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Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a laid-back Caribbean beach town, 148 kilometres (92 miles) from the capital, San Jose. The bus is the cheapest way to get from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San Jose at $15 (6,800 CRC), and it runs direct. The minivan and private transfer cost more and take about as long.
Distance from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to San Jose
Puerto Viejo De Talamanca and San Jose are about 148 km (92 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 215 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 4h and 5h 30m.
3 ways to travel from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to San Jose
There are three ways to travel from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San Jose. You can choose between the bus, minivan, and private transport. The journey takes 4h–4h 30m and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $15 (6,800 CRC).
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Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San Jose by Bus
With rates from $15 (6,800 CRC), the bus is the cheapest option when travelling from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to San Jose. It's a good choice if you’re on a budget and want to travel like a local. Travel time is around 4h 30m - 5h.
Autotransportes MEPE and Pleasure Ride is the only bus company operating from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to San Jose. It offers 6 daily trips from 03:00 to 16:00, which means you’ll have a lot of choices for when to depart.
The buses make one stop at MEPE Terminal in Limon for a bathroom break about 1 hour into the journey. The break takes around 15 minutes.
Departure and arrival station
Buses depart from the MEPE Bus Stop in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca city centre, just by the main beach.
The arrival station is at Terminal Atlantico Norte in San Jose city centre.
Bus schedule from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to San Jose
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San Jose by Minivan
Shared minivans are a great option for travelling from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to San Jose. They're a convenient alternative to public buses and can even provide door-to-door service. The minivan journey takes about 4h - 5h 30m.
Interbus, Best Travel Puerto Viejo and Costa 24/7 are the companies that operate minivans from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to San Jose.
Just a heads-up: while hotel pickup is generally reliable, it's worth double-checking where they'll drop you off in San Jose. Some companies will take you straight to your hotel, but others may only stop at their terminal in the city centre.
If you're flying out from Costa Rica's capital, make sure to book a minivan that goes straight to San Jose Airport.
Minivan schedule from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to San Jose
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
We love minivans in Costa Rica for more than just the door-to-door service. They are safer and more comfortable than buses. If you are willing to spend more for these benefits, we recommend choosing a minivan over a bus.
Buy your tickets online so that you won’t have to go to the minivan terminals at all. It's best to book your tickets through BookAway, which offers excellent customer service 24/7.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San Jose by Private Transport
Travelling in a group? Private transfers can be cheaper than a shared minivan when you split the cost. Rates start from $235 (108,000 CRC) for a 3-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about $79 (36,000 CRC) per person.
Private transfers from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to San Jose are hotel-to-hotel rides, but you can also get one that will take you directly to San Jose Airport. Travel time is 4h 15m - 5h.
Private Transport tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Our favourite places to stay in San Jose
Here are our favourite places to stay in San Jose for every budget.
Treat YourselfBarceló San José
Barceló Hotel blows most other city hotels out of the water. It has amenities usually only found in resorts, and for extortionate prices. Here you’ll find an outdoor pool, spa, gym, three squash courts and two tennis courts. Plus they offer a free airport shuttle.
If you don’t fancy venturing out of the hotel to get some food, no worries! There are three restaurants and a bar on site offering a variety of different cuisines. The rooms are spacious and clean, providing comfortable beds for a good night’s sleep.
- Outdoor swimming pool and spa
- Tennis courts
- Free airport shuttle
- Three onsite restaurants and a bar
Double rooms start from $90 per night
Treat YourselfIsla Verde Hotel
Isla Verde Hotel is a real gem within the urban jungle that is San Jose. They have so many extras that you wouldn’t expect for the price – a gym, free shuttle to the airport and a great breakfast every morning.
The hotel is ultra-modern, boasting some beautifully designed rooms and seating areas. All of which are very clean and comfortable. If you don’t feel like venturing too far for food, their onsite restaurant serving Cantonese food is highly reviewed!
- Free airport shuttle
- Delicious breakfast included
- Onsite gym
- Modern and clean rooms
Double rooms start from $90 per night
Mid-RangeEco Stay Hostel
Eco Stay Hostel starts to feel like home after a while, as it has a shared living room, communal kitchen, a lovely garden area, and even barbeque facilities. You can even spend your evenings at the hotel having a friendly competition of snooker or darts.
The friendly hosts add to the welcoming atmosphere. Making sure that your room is clean and comfortable, whilst offering their help in any way that they can. The rooms are basic, but nicely decorated and have everything you could need whilst in San Jose.
- Shared living room
- Communal kitchen
- Good location
- Friendly hosts
Double rooms between $50-$90 per night
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit San Jose?
San Jose is a bustling urban landscape in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. Being the capital city, it may not be as pretty as the beach and jungle destinations that the country is known for. But if you are stopping by anyway, might as well explore for a few hours or a day before moving on to your next stop.
You will find plenty of things to do in San Jose. Within the city, you can check out the colonial buildings turned museums at Barrio Amon, try out the famed restaurants at Barrio Escalante, or party the night away in El Pueblo. If you want to venture outside the city limits, the Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens are highly recommended!
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to San Jose, roughly 148 kilometres (92 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $15 (6,800 CRC). The quickest trip takes 4h.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to San Jose?
The distance from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to San Jose is 148 kilometres (92 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to San Jose?
Journey times from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to San Jose overlap: bus 4h 30m - 5h, minivan 4h - 5h 30m, private transport 4h 15m - 5h. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to San Jose?
The cheapest way to get from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to San Jose is by bus with ticket costs starting from 6,800 CRC.
About the Authors
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
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