How to get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo

How to Get

Apr 13

About traveling from San Jose to Puerto Viejo

Both San Jose and Puerto Viejo could not be more opposite on the spectrum of Costa Rican culture, from the liveliness of the locals to the quaint beaches, you can enjoy the best of both worlds, from the energizing city to tranquil sand beaches. San Jose is the cultural epicenter filled with museums, theatres, and impressive restaurants. While in Puerto Viejo, you can relax and rejuvenate on the stunning beaches.

If you decide to take a car transfer from San Jose to Puerto Viejo, you can also enjoy some exceptional sights, including the Museo Historico Cultural Juan Santamaria, the Frog’s Heaven, the slow Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica, and the lush Finca La Isla.

How to get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo

If you’re travelling from San Jose to Puerto Viejo, you have several travel options. For travellers on a budget, the bus is the cheapest way to travel from San Jose to Puerto Viejo. 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, 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 distance from San Jose to Puerto Viejo is about 217 kilometers.

All options offer direct service from San Jose to Puerto Viejo.

San Jose to Puerto Viejo by bus

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 Flight

Please note that the closest airport to Puerto Viejo is a 45 minute shuttle ride from Limon, for this reason we do not recommend flying as it incurs extra steps, as well as increased waiting time, and increased prices.

San Jose to Puerto Viejo Private Car Transfer

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!