Town in Limón, Costa Rica
Getting around Puerto Viejo
How to get around Puerto Viejo
The center is walkable, and bikes are the local way to reach beaches. Buses and taxis cover the coast; a car is useful only for remote lodges.
Ways to get around Puerto Viejo
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Bike rental | About 3,000–6,000 CRC a day | Flat coastal road to Cocles and Punta Uva; lock it carefully |
| Local bus | About 500–1,500 CRC | Along the coast from Puerto Viejo to Cahuita and Manzanillo |
| Taxi | 3,000–8,000 CRC | No meter; agree a fare first |
| Bus from San José | About 7,000–9,000 CRC | About 4.5 hours from the Gran Terminal del Caribe |
Taxis in Puerto Viejo
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. No ride apps. Taxis and shuttle vans are the norm; agree on the fare before travelling.
Arriving in Puerto Viejo
Juan Santamaría International (SJO)
Shuttle $55–75 (4–5 hours) or public bus via San José; most visitors take a shuttle to avoid transfers.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Scooters and ATVs are common to rent; roads are flat but wet. Wear a helmet; police check licences and insurance.
- Driving: on the right. Foreign licences are valid for the length of your tourist stay; carry your original passport when driving.
- Onward travel in Costa Rica: Cheap public buses reach almost everywhere from San José but are slow. Shared shuttles, Sansa domestic flights and rental cars (4x4 in rainy season) are faster.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Puerto Viejo?
No ride-hailing apps work here. No ride apps. Taxis and shuttle vans are the norm; agree on the fare before travelling.
What's the best way to get around Puerto Viejo?
The center is walkable, and bikes are the local way to reach beaches. Buses and taxis cover the coast; a car is useful only for remote lodges.
How do I get from the airport to Puerto Viejo?
Shuttle $55–75 (4–5 hours) or public bus via San José; most visitors take a shuttle to avoid transfers.
Is Puerto Viejo walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Puerto Viejo
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Sources
- Interbus (shared shuttles)
- Sansa (domestic flights)
- Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT)
- SINAC national parks
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.