Transfers Countries Costa Rica San JoseSan Jose to Puerto Viejo

Private car transfer from San Jose to Puerto Viejo

Door-to-door
in 4 h 10 min

From €42
per seat

Comfortable
car

One way

One wayReturnMulti-city

New

One way

Cancel for free 24 hours before departure

Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2024

Excellent

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in San Jose.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 4 h 10 min.

Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Puerto Viejo.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

In total

217 km4 h 10 min

Overview: car trip from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a coastal town located along the Caribbean Sea, is the ideal destination for escaping the bustling atmosphere of the capital city, San Jose. It is known for its Caribbean restaurants and bars, colorful houses where indigenous and Afro-Caribbean locals live, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is no longer visited just by surfers, as its authenticity has captivated the hearts of so many. Take a trip from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and discover its charm for yourself!

The route from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is full of surprises. The best part is that with a private car service like Daytrip, you have the opportunity to explore all these bucket-list-worthy stops along the way. If you want to learn about Costa Rica’s history, add Cartago, Costa Rica’s oldest town, to your itinerary. If you'd like to meet sloths or exotic frogs, include Frog's Heaven and Sloth Sanctuary on your trip!

About Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Before the Spanish conquistadors discovered and colonized Costa Rica, the area of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca was inhabited by the Bribri and Cabecar indigenous groups. As the area was filled with jungles, colonizing the whole territory was impossible.

Until the late 1790s, accessing the coast of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca was difficult, but it helped the locals cultivate their traditions and culture. As of 1979, the city and surrounding villages were finally connected to Limón (the province's capital city) by road. Slowly but steadily, the city was provided with electronics and other modern amenities, which improved the quality of local people's lives.

Nowadays, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is known as a tropical rainforest paradise with pristine beaches, exotic wildlife and lush jungles, vibrant nightlife, and streets filled with reggae and Latin music. It is one of the best places for surfing in Costa Rica, which is also one of the reasons Puerto Viejo de Talamanca has become a famous destination.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is also attractive for nature lovers. It is located near the Cahuita National Park and Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, where people can explore the rainforests and diverse wildlife. Visitors can also spot monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, and so much more.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is truly unique and special and is sure to become one of your top destinations! Immerse yourself in the tropical yet laid-back atmosphere that the locals call "pura vida," an expression you will likely hear hundreds of times during your stay.

From San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: travel tips

Make sure your trip from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is as laid-back as the Costa Rican lifestyle by keeping in mind these handy tips:

English is widely spoken

While knowing some basic Spanish won’t hurt anyone, some locals have English as their native language, so if languages are not your strength, you will not get lost by knowing just English.

Bring insect repellent

As you head out for dinner, mosquitoes and bugs will be present, so make sure you bring a good bug spray to avoid bites.

“Pura vida” is not just the lifestyle

When talking to locals (or ticos, as they like to call themselves), you will most likely hear them saying “pura vida,” which can also mean “thank you,” “hello,” or “goodbye,” depending on the context. It is also a response to the question "How are you?" meaning everything is going great. This phrase is a great way to connect with the locals and show appreciation for their culture.

How to get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Now that you know more about what to expect from this coastal town, it is time to find the most convenient San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca transfer method. There aren’t many direct modes of transportation available, so you will most likely have to choose from one of these two:

From San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca by bus

If you are looking for a budget-friendly way to reach Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, you can choose one of the main bus companies that offer this route, Mepe. A one-way ticket costs around $13. The travel time is usually 4 to 5 hours. Keep in mind that the tickets can only be purchased in person, so make sure you arrive earlier (about 30 to 45 minutes before) to secure a seat.

From San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca by private car service

If you are struggling to figure out public transport or you are too worried about being left without a seat, you can rely on a private car service such as Daytrip to take care of everything. Your local English-speaking driver will gladly pick you up at your accommodation in San Jose and take you on an unforgettable ride. You will reach the bohemian city of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in around 4 hours and 10 minutes.

By choosing Daytrip, you also choose flexibility, as you can choose when you want to begin your journey. Not only that, you can also select what sightseeing stops you desire to make along the way. As Costa Rica is full of surprises, we recommend taking advantage of this amazing benefit!

Some of the stops you can include in your itinerary include historic places, such as the Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum or Cartago, which are rich in colonial history. After that, you can visit Finca La Isla, where you can not only tour the botanical gardens but also taste exotic fruits.

It would not be Costa Rica if there weren’t tropical stops along the way. Make sure you visit the beautiful La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where you can meet tropical birds or even sloths. If you don’t spot any sloths, don’t worry because you can also visit the Sloth Sanctuary, which is home to more than 200 of these slow yet lovely animals. If you are a true nature lover, you won’t want to miss Frogs Heaven, where you will meet frogs of all colors, including toucans and snakes.

Things to do when you get to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

There is so much to do in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and its surroundings that you should plan at least a week to explore it all! Here are some of the recommendations that will make your trip memorable:

Rent a bike and explore the surroundings

If you want to explore more of the coast but don’t want to pay for tuk-tuks (although it is also an experience on its own!), renting a bicycle is the best way to do so. You will find plenty of bike rentals all around. Possibly, even your accommodation is renting them! It is an easy way to access other parts of the town and nearby beaches that might be hard to access otherwise.

Connect with nature at the Cahuita National Park

Make sure you plan one day to visit the beautiful Cahuita National Park, one of the rare parks without an entry fee. During your tour, you can explore the beaches' wildlife and crystal-clear waters. If the weather is great, you can also go snorkeling, as this park has one of the largest coral reefs in the country!

Learn about how the chocolate is made

While in Costa Rica, you should definitely visit one of the chocolate farms. You can learn about the history of cacao plants and the processes involved in turning cacao beans into chocolate. You'll also have the opportunity to sample chocolate and make your own. One highly recommended chocolate factory in the area is Caribeans Coffee & Chocolate, so be sure to visit their website!

Savor the Afro-Caribbean cuisine

There is no better way to experience a culture than by trying their most traditional foods. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is rich in delicious local dishes you must try during your stay! Here are two culinary delights you simply cannot miss:

Rice and beans: Although the dish's name sounds straightforward, it is not just rice and beans. This culinary delight is unique because coconut milk is used as the base to create a creamy consistency.
Rondón: Interestingly, the name of this dish comes from the English phrase “run down”, referring to the process of cooking this dish. It is a soup made of seafood, coconut milk, and vegetables.

When is the best time to visit Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca has a pleasant climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging between 79°F to 90°F (26°C-32°C). However, if you visit from mid-May to the end of November, the rainy season, expect more rainfall. However, visiting during this time means you can experience lush and green landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices for car rentals, restaurants, and hotels.

The Caribbean Sea also maintains warm water temperatures year-round, typically between 81°F to 84°F (27°C-29°C), which is ideal for water activities such as snorkeling and surfing.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from San Jose to Puerto Viejo

What is the fastest way to get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca?

The fastest way to get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is by a private car service such as Daytrip. The whole journey takes just over 4 hours, whereas a bus can take up to 5 hours to reach the destination.

Is Puerto Viejo de Talamanca worth visiting?

Absolutely! Apart from the pristine and crystal-clear beaches, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a city steeped in history, rich culture and traditions, delicious cuisine, diverse wildlife, and so much more you won’t find anywhere else.

Is it safe to go to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca?

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is generally a safe city, but you should always be cautious and not walk around alone at night.

What is the easiest way to get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca?

The easiest and most careless way to reach Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is by securing a private car service like Daytrip, as you won’t have to worry about getting tickets to the bus and standing in the queue.

Can you travel from San Jose to Puerto de Viejo de Talamanca by plane?

There are no direct flights between the cities, as Puerto Viejo de Talamanca does not have an airport. The closest airports are Changuinola Airport and Limón Airport.

How to get to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca from San Jose?

There are two main ways to travel from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: either by bus or private car service.

Visit these sights on the way

Museo Historico Cultural Juan Santamaria

Costa Rica’s history, and especially the life of its national hero, is detailed in this fascinating free museum. A Hero’s History

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

With waterfalls, cloud forest, and an animal refuge, this private park offers a sampling of what makes Costa Rica so special. A Peaceful Piece of Paradise

Cartago

Costa Rica's oldest city and former capital is a lovely blend of colonial splendor and laid-back living with a pinch of miraculous mystique. Pilgrimage Of The Black Madonna

Frogs Heaven

This lush jungle garden is heaven for frogs and photographers alike. Hop Shots

Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica

Learn about these famously-slow-moving animals at this dedicated rescue center. Slow Love

Finca La Isla

Amongst the lush rainforest, this organic farm is making its own chocolate and growing a variety of other fruits and spices. A Botanical Bounty

Why people love Daytrip

5,100+ reviews

874 travelers took this route with us

Oct 2, 2025

Great transfer option.

“I used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Robyn C

Sep 20, 2025

It was a fantastic trip.

“We were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, we’d especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Daydream20046758137

Sep 15, 2025

Best transport company anywhere

“We absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. It’s worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. It’s 5 star rating is well deserved.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Mary L

Aug 20, 2025

Excellent experience in traveling

“We traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortable”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Steve N

Apr 22, 2025

Reasonably Priced and Safe Transportation

“Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler COCO

Apr 2, 2025

Daytrip never disappoints

“We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Julie M

Feb 28, 2025

Great driver in Egypt

“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Maps315861

Feb 20, 2025

Comfortable and Safe Rides in Mexico

“Used Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Golourdesduarte

Feb 10, 2025

Great way to travel and see some sights on the way

“We did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Michelle R

Jan 25, 2025

Excellent service

“We used the service twice while in Thailand. Extremely prompt and efficient customer service. Best rate being offered in Chiang Mai for the travels. Polite, punctual, professional and English speaking drivers. Clean, comfortable vehicles. Being a regular visitor to Thailand, this was hands down the best service. Most pleased with the company. I hope it sustains the excellence of service that was rendered to us.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Omar

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm

Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.

Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.

For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.

Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!

Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.

Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.

Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,500+ cities around the world.

Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.