You can get from Puerto Viejo Talamanca to San Jose by bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, taxi, rental car, or flight.
The cheapest option to travel from Puerto Viejo Talamanca to San Jose is by public bus, which costs USD 10. The journey takes about 5.5 hours.
The most popular option is the shared shuttle, which offers direct transport and convenience.
The fastest way to travel to San Jose from Puerto Viejo Talamanca is by catching a flight, which takes about 1.5 hours. However, to get on a plane, you must first travel to Limon.
My numerous travels around Costa Rica and from the vibrant shores of Puerto Viejo Talamanca to San Jose have given me a deep understanding of the best routes and methods.
In this guide, I’ll provide a comprehensive breakdown of how to make this transition smoothly, ensuring you enjoy the contrasting beauty of Costa Rica’s coast and city life!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Puerto Viejo Talamanca to San Jose.
Transportation Options from Puerto Viejo to San Jose
The following table outlines all transportation options from Puerto Viejo to San Jose:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Public Bus from Puerto Viejo to San Jose | 5.5 hrs | $10 |
| Shuttle from Puerto Viejo to San Jose | 5 hrs | $63 to 65 |
| Puerto Viejo to San Jose Private Transfer | 4.5 hrs | $380 |
| Flight from Puerto Viejo to San Jose | ~1.5 hrs | – |
| Rental Car from Puerto Viejo to San Jose | 4.5 hrs | – |
| Taxi from Puerto Viejo to San Jose | 4.5 hrs | +$200 |
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.
Getting to San Jose from Puerto Viejo
1. Public Bus from Puerto Viejo Talamanca to San Jose
Journey Duration: 5 hours and 30 minutes
Traveling by public bus from Puerto Viejo Talamanca to San José is a budget-friendly option that offers a direct route to the capital city of Costa Rica.
The cost of a one-way bus ticket is approximately USD 10, making it the cheapest mode of transport for this journey.
Buses run every four hours, ensuring multiple opportunities throughout the day to catch a ride. The service departs at various times.
Regardless of departure time, all services are direct with no transfers required, and on average, the journey takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes.
You will make a few stops to travel with more people, and the trip will take longer compared to other modes of transport.
Additionally, bus comfort can vary, and while some may have air conditioning and Wi-Fi, others may not, so preparing for the long journey with snacks, water, and entertainment is recommended.
All in all, if you are not pressed for time and wish to enjoy a more local travel experience, the public bus is a good option!
2. Shared Shuttle from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San Jose
Journey Duration: 5 hours
The shared shuttle service from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San José is provided by Interbus and Caribe Shuttles, which offer comfortable and convenient options for travelers!
The shuttles are roomy vans with air conditioning and provide the benefit of hotel pick-ups in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and drop-offs at your desired location in San José. The journey typically takes around 5 hours.
This is a popular option and a better alternative compared to the public bus, offering a faster and more comfortable journey at an affordable price. Tickets range between USD 63 and 65, depending on the service provider.
The shuttles operate a few times a day, so I recommend booking your tickets online to save your seat!
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San Jose Shared Shuttle Schedule
The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable for trips from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San Jose, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:00am | 11:00am | 5h | $63 |   |
| 12:30pm | 05:30pm | 5h | $63 | |
| 06:00am | 11:00am | 5h | $65 | |
3. Private Transfer from Puerto Viejo Talamanca to San Jose
Journey Duration: Custom time
The shuttle operates roomy vans with air conditioning. It provides the benefit of hotel pick-ups in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and drop-offs at the desired location in San José. The journey typically takes around 5 hours.
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!
A private transfer provides door-to-door service with a professional driver, promising a trip duration of around 4 hours and 10 minutes.
The van provided has room for up to 13 passengers, and the price for the whole vehicle is USD 380. Once the cost is split among the group, it becomes affordable and convenient!
Prices for a private transfer from Puerto Viejo Talamanca to San Jose:
- 1-13 passengers: USD 380
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4. 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
For the flight option from Puerto Viejo to San José, you would need to use the nearby Limón International Airport (LIO) to fly to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José.
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.
Skyscanner lists flights operated by Sansa Regional, with direct flights available. The average flight time is a brief 40 minutes, which is a significantly shorter travel time compared to other modes of transportation.
The cost of the tickets varies throughout the year, so it’s best to check and book your seats in advance.
5. Driving with a Rental Car from Puerto Viejo to San Jose
Journey Duration: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Renting a car from Puerto Viejo to San José offers travelers flexibility and independence to explore independently.
On average, a rental car in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca costs about USD 35 per day. Prices can vary between operators, and it’s recommended to compare car rental deals from different agencies to find the most economical option.
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!
6. Uber or Taxi from Puerto Viejo to San Jose
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. 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.
What is the fastest way to get to San José to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca?
The fastest way to travel to San Jose from Puerto Viejo Talamanca is by catching a flight, which takes about 1.5 hours. However, to get on a plane, you must first travel to Limon.
More Routes from San Jose, Costa Rica
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AnaMaria is a dedicated SEO specialist and content strategist with profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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Jean Nájera is the CEO of GuateGo, an online marketplace to buy transportation tickets in more than 200 cities. He has profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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