In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 270 kilometre distance from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.
There are 3 ways to get from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. You can choose between the bus, minivan, private transfer. The most affordable option is by bus, starting from $11. The fastest route is by private transfer (4h 40m).
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4h 40m
$273
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4h 45m
$67
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9h 40m
$11
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The indirect bus is the cheapest way to get from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
Combined rates with the bus start from only $11, about 1/3 the price of a minivan ticket. However, you will have to take 3 buses, and the journey takes about 9h 40m — excluding the possible waiting time for your connecting buses.
This bus journey includes a stop in San Jose. While it’s technically out of the way, it’s the only route available if you want to travel entirely by bus to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca from La Fortuna.
Taking a minivan from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a tourist favourite for its convenience. Although minivan shuttles are a bit pricey with fares from $67, they are direct transfers that also offer free hotel pickup and drop-off.
Travel time with a minivan ride is around 4h 45m - 6h, at least 3.5 hours faster than the bus.
You can choose from four minivan operators when travelling from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: these are Caribe Shuttle, Interbus, Best Travel Puerto Viejo and Expedition CR.
From ~$67 · 4h 45m - 6h
Direct operator sites
If you're travelling in a group from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a private ride could be a more practical choice. Rates start from $273 for a -seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that's about per person.
If you're in a bigger group, a private transfer can be more affordable than a shared minivan shuttle.
We recommend booking your ride via BookAway, which offers different types of vehicles depending on the number of people in your group and your preferred level of luxury. Also, they offer great customer service!
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a charming beach town on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. It offers an incredible fusion of culture. You’ll hear locals speaking creole, and find reggae music flowing from bars. All of these alongside traditional Costa Rican sodas and fancy international restaurants popular with expats.
You can feel the sense of community in Puerto Viejo, even if you’re just visiting for a few days. Travellers gather on the beach to play volleyball and new connections are made in the bars and the Saturday market that runs every week.
PRO TIP: There are two places called Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica. These are Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui (to the north) and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (to the southeast). Make sure you are going to the correct Puerto Viejo when booking and boarding your ride!
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Carbon Footprint
This 270 km journey produces approximately 24 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.
Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
OOliver S.November 2025Ferry
Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.
The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.
Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.
Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.
Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.
Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.
Treat YourselfIf you are looking for a beautifully designed hotel, with a swimming pool, Black Bamboo B&B is the place to book. The whole hotel oozes a tropical vibe due to its rustic bamboo design. The rooms are tranquil escapes, designed to be bright and comfortable.
The owners welcome you like you’re part of their family, and help you to organise anything you need during your stay in Puerto Viejo. It’s also situated in a great location, close to the town and Playa Negra.
Treat YourselfOffering both glamping and villas, no matter which option you chose, you’ll be surrounded by comfort and luxury at Colina Secreta. It’s clear that every aspect of the accommodation has been carefully thought about. It’s absolutely stunning and so unique!
The owners are incredibly friendly, and will do anything to make your stay even better. They’ve put so much love and care into their hotel, which you will see in the homemade breakfast every morning.
BudgetWhether you’re looking for a dorm bed or a private room, Kalunai is a great choice. All of the rooms are colourful and clean, with some of them having their own kitchen facilities.
This place really has a communal feel due to the number of places to hang out and lots of hammocks. The location is great, not far from lots of restaurants, bars and most importantly, the beach
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