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
Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) to La Pavona (Tortuguero)
5.0(200+ reviews)4,5 H1-12 passengersDoor-to-door
How much does a private shuttle from Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) to La Pavona (Tortuguero) cost?
Check availability and price for your group
How many passengers?
Adults
12+
2
Children
0-11
0
Total for your group
Hyundai Staria · 4,5 H
$545
per vehicle, not per person
= just $273 per person
Pick a date to add this trip
Free cancellation up to 48h before · Flight late? Your driver adjusts and waits at no charge
All prices for this route, by group size:
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 Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) → La Pavona (Tortuguero)
Rated 5.0 stars across 200+ Google and TripAdvisor reviews.
How to get from Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) to La Pavona (Tortuguero)
There are four main ways to travel from Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) to La Pavona (Tortuguero): private shuttle, shared shuttle, rental car, or public bus. Here is how they compare on price, travel time, and comfort:
| Option | Price | Travel time | Door-to-door | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private shuttle | From $545 per vehicle (1-5 people) | About 4,5 H — direct, no stops | Yes — any address | Families, groups, airport arrivals |
| Shared shuttle | $55–$99 per person | Longer — fixed schedule, multiple hotel stops | Hotel-to-hotel only | Solo travelers on a tight budget |
| Rental car | $60–$120+ per day + mandatory insurance | Similar drive, but you navigate yourself | Yes — you drive | Long stays with many day trips |
| Public bus | $5–$15 per person | Much longer — transfers and waiting between buses | No — terminal to terminal | Backpackers with light luggage |
For 3 or more travelers, a private shuttle usually works out to about the same per person as a shared shuttle: from $545 per vehicle, a group of 4 pays roughly $137 per person — with door-to-door pickup, your own departure time, and no stops along the way.
How is the drive from Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) to La Pavona (Tortuguero)?
Travel from Puerto Viejo to Tortuguero, the 'Amazon of Costa Rica' — a network of canals teeming with wildlife, accessible only by boat or small plane. Both destinations are in the Caribbean Coast region, making for a comfortable transfer. The journey takes approximately 4,5 H in our comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles.
What can you see between Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) and La Pavona (Tortuguero)?
Playa Cocles (surf)
Punta Uva
Tortuguero canals
Green sea turtle nesting beach
Tortuguero village
How are the road conditions from Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) to La Pavona (Tortuguero)?
Paved highway through Braulio Carrillo National Park, flat coastal road from Limón. Shuttle to La Pavona or Moín, then boat through the canals to Tortuguero (no road access).
Traveler Tip
Tortuguero is only accessible by boat — July to October is peak turtle nesting season
Is the shuttle from Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) to La Pavona (Tortuguero) family-friendly?
Child seats included at no extra cost. Private vehicle with A/C, door-to-door service, and stops on request.
Budget breakdown
This private shuttle from Puerto Viejo to Tortuguero costs $535 for up to 6 passengers — that's just $134 per person for a group of 4. Compare that to individual taxi rides or shared shuttles with multiple stops. Private door-to-door service means no waiting, no extra stops, and your vacation time starts the moment you land. 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 Maps may show a shorter time, but real driving conditions in Costa Rica are different. Plan for 4,5 H for this route. Traffic, construction, and road conditions can add time. Our drivers know Costa Rica's roads and always get you there safely and comfortably.
Is the shuttle from Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) to La Pavona (Tortuguero) available 24/7?
Our service operates around the clock with no night surcharges. Drivers are positioned for pickups at all hours, and the rate remains the same regardless of departure time.
Local insider tip
Insider tip: Ask your driver about the best time to visit Tortuguero — morning is usually best for wildlife and clear views. Our drivers are locals who know the area and can share tips you won't find in guidebooks.
Frequently asked about Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) → La Pavona (Tortuguero)
How much does a private shuttle from Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) to La Pavona (Tortuguero) cost?
Private shuttle from Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) to La Pavona (Tortuguero) starts at $545 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.
What is the best way to get from Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) to La Pavona (Tortuguero)?
You can travel from Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) to La Pavona (Tortuguero) by private shuttle, shared shuttle, rental car, or public bus. A private shuttle is the most comfortable option: door-to-door service from $545 USD per vehicle, departing on your schedule with no extra stops. Shared shuttles are cheaper for solo travelers but run on fixed timetables with multiple hotel stops. A rental car gives you flexibility but adds mandatory insurance costs and unfamiliar mountain roads. The public bus is the cheapest option but much slower, usually requiring transfers.
How long does the drive from Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) to La Pavona (Tortuguero) take?
The drive from Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) to La Pavona (Tortuguero) 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 Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) to La Pavona (Tortuguero) 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 Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast)?
Yes, we offer door-to-door pickup anywhere in Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) — hotels, Airbnbs, private villas, or any specific address you give us at booking. We confirm the exact pickup location 24 hours before your trip.
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