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Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a laid-back Caribbean beach town on Costa Rica's southern coast, around 148 kilometres (92 miles) from San Jose. The bus is the cheapest way to get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca at $15 (6,800 CRC), and takes 5h. A minivan shuttle costs more but runs door to door and can be faster.
Distance from San Jose to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
San Jose and Puerto Viejo De Talamanca 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 San Jose to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
There are three ways to travel from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. You can choose between the bus, minivan, and private transport. The journey takes 4h–5h 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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San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca by Bus
On a budget? The bus is the cheapest option when travelling from San Jose to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca, with prices from $15 (6,800 CRC). They are also quite comfortable, you just have to be really careful of your belongings because petty theft is common. Travel time is around 5h.
Autotransportes MEPE operates 6 bus trips daily. Tickets are not available online. You can only buy them at their office in Terminal Atlantico Norte, San Jose city centre. There is always a chance of tickets selling out so if you can, drop by the terminal a few days early to buy your ticket.
It’s also highly likely that seats are assigned when you book, and they fill the bus from the front. If you’re prone to motion sickness, getting your ticket at least a day in advance gives you a better chance of sitting closer to the front for a smoother ride.
Departure and arrival station
Buses depart from Terminal Atlantico Norte. They make one stop at MEPE Terminal in Limon around 3 hours into the journey for food and a bathroom break.
Buses park at MEPE Bus Stop in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca city centre.
Bus schedule from San Jose to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
All services arrive at Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Booking Tip
If you want to confirm the bus schedule beforehand, you can contact Autotransportes MEPE via WhatsApp through this number: +506 7285-2592.
PRO TIP: Local travel links, including the bus station in San Jose, can attract thieves, so keep your belongings in sight. Don’t board the bus until your bigger bags are inside the luggage compartment, and be sure to get your luggage ticket. It’s best to keep smaller bags, containing your valuables, in front of you or between your feet, instead of in overhead storage.
San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca by Minivan
For a shared transfer that brings you directly to your destination, you can take a minivan for $60 (27,000 CRC). More expensive than the bus, but far more convenient.
Minivans are also a relatively safer option, particularly when it comes to petty thieves. You can just sit back and relax until you reach your destination.
The minivan journey from San Jose to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca takes 4h - 5h 30m.
You can choose from four minivan companies: Interbus, Tropical Tours Shuttle, Best Travel Puerto Viejo and Costa 24/7.
Minivan schedule from San Jose to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway and Tropicaltourshuttles.
Booking Tip
Some companies offer hotel pickup in San Jose or directly from San Jose Airport, while others depart from their own terminal. Check the details when booking and note that some operators require a minimum of 2-3 passengers for the trip.
In Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, most minivan companies will drop you off straight at your hotel.
We recommend booking your tickets on BookAway. This platform often offers the cheapest rates for the San Jose to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca route, sometimes even cheaper than if you book directly on the minivan company’s website.
San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca by Private Transport
For group travellers, you can take a private transfer from San Jose to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca. There are different vehicles you can choose from depending on how big your group is.
Fares start from $235 (108,000 CRC) for a car that can fit 3 people. That’s about $79 (36,000 CRC) per person when you split the cost.
See below some of the most trusted companies offering private transport for this route.
Private Transport tickets are available on Bookaway.
Our favourite places to stay in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Here are our favourite places to stay in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca for every budget.
Treat YourselfBlack Bamboo B&B
If 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.
- Close to the beach and town
- Beautifully designed
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Shared kitchen
Double rooms start from $90 per night
Treat YourselfColina Secreta
Offering 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.
- Luxury villas and glamping
- Homemade breakfast included
- Beautiful design
- Friendly and helpful hosts
Double rooms between $50-$90 per night
BudgetKalunai Hostel
Whether 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
- Sociable atmosphere
- Great location
- Lots of places to relax
- Bicycles available for rent
Double rooms between $15-$50 per night
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Puerto Viejo de Talamanca?
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.
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!
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from San Jose to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca, 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 San Jose to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca?
The distance from San Jose to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca is 148 kilometres (92 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca?
Journey times from San Jose to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca overlap: bus 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 San Jose to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca?
The cheapest way to get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca is by bus with ticket costs starting from 6,800 CRC.
What to expect when visiting Puerto Viejo de Talamanca?
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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