There are few options to get from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San José. Rent a car, private shuttle, public bus, taxi, or uber. Another option is to go by plane, but from Puerto Viejo, you must go to the closest airport in Limon, which is about an hour’s drive. Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Puerto Viejo Talamanca to San Jose.
The capital and largest city in Costa Rica, San José, is a metropolis filled with exciting history and culture. With its picturesque setting, this destination provides a beautiful array of activities and attractions.
Want to explore San Jose and discover its most iconic landmarks? Book a city tour with an expert guide that will take you through the culture and history of the city during the night, away from the traffic and crowds of the day.
Whether you’re looking for great food, breathtaking viewpoints, or a chance to explore the arts scene, San José has something for everyone.
So what are you waiting for?
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Puerto Viejo Talamanca to San Jose.
How far is San Jose from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca?
The distance from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San José is 217 km or 135 miles.
It takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes to 5 hours (depending on the transportation you choose) to get to San José via Route 36 or Route 32, which will take you to your destination.
Transportation Options from Puerto Viejo to San Jose
The following table outlines all transportation options from Puerto Viejo to San Jose:
Method | Travel time | Price |
---|---|---|
Public Bus from Puerto Viejo to San Jose | 5 hours 30 minutes | USD 10 |
Interbus from Puerto Viejo to San José | 5 hours | USD 65 |
Caribe Shared Shuttle from Puerto Viejo to San José | 5 hours | USD 63 |
Private Transfer from Puerto Viejo to San José | 4 hours and 30 minutes | USD 380 |
Flight from Puerto Viejo to San José | 1 hour and 45 minutes | – |
Rental Car from Puerto Viejo to San José | 4 hours and 30 minutes | – |
Taxi/ Uber from Puerto Viejo to San José | 4 hours and 30 minutes | From USD 200 |
Getting to San Jose from Puerto Viejo
1. Public Bus from Puerto Viejo Talamanca to San Jose
Journey Duration: 5 hours and 30 minutes
You can take a public bus from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San José. The price for a bus ticket is lower than the other means of transportation; however, you will make a few stops to travel with more people, and the trip will take longer.

2. Interbus from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San José
Journey Duration: 5 hours
Another option to travel to San José from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is the Interbus shuttle. With comfortable, roomy vans with AC, they will pick you up from the hotel from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and drop you off anywhere you want in San José. Their customers highly recommend them. One shuttle is available daily.
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Puerto Viejo Talamanca to San Jose. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
3. Caribe Shared Shuttle from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San José
Journey Duration: 5 hours
If you want to arrive in the morning to spend the day in San José, you can take the Caribe shuttle from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San José. Also, there is another one at noon if you are not a morning person.
These shuttles are available daily. Caribe shuttles provide comfortable transport with their new, clean, air-conditioned vans that will ensure that you arrive safely at your destination.
The shuttle will pick you up at your hotel in Puerto Viejo and drop you off at Denny’s restaurant, which is close to the airport.
Daily trips are available from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San José.
- 06:00 AM to 11:00 PM: Shared shuttle to San Jose; pick up at the hotel.
Total price: USD 63
- 12:30 AM to 05:30 PM: Shared shuttle to San Jose, Pick up at the hotel.
Total price: USD 63

4. Private Transfer from Puerto Viejo Talamanca to San Jose
Journey Duration: Custom time
This transportation option is quite popular and convenient for groups, large families, and anyone who wants the ease of traveling relaxed in a comfortable van.
The van provided has room for up to 13 passengers. It is also possible that you can request a private transfer from other stops or carriers. You should check the availability of the time slot you want before paying for your tour as these transfers are pretty popular during weekends and holidays.
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Puerto Viejo Talamanca to San Jose. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
5. Puerto Viejo Talamanca to San Jose Flight
Journey Duration: 1 hour driving from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to the airport in Limon + 45 minutes flight
The closest airport to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is in Limon. The distance between Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and Limon is 55 km or 34 miles, and you will arrive at the airport in about an hour. At the airport of Limon, you can take a flight to San José.

6. Driving with Rental Car
Journey Duration: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Rent a car from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San José.
To drive to San José from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, you must follow Route 36, which takes you to Limon, and then continue via Route 32, which will take you to the center of San José.
The road signs are mainly in Spanish, so you must be prepared!
7. Uber or Taxi
Journey Duration: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Sign up with Uber in Costa Rica, enter your pick-up location, and request a ride. The payment will be made online before you start your trip.
If you are planning to take a taxi for your trip from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San José, agree on a fixed price before you depart.

Best day tours in San Jose, Costa Rica
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. 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 San Jose, Costa Rica.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fly from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San José?
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca doesn’t have an airport. The closest airport is in Limon. You must drive for about an hour to get to the airport in Limon and take a flight to San José.
What is the cheapest way to get to San José to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca?
The cheapest way for this trip is to go by public bus. It will cost 7-12 USD, and it takes 5 hours and 30 minutes to arrive.
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