How to get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Why visit Puerto Viejo de Talamanca?
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a charming beach town on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. It offers an incredible fusion of culture. You’ll hear locals speaking creole, and find reggae music flowing from bars. All of these alongside traditional Costa Rican sodas and fancy international restaurants popular with expats.
You can feel the sense of community in Puerto Viejo, even if you’re just visiting for a few days. Travellers gather on the beach to play volleyball and new connections are made in the bars and the Saturday market that runs every week.
PRO TIP: There are two places called Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica. These are Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui (to the north) and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (to the southeast). Make sure you are going to the correct Puerto Viejo when booking and boarding your ride!
What are the 3 ways to travel from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca?
There are 3 ways to travel the 215 kilometre (134 miles) distance from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. You can choose between the bus, minivan and private transport. The journey takes 4 hours to 5 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 6,800 CRC ($14.60).
Where to stay in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca by Bus
On a budget? The bus is the cheapest option when travelling from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, with prices from 6,800 CRC ($14.60). They are also quite comfortable, you just have to be really careful of your belongings because petty theft is common. Travel time is around 5 hours.
Autotransportes MEPE operates 6 bus trips daily. Tickets are not available online. You can only buy them at their office in Terminal Atlantico Norte, San Jose city centre. There is always a chance of tickets selling out so if you can, drop by the terminal a few days early to buy your ticket.
It’s also highly likely that seats are assigned when you book, and they fill the bus from the front. If you’re prone to motion sickness, getting your ticket at least a day in advance gives you a better chance of sitting closer to the front for a smoother ride.
Departure and arrival station
Buses depart from Terminal Atlantico Norte. They make one stop at MEPE Terminal in Limon around 3 hours into the journey for food and a bathroom break.
Buses park at MEPE Bus Stop in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca city centre.
Bus schedule from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
If you want to confirm the bus schedule beforehand, you can contact Autotransportes MEPE via WhatsApp through this number: +506 7285-2592.
PRO TIP: Local travel links, including the bus station in San Jose, can attract thieves, so keep your belongings in sight. Don’t board the bus until your bigger bags are inside the luggage compartment, and be sure to get your luggage ticket. It’s best to keep smaller bags, containing your valuables, in front of you or between your feet, instead of in overhead storage.
San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca by Minivan
For a shared transfer that brings you directly to your destination, you can take a minivan for 28,000 CRC ($60). More expensive than the bus, but far more convenient.
Minivans are also a relatively safer option, particularly when it comes to petty thieves. You can just sit back and relax until you reach your destination.
The minivan journey from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca takes 4 hours to 5 hours 30 minutes.
You can choose from four minivan companies: Interbus, Tropical Tours Shuttle, Best Travel Puerto Viejo and Costa 24/7.
Minivan schedule from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Some companies offer hotel pickup in San Jose or directly from San Jose Airport, while others depart from their own terminal. Check the details when booking and note that some operators require a minimum of 2-3 passengers for the trip.
In Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, most minivan companies will drop you off straight at your hotel.
We recommend booking your tickets on BookAway. This platform often offers the cheapest rates for the San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca route, sometimes even cheaper than if you book directly on the minivan company’s website.
San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca by Private Transport
For group travellers, you can take a private transfer from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. There are different vehicles you can choose from depending on how big your group is.
Fares start from 110,000 CRC ($235) for a car that can fit 3 people. That’s about 37,000 CRC ($79) per person when you split the cost.
See below some of the most trusted companies offering private transport for this route.
Private Transport options from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
What to expect when visiting Puerto Viejo de Talamanca?
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
