Route Pura Vida

San José Airport (SJO) to Puerto Viejo

237 km (147 miles)

San José Airport (SJO) terminal, Costa Rica
From

San José Airport (SJO)

Costa Rica's main international airport and gateway to the Central Valley.

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Beach scene at Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
To

Puerto Viejo

Costa Rica's laid-back Caribbean side — reggae bars, reef breaks, and Afro-Caribbean cuisine.

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Transportation Options

Rental Car

Distance: 237 km (147 mi)
Duration: ~5 hours

From San José Airport (SJO), take Pan-American Highway (Route 1) for 11 km, Paseo de la Segunda República (Route 39) for 4 km, Braulio Carrillo Highway (Route 32) for 91 km, Braulio Carrillo Highway (Route 32) for 53 km, Braulio Carrillo Highway (Route 32) for 10 km, then Caribbean Coast Highway (Route 36) for the final 48 km into Puerto Viejo.

Highways used

  • Rt 1 Pan-American Highway 11 km · 26 min
  • Rt 39 Paseo de la Segunda República 4 km · 6 min
  • Rt 32 Braulio Carrillo Highway 91 km · 1 hour 32 min
  • Rt 32 Braulio Carrillo Highway 53 km · 41 min
  • Rt 32 Braulio Carrillo Highway 10 km · 9 min
  • Rt 36 Caribbean Coast Highway 48 km · 56 min

Note: Costa Rica traffic, weather and road conditions can greatly increase your drive time. It's always best to check with Waze before heading out. Read more on how to drive in Costa Rica.

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Shuttle

Duration: ~5.5 hours

Shuttles cross the mountains to the Caribbean side. Scenic but winding mountain roads.

Note: Shuttles come in shared and private flavors with different costs and trade-offs. Read more on taking a shuttle in Costa Rica.

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Flight

Route: SJO → LIO (Limón)
Duration: 30 minutes

Note: Domestic flights in Costa Rica are short hops on small turboprops, with strict baggage limits and early check-in. Read more on flying in Costa Rica.

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