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 Downtown → La Pavona (Tortuguero)
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
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
What is the drive from San Jose Downtown to La Pavona (Tortuguero) like?
Travel from San José to Tortuguero, the 'Amazon of Costa Rica' — a network of canals teeming with wildlife, accessible only by boat or small plane. The journey takes you from the Central Valley to the Caribbean Coast, showcasing Costa Rica's incredible landscape diversity. The journey takes approximately 4H in our comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles.
What can you see between San Jose Downtown and La Pavona (Tortuguero)?
National Theater
Central Market
Tortuguero canals
Green sea turtle nesting beach
Tortuguero village
What are the road conditions from San Jose Downtown to La Pavona (Tortuguero)?
Urban highways with typical city traffic. Best to travel early morning or after 7pm. 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 San Jose Downtown 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 San José to Tortuguero costs $230 for up to 6 passengers — that's just $58 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 4H 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 San Jose Downtown 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 San Jose Downtown → La Pavona (Tortuguero)
How much does a private shuttle from San Jose Downtown to La Pavona (Tortuguero) cost?+
Private shuttle from San Jose Downtown to La Pavona (Tortuguero) starts at $260 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 Downtown to La Pavona (Tortuguero) take?+
The drive from San Jose Downtown to La Pavona (Tortuguero) takes approximately 4H. 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 Downtown 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 San Jose Downtown?+
Yes, we offer door-to-door pickup anywhere in San Jose Downtown — hotels, Airbnbs, private villas, or any specific address you give us at booking. We confirm the exact pickup location 24 hours before your trip.
