3 Best Ways to get from Bocas del Toro, Panama to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica

You can get from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca by shared shuttle and ferry or public transport and ferry.

The cheapest option is by ferry and public bus, which costs about USD 6 and takes about 3 hours.

The most popular option is the ferry and shared shuttle, which combines both transportation modes in one ticket!

The fastest way is by ferry and private transfer, which takes about 2.5 hours!

Transportation Options

1. Ferry + Shared Shuttle

Journey Duration: 3.5-4.5 hours

The first option available is the combined water taxi and shared shuttle service.

This option offers a seamless, budget-friendly, and enjoyable way to navigate between these two beautiful locations without having to make separate ticket reservations for the different modes of transportation.

The journey can be broken down into two main segments: the boat ride from Bocas del Toro to the port in Almirante and the shared shuttle from Almirante to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

With this option, you can sit back and relax while enjoying the stunning views along the way.

The first leg of your trip involves taking a boat to the mainland port of Almirante.

Several ferry companies operate multiple trips daily, and tickets for the ferry are also included in the price of the combined tickets, which cost USD 24-USD 36, depending on which company you choose.

The ferry ride typically lasts around 30 minutes, allowing you to take in the breathtaking scenery and snap some photos of the Caribbean Sea.

Upon arrival in Almirante, you’ll continue your journey to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca via a shared shuttle. These shuttles are operated by various transport companies that offer frequent and different departure times.

The shared shuttles are typically air-conditioned, comfortable minivans with ample space for your luggage. They’re an excellent way to meet fellow travelers, share experiences, and get insider tips on what to see and do in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. 

The shuttle ride takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, including a brief stop at the border crossing between Panama and Costa Rica for immigration formalities.

Before you know it, you’ll arrive in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and get taken straight to your accommodation!

Water Taxi + Shared Shuttle Schedule:

Departure	Arrival	Duration	Price
07:30am	10:30am	3h	$24
11:30am	02:30pm	3h	$24
07:50am	11:20am	3h 30m	$24
11:50am	03:20pm	3h 30m	$24
07:30am	11:00am	3h 30m	$33
11:30am	03:00pm	3h 30m	$33
06:00am	09:00am	3h	$36
08:00am	11:00am	3h	$36
12:00pm	03:00pm	3h	$36

2. Ferry + Public Transport

Journey Duration: ~2 hours 45 minutes

The first part of your journey remains the same as in the previous option: you’ll need to take a water taxi from Bocas del Toro to Almirante.

Several ferry companies operate daily trips, with tickets available for purchase at the ferry terminal.

Enjoy the 30-minute ferry ride, taking in the stunning Caribbean views, and be sure to have your camera ready to capture the beauty surrounding you.

Upon arrival in Almirante, head to the bus terminal, a short taxi ride or walk from the ferry dock. Here, you’ll find buses bound for Changuinola, which frequently depart during the day. 

The bus ride takes about 45 minutes, and tickets cost only USD 1.50! While these buses might not be as comfortable as shared shuttles, they are an affordable and authentic way to travel.

Once you arrive in Changuinola, you’ll need to transfer to another local bus to Guabito, the town closest to the Costa Rican border.

These buses are readily available and take approximately 30 minutes. Tickets are also incredibly cheap and cost only USD 1!

At Guabito, you’ll need to cross the border into Costa Rica on foot. Make sure you have your passport and necessary travel documents ready, as you’ll need to clear immigration on both the Panamanian and Costa Rican sides. 

The process typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the queues. So take the opportunity to stretch your legs and breathe in the fresh air as you cross the iconic bridge over the Sixaola River, marking the border between the two countries.

After successfully navigating the border crossing, you’ll find yourself in Sixaola, Costa Rica. From here, the final leg of your journey involves taking a local bus to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

These buses usually run frequently, and the ride takes approximately 1.5 hours. Tickets for this last bus trip cost only ~USD 3.

3. Ferry + Private Transfer

Journey Duration: 2.5-5.5 hours

There is the option to combine the boat ride with a private transfer for the last leg of your trip! 

As with the previous options, your journey begins with the short 30-minute boat ride from Bocas del Toro to Almirante. 

Upon arrival in Almirante, you’ll be greeted by your private transfer, which can be booked through various transportation companies in advance. 

Private transfers offer the advantage of being tailored to your specific needs and preferences, allowing you to travel in style and at your own pace.

The private transfer vehicle will typically be a comfortable, air-conditioned SUV or van, providing ample space for you and your luggage.

The drive from Almirante to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca takes about 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and border-crossing time. 

Remember to have your passport and necessary travel documents handy, as you’ll need them for border formalities. The time spent at the border may vary depending on queues, but having a private driver often speeds up the process.

As you approach Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the final stretch of your journey, as your driver will drop you off at your chosen accommodation, completing the seamless door-to-door experience!

Prices for a private transfer:

• Up to 14 passengers: USD 476

Best day tours in Puerto Viejo

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.

Frequently Asked Questions