Private Shuttle: San José to Puerto Viejo
Door to door: 4–4.5 hours · Distance: 215 km · From $230 USD (Private · 1–4 travelers) · Round trip: $414
About this route
The road to the Caribbean crosses Braulio Carrillo National Park — a dramatic rainforest mountain pass — then runs flat through banana country to the coast. It's the longest of the popular transfers and the one where a private driver makes the biggest difference: you stop when you want, at the sloth sanctuary, a Caribbean soda for rice and beans, or not at all.
Route notes: Longest popular route — plan it as part of the travel day. Braulio Carrillo pass can be foggy; our drivers run it constantly.
How it works
Your driver is waiting in arrivals with a sign before you clear customs — or at your hotel lobby at the agreed time. Luggage goes straight into the vehicle and you're moving within minutes. We track flight numbers, so delays never strand you. Where routes allow, we run electric vehicles.
What's included
- Private vehicle and licensed bilingual driver — never shared with strangers
- Flight tracking and free wait time for delayed arrivals
- Door-to-door service: any hotel, lodge or rental on the route
- Child seats and boosters at no charge
- Short comfort, photo and coffee stops along the way
- Bottled water on board
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from San José to Puerto Viejo & the Caribbean?
Around 4–4.5 hours door to door (215 km), depending on traffic and stops. Your driver tracks conditions and picks the best departure window with you.
Can we stop along the way?
Yes — that is the point of going private. Rest rooms, coffee, photo lookouts, a supermarket run before a remote lodge: just tell your driver. Short stops are included.
What if my flight lands late at night?
We monitor your flight number and adjust pickup automatically — delays included. Your driver waits in arrivals with a sign, at any hour, at no extra charge.
Do you have car seats for kids?
Yes. Infant seats and boosters are available at no charge — just tell us ages when you book so we install the right ones before pickup.
Can I book the return trip at the same time?
Yes — and it pays to: book both legs together and we take 10% off the full round trip. One WhatsApp message covers both pickups, and your return driver is confirmed before you even land.
Plan the rest of your trip
Other popular routes
- Private Shuttle: San José Airport (SJO) to La Fortuna — 2.5–3 hours, From $200
- Private Shuttle: San José Airport (SJO) to Monteverde — 3–3.5 hours, From $195
- Private Shuttle: San José Airport (SJO) to Manuel Antonio — 2.5–3 hours, From $195
- Private Shuttle: San José Airport (SJO) to Jacó — 1.5–2 hours, From $120