can I still take the 4pm?
Nina from Puerto Viejo January 30, 2010
If your plane is ontime, there will not be any problem catching the 2pm bus. Calculate 2 hours and you're fine. Should you miss the 2pm bus, you can always buy tickets for the 4pm bus. The taxi driver will wait for you, so that part you won't loose.
If you're plane is already late at the departure, inform the company you bought the ticket with. They than can reschedule the trip to the 4pm bus.
Looking to share a private van on 29th of March Clea Adair from Canada January 28, 2010
We arrive at 12:40pm into San Jose on the 29th of March and would like to share a Private Van with someone. The cost is 190 (one way) so 85$ each. Any takers? Contact me at cleaadair _at_ hotmail.com
Bus schedule, again, sorry. Molly from Dallas January 28, 2010
Hi Doug, I've seen and read the schedule, I just don't totally understand it. So, if I'm reading it correctly. Than there is a 2pm bus from San Jose airport that arrives in Puerto viejo at 6:15pm or a 4pm bus that doesn't arrive until 8:15 pm. And then returning to San Jose the earliest bus is at 7:30 am which should arrive around noon?
Thank you so much, sorry I'm just trying to make sure I can get to my flights.
Doug Dosdall from Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica January 29, 2010
You've got the times right -- 2pm and 4pm. But the buses leave from the Caribe Bus Station near downtown San Jose which is 20-40 minutes by taxi from the airport depending on traffic. It often takes a good hour to clear customs and get your luggage so you should allow at least two hours to make your bus. However if you're aiming for the 2pm and miss it you can always take the 4pm with no problem.
Katie from New York January 27, 2010
I arrive at the airport at 12:15 p.m. and wanted to know if it is possible to make the 2 p.m. bus. In addition, if I chose not to use the bus ticket pre-purchase, can I take a 3 p.m. to Limon and transfer to a bus from PV? If the bus happened to be sold out in San Jose, will I be able to board in Limon? Thanks so much for all of your information.
Cross Border to Costa Rica to San Jose by bus Bren from Canada January 19, 2010
Info provided here was much appreciated.
I tried to find the bus schedule from Puerto Viejo to San Jose in mid afternoon, but didn't see times in that direction. I will be checking out of hotel on a Friday morning in Bocas, doing the taxi/shuttle, walk over Panama / Costa Rica border thing and then bus to Puerto Viejo. I want to arrive in that town in enought time to catch the bus to San Jose, and have three young daughters travelling with me (at least they will be carrying their own backpacks - but barely). Thanks
Afternoon bus to San Jose Doug Dosdall from Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica January 21, 2010
For public buses, there's a 4pm direct bus from Puerto Viejo to San Jose daily. It arrives San Jose about 8:30pm. The full schedule is above under "Transportes Mepe direct service between San José and Puerto Viejo". There are also door to door shuttles from Interbus and Grayline leaving Puerto Viejo about 2pm daily. You can reserve those here or see details above under "Tourist shuttles to/from Puerto Viejo"
If you're not actually trying to see Puerto Viejo, then there is also a shuttle ticket straight from Bocas to San Jose which stops in Puerto Viejo to pick up people enroute to San Jose but you won't get to see PV.
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We are arriving on april 1st and i am wondering the same thing. Have you found out what you are doing yet? Or if the busses are cancelled for Semana Santa?