How to get from
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San Jose

Planning your journey from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to San Jose

After relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Puerto Viejo De Talamanca, it's time to head inland to the capital city of Costa Rica, San Jose. 

San Jose is very unique compared to the other touristy areas of the country. It offers activities you won't find elsewhere, like incredible museums, beautiful architecture, and authentic local food at the markets.

Unlike so much of the country, San Jose is not about nature. It has a completely different vibe, whether traveling solo, as a couple, with family or friends.

What to do in San Jose 

Here are some of the best activities to do while on your trip:

1. Enjoy authentic local street food on a tour. There is no better way to explore a city than to try all the delicious food. 

2. Take a day trip to the Poas Volcano. It's an active volcano that last erupted in 2017. The views are spectacular, and hiking around the caldera takes approximately two hours. Make sure to book in advance online, as tickets are limited.

3. Visit the Costa Rican National Museum. Originally a fortress for the Costa Rican Military, it has now been transformed into a museum. Definitely worth checking out and learning about the country's history before exploring it for yourself.

4. Visit the Jade Museum. It contains the world's most extensive collection of pre-Columbian jade, with some pieces dating back to 500-800 BCE. This museum is a must for history buffs. 

5. Take a stroll down Avenida Central. Central Avenue is the heart of San Jose, full of bars, restaurants, and shops. Come around 4-5 p.m. to see it during its peak vibe as the locals clock off work. 

How to travel from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to San Jose 

When booking your transfer between Puerto Viejo De Talamanca and San Jose, you have three options. 

Below is all the information you need to know to pre-book your journey. 

Option one: Car 

Travel Time: 3.5-4.5 hours  

If you are traveling in a small group of up to four people, one of the most convenient options is to travel by car. 

Since it is a private transfer, you can be picked up from your accommodation in Puerto Viejo De Talamanca (at your chosen time) and dropped off at your accommodation in San Jose.

On board the SUV, you'll have air-conditioning, WiFi (subject to availability), and bottles of water. 

Each guest can travel with a 20 kg (44 lbs) suitcase and 7 kg (15 lbs) of hand luggage. Prices for the SUV start at $237.

Option two: Minivan

Travel time: Four hours to six hours 45 minutes 

Traveling by minivan between these two locations is the most common and popular option. 

Whether you are traveling by yourself, in a couple or with a group of friends, there is a company that will cater to you. 

Below is a list of some of the companies offering a minivan service between Puerto Viejo De Talamanca and San Jose: 

Best Travel Puerto Viejo 

Caribe Extreme 

Coach Costa Rica 

Pleasure Ride

My Pink Bus 

Caribe Shuttle 

Ride CR

Jacamar Naturalist Tour

With so many companies to choose from, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Private vs shared transfer: Some companies, such as Pleasure Ride, Caribe Extreme and Ride CR, offer private transfers for up to 18 guests. The cost per vehicle starts around $250. The more people in your group, the less each person pays.
   
   Other companies, such as My Pink Bus and Best Travel Puerto Viejo, cater to solo travelers or couples, so you can expect others to share the journey with you. Tickets for shared minivans are $50 per person.

2. Airport or hotel pick up and drop off: When booking, confirm your pick up/drop off location. Some companies offer both airport and hotel options, so it's particularly important for those traveling in a shared minivan transfer. 

3. Time of departure: For private transfers, you can choose when you wish to depart. For shared transfers, companies such as My Pink Bus have one daily departure at 13:30. In contrast, Best Travel Puerto Viejo has three departure times at 06:00, 10:00 and 15:30.

4. Traveling with pets: If you are bringing a four-legged friend on vacation, Jacamar Naturalist Tour allows you to take them in the transfer as long as they are in a cage or carrier case. 

Option three: Bus

Travel time: Three to four hours

A bus is the most affordable way to get from Puerto Viejo to San Jose. With tickets starting at $28 and various departure times spread throughout the day and night, it's a budget traveler's best option. 

You'll have AC and a large luggage allowance of 25 kg (55 lbs), and if you want to bring your surfboard, there is a small fee when you book the tickets.

Pro tip: You are required to exchange your Bookaway voucher for a proper ticket at the MEPE office from 08:00 to 18:00. For departures at 03:00 and 05:30, ticket exchange must be done the day before the trip.

You'll depart from the Autotransportes Mepe Bus Stop in Puerto Viejo and arrive at the Terminal MEPE in San Jose.

About the Journey from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to San Jose

Regardless of whether you choose to take a car, minivan, or bus, you will likely travel northwest along the coast towards Limon before heading inland.

The distance you will cover is approximately 217 km (134 miles). 

Soon after leaving the Caribbean coast, you will notice an influx of restaurants and food vendors selling local food. 

If you are traveling in a private transfer, this is a great opportunity to taste some more local cuisine before making your way into the mountains. Be sure to take a look out the windows with beautiful lush jungle on either side. 

Eventually, you will start your descent into the urban city of San Jose. Get excited! You're about to explore Avenida Central, the Costa Rican National Museum and the Jade Museum. 

Best time to visit San Jose

The dry season in San Jose is from December to April, with daily highs averaging approximately 30°C (86°F). It's the best time to visit with more sun and less rain. Therefore, it's the high season, so expect it to be busy, especially in March. Make sure to book your accommodation prior to arriving.

If you want to visit San Jose when it is much quieter, the rainy season is from May to November. However, the rain is usually sporadic throughout the day in short periods, so you can still get a lot of activities in.