5 Ways to Travel from San Jose to Tortuguero - by Bus, Minivan, Private Transport, Flight and Day Trip

In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 120 kilometre distance from San Jose to Tortuguero. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.

There are 5 ways to get from San Jose to Tortuguero. You can choose between the minivan, bus, flight, day trip, private transport. The most affordable option is by bus, starting from $15. The fastest route is by flight (1h 20m).

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Transport	Duration	Price	Best For
FlightFastest	1h 20m	($136)	--
BusBudget	4h 40m	($15)	--
Minivan	5h	($65)	--
Private Transport	6h	($260)	--
Day Trip	12h	($225)	--

Route Overview

San JoseTortuguero120 km

Via La Pavona, Limon

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Minivan

3-5hFrom ~$65

A shared minivan shuttle is a convenient way to get to Tortuguero from San Jose. This ticket includes a minivan ride to La Pavona and a boat ride to Tortuguero. For this option, you will be picked up from your hotel in San Jose and then travel by minivan to La Pavona. Here, you’ll be transferred to a boat which takes you to Tortuguero National Park in around an hour. Both rides will be taken care of by your minivan operator. Total travel time by minivan and boat from San Jose to Tortuguero takes about 3-5h. Tickets for the combined journey start at $65.

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From ~$65 · 3-5h

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Bus

4h 40m - 5hFrom ~$15

When on a budget, the bus is the best option. A combined bus and boat ride from San Jose to Tortuguero only costs about $15. There are no direct buses to La Pavona, though, so you’ll need to make a couple of transfers. First, take a bus to Cariari, then switch to one heading to La Pavona. From there, hop on a boat to Tortuguero. The entire bus + boat trip takes around 4h 40m - 5h.

Ready to book your bus?

From ~$15 · 4h 40m - 5h

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Flight

1h 20mFrom ~$136

Looking for the fastest way possible? A flight is the only direct way to reach Tortuguero from San Jose. Travel time is about 1h 20m, including airport transfers. It takes away the adventure of the boat ride, but taking a flight is also an opportunity to view Tortuguero from a bird's eye view. Combined fares start from $136.

Ready to book your flight?

From ~$136 · 1h 20m

KEY LOCATIONS

Departure & Arrival Stations

San Jose

San Jose - Hotel List

Via La Pavona, Limon

La Pavona (Embarcadero a Tortuguero)

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Why Visit Tortuguero?

Tortuguero is Costa Rica’s third most visited National Park, thanks to its biodiverse marine and wildlife. From rainforests to lagoons, mangrove forests to swamps — there is so much to see and experience in Tortuguero National Park! Amidst all its glory, this rainforest is most popular for its turtles. In fact, Tortuguero is a Spanish word that translates to Land of Turtles. Visit from July to October and you’ll most likely find hundreds of sea turtles nesting on its beaches! Basically a sandbar island between the Caribbean Sea and Tortuguero River, you can only reach the national park by flight or boat from the mainland.

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Carbon Footprint

This 120 km journey produces approximately 11 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.

Traveller Reviews

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4.36 reviews

Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
O
Oliver S.November 2025
Ferry

Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.

Jenny L.Jan 2026

Train

The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.

Carlos V.Oct 2025

Bus

Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.

Maya R.Dec 2025

Train

Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.

David H.Feb 2026

Bus

Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.

Sophie K.Jan 2026

Flight

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STAY

Where to Stay in Tortuguero

Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.

Treat Yourself

Tortuguero Casa Pelican

Casa Pelican boasts the perfect location in Tortuguero, only minutes from both the beach and the town. You won’t even need to go to the beach to relax as you’ll find hammocks and chairs on every balcony to chill and take in the view from. The rooms are modern, clean and homely. The rainfall showers are also a treat. You’ll feel like you’re actually in the rainforest with that.

Perfect location
Clean and spacious rooms
Modern bathrooms
Hammocks to chill in

Double rooms start from $80 per night

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Mid-Range

Casa Turtle Bogue

You can’t get much closer to the beach than at Casa Turtle Bogue. You can either relax in a hammock, or soak up the sun on Tortuguero Beach. All of the rooms are clean and modern, offering everything you need. There’s also a seating area for guests to relax in and kitchen facilities. The owners will do anything they can to make your stay in Tortuguero amazing, whether it be organising tours, or sharing their love of the place with you.

Right on the beach
Clean and fresh rooms
Great and friendly staff
Air conditioning in the rooms

Double rooms between $50-$70 per night

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Mid-Range

Pura Natura

Pura Natura is exactly what the name says – pure and natural. The whole place feels modern and fresh with its neutral and earthy colour scheme. It only opened in February 2021, so everything’s new and modern. There are plenty of places to relax, in their garden or on their roof terrace. Make sure to enjoy the sea views too. The owners of Pura Natura, a young couple, are so incredibly kind, helpful and knowledgeable about Tortuguero.

Modern and fresh design
Close to the beach
Young and friendly owners
Relaxing spaces to chill

Double rooms between $50-$70 per night

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Budget

Los Amigos Jungle Hotel Tortuguero

An added bonus to this super cheap hotel is the outdoor swimming pool. It’s perfect for cooling down after a day of adventures in Tortuguero. The rooms are brightly coloured, emanating the vibrant atmosphere of Tortuguero. You can also enjoy the outdoor terraces, or the shared kitchen facilities, if you decide to do some cooking on your own. Summing it up, this place is great value for money!

Outdoor swimming pool
Vibrant and colourful rooms
Shared kitchen
Helpful and knowledgeable staff

Double rooms between $15-$50 per night

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How to Get from San Jose to Tortuguero

Compare Your Options

Minivan

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Bus

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Flight

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Departure & Arrival Stations

Why Visit Tortuguero?

How We Research

Traveller Reviews

Leave a Comment

Day Trip

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Private Transport

Boat ride from La Pavona to Tortuguero National Park

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Where to Stay in Tortuguero

Tortuguero Casa Pelican

Casa Turtle Bogue

Pura Natura

Los Amigos Jungle Hotel Tortuguero