Safe, comfortable, courteous
Great round trip experience from San Jose airport to Puerto Viejo and back. Carlos and Luis were safe, courteous and made sure we were comfortable.
Susie E
TripAdvisor Reviewer · TripAdvisor · Jun 2024
PRIVATE SHUTTLE
San Jose Airport to Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast)
5.0(200+ reviews)4,5 H1-12 passengersDoor-to-door
How much does a private shuttle from San Jose Airport to Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) cost?
Prices in USD per vehicle. All-inclusive: A/C, WiFi, water, child seats, door-to-door.
Why book with Private Travel CR?
Licensed & insured
ICT-certified tourist transport (#3205-2022), fully insured.
5.0 star rating
200+ reviews on Google & TripAdvisor.
24/7 flight tracking
We watch your flight and adjust the pickup — even at 2 AM.
Free child seats
Infant and booster seats on request, at no extra charge.
Modern private fleet
A/C, free WiFi and bottled water in every vehicle.
Local family business
Costa Rican owner-operated since 2022 — not a faceless agency.
What travelers say about San Jose Airport → Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast)
Rated 5.0 stars across 200+ Google and TripAdvisor reviews.
Exceptional, Professional, and Reliable Private Transfers Across Costa Rica!
Our experience with Private Travel Costa Rica was exceptional from start to finish. We used their service for multiple transfers, including from San Juan airport to La Fortuna, between locations in La Fortuna, and from Tamarindo to Liberia International Airport. Every driver was amazing—on time, flexible, and extremely professional. The responsiveness of the entire team made coordinating our travel seamless and stress-free. We highly recommend them for any transportation needs in Costa Rica.
Katherine J
TripAdvisor Reviewer · TripAdvisor · Dec 2025
Professional and Reliable
We used this company for transfers from La Fortuna to San Manuel Antonio and then from San Manuel Antonio to San Jose. I cannot say enough about the professionalism of the company and both the drivers, as well as the cleanliness of the vans. Communication was almost immediate. Our drivers Oscar and Carlos arrived a few minutes early, were highly professional, and super friendly and warm. There was wifi in the van which was much appreciated. All in all, both experiences were excellent. I cannot recommend this company enough. I will definitely use them again for transfers when we are back in CR.
RIDI0406
Madison, Wisconsin · TripAdvisor · Dec 2025
How is the drive from San Jose Airport to Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast)?
This cross-country route climbs through Braulio Carrillo National Park — a protected mountain pass through primary rainforest — then descends to the Caribbean lowlands. After Limon, the road follows the coast south through banana-growing regions to Puerto Viejo. Approximately 4 to 4.5 hours of travel, with a complete shift in landscape, climate, and culture from the Central Valley to the Caribbean.
What can you see between San Jose Airport and Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast)?
Braulio Carrillo National Park
Zurquí Tunnel
Limón Province
Cahuita
Caribbean beaches
How are the road conditions from San Jose Airport to Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast)?
Well-paved highway through the mountains. The Caribbean coastal road is flat and easy.
Traveler Tip
The Caribbean has different weather patterns - mornings are usually sunny, afternoons can have brief showers.
Is the shuttle from San Jose Airport to Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) family-friendly?
Approximately 4.5 hours to the Caribbean coast. The Braulio Carrillo section has curves through the mountain pass; once past Limon, the road flattens through the coastal lowlands. Child seats are included at no charge. One to two stops are made along the route.
Budget breakdown
The Caribbean & Volcano circuit is popular: SJO → Puerto Viejo → La Fortuna → SJO, around $700-$950 for up to 6 passengers. Some people also do SJO → Puerto Viejo → SJO as a round trip if the Caribbean is their only stop, which is simpler and around $400-$500 total. Want to extend the drive into a memorable day? Upgrade to our VIP transfer for $80 more — flexible stops along the way (scenic viewpoints, coffee farm, lunch in a local town — your call).
About travel times
Google says 4-4.5 hours but plan on 5. Braulio Carrillo is a mountain pass with fog and occasional landslides that slow traffic. After Limón, the road to Puerto Viejo is two lanes through banana plantations and small towns. Our drivers know where the police checkpoints are and where the road gets rough.
Is the shuttle from San Jose Airport to Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) available 24/7?
The Caribbean route goes through Braulio Carrillo National Park — a mountain pass that is quieter and faster at night. The full drive takes approximately 4 to 4.5 hours. Our drivers cover this route regularly at all hours. Standard pricing applies regardless of departure time.
Local insider tip
Try to leave SJO early — 6 or 7am. The drive through Braulio Carrillo is like driving through a cloud forest, incredible scenery. Once you hit the Caribbean lowlands the whole vibe changes. Pro tip: have your driver stop in Cahuita for a quick coconut water — sets the mood for the Caribbean.
Frequently asked about San Jose Airport → Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast)
How long is the drive from SJO to Puerto Viejo?
Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes for the 215 km drive. We take Route 32 northeast through Braulio Carrillo National Park (cloud forest section), descend to the Caribbean lowlands, and continue south through Limón to Puerto Viejo. The route crosses three distinct ecosystems — cloud forest, lowland rainforest, Caribbean coast.
What is the route from San José to the Caribbean like?
The first hour climbs through Braulio Carrillo National Park — a stunning cloud forest section with frequent rain and fog (it's one of the wettest places in Costa Rica). After descending you enter the warm, humid Caribbean lowlands with banana plantations. The final hour hugs the Caribbean coast through Limón to Puerto Viejo.
Is the Braulio Carrillo road safe?
Yes, it's a fully paved national highway used by thousands of vehicles daily. The cloud-forest section has reduced visibility due to mist and our drivers slow accordingly. Heavy rain can cause occasional landslides — when this happens authorities close the highway and we re-route via Turrialba. We monitor conditions in real time.
Where can we stop on the way to Puerto Viejo?
Popular optional stops include lunch in Guápiles (about 1.5 hours in), Cahuita town and national park, and the Sloth Sanctuary near Cahuita. Sightseeing stops cost $35 per extra hour beyond the standard transfer, or are included with our VIP package. Tell us at booking which stops interest you and we'll quote accordingly.
How much does a private shuttle from San Jose Airport to Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) cost?
Private shuttle from San Jose Airport to Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) starts at $320 USD per vehicle (1-5 passengers). The price is per vehicle, not per person — everyone in your group travels together for the same flat rate. Larger vehicles for 6-18 passengers are available at higher tiers.
How long does the drive from San Jose Airport to Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) take?
The drive from San Jose Airport to Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) takes approximately 4,5 H. Travel times can vary slightly depending on traffic, weather, and road conditions. Our drivers monitor conditions in real time to choose the fastest safe route.
Is the shuttle from San Jose Airport to Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) private?
Yes. Every Private Travel CR shuttle is fully private — you ride only with your group, no shared seats with strangers. The price covers the entire vehicle door-to-door, including a professional bilingual driver, free WiFi, bottled water, free child seats on request, and full insurance.
Do you pick up at any address in San Jose Airport?
Yes, we offer door-to-door pickup anywhere in San Jose Airport — hotels, Airbnbs, private villas, or any specific address you give us at booking. We confirm the exact pickup location 24 hours before your trip.
What happens if my flight at San Jose Airport is delayed or cancelled?
Don't worry — when you book, we ask for your flight number and monitor it in real time. If your flight is delayed, we automatically adjust your pickup time at no extra cost. If it's cancelled, we reschedule your shuttle for the new date, free of charge.
Top hotels in Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast)
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