Traveling from San Jose to Puerto Viejo is the start of your Caribbean adventure. Whether you are arriving for a vacation or scouting local real estate opportunities, knowing your transit options helps you plan for the 4 to 5-hour journey across the mountains to the coast.

Let’s break it down properly.

1. Shared and Private Shuttles

The most popular way to get from San Jose to Costa Rica’s Caribbean is via a professional shuttle. These services offer door-to-door convenience, picking you up at SJO Airport or your city hotel.

Shared Shuttles: Caribe Shuttle and Interbus are the top choices. Shuttles typically offer air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and hotel pickup in San José with direct drop-off in Puerto Viejo or nearby beach towns like Cocles or Playa Chiquita. From a real estate perspective, this option is ideal if you’re staying outside the town center, where public transport becomes less convenient.

Private Transfers: If you are traveling as a family or group, a private van is often more cost-effective and allows for stops at scenic lookouts along Route 32.

Travel time: 4 to 5 hours (traffic dependent)
Best for: Families, digital nomads, first-time visitors, long stays
Why locals recommend it: No driving stress, no navigation issues, no surprises

Pro insight: Traffic congestion due to ongoing highway expansion is real. Always bring water, snacks, and patience. Morning departures are best.

2. Driving from San Jose to Puerto Viejo

For those who want the freedom to explore neighborhoods like Cocles or Punta Uva, renting a car is ideal.

The Route: You will take Route 32 through the Braulio Carrillo National Park. It is a paved, scenic highway, but it can be prone to fog and rain.
Road conditions between San José and the Caribbean are improving, but construction zones, limited signage, and unpredictable traffic make this route challenging—especially after dark.
If you go this route:
- Drive only during daylight hours
- Expect slower travel times than Google Maps suggests

Car Rentals: We recommend Adobe Rent a Car for their excellent service.

From a real estate standpoint, having a car becomes valuable once you’re staying in Cocles, Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva, or Manzanillo, where mobility matters.

3. Domestic Flights to Limón

If you prefer to spend less time on the road, you can fly from San Jose’s domestic terminal to Limón, which is the airport closest to Puerto Viejo

Airlines: Sansa Airlines operates daily flights.

Transit: The flight is 40 minutes. Upon landing in Limón, a 45-minute taxi or pre-arranged shuttle will take you the rest of the way to Puerto Viejo.

Flying From San José to Limón (Fast but Not Always Easier)

Local insight: Flying works well if you’re traveling light and have prearranged ground transportation. Without planning ahead, delays and availability can quickly erase the time you saved in the air.

4. The Public Bus (MEPE)

The most budget-friendly way to travel from San Jose to the Caribbean of Costa Rica is the public bus.

Departure: Buses leave from the Terminal Atlántico Norte (MEPE Station) in San Jose.

Details: Check the MEPE Website for current schedules. It is a direct and reliable way to reach the town center of both Cahuita Puerto Viejo.

Tip: the stretch from Limon to San José can be long, be sure to use the restroom ahead of time.

5. Rafting Your Way to the Caribbean (Adventure With a Purpose)

Turn your travel day into an excursion. Several companies offer a "Rafting Connection" where they pick you up in San Jose, take you down the world-class Pacuare River, and then drop you off in Puerto Viejo in time for dinner. Exploradores Outdoors is a highly-rated provider for this adventure.

Morning pickup from San José, Arenal, or Puerto Viejo
Guided whitewater rafting experience
Lunch included
Continued shuttle to your final destination

This is one of the most memorable ways to reach the Caribbean coast and works surprisingly well logistically.

Expert tip: This option is popular during peak season—book early.

Extra Tips: How to Choose Where to Stay on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast

Transportation and location go hand in hand.

Most travelers choose between Puerto Viejo and Cahuita as their base. Each offers a very different lifestyle, and your Costa Rica transportation choice should reflect that.

Puerto Viejo: Lively, Walkable, Central

Puerto Viejo itself is small—just a few blocks—but packed with:

Restaurants and nightlife
Shops and services
Easy access to tours and shuttles

If you want to walk everywhere and stay connected, the town center is ideal.

Nearby Beach Communities: Quieter, Greener, More Residential

Areas like Cocles, Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva, and Manzanillo are developing rapidly and attract:

Long-term renters
Buyers looking for nature and privacy
Travelers who value beachfront living

These areas are only minutes from Puerto Viejo but feel worlds apart. If you’re staying here, a Caribe shuttle or rental car becomes far more important.

How to Secure the Right Accommodation (What Most People Forget to Ask)

Whether you’re booking short-term or exploring longer stays, these questions matter more than photos:

Is the property shared or private?
Distance to beaches, town, and restaurants?
Access to public Costa Rica transportation?
Air conditioning and Wi-Fi reliability?
Hot water availability (not guaranteed everywhere)
Parking security if you rent a car
Nighttime noise levels

Expert tip: Booking.com works well for hotels. Airbnb is better for longer stays and residential areas—but always confirm infrastructure details.

Local Real Estate Insight

How you choose to travel often depends on your long-term goals. If you are staying in the town center, the bus or shuttle is perfect. However, if you are viewing titled land or homes in the more residential areas south of town, having your own vehicle is a significant advantage.

Ready to find your piece of paradise? Contact us today for personalized assistance with your property search on the Caribbean coast.

When you’re ready to explore your options, we encourage you to take a look at our featured listings or reach out to us at My Puerto Viejo Realtor. Opportunities in the Caribbean market can move quickly, and working with knowledgeable local professionals ensures you’re well-positioned to find a property that aligns with your lifestyle, goals, and timeline.

San Jose to Puerto Viejo: Your Complete Transportation Guide