How to travel from Puerto Viejo Talamanca to San Jose, Costa Rica

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. 

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.

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