4 Best Ways to Get from San Jose to Tortuguero, Costa Rica

You can get from San Jose to Tortuguero by bus + boat, shared shuttle, rental car, or flight.

The cheapest option to travel from San Jose to Tortuguero is by bus + ferry, which costs USD 9. The journey takes about 5 hours.

The most popular option is also the bus + ferry, offering convenience at a very affordable price.

The fastest way to travel to Tortuguero from San Jose is by flight, which takes about 35 minutes.

Having traversed the path from San Jose to Tortuguero numerous times, I’ve curated a blend of personal experiences and essential tips.

Dive into this guide to discover the most efficient and enjoyable ways to journey between these renowned Costa Rican spots!

Transportation Options from San Jose to Tortuguero

The following table outlines all transportation options from San Jose to Tortuguero:

Method	Time	Price
Bus + Boat from San Jose to Tortuguero	~5 hrs	$9
Shuttle from San Jose to Tortuguero	~5 hrs	$55
Flight from San Jose to Tortuguero	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.

4 Best Ways to Get from San Jose to Tortuguero, Costa Rica

1. Flight from San Jose to Tortuguero

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 of flying time, so getting to Tortuguero by air is an excellent option.

You have to add two hours or more for boarding and baggage processing. Sansa Air offers three daily flights to Tortuguero.

From the airport, you have to get on a ten-minute boat ride to reach 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 from San Jose to Tortuguero

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 one and a half hours. This whole travel leg is three 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. 

By taking a bus and boat from San Jose, you will reach Tortuguero in less than five hours. 

Should you wish to hire a private jetty for your traveling group, it is possible. The average price for a personal trip is 30 USD. This will give you the convenience of being able to leave the dock without any schedule to follow.

3. Rental Car from San Jose to Tortuguero

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 proves to be scenic, it can also be dangerous as you pass by 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 also have the option of using 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 from San Jose to Tortuguero

Journey Duration: ~ 5 hours

Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your hotel with the shuttle services offered by many transport companies in Costa Rica.

As long as your hotel is near the Juan Santamaria International Airport, there is a high chance the shuttle company will 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 those traveling as a group. The cost of this option starts at 55 USD.

There is a weight allowance for your baggage should you choose a private shuttle, so it is best to coordinate with the transport company ahead of time.

Most, if not all, are strict with their timings, so it is a must to 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