How to Get to Puerto Viejo from San Jose by Bus (Easy Guide)

Back in Costa Rica and LOVING it! This time, I got my share of adventure traveling to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca – a change of scenery with Caribbean flavor. And of course, I took public transport, so here’s how to get to Puerto Viejo from San Jose by bus.

I chose to take the bus from San Jose Airport (SJO) and luckily remembered how to get to San Jose’s main bus station from that time I traveled from SJO Airport to Puerto Jimenez/Corcovado area by bus.

Tips for landing in SJO

If you are going to Puerto Viejo from San Jose after arriving via plane, here is a quick snippet on landing in SJO airport.

I arrived at SJO in Costa Rica around 11:45 am and quickly went through immigration/customs (approx. 30 minutes). Don’t forget to bring your pens and proof of onward travel.

Signage was pretty straightforward (in both English and Spanish) so I exited the airport with ease, greeted by a swarm of people I didn’t know. Families, chauffeurs, taxi drivers, and shuttles all buzzed around me in search of a familiar face or new client.

Duration: approx. 5-6 hours driving time
Realistic Timing: 1 day
Transportation: 15 minutes walking, 2 buses
Total Transportation Cost: approx. 6,000 CRC ($12 USD)

Step 1: Take the bus from SJO to San Jose

Here’s how to get to San Jose from SJO: After exiting the airport building, cross the street to the parking lot and walk along the left side of the curving structure (sounds weird but when you are there you’ll know what I’m talking about).

This ramp-like sidewalk curves right, leading to the street and a nearby bus stop (also known as la parada de autobús). Wait for / hop on the bus headed to San Jose (signage will be on the windshield). Always confirm with the driver, anyway. 

FYI: The exchange rate as of 2018 is about 599 CRC per 1 USD. The fare is about $1 USD (555 CRC as of 2015).

Step 2: Arrive at TUASA Terminal (“Coca Cola”)

Some thirty minutes or so later, we arrived in San Jose, at the last stop. It brought us to the TUASA Terminal (according to Google Maps), which is right next to the clinica and what I think was a church, on Avenida 2 between Calle 12 and 14.

Step 3: Walk to Terminal San Carlos (“Atlantico Norte”)

For storytelling purposes, here are the wrong directions (the correct directions are directly below):

The last time I did this trek, I didn’t ask for help. But this time Alex was with me and suggested we ask a cop. After confirming with a few people, we were convinced that my directions were wrong and theirs were right, naturally. So we walked 30 minutes under the beaming sun to a different bus station, only to go to the boleteria and learn that this was to a different Puerto Viejo and not the beach.

Apparently, there are 2 Puerto Viejos (one is in Heredia)… I knew I shouldn’t have listened to anyone! That is why at the beginning of this article I specify “Puerto Viejo de Talamanca”

My original directions were to the San Carlos station which would have been a 10-15 minute walk. Ugh. Good thing we had time to spare and jumped in a taxi to go BACK to our starting point.

Anyway, here are the CORRECT directions to get from TUASA to Terminal San Carlos:

From the Tuasa terminal, walk straight up Calle 14 until Avenida 9 (about a 10-15 minute walk), then turn right and walk one block over to the San Carlos bus terminal (also known as Terminal Atlántico Norte).

Step 4: Find the “Autotransportes Mepe” Ticket booth

Once I arrived at the correct station, I walked along the mini sidewalk for less than 100 meters and up to a shadowed ticket booth. There I purchased our one-way direct tickets to Puerto Viejo for a little over 5,000 CRC (about $9). The bus was at 2:30pm so I ate crappy cheese empanadas and fried chicken at the soda next door while I waited. 

• FYI: a soda is the equivalent of a NY bodega, or corner store.

How is the Bus Ride to Puerto Viejo?

Totally fine! We sat at the back of the bus, as the bus boarded 15 minutes before departure. We left our main bags under the bus and kept our valuables with us. The bus ride was smooth, spacious, and provided a 15-minute break. Don’t forget to bring change if you want to use the bathroom.

Is it safe to arrive in Puerto Viejo at night?

I wasn’t alone so it didn’t feel unsafe, however, the streets aren’t very well lit and it can be overwhelming if you’ve never visited there before.

Since you will arrive at your destination after sundown I’d recommend you either book accommodations within close walking distance or take a taxi, to be safe. Don’t be startled when people start eagerly offering taxi rides and hotel rooms the moment you step off the bus. 

Where to stay in Puerto Viejo?

I stayed at Casa Verde Lodge, which was a tranquil paradise away from the noise but still a safe walking distance from the bus stop, beach, and restaurants. I loved the pool there!

Here’s a list of nice, budget-friendly hotels in Puerto Viejo with great reviews.

Good luck on your journey to Puerto Viejo from San Jose, and enjoy exploring Puerto Viejo!  

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