Many travelers choose to take the bus from San Jose to Puerto Viejo because it’s the most economical option and fairly straightforward to navigate. Personally, I used this option the first time I visited Puerto Viejo so I can tell you firsthand what to expect!
Here’s my complete guide as to how to get to Puerto Viejo from San Jose by bus + other transportation options!
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San Jose to Puerto Viejo By Bus Quick Facts:
| Bus Company: | The MEPE Bus Company operates from San José to Puerto Viejo and the bus terminal in San José |
| Bus Terminal Address: | Terminal MEPE, C. 12, San José, Paso De La Vaca (put into “Terminal MEPE” into Google Maps or Waze) |
| Trip Length: | 4.5-6 hours depending on traffic and road conditions |
| Departure Times: | 6 AM, 8 AM, 10 AM, 2 PM, 4 PM and 6 PM (but check their schedule in advance to confirm) |
| Reservations: | You can make reservations in person at the bus terminal either on the day of travel or in advance. |
| Cost: | 6,985 colones (about $14 per person) one-way |
Know Before You Go:
If you don’t feel confident speaking Spanish, prepare to have your translation application available. Tourists don’t usually take public transportation, it’s an option mostly used by local Costa Ricans, so the bus drivers and ticket stand operators mostly don’t speak English. It’s okay if your Spanish isn’t perfect but give it your best shot!
Also, I wouldn’t recommend spending an extended amount of time or walking around in the area surrounding Terminal MEPE in San José because the area isn’t the greatest. Try to get dropped off directly at the bus station and leave directly from there.
What to Expect on the Bus to Puerto Viejo from San Jose:
Once you get on the bus, expect there will be several stops along the way before you get to Puerto Viejo. Since it’s public transportation, many riders on the bus aren’t actually going to Puerto Viejo but to smaller towns along the route.
The length and trip conditions might also depend on the weather. Expect it to take anywhere from 4.5-6 hours.
The rainy season in Costa Rica is between May and November, and while the Caribbean side of the country is a little more temperate, you still might see more rain during these months. Heavy rain can lead to changes in driving conditions which could impact your bus trip to Puerto Viejo.
If you are lucky with the weather, it can be a nice bus ride, especially if you go in the morning and grab a window seat.
Before Your Trip:
While there is an option to load some of your things underneath the bus, I’d recommend packing light if you can, a backpack, and 1 additional suitcase at most. When taking public transportation it can be very fussy carrying a ton of luggage around with you.
Also, the less luggage you have, the less you have to keep track of in terms of watching your things and making sure nothing is stolen. Petty crime is rare but does happen. It’s best to keep your passport and anything else valuable directly on your person. I like using a cross-body fanny pack for my passport and any other important belongings.
Getting to Bus Stop:
Find the Terminal MEPE by inputting the address (Terminal MEPE, C. 12, San José, Paso De La Vaca) into Google Maps or Waze. I recommend taking a taxi or rideshare to the bus station rather than walking though, if possible, just because the area surrounding the bus station isn’t the best. It’s preferable to get dropped off directly at the station.
When you arrive, there will be a stand with a ticket seller and you can approach there to get your bus ticket to Puerto Viejo. It’s also an option to buy your ticket once you get on the bus, but know they’ll accept ticketed passengers first, so buy in advance if you want to secure your seat.
On the Bus:
Settle in, pick a window seat if you can, and enjoy the ride to Puerto Viejo! There are nice views along the way of the lush jungle and small Costa Rican Caribbean towns.
If you plan to get off the bus in downtown Puerto Viejo, don’t worry about signaling to the driver when you want to get off. They will always make a stop in downtown Puerto Viejo and it will be obvious when you arrive.
That said, if you’re not staying downtown and the place you’re staying is elsewhere along the bus route, talk to the driver and see if they can help you figure out the best place to exit.
Want to explore San Jose before leaving? Here’s a complete 1-day guide!
Are there any Transfers?
The bus will stop in Limón and any other small towns depending on where the other passengers are headed to. There also may be one or two stops along the way to use the bathroom or get a snack. Ask your bus driver if you have any questions about stops.
Other Ways to Get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo
Via Rental Car
Renting a car is the best way to have time freedom as you’re traveling from San Jose to Puerto Viejo. The trip will take between 4-5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions and you’ll drive along Route 32, passing through Limòn before taking Route 36 south to Puerto Viejo.
It’s best to use either Waze or Google Maps as your navigation app. Have 5,000 colones in your car for cash in the event you need any money for toll roads.
Group Shuttle
There are several group shuttle services that will pick you up at a central meeting point in San José and drop you off at or near your accommodations in downtown Puerto Viejo.
It will take about 5 hours due to pickups and drop offs and generally cost about $50-60 per person. Caribe Shuttle and Gecko Trail are two shuttle operators that are popular in the area.
Private Shuttle
Sometimes group shuttles aren’t a good option, especially if you’re traveling with a bigger group or family, so you may want to look into taking a private shuttle.
The price generally ranges from $200-300 USD for the group, one-way, and the trip could take between 4-5 hours depending on road conditions.
It’s a personalized service where the driver picks you up from your location in San José and takes you directly to your destination in Puerto Viejo, making this the most convenient option for families or groups.
Domestic Flight
Check out domestic Costa Rican airlines like Nature Air and Sansa to find flights from the San José airport to the airport in Limón. From Limón, you can take a quick one-hour shuttle or taxi to Puerto Viejo.
The flight itself is approximately 1 hour, making this a quick way to reach Puerto Viejo. Depending on the time of year and airline, you can expect to pay $75-150 USD for the flight plus $15-30 for a shuttle to Limon.
More Puerto Viejo Planning Guides!
Now that you’ve arrived in Puerto Viejo, it’s time to start basking in the beauty of this corner of Costa Rica. Here are some of my favorite things to do in Puerto Viejo!
See more fun things to do in Puerto Viejo on Viator!
Lindsay Gantz lives in Monteverde, Costa Rica with her husband who is Costa Rican. She helps visitors plan trips to Costa Rica and also organizes small group trips for solo female travelers. You can reach her on Instagram or by email at [email protected]
