Have you had your time in the energizing city, basking in the liveliness of the locals in San Jose? San Jose is the cultural epicenter filled with museums, theatres, and impressive restaurants. But now, it’s time for a more peaceful experience and you can relax and rejuvenate on the stunning beaches that Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast has to offer. And what better place than Puerto Viejo? With tranquil sand beaches and a lush landscape, and the famous Finca La Isla, it’s the perfect location for your relaxing getaway. But how do you get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo?
How do I get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo?
If you’re travelling from San Jose to Puerto Viejo, you have several travel options. The distance between San Jose and Puerto Viejo is 217 km and the drive time is around 3 hours and 55 minutes.
For travellers on a budget, the bus is the cheapest way to travel from San Jose to Puerto Viejo. There are also local flight options available, which come at a higher price point. The fastest way to travel from San Jose to Puerto Viejo is by car, therefore a car is of course the best way to travel from San Jose to Puerto Viejo since it’s so convenient.
San Jose to Puerto Viejo by bus
To travel from San Jose to Puerto Viejo by bus go to the Terminal Atlántico Norte and buy a ticket to Puerto Viejo. While you can buy your ticket at the station, it’s best to purchase them in advance and, when purchasing your ticket, make sure to buy ‘directo’. The earliest bus is at 6:00 AM, and the last bus is at 6:00 PM, with busses leaving every 2 hours. The bus from San Jose to Puerto Viejo is run by Transportes Mepe, with bus tickets from San Jose to Puerto Viejo costing around €11 for the direct 4.5 hour trip. The bus takes a little longer than travelling by car as it has to stop for other passengers along the way.
All options offer direct service from San Jose to Puerto Viejo.
| Time intervals | Every 2 hours |
| First/Last Departure | 6:00 AM/6:00 PM |
| Avg. Price | €11 |
| Distance | ~217 km |
| Duration | ~4.5 hr |
| Operating Companies | Transportes Mepe |
San Jose to Puerto Viejo by plane
Please note that the closest airport to Puerto Viejo is a 45 minute shuttle ride from Limon and for this reason we do not recommend flying as it incurs extra steps, as well as increased waiting time, and increased prices. Furthermore, when you take into account your early arrival to the airport to check-in and drop your luggage, it can become a lengthier and far less convenient travel option than the others available.
San Jose to Puerto Viejo by Taxi
For speed and convenience, a private car transfer with Daytrip is the best way to travel from San Jose to Puerto Viejo. You will be picked up at your accommodation in San Jose, and the driver will take care of your luggage. You’ll then be able to enjoy door-to-door service to your accommodation in Puerto Viejo, and can even add sightseeing stops on the way! Some of the top sightseeing stops along this route include…
- Museo Historico Cultural Juan Santamaria
- Frogs Heaven
- Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica
- Finca La Isla
With your comfort and convenience in mind, it is clear that a private transfer is the best option! To book a private transfer from San Jose to Puerto Viejo, click here