Getting to Puerto Viejo can be easy peasy after you read this info

Most people undertaking this journey choose to go by bus, as they are reliable and affordable. There are numerous different bus terminals in San José. Direct buses for Puerto Viejo leave from the Terminal de Autobus Atlantico Norte situated on Calle 12 between Avenidas 7 and 9 in Barrio Mexico in San José. It is a little confusing since Puerto Viejo is in the Atlantic south Caribbean coast, however, the title wasn’t changed when the bus company serving Puerto Viejo moved there. If taking a taxi there to be completely clear you can ask for “parada del bus de Mepe, para Puerto Viejo Talamanca, antigua parada de bus de San Carlos”. Don’t make the mistake of going to caribeños bus terminal and going to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. It’s a common mistake and even friends from San Jose have made this journey in vane to Sarapiqui.

Puerto Viejo is located in the Southeast corner of Costa Rica, just north of Panama in the province of Limon. The town is 220 km (140 mi) from San Jose and it takes roughly 4 hours driving time to get here.  It is an interesting road trip. You get to pass through a virgin jungle and a National Park (Braulio Carrillo) with lush scenery and mountain views. Pro tip- sit on the left side of the bus on your way here.

The most typical and cheapest way to travel here from San Jose is via the MEPE bus line.  MEPE is the name of the bus company which has its own bus terminal in downtown San Jose. Buses run regularly daily to and from Puerto Viejo and can fill up fast during the high season— it may be a good idea to purchase your ticket the day before to be guaranteed a seat.  Current ticket fares are ~5.960.00 colones or about 10 US Dollars.  The buses will typically take your dollars and return change in colones.  For updated bus schedules and ticket fares visit the MEPE website. https://www.mepecr.com/index.html

The bus drops you off in downtown Puerto Viejo. Here a taxi, shuttle or your two feet can be taken to your hotel or other housing accommodations. If you’re arriving at night I recommend scheduling a transport before had, unless you’re staying downtown.

Bus schedule (August 2019)

San Jose —> Puerto Viejo                Puerto Viejo —> San Jose

6 AM                                                    4:50 AM

8 AM                                                    7:30 AM

10 AM                                                 9:00 AM

12 PM                                                 11:00 AM

2 PM                                                   1:00 PM

4 PM                                                   4:00 PM

6 PM

Buses in Costa Rica if raining can be hot and crowded. But the bus ticket guarantees you a seat and occasionally A/C.  There is a “rest stop” in the middle of the trip. The driver pulls over at a stop with restrooms and food/snack items for sale. Many stations require a small fee, 200-400 colones, to use the restroom so carry change.  Most ticos recognize lost tourists and are eager to help you find where you need to go. Large luggage items can be stored under the bus, yet as always best to keep important or expensive items with you as a carry-on. 

Most people that visit Puerto use this method of transportation, it’s a cheap option and it works. For a more efficient way of getting here the shuttle is good value for its servis. Contact us if you’d like more info or if you end up wanting to book a shuttle.